http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/03/11/andre-smith-struggles-at-alabama-pro-day/

But i'm sure NFL.com and ProFootballTalk.com have no idea what they're talking about..“He bombed.”

hahah. I actually remember that quite fondly(I was hopin a team I liked wouldn't draft him) they drafted a right tackle who lacked speed and footwork, and expected him to be a franchise left tackle..silly paid football scouts..

I do agree with you in the sense that I too dislike one sided topics, I however stated my side, and you stated yours, so together I think we kept it pretty fairly balanced.

Truth be told, all draft picks, Jason Smith, Andre Smith, Matthew Stafford, all of them, are total and complete gambles when it comes to performance at the next level. Some players will be happy with the guaranteed money and won't put in the time and energy necessary to be succesful in the NFL. Others will try, but will be grossly out-talented. Others will try, and become solid role players. And then a select few will become stars. The point of combines, and pro days, and scouting, is simply to find the players who have the highest chance to succeed as well as have the least likely chance to fail. Nobody wants a Ryan Leaf, everybody wants a Peyton Manning.

I'm not trying to be the bad guy here, just saying that if somebody who I was potentially giving tens of millions of dollars to violated his last team's rules before the biggest game of the year, and does extremely poorly at the NFL Combine, and his Pro Day, chances are he's not worth the risk or guarenteed money of a first round pick. Could he be the next Orlando Pace? Sure..He could also be the next Robert Gallery or Tony Mandarich.

croverja wrote: I'd take Westbrook, Moss, or Brady over Manning anyday. No bias or philosphy, but Brady and Westbrook were 6th rounders and the Patriots got Moss for a 4th or 5th round pick, I think it was 5th. Someone like Brady or Westbrook, stud coming late, combined with a solid early draft is what could turn them around.

this is why you are not a GM I understand Brady with his 3 super bowls. but Westbrook and Moss?? Manning has THREE MVP awards. running backs and wide outs don't turn teams around that quarterbacks can.

a little off topic here, decent running backs are a dime a dozen these days. Steve Slaton, Ray Rice, Tim Hightower, and Matt Forte were all passed on in the first round but were very productive. Michael Turner was a 5th round pick and led the NFC in rushing yards. Ryan Grant and Brandon Jacobs weren't taken high either. running back isn't a scarce position and isn't worth risking a high pick on them. just my opinion

rivertommy wrote: croverja wrote: I'd take Westbrook, Moss, or Brady over Manning anyday. No bias or philosphy, but Brady and Westbrook were 6th rounders and the Patriots got Moss for a 4th or 5th round pick, I think it was 5th. Someone like Brady or Westbrook, stud coming late, combined with a solid early draft is what could turn them around. this is why you are not a GM I understand Brady with his 3 super bowls. but Westbrook and Moss?? Manning has THREE MVP awards. running backs and wide outs don't turn teams around that quarterbacks can. a little off topic here, decent running backs are a dime a dozen these days. Steve Slaton, Ray Rice, Tim Hightower, and Matt Forte were all passed on in the first round but were very productive. Michael Turner was a 5th round pick and led the NFC in rushing yards. Ryan Grant and Brandon Jacobs weren't taken high either. running back isn't a scarce position and isn't worth risking a high pick on them. just my opinion

I was referencing to the fact that you had to give up a lot for MAnning but a little for Westbrook or Moss who are both very good. Westbrook-6th round pick. Moss-5th round pick in a trade. Brady-6th round pick. So, I was talking about good players for less then other ones. That is why you're not a teacher.