01-14-2020, 12:27 PM
(01-14-2020, 11:37 AM)shanebo Wrote: Two months ago, I was on the Chase Young bandwagon, but I too have finally come around. I still have a few concerns, most of which have been stated in this thread -- 23 years old, could be at peak skill level, one year wonder, product of an innovative system/coordinator, etc. But overall, I don't think we have any other option but to pick him first overall. I know some of you were comparing him to Carson Palmer, but I think he looks much better than Carson ever did in college. I'm perhaps most impressed with his quick decision-making in the pocket. A couple of times he tucked and ran so quickly, I thought it was a designed QB run. But on replay, you realize that it was his second or third option. I think he's got a better arm than most people give him credit for, too.
As for last night's game, I only have two minor criticisms of JB9. First, on the vast majority of the plays, he was only required to read half the field. I think this was intentional (and understandable), however, since he was constantly under pressure from Clemson's defense. Nothing I saw made me think that he can't go through 3-4 progressions. Besides, half the QBs in the NFL today can't, don't or won't, and it doesn't really matter all that much when you can run like he can (see Jackson, Lamar). Second, he made a few throws to receivers that weren't technically open, gunslinger style a la Brett Favre. On a few plays, he threw his receivers open. On others, the receiver simply made a great play. Those throws won't be so easy in the NFL, where the CBs have better closing speed and ball skills. Although AJ Terrell -- the Clemson CB who was roasted by Ja'Marr Chase numerous times and lambasted on the gameday thread last night -- is a legit NFL player and was projected to be drafted in Rds. 2-3 (at least before last night, lol ...).
So I agree wholeheartedly with the majority position -- we'd be stupid not to draft Burrow first overall. But we'd also be stupid not to bring Joe Brady along for the ride if we get the chance. The offensive game plan he ran last night is really the exact scheme we need to run behind our crappy o-line.
The bolded is the only concern I have about JB. I have been fully aboard the Burrow train for quite awhile now, Some of those balls he throws up are going to get picked in the NFL, but I think he is smart enough to adjust and not go all Winston with it. I actually prefer a QB who makes aggressive mistakes (within reason) to one who is too quick to chuck it out of bounds and give up on plays. I can see some growing pains for Burrow there, but I couldn't be more happy to be in position to get this guy on the team.
