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The Case for Ryan Mallett

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by Ghetti13, Mar 24, 2011.

  1. Ghetti13

    Ghetti13 New Member

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    For months we've been hearing the same names...Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton. Not surprisingly, this is very similar to any other draft...the media latches on to a Brady Quinn type player...and despite our better judgment, we follow along. I've been guilty of this myself. When I first graded Quinn I had him as a third round pick...by draft day I had given him a first round grade.

    Bottom line, experiences like that and others have led me to trust in one truth...I've watched an inordinate amount of football...and if my gut tells me to like or dislike a certain guy...I better listen.

    Three or four years ago I would have had hundreds and hundreds of hours of college football tape to review. I will admit up front that I don't have that this year. Some things changed in my life and I got away from it over the last few years. I intent to get back into it next season. Given that, my opinion is ignorant...you need at least, at least three games on a prospect to really form an opinion from an informed position. I already see ck on here, and I know he does his homework. I used to talk with him and Boomer on Finheaven years ago. They always knew there stuff. I am glad to see they have moved on to contribute to the Sun-Sentinel.

    So, my opinion is based only on a review of each player's bowl game. That isn't enough, but it is enough to have an admittedly somewhat ignorant opinion. So here goes.

    I know the names being bantered about in regards to the quarterback position and the Miami Dolphins. We keep hearing Newton and Locker and Kaepernick, etc. But just take a step back and follow your gut. Who would you take and who do you think Miami will take.

    Here is who I would take....Ryan Mallet. You want to know why? Well....he has the best passing skills in this draft...and it really isn't close. Second, he played in the most NFL ready offense. Third, he played in the most competitive conference. Fourth, he moves plenty well in the pocket. Fifth, he throws the best intermediate to deep ball I have seen in quite awhile. Sixth, he shows much better poise in the pocket than the media gives him credit for. And lastly, my gut tells me he is going to be special and that Miami would regret letting him pass them by. Now, do I think Miami will feel the same way? Actually, I do. I think they want a run heavy offense with a quarterback who can make all the throws....especially the vertical throws. They want to be able to force the safeties up (something they have not really been able to do since they traded Ginn) and attack the defense over the top. Mallett can do that. In fact, he's like a surgeon in that regard.

    So, why not the other guys? Why wouldn't I and why won't Miami draft them?

    Gabbert: He is awful in pressure situations....3rd down, 3rd and long, 4th quarter, against good teams, when behind.

    Newton: He is extremely raw and shows very poor off the field decision making.

    Locker: This guy is a wild card because I do think he is going to get better. I just deep down don't see him making the next step....think Kyle Boller.

    Ponder: This is a guy I really like outside of two factors....I don't like his ability to drive the ball AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, one cannot under any circumstances ignore the shoulder and elbow injuries. I can assure you Miami won't (think the Pennington Experience).

    Kaepernick: This is another guy I like. I actually like him quite a bit. He is probably the other guy I like outside of Mallett. I just like Mallett better.

    So, take it for what it is. I will defer to CK and Boomer when they address Mallett next week in the Sun Sentinel. That said, my eyes, gut, and experience breaking down tape tell me Mallett is the quarterback to covet in this draft. That will be the guy I will be rooting for Miami to draft. If it isn't him I can also accept Ponder and Kaepernick and maybe Locker....should they be really sure about Ponder's arm and shoulder. The other guys I have a bad feeling about...and it isn't just a gut feeling.
     
  2. Boik14

    Boik14 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Well done and welcome to the board sir.

    I too like Mallett and Ponder more then other QB's in this draft. Im not in love with any of them like I am Luck and Brkley next year but if we went Mallett I wouldnt be upset though I do feel Henne deserves one year where he doesnt have to look over his shoulder and prove he can be the QB he showed glimpses of becoming in 2009. Im more in favor of building a better defense this year and going after a QB next year.

    Like I said though I happen to like Mallett more then most do on this board. Seems many feel he is going to be a bust because his mechanics are shaky at times and his accuracy is spotty. If you watch film there are throws he makes that if he did that in a Dolphins uniform Id have pulled every last strand of hair out. But he also makes throws no one else can make which I think is why you and I like him.
     
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  3. ether79

    ether79 ****

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    Nice first post!
     
  4. dolfan7171

    dolfan7171 Well-Known Member

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    Welcome to the site. I am agreeing with everyone else in this thread. You did a great job with this post. I like your analysis on Mallett. I just hope whomever we draft, he turns out to be pretty good.
     
  5. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Welcome bro..

    Mallett doesn't have the skillset that I covet, combined with questionable work ethic, Ponder isn't worth the 15th pick, Newton has accuracy issues, and superiority ones, and I agree with you about CKap..
     
  6. texanphinatic

    texanphinatic Senior Member

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    Mallett is an interesting prospect, and probably ithe most polarizng. If I had to bet, some team will pull the trigger in mid/late first round territory. Though he has some major issues, his raw talent is impressive.

    Newton was one of the most accurate college QBs in 2010, and how do you get that he has "superiority issues" when his teammates and coaches all rave about him.
     
  7. jw3102

    jw3102 season ticket holder

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    To me , Mallet is just another Henne. He has a strong arm and can make all the throws, just like Henne. He also makes throws that has everyone watching the game wonder what he was thinking when he threw the ball, just like Henne. Unfortunately I don't see any QB's in this draft who will turn out to be a franchise QB in the NFL. This is an average to below average year for QB's in the draft and if the Dolphins feel it necessary to use their first round draft pick on a QB. I would much rather see them trade the pick for Kolb than pick one of the core of young QB's in this years draft.
     
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  8. Robert Horry

    Robert Horry New Member

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    Do you guys not understand Mallet is an exact clone of Henne? He's a bit more aggressive but they both have basically the same weaknesses and strengths outside of questioning Mallets ethic and attitude. Mallet NEEDS a forceful and protective o-line. If Mallet was behind the line Henne had last year with that running game, you are looking at very similar results.
     
  9. Stitches

    Stitches ThePhin's Biggest Killjoy Luxury Box

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    I have no clue what some people have seen in Kolb to even consider sending a 2nd to the Eagles, let alone a 1st. In a system that always gets QBs good stats, Kolb hasn't been any better than Henne, if even that good.
     
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  10. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    Mallett makes sense
     
  11. Boik14

    Boik14 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Mallett is not a Henne clone at all. Mallett possesses better downfield accuracy then many QB's in the NFL. He does makes some headscratching throws but he has at times done it out of necessity. His aggressive nature dwarfs Henne's. I am a Henne supporter but they are two completely different QB's. Not all statue QB's are identical. Henne has never been comfortable from the shotgun, Mallett is more the type to just get back there and wing it all over the field. I also like that Mallett was in a pro style system in college which is an advantage he and Ponder will have over the other top QB's available this year.
     
  12. Dol-Fan Dupree

    Dol-Fan Dupree Tank? Who is Tank? I am Guy Incognito.

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    When it comes to downfield passing, I would call him the anti-Henne.
     
  13. Robert Horry

    Robert Horry New Member

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    Mallet has more aggressiveness and better downfield accuracy in college. Thats about it. They both destroy the blitz when they have adequate protection. Both need a solid o-line. Both have rockets and both have the tendency for ******ed impulse throws. Mallet DOES not EVER throw the ball away. That is not in his genes, but it is in Henne's. On the flipside, Mallet makes throws in COLLEGE no one else can make. Please do not say Mallet has better downfield accuracy than most NFL QBs when he has yet to play a down. They both are statues in the pocket and are sub-par at "creating gaps and space" in the pocket.

    And thats a complete cover-up BS reason by Henne and not throwing his o-line under the bus about the "not liking to play in the shotgun". I was at the Elite 11 camp when he was there and won the golden gun award. He doesn't have problems in Shotgun. What Henne is saying is that he doesn't trust his piece of crap o-line to adequately protect him without a 3-5-7 step drop. Then he has to put more focus on his lanes and creating space rather than having the timing down on a pure dropback. He didn't have problems in college in shotgun when he had a line he felt safe with. He wasn't problematic in 2009 when he had a solid o-line until the end of the year. And last year's line was an atrocity.
     
  14. Boik14

    Boik14 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Statistically our OL ranks as one of the best in the league by Pro Football Focus and not only on the strength of Jake Long. Incognito and Carey rank well as well comparable to their positions.

    Henne came right out and said he didnt like using the shotgun and be wouldnt be the first QB to say so. Joe Montana hated the shotgun because he felt it caused himt o take his eyes off the defense for a second to catch the ball and in that time the entire defense changed. This is the same reasoning Henne gave last year. If a QB doesnt like using the shotgun, guess what, you dont use it. So youre wrong on both counts.

    Youre comparing what Henne did as an 11 year old to now? While bashing the throws Mallett made in college?

    Also on the topic of Mallett, Kurt Warner and Brett Favre never threw the ball away...how'd they turn out? Im not saying he will be the next great QB but I wouldnt call a QB bad because they dont throw the ball away either. To me thats not a bad quality. It means you hang in the pocket til something comes open.

    And again, I would rather go defense then go QB. Im sayin if we go QB I like Mallett more then the rest of whats available.
     
  15. Dol-Fan Dupree

    Dol-Fan Dupree Tank? Who is Tank? I am Guy Incognito.

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    Those are pretty two big differences.
     
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  16. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I agree about Mallett and think he will go in the first as well, he just doesn't have the specific skillset that iam interested in..I want the QB that can execute all position responsibilities with quickness and precision, and extend plays, make plays, and run a diverse offense with his arm, and his legs..

    I think your highly overrating Cam Newton's accuracy with that statement..imo, he's got very real accuracy issues..
     
  17. rafael

    rafael Well-Known Member

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    There are a few more differences. Unlike Henne, Mallett has been dogged by questions about his work ethic since he was in HS. There have also been drug rumors for almost as long. On the other hand, you could also include questionable leadership among the similarities between the two. Although Henne's leadership faults are much smaller in comparison. I've never heard of Henne's team mates reportedly "despising" him.
     
  18. Robert Horry

    Robert Horry New Member

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    11 year old? what are you talking about? Henne did the elite 11 in 2007. Do you know what the elite 11 camp is?

    I can't believe your going by PFF to say our OL was alright.. they were an atrocity.
     
  19. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    When they were healthy they were very good in pass protection.

    With LT- Long, LG- Garner, C- Incognito, RG- Jerry, RT- Carey you have one of the best pass protection groups in the NFL and a solid run blocking group. A QB like Mallet with perhaps a speed WR via free agency and a couple of inexpensive committee backs could put up some serious points. There's nothing wrong with a QB that likes to throw the ball down the field and push the envelop. You're also underrating the value of having that kind of deep ball. That tiny difference in intermediate and deep accuracy can provide a game-changing play. Henne hits a couple more deep balls this year Miami would have been in a very different situation at the end of the season. Henne is a strong arm passer without deep accuracy and is mediocre in the short range. Mallet can hit the deep ball, intermediate, and is effective enough in short passing that he'll pressure the defense consistently.

    Another attribute that we're not even mentioning is that Henne's inability to read a zone.
     
  20. Sceeto

    Sceeto Well-Known Member

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    I have him in my mock for our 1st pick, but I have a felling he won't make it past Miinnesota. Really sucks not having that 2nd rounder.
     
  21. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    The reason why I dont think we draft Mallett is a reason that I dont feel we have really broken down ... When Coach said and it came out that he would be involved in personnel decisions, Ive just got to interpret that as he was talking about choosing his type of QB, he obviously got very frustrated with Henne's skillset considering he was benched midseason, and on top of that, we hear strait from the coach, who does have some say in personnel { ''QB cough cough''}, his views on what hes looking for from the position, which I once again have to interpret is the antithesis of Chad Henne, which Mallett is not.

    I dont believe anyone can convince me to steer towards the other side..There seems to be so many variables in play that do not favor drafting Ryan Mallett...

    I really dont think Coach and Irish are gonna double down on a similar QB with an attitude and a poor work ethic.
     
  22. AdamC13

    AdamC13 Well-Known Member

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    Not saying I disagree with Mallet being a legit pick, but with the lockout I just don't see how Miami doesn't address the run game with their early picks. Ronnie and Ricky both FA. Need for upgrade at both Guard positions. As much as I don't think Henne is the answer, I think with Ireland/Sparano's jobs on the line taking a QB with the first pick is a luxury those guys can't afford. To have to rely on shoring up the run via free agency, whenever that will be, is too much of a risk.

    Especially taking a QB with the first pick this year given the lockout. If it drags on then any QB taken this year will likely have to sit for the year. In addition having a new OC only decreases the chance of taking a QB with the first pick even more. Henne is the pseudo OC right now. Miami just has too many holes on offense to draft a player with their first pick who is going to have to ride the bench.
     
  23. mattio14

    mattio14 New Member

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    I don't think we'll use our pick on Mallett, even if hes on the board

    Id rather sign a free agent quarterback rather than use our pick on someone who probably wouldn't even start next season
     
  24. bamadolphin

    bamadolphin New Member

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    Id like to see em trade back and get a 2nd round pick out of it
     
  25. Davenport

    Davenport New Member

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    Great point.

    Ryan Mallett has a very comparable skill set to Chad Henne--although I would probably say Mallett has a little more natural ability, while Henne was a bit more refined when he came out.

    I, for the life of me, cannot figure out what Blaine Gabbert has done to warrant the first overall selection. I won't go into it too much because I already did in my blog, but from a production standpoint (or even to trained eye on film) Gabbert simply does not play like a franchise quarterback. He looks like one, he throws like one, but when the pads and lights are on he just does not perform to his potential.
     
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  26. Ghetti13

    Ghetti13 New Member

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    Comparing Ryan Mallett to Chad Henne is not fair at all. Mallett is more accurate, has a better frame, has better arm strength, throws a better deep ball, and moves more instinctively in the pocket. Mallett is an enormous upgrade...especially if we want a rugged running game with the threat of the vertical throw keeping the defense honest.
     
  27. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I agree...But their skillsets have similar weaknesses.
     
  28. texanphinatic

    texanphinatic Senior Member

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  29. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    The fact of the matter is Chad Henne told the coaches he doesn't like the shotgun because he doesn't like taking his eyes off the defense. It was dumb of him to tell him that, and just as dumb of them to believe it.
     
  30. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    Both remain unsubstantiated and vehemently denied by the parties involved.
     
  31. Vendigo

    Vendigo German Gigolo Club Member

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    Correct me if I'm wrong, but Mallett has never been a team captain, hasn't he? I'd definitely look into that one as it rings odd.
     
  32. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    Voted team captain in 2009 and 2010.

    We've heard D.J. Williams go to bat for Mallett pretty hard core, saying that he's the best QB in this Draft and a leader, can't miss, etc...basically whatever positive you can think of, D.J. Williams thinks it of Ryan Mallett. But at the pro day Ray Dominguez also chimed in:

    Note that Ray believes Mallett "had his moments"...but they happened a few years ago and now he feels like he's an unquestioned leader.
     
  33. Vendigo

    Vendigo German Gigolo Club Member

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    Ah, thanks. I could swear I read somewhere he was never voted team captain. Let me check if I can find the source of that rumor ...
     
  34. Vendigo

    Vendigo German Gigolo Club Member

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  35. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    And I'd like to point out that Dominguez shared what he said to the scouts about Mallett. You have to understand, all these guys are trying to get drafted. They have a lot on the line. When a team asks a player about Ryan Mallett, they want an honest answer, not a contrived one. If Ray Dominguez doesn't like Ryan Mallett and doesn't think he's a leader, he's not going to bat for him when he's put in front of a team that asks about Ryan. Why would he? The team wants to hear the truth and if you lie to them, you take a risk because if the team's research has uncovered that pretty much everyone thinks Mallett is a mega douche, they have every reason to believe you're not being honest with them and that could sour them on you. So would Dominguez take a risk going to bat for a guy he doesn't like? Why? What reason could there be for that?
     
  36. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    I'm coming up with multiple sources that disagree with Rang's note. Here's one among them:

    http://www.arkansassports360.com/13961/09/14/2010

    So basically this piece is saying that Mallett was a team captain in 2009 as a sophomore, even though captaincy is usually reserved for players with more seniority. The Razorbacks do it purely by team vote, and evidently Ryan Mallett was very popular among his teammates from the very start.

    And I might add that the team voted him captain even before Bobby Petrino named him starter. If you scroll to the top of that article, it notes that Ryan Mallett and Tyler Wilson were still in the middle of a battle for starting duties, sharing 1st team snaps.
     
  37. Vendigo

    Vendigo German Gigolo Club Member

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    I'm not saying that Rang's right, man, but I find it odd that no one contacted him about the apparently wrong info. It's been on there at least two months and I have to admit that I trusted it, given that Rang is usually not one for making stuff up.
     
  38. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    Here's a confirming source...

    http://blogs.nwaonline.com/slophous...teran-hogs-mallett-crisp-as-fall-camp-begins/

     
  39. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    Well whatever the reason is, he's wrong. Just plain wrong. Those ones I showed before are dated 2009. This one's 2010.

    http://arkansasnews.com/2010/08/07/notes-petrino-credits-captains-razorbacks-want-small-tex/

    Pretty clear. I think this shows how much of an authority NFL Draft Scout is that they misprint something and it gets shot out everywhere. I know *why* they misprinted it. Chad Reuter or someone that works for them went on Mallett's Arkansas Razorbacks bio page on the school's official website and on that page you'll find no mention anywhere of Mallett's being a team captain. That's just a straight up error of omission on the part of whoever built the bio pages. DeMarcus Love's bio notes that he's a captain and traditionally those pages do have that, and so it's kind of understandable for someone at NFL Draft Scout to be looking at that and saying yikes, the dude's not even a team captain. And then Rob Rang looks at his own database, sees that, and says the same...yikes he's not even a team captain even though coaches generally push quarterbacks as captains.

    Note the nature of Rang's note, how he added that this is significant since teams generally push quarterbacks as captains. He wasn't going off anything he dug up from a source, he was using a minor detail that they THOUGHT they had a handle on, and then putting his take on it.

    But they're just wrong.
     
  40. Vendigo

    Vendigo German Gigolo Club Member

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    I got it, I got it ;)

    I have to say this though: If it really was a honest mistake, how come no one at Draftscout noticed that Mallett was there at the bloody cointoss? I mean, I've just looked at one game to make sure and there he is right at the CT. I would imagine that if you bother to watch some tape, sooner or later you notice that Mallett is right there with the, uhm, team captains ...
     
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