The 2022 Draft

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(01-15-2023, 12:34 PM)Isaac Curtis: The Real #85 Wrote: It is not just the percentage, it is the amount of tackles he is in on. It is like a shortstop in baseball. One guy never makes an error but has a very limited range, so a lot of balls roll by him into the outfield. The other guy has a better range and gets to more balls than the other guy, but makes some errors on them. But he also makes a lot of outs on balls the first guy never touches. In comparing the two, it is not a big deal the 2nd guy makes a couple more errors, especially if most/all of them are on balls the first guy does not get to anyway. Plus, his chances are tougher. The first guy only ever makes routine plays.

In my view, CTB puts himself into position to make more tackles than your average CB. And it is not just me or a few here. CTB played 591 snaps this year. Apple played 908. Apple played over 50% more snaps than CTB. Wanna know who had more tackles? CTB. 55 to 49. And this is not an Apple thing. Chido played 471. 80% of CTBs total (roughly 48/60, or 4/5ths). He had 35 tackles. 63% of CTB's total. Proof meet pudding. Yeah, I get Chido is better in coverage, but we play a lot of zone, and that number is significant. And Apple's is huge. 

And I will say some of CTB's misses were on plays where he made the right play. A gamble on a tackle to stop a guy on 3rd down where a big play was not a possibility. He isn't making dumb gambles, trying to make impossible plays and giving up huge plays. He is not overthrowing first with two outs and allowing a guy to score from second. His sense of when to gamble is good. 

Now, he is still raw in coverage. But that play vs Baltimore last week in the end zone was spectacular. Quick change of direction to stick to the guy crossing in front of him. And a great play on the ball. 

Wow.  Facts.  Whatever's head might implode.  But when you watch the games, CTB stands out as a physical hitter and gets around the ball.  I kind of like his back story about being a mike vick-like QB.  He has great speed and I think his game will only improve.  Seems to have the right head on his shoulders and has no delusions that he has arrived.  He works his butt off.  Team loves him.  Coaches love him.  Would I rather have Sauce?  Yes.  Do I think CTB can be a quality starter for years to come?  Also, yes.