Alaskan Grizzly

Sean Payton had Russell Wilson as his quarterback last year, and the Broncos looked abysmal. However, this season, Wilson has shown improvement, and the Steelers are undefeated with him as the starter. I wasn’t initially a fan of 5th- and 6th-year seniors entering the draft. However, considering the COVID years, it makes sense to factor that in. Players during this period dealt with unique challenges, and staying longer in college might have helped them mature. Peyton Manning is a great example; despite being a highly regarded prospect in his junior year, he chose to stay at Tennessee for his senior season, which undoubtedly helped refine his game. One of the reasons I liked Nix when he entered the draft was because his and Caleb Williams' stats were nearly identical in the Pac-12. On top of that, Nix had experience playing in the SEC at Auburn, which gave him exposure to better competition. There’s something to be said about taking that extra year to grow. Nix, with his added experience and nearly 1 year 9 month age difference compared to Williams, might suggest a correlation with future NFL success. Perhaps Williams path to success is only a short 1-ish year away?

No rumor here. He said it. Just can’t find the clip anywhere.

I saw a few weeks ago where Bill Cowher said he’d be interested in coaching the Bears if he was asked.

Yep. Been out for a bit. Big year of changes but I’ve been watching when I can.

Good thing we kept and used the 1st overall pick instead of trading it for a bevy of picks. 😒

Found an article that explains the NFL wants to keep the invitees to a minimum (no more than 15) to avoid anyone having to linger in the Green Room. So your list appears to be near complete. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nfl-didnt-project-bo-nix-michael-penix-jr-among-top-15-to-20-selections

Eating and feeling my oats. ??

And I should add that if I’m wrong about Williams that means we’re winning “multiple super bowls” as you’ve guaranteed. So why wouldn’t I be happy about that? ??‍♂️

I see. So I should only “cherry-pick” all the positive stuff … even (as you say) if this analysis is accurate? You know having a separate viewpoint than your own is ok right? It’s what makes the world go around and TalkBears what it is. Or am I being too “inane”? “arguing against taking Walter Payton” …seriously?

So the projection on Williams remains to be seen in the NFL? "Holds the ball loose from his body, and ball security is a major concern (in the pocket and as a ball carrier)" "guilty of bypassing singles and doubles as he searches for home runs and asks too much of his offensive line (240 of his dropbacks the last two seasons lasted 4-plus seconds)" - One of the points AZ mentioned "can get stuck on reads too long, and eyes need to be more efficient and manipulative … pressure will speed up his process and lead to negative results(see 2023 Notre Dame tape)"

Speaking as a fan of trading the #1 overall allows him to choose more potential "blue chippers" than putting all in on the one "potential generational" pick. To me that's by far less risky. I'm seeing more and more people say they don't expect great things from Caleb in year one but should do better in year two. While also saying most of the other QB prospects need at least one year on the bench (etc) before they will see results. If what we hear and read is true and Poles and Waldron are building this great offensive machine, why couldn't any of the top 3-5 QBs succeed if they are also given that same year of growth?

His analysis of Fields in 2021. Who he had ranked 4th overall (at QB) after Trey Lance and Zach Wilson: STRENGTHS: Well-strapped together athlete who takes care of his body…moves with the fluid, composed feet of a former shortstop…shows a natural feel for timing, touch and accuracy on throws within structure…strong arm and shows the ability to drive the football, especially when he steps and torques through his hips…sturdy in the pocket…recognizes defensive back assignments and places the ball away from trouble on his throws…above-average stride speed and flashes a burst when he [7] tucks and runs…noteworthy toughness to finish through contact and play through pain (see the 2021 Sugar Bowl vs. Clemson)…even-keeled play personality and shows the same steady focus on each play…voted a 2020 team captain…self-assured competitor who inspires confidence in his teammates (Ohio State head coach Ryan Day: “The mindset of a young man of that age is so impressive”)…outstanding production at Ohio State with a career 67-to-9 touchdown-to-interception ratio with 19 rushing touchdowns…finished with a 20-2 record as the Buckeyes’ starter (only two losses came in the College Football Playoffs). WEAKNESSES: Undeveloped field vision…locks onto his preferred read and doesn’t consistently find his second and third options (sometimes by design)…needs to be quicker eliminating things post-snap…stares down reads and doesn’t play with a consistent sense of urgency…needs to be better taking what the defense gives him instead of forcing throws…his passes lose life when attempting to throw off-balance…ball security needs work: holds the ball loose in the pocket and as a runner (12 fumbles over the last two seasons)…needs to do a better job of avoiding hits…benefited from an all-star cast around him (both players and play-calling). SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Ohio State, Fields was one of college football’s best players the last two seasons in Day’s multiple spread offense. With Jake Fromm blocking him at Georgia, he transferred to Columbus in 2019 and needed only 21 games to reach No. 2 in Ohio State history in career passing touchdowns (67). He twice earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors. Fields has had the spotlight on him for a long time and he hasn’t wilted while displaying the confidence and competitive toughness that teammates rally behind. He shows excellent tempo when the play is on-schedule, but he must speed up his target-to-target progression reads and improve his urgency when the initial target is taken away. Overall, Fields’ decision-making is more methodical than spontaneous, but he has high-ceiling traits with his athleticism, accuracy and intangibles. He projects as a high-end NFL starter if he can quicken his reads and process.

Meanwhile JJ is going back to his college # for next season. Last time we saw this Jackson changed to #4…after getting an updated contract. ?

Just so you know you're not alone, I stand with you in solidarity. I'm all in on the idea of trading the #1 but not as sure on who the QB should be. Daniels is definitely a consideration. FWIW in friends that I talk with who know football (not necessarily Bears football) seem to all agree that Williams isn't the guy. So there are a few still out there.

It does appear Swifty is starting to buy into Caleb.