The Fall of Mallett (1 Viewer)

[chinawildman]

After doing some research on Ryan Mallett for the shark pool mock, I find myself intrigued by his plummet down mock draft boards from the end of the season to the present. In our mock he fell all the way to the bottom of the second round (And the pick was still met with skepticism from some). In 49er message boards I frequent, there are droves of people who have written him off completely.

BACKGROUND:

For a base line I started looking up old mock drafts that included Andrew Luck, most were done at the beginning of this year during the bowl games. Luck was the consensus #1 choice, while Mallett was mostly mocked in the range of no.2 - no.15 overall, with most having him go in the top 10. More often than not, he was the #2 QB off the board, and Mallett had the numbers and the physical tools to back it up.

When Luck made the decision to return to Stanford, you'd have thought that Mallett would naturally ascend as the #1 QB prospect and a sure fire top 5 pick... But the exact opposite happened. When Auburn won the national championship, the Cam Newton hype began. Blaine Gabbert suddenly was in the conversation to be the best QB prospect despite mediocre production, and Mallett was subterfuged with rumors of drug use, lack of leadership, inaccuracy, even comparisons to Ryan Leaf.

MY TAKE:

All this propaganda bears an eerie resemblance to a political smear campaign. When Luck dropped out of the race, the agents (might as well call them campaign managers) smelled blood in the water, and the mud-slinging began. Don't get me wrong, I think character should be in the conversation in the evaluation of a player... But with increased media focus on the entire draft process, the attention has shifted towards more on how the candidate, er, player talks, shakes hands, carries himself, and their background and away from what they do on the field.

"Ryan Mallet... haven't we learned Ryan's not a good name for a quarterback? I'm Blaine Gabbert and I approve this message..."

"Ryan Mallet... don't you want a REAL black guy to lead your team? I'm Cam Newton and I approve this message..."

The difference here of course, is that the teams are the ones that will ultimately determine when a player gets chosen, not the fans and media consumers. Assuming they do their due diligence, it's most likely the actual draft will end up closer to what the whole landscape was like before the smears began. Which leads me to...

PREDICTION:

Assuming there is a new rookie salary pay scale in place, taking a QB high may not be as big a gamble as in years past. Many GMs have already said they believe as many as 5-6 QBs could go in the first round, with 9 teams out of the top 15 picks needing a new starter at QB. I'm willing to bet one of these 9 will take a chance on Ryan Mallett and that his floor is basically Miami at 15. I also think it's VERY LIKELY he gets chosen before Gabbert, possibly as high as #4 to cincy. Mallett is also the most NFL ready of the bunch, meaning a team that is already talented in other positions on offense and ready to make a run will be more inclined to choose him (49ers, vikings)

As a 49er fan, I would not be surprised (or disappointed) to hear his name called at #7 on draft day. I think with Harbaugh mentoring him, he could do some real damage in the NFL.

 

[Cipherchris]

Although I do agree that mallet has plummeted way too far, and people were too focus on his lack of running ability (really? Running? Has NFL qb really change that much?) I've seen glimpses of his personality. Mallet is very hot headed and doesn't seem to take criticism well (see his constipated face on Gruden's camp as an example) if he is not coachable then coaches will naturally shy away from him. Not sure how harbaugh handle qb's like that but someone like a belichik will be one such coach who can take him on. So yeah I understand his plummeting value

 

[Deuceman]

I agree with ur prediction.....I think he will be the best QB out the draft tho.

 

[Boston]

I think it's pretty simple with Mallett...are the rumors true. NFL teams invest a lot of time and money in information-gathering...it will not be difficult for 32 teams to figure out what the deal with Mallett is. If he is/was doing blow or is uncoachable he will drop...if these rumors are false than someone will draft him reasonably high because he has a ton of talent.

 

[chinawildman]

I'm actually kind of glad that Jamie Dukes called it out that people are just uncomfortable with the fact that he talks like a black dude, especially at the QB position. It's like the elephant in the room that no one mentions because race is such a sensitive issue.

 

[squistion]

I'm actually kind of glad that Jamie Dukes called it out that people are just uncomfortable with the fact that he talks like a black dude, especially at the QB position. It's like the elephant in the room that no one mentions because race is such a sensitive issue.

I keep seeing that perception, but I think it is from those who have had little exposure to other dialects in this country. With Mallett I hear a southern regional accent that I don't associate with any race, it never even occurred to me that he talks like a black dude until I started seeing it in print. People oddly seem to be focusing more on how he talks rather than what he has shown on the field.

 

[Andrew Garda]

I'm actually kind of glad that Jamie Dukes called it out that people are just uncomfortable with the fact that he talks like a black dude, especially at the QB position. It's like the elephant in the room that no one mentions because race is such a sensitive issue.

I keep seeing that perception, but I think it is from those who have had little exposure to other dialects in this country. With Mallett I hear a southern regional accent that I don't associate with any race, it never even occurred to me that he talks like a black dude until I started seeing it in print. People oddly seem to be focusing more on how he talks rather than what he has shown on the field.

Agree with this. I think Dukes' opinion on this is preposterous.

 

[eakfootball]

I see him going in the early 2nd maybe late 1st. No chance he goes in the top 10.

 

[chinawildman]

I'm actually kind of glad that Jamie Dukes called it out that people are just uncomfortable with the fact that he talks like a black dude, especially at the QB position. It's like the elephant in the room that no one mentions because race is such a sensitive issue.

I keep seeing that perception, but I think it is from those who have had little exposure to other dialects in this country. With Mallett I hear a southern regional accent that I don't associate with any race, it never even occurred to me that he talks like a black dude until I started seeing it in print. People oddly seem to be focusing more on how he talks rather than what he has shown on the field.

Ok I'm not sure if I know what you're talking about as far as "south regional" accent, but if you could tell me what other white guy (doesn't even have to be an athlete) sounds like that I'd be very interested to see what you're referring to. I watched the interview with Mallett on Gruden's camp where they also had John Daly (another Arkansas native) and their accents are like night and day.

 

[squistion]

I'm actually kind of glad that Jamie Dukes called it out that people are just uncomfortable with the fact that he talks like a black dude, especially at the QB position. It's like the elephant in the room that no one mentions because race is such a sensitive issue.

I keep seeing that perception, but I think it is from those who have had little exposure to other dialects in this country. With Mallett I hear a southern regional accent that I don't associate with any race, it never even occurred to me that he talks like a black dude until I started seeing it in print. People oddly seem to be focusing more on how he talks rather than what he has shown on the field.

Ok I'm not sure if I know what you're talking about as far as "south regional" accent, but if you could tell me what other white guy (doesn't even have to be an athlete) sounds like that I'd be very interested to see what you're referring to. I watched the interview with Mallett on Gruden's camp where they also had John Daly (another Arkansas native) and their accents are like night and day.

Mallett was born in Arkansas, but attended Texas HS in Texarcana TX (according to Wiki) which is on the border of Texas/Arkansas, so there may be some Texas influence in his speech. But anyway, who said that people from the same state all have the same exact accent? I think Andrew Garda will concur that not all New Yorkers talk exactly the same (there are all kinds of regional dialects in that state) and I don't expect everyone from Arkansas to sound like Bill Clinton. I can't tell you what other white guy sounds like Mallett, but I have heard his accent before in my travels and do not associate it with any particular race, just from being some from some undefined part of the south.

 

[chinawildman]

I'm actually kind of glad that Jamie Dukes called it out that people are just uncomfortable with the fact that he talks like a black dude, especially at the QB position. It's like the elephant in the room that no one mentions because race is such a sensitive issue.

I keep seeing that perception, but I think it is from those who have had little exposure to other dialects in this country. With Mallett I hear a southern regional accent that I don't associate with any race, it never even occurred to me that he talks like a black dude until I started seeing it in print. People oddly seem to be focusing more on how he talks rather than what he has shown on the field.

Ok I'm not sure if I know what you're talking about as far as "south regional" accent, but if you could tell me what other white guy (doesn't even have to be an athlete) sounds like that I'd be very interested to see what you're referring to. I watched the interview with Mallett on Gruden's camp where they also had John Daly (another Arkansas native) and their accents are like night and day.

Mallett was born in Arkansas, but attended Texas HS in Texarcana TX (according to Wiki) which is on the border of Texas/Arkansas, so there may be some Texas influence in his speech. But anyway, who said that people from the same state all have the same exact accent? I think Andrew Garda will concur that not all New Yorkers talk exactly the same (there are all kinds of regional dialects in that state) and I don't expect everyone from Arkansas to sound like Bill Clinton. I can't tell you what other white guy sounds like Mallett, but I have heard his accent before in my travels and do not associate it with any particular race, just from being some from some undefined part of the south.

Look man I've lived in Texas for 20+ years, I went to a mostly black high school, and have traveled to many places myself, Africa included. Perhaps my use of the term "sounds black" is a little blunt, obviously not everyone of African descent automatically speak with that accent. But is it not safe to say that Ryan Mallett's accent "derives from African-American culture"?

 

[Da Guru]

I'm actually kind of glad that Jamie Dukes called it out that people are just uncomfortable with the fact that he talks like a black dude, especially at the QB position. It's like the elephant in the room that no one mentions because race is such a sensitive issue.

Dukes is acting like talking black is a bad thing, like being uneducated. There are many educated black players who talk white. Players can`t win today.

 

[squistion]

I'm actually kind of glad that Jamie Dukes called it out that people are just uncomfortable with the fact that he talks like a black dude, especially at the QB position. It's like the elephant in the room that no one mentions because race is such a sensitive issue.

I keep seeing that perception, but I think it is from those who have had little exposure to other dialects in this country. With Mallett I hear a southern regional accent that I don't associate with any race, it never even occurred to me that he talks like a black dude until I started seeing it in print. People oddly seem to be focusing more on how he talks rather than what he has shown on the field.

Ok I'm not sure if I know what you're talking about as far as "south regional" accent, but if you could tell me what other white guy (doesn't even have to be an athlete) sounds like that I'd be very interested to see what you're referring to. I watched the interview with Mallett on Gruden's camp where they also had John Daly (another Arkansas native) and their accents are like night and day.

Mallett was born in Arkansas, but attended Texas HS in Texarcana TX (according to Wiki) which is on the border of Texas/Arkansas, so there may be some Texas influence in his speech. But anyway, who said that people from the same state all have the same exact accent? I think Andrew Garda will concur that not all New Yorkers talk exactly the same (there are all kinds of regional dialects in that state) and I don't expect everyone from Arkansas to sound like Bill Clinton. I can't tell you what other white guy sounds like Mallett, but I have heard his accent before in my travels and do not associate it with any particular race, just from being some from some undefined part of the south.

Look man I've lived in Texas for 20+ years, I went to a mostly black high school, and have traveled to many places myself, Africa included. Perhaps my use of the term "sounds black" is a little blunt, obviously not everyone of African descent automatically speak with that accent. But is it not safe to say that Ryan Mallett's accent "derives from African-American culture"?

Sure, you could say there is some influence, I guess. This reminds of stories (at least 30 years old) of white southerners who moved to the big cities in northern states and when they called on the phone to rent places, landlords all said there no vacancies, but they were able to rent the same places when they showed up in person (which would suggest that their dialect sounded black to prospective landlords). So, in answer to your question, yes, Mallett's accent may well derive from exposure to African-American culture, although if I had just heard his voice and didn't know who the speaker was I would not automatically assume that he is African-American.

 

[Andrew Garda]

Ok I'm not sure if I know what you're talking about as far as "south regional" accent, but if you could tell me what other white guy (doesn't even have to be an athlete) sounds like that I'd be very interested to see what you're referring to. I watched the interview with Mallett on Gruden's camp where they also had John Daly (another Arkansas native) and their accents are like night and day.

Um.... Eminem unless we're talking about southern in which case, got me.However Mallet sounds or doesn't sound, the idea that he can't get a fair shake because he's white but 'sounds black' and we arent ready for that' is silly. I'm sorry, usually I'm fine with saying 'we'll agree to disagree' but in this case I can't. Mallett has gotten hammered for a lot of things - his lack of mobility, his inability to handle pressure and the - (so far) - trumped up character and drug use allegations. Sounding black isn't one of them. I don't think there is one media guy or analyst - the guys criticizing him the most - who even unconsciously has factored that in.

Mallett certainly has an accent but also is clearly intelligent. So accent or not, that's not a knock I have on him.

And no, all NYrs don't sound alike. Depends on where in NYC (or NY) you are from.

Lots of 'dese' and 'does; though.

 

[chinawildman]

Don't get me wrong I don't feel like "sounding black" is a knock on him at all (IMO of course). How others perceive him, which is what Dukes is implying, is possibly affecting some of the judgement calls being made on him without any kind of extensive research.

But I digress, it seems now the media is starting to warm up to him as I suggested in my OP. Lombardi is drinking the Kool-aid and predicting he will go top 20. Phil Simms already thinks Mallet's the head of the class at QB in this draft. San Francisco has only invited 2 QBs for visits, Mallett and Dalton. So many mockers think Gabbert's a shoe-in at 7 for SF if he's available but the 49ers have shown little interest at this point.

Another interesting scenario which I never considered is the Arizona Cardinals at 5. They have talent at WR and RB. Fitz is a great deep ball finder. The reason they haven't been top of the list in discussion for QB is due to Whisenhunt's desperation to win NOW as opposed to developing a young QB. Mallett is by far the most NFL-ready QB in this draft, and would make sense as a hail mary pick for the cards who are desperate to fill the void left by Warner's retirement. It makes no sense for them to take Gabbert who still has a ways to go to learn an NFL style offense.

EDITED to add that I just read that Gabbert is visiting the niners now on the final 2 days of allowed visit.... Could it be coincidence that they're now inviting him due to the sudden perceived rise in Mallett's stock? We shall see...

 

[Yenrub]

Report: Mallett Admits Drug Use to NFL Teams

Link

 

[chinawildman]

Report: Mallett Admits Drug Use to NFL Teams

Link

I think one GM said that Mallett was the first QB to admit to drug use. This was actually viewed as a positive for some because of his forthright honesty. To be honest it was tough for the whole drug issue to get much worse for him anyway, and let's face it, experimenting with pot is not exactly like donning the scarlet letter these days anyway.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Report: Mallett Admits Drug Use to NFL Teams

Link

I think one GM said that Mallett was the first QB to admit to drug use. This was actually viewed as a positive for some because of his forthright honesty. To be honest it was tough for the whole drug issue to get much worse for him anyway, and let's face it, experimenting with pot is not exactly like donning the scarlet letter these days anyway.

He had to admit to more than pot, if the GM said that he's the first player to ever admit his drug use. Players have admitted to smoking pot before, to teams.Because if you remember, it was a big deal when guys like Calvin Johnson admitted to smoking pot.

So, to me that signals that the coke rumors were true, which is why some teams wouldn't touch him at all, while others are impressed he'd admit that (and probably assume that means he'll stay clean, now that he's gonna be watched).

 

[chinawildman]

I think the GM said he was the first quarterback to admit. I realize many players have admitted to smoking weed before... Harvin, etc.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

I think the GM said he was the first quarterback to admit. I realize many players have admitted to smoking weed before... Harvin, etc.

Ah, good catch. That could probably be true.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Report: Mallett missed visit after late night Citing multiple sources, the National Football Post reports that Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett skipped his team visit with the Panthers earlier this month after "a late night on the town."

Mallett met Panthers officials on the evening of April 8, but reportedly canceled for April 9, when the bulk of his visit was supposed to occur. Mallett reportedly "called and said he was sick," after being spotted out late following dinner. The reporter here -- Brad Biggs, also of the Chicago Tribune -- is one of the best in the business, so we have a hard time believing it's "pre-draft misinformation." In fact, the Charlotte Observer's Joseph Person confirms the report. It will do nothing to dispel the notion that Mallett is a massive off-field character risk, possibly with consumption and addiction issues. Source: National Football Post Apr 20, 12:29 PM

 

[pantherclub]

Report: Mallett missed visit after late night Citing multiple sources, the National Football Post reports that Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett skipped his team visit with the Panthers earlier this month after "a late night on the town."Mallett met Panthers officials on the evening of April 8, but reportedly canceled for April 9, when the bulk of his visit was supposed to occur. Mallett reportedly "called and said he was sick," after being spotted out late following dinner. The reporter here -- Brad Biggs, also of the Chicago Tribune -- is one of the best in the business, so we have a hard time believing it's "pre-draft misinformation." In fact, the Charlotte Observer's Joseph Person confirms the report. It will do nothing to dispel the notion that Mallett is a massive off-field character risk, possibly with consumption and addiction issues. Source: National Football Post Apr 20, 12:29 PM

My God he cannot be that stupid could he? There are simply no words if that report is true. He literally blew millions of dollars by going out in Charlotte of all places.

 

[Andrew Garda]

Report: Mallett missed visit after late night Citing multiple sources, the National Football Post reports that Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett skipped his team visit with the Panthers earlier this month after "a late night on the town."Mallett met Panthers officials on the evening of April 8, but reportedly canceled for April 9, when the bulk of his visit was supposed to occur. Mallett reportedly "called and said he was sick," after being spotted out late following dinner. The reporter here -- Brad Biggs, also of the Chicago Tribune -- is one of the best in the business, so we have a hard time believing it's "pre-draft misinformation." In fact, the Charlotte Observer's Joseph Person confirms the report. It will do nothing to dispel the notion that Mallett is a massive off-field character risk, possibly with consumption and addiction issues. Source: National Football Post Apr 20, 12:29 PM

My God he cannot be that stupid could he? There are simply no words if that report is true. He literally blew millions of dollars by going out in Charlotte of all places.

Other reports place him as meeting with the OC the next day before having to cancel the rest of the day. Of course thats from his agent but I am left wondering, did he try to reschedule? Did he talk to the team directly? If he was seen out, why did the source not mention what he was doing (ie, was he in a book store or pounding shots of tequila)? No real context to it - a lot of speculation.I'm not saying he's not suspect - he is. But there's a lot of assumption in most of this report.Who the heck knows anymore.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Interesting forecasting article on the current QBs in the draft:

link: FO LCF 2.0

 

[squistion]

Report: Mallett missed visit after late night Citing multiple sources, the National Football Post reports that Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett skipped his team visit with the Panthers earlier this month after "a late night on the town."Mallett met Panthers officials on the evening of April 8, but reportedly canceled for April 9, when the bulk of his visit was supposed to occur. Mallett reportedly "called and said he was sick," after being spotted out late following dinner. The reporter here -- Brad Biggs, also of the Chicago Tribune -- is one of the best in the business, so we have a hard time believing it's "pre-draft misinformation." In fact, the Charlotte Observer's Joseph Person confirms the report. It will do nothing to dispel the notion that Mallett is a massive off-field character risk, possibly with consumption and addiction issues. Source: National Football Post Apr 20, 12:29 PM

My God he cannot be that stupid could he? There are simply no words if that report is true. He literally blew millions of dollars by going out in Charlotte of all places.

Other reports place him as meeting with the OC the next day before having to cancel the rest of the day. Of course thats from his agent but I am left wondering, did he try to reschedule? Did he talk to the team directly? If he was seen out, why did the source not mention what he was doing (ie, was he in a book store or pounding shots of tequila)? No real context to it - a lot of speculation.I'm not saying he's not suspect - he is. But there's a lot of assumption in most of this report.Who the heck knows anymore.

More anonymous information from unnamed and unconfirmed sources. Those who already dislike Mallett will believe it without question, confirming their pre-existing attitude about this player. Actually, quite fine for those of us who take this with a grain of salt and hope for him to fall in rookie drafts as a consequence.

 

[Andrew Garda]

@squistion EXACTLY

again, not saying ANY of the rumors bandied about right now - this, Ingram/Bowers' knees, so on and so forth - are untrue. Just that there are so many conflicting reports and so much obvious smoke that it's hard to take anything as literal truth.

I talk to a few people I TRUST in the league and even *I* don't know if I trust them totally right now. everyone has an angle.

 

[JamesTheScot]

Interesting forecasting article on the current QBs in the draft:

link: FO LCF 2.0

'Mallett's downside is Dan McGwire. His upside is "What if Drew Bledsoe was kind of a ####."'The bleeped part rhymes with stick. Hilarious.

 

[Andrew Garda]

shockingly the Panthers came out and backed Mallett.....

BY shockingly, I mean - not surprisingly the report was smoke,.....

 

[Andrew Garda]

Interesting forecasting article on the current QBs in the draft:

link: FO LCF 2.0

'Mallett's downside is Dan McGwire. His upside is "What if Drew Bledsoe was kind of a ####."'The bleeped part rhymes with stick. Hilarious.

That was an awesome one...

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

He's still going high. IMO he'll end up being a good nfl qb. love to see him fall to one of my teams if the cards play out right.

 

[Clayton Gray]

Mallett's biggest problem is that is kinda sounds and kinda looks like a crackhead, and that simply isn't the image NFL franchises want from their starting QB.

 

[chinawildman]

shockingly the Panthers came out and backed Mallett.....

BY shockingly, I mean - not surprisingly the report was smoke,.....

Looks like the smear campaign is digging in its heels after these recent positive media stories about Mallett. What news source posted the original story?

 

[Andrew Garda]

shockingly the Panthers came out and backed Mallett.....

BY shockingly, I mean - not surprisingly the report was smoke,.....

Looks like the smear campaign is digging in its heels after these recent positive media stories about Mallett. What news source posted the original story?

Both Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer and Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune and NFP - little shocked - usually Biggs is on his game. Assuming he's wrong...

 

[chinawildman]

shockingly the Panthers came out and backed Mallett.....

BY shockingly, I mean - not surprisingly the report was smoke,.....

Looks like the smear campaign is digging in its heels after these recent positive media stories about Mallett. What news source posted the original story?

Both Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer and Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune and NFP - little shocked - usually Biggs is on his game. Assuming he's wrong...

I suppose that's the kind of crap I'm referring to when I brought up the whole image thing with Mallett and the way he sounds... It seems the media are just chomping at the bit for a chance to vilify him. Even normally reputable sources that are so-called "unbiased" just throw in false information or offer a little tidbit of their own opinion of Mallett. Every Mallett article sounds more like an op-ed than actual journalism.Case in point the FO article just posted regarding Mallett as "Drew Bledsoe that's a a ####"... Even a heavy stats based site doesn't hesitate to throw in their 2 cents about him as a person. Mallett's draft profile video on NFL.com says he was never a team captain, despite being voted team captain by the players for 2 years in a row.

Regardless, I think his career will be one that is very interesting to follow. I suppose I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be another Leaf or Russell, but at the same time I can see him going to a team like the Vikings and lighting it up to win ROY.

 

[Andrew Garda]

shockingly the Panthers came out and backed Mallett.....

BY shockingly, I mean - not surprisingly the report was smoke,.....

Looks like the smear campaign is digging in its heels after these recent positive media stories about Mallett. What news source posted the original story?

Both Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer and Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune and NFP - little shocked - usually Biggs is on his game. Assuming he's wrong...

I suppose that's the kind of crap I'm referring to when I brought up the whole image thing with Mallett and the way he sounds... It seems the media are just chomping at the bit for a chance to vilify him. Even normally reputable sources that are so-called "unbiased" just throw in false information or offer a little tidbit of their own opinion of Mallett. Every Mallett article sounds more like an op-ed than actual journalism.Case in point the FO article just posted regarding Mallett as "Drew Bledsoe that's a a ####"... Even a heavy stats based site doesn't hesitate to throw in their 2 cents about him as a person. Mallett's draft profile video on NFL.com says he was never a team captain, despite being voted team captain by the players for 2 years in a row.

Regardless, I think his career will be one that is very interesting to follow. I suppose I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be another Leaf or Russell, but at the same time I can see him going to a team like the Vikings and lighting it up to win ROY.

In FO's defense, that was a commenter, not a writer for the site.

 

[chinawildman]

shockingly the Panthers came out and backed Mallett.....

BY shockingly, I mean - not surprisingly the report was smoke,.....

Looks like the smear campaign is digging in its heels after these recent positive media stories about Mallett. What news source posted the original story?

Both Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer and Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune and NFP - little shocked - usually Biggs is on his game. Assuming he's wrong...

I suppose that's the kind of crap I'm referring to when I brought up the whole image thing with Mallett and the way he sounds... It seems the media are just chomping at the bit for a chance to vilify him. Even normally reputable sources that are so-called "unbiased" just throw in false information or offer a little tidbit of their own opinion of Mallett. Every Mallett article sounds more like an op-ed than actual journalism.Case in point the FO article just posted regarding Mallett as "Drew Bledsoe that's a a ####"... Even a heavy stats based site doesn't hesitate to throw in their 2 cents about him as a person. Mallett's draft profile video on NFL.com says he was never a team captain, despite being voted team captain by the players for 2 years in a row.

Regardless, I think his career will be one that is very interesting to follow. I suppose I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be another Leaf or Russell, but at the same time I can see him going to a team like the Vikings and lighting it up to win ROY.

In FO's defense, that was a commenter, not a writer for the site.

I don't think so... The last line in the Mallett projection reads "Mallett's downside is Dan McGwire. His upside is "What if Drew Bledsoe was kind of a ####."

 

[Andrew Garda]

I don't think so... The last line in the Mallett projection reads "Mallett's downside is Dan McGwire. His upside is "What if Drew Bledsoe was kind of a ####."

Holy crap you're right. First time I saw it was in the comments. I'm a little stunned.... nice catch.

 

[Sweet Love]

I'm kinda curious with whom a guy from Texarcana met up with to go out on the town in Charlotte. Are the writers suggesting that he just ripped it up on his own? I don't see any mention of where and with whom he was spotted...

 

[Andrew Garda]

I'm kinda curious with whom a guy from Texarcana met up with to go out on the town in Charlotte. Are the writers suggesting that he just ripped it up on his own? I don't see any mention of where and with whom he was spotted...

That's been my concern from jump. No context or details at all.

 

[GroveDiesel]

I think it's funny that people are saying that Mallet is slipping because teams are racist and Mallet "sounds" black; all while Cam Newton, who IS black, has shot up the boards and may go #1 overall.

The biggest problems for Mallet are that his teammates don't view him as a leader and he makes hugely stupid decisions on the field during critical situations. When teams watched all the film and did their interviews and research on the guy, that's when his stock started to fall.

 

[squistion]

I think it's funny that people are saying that Mallet is slipping because teams are racist and Mallet "sounds" black; all while Cam Newton, who IS black, has shot up the boards and may go #1 overall.

The biggest problems for Mallet are that his teammates don't view him as a leader and he makes hugely stupid decisions on the field during critical situations. When teams watched all the film and did their interviews and research on the guy, that's when his stock started to fall.

That does not seem to be true, at least from anything I have read from the players or coaches during his time in Arkansas. From the SunSentinel.com article by Dave Hyde, Bobby Petrino is quoted about the rumors regarding Mallett's perceived lack of leadership:

It’s all about context. Petrino spoke to just that shortly after Mallett arrived in Fayetteville to stop any of the rumours that his new QB was a finger pointer or wasn’t a leader, all things that emanated from the Michigan meltdown against the Badgers:

“I brought the team in and talked to them all. I told them, ‘Here’s Ryan Mallett, already one of the hardest working players I’ve ever coached. He’s more dedicated and spends more time in the meeting rooms, studying film on his own and completely understanding our playbook and understanding what the other side of the ball is going to do.’ I addressed the rumor out there that this guy points fingers and isn’t a great leader. The first thing I told them was, ‘Points fingers? Nothing could be further from the truth. Ryan is one of the greatest encouragers and leaders I’ve ever been around. Rumors are just part of football. You can’t stop them. Blame it on Al Gore. He created the Internet, right?”

And the author of the article also talked to players about this issue:

And it wasn’t just the coach who defended him. Here’s his offensive right tackle Ray Dominguez on what he said to NFL coaches during the Combine:

“It’s a sad deal what some have written about him. We know Ryan. He had his moments a few years ago, but when he puts on the pads, he’s the guy you want to take you down the field. He’s the man you believe in and the guy you want. I told the guys, if you’re looking for a leader, Mallett is your guy.”

Dave Hyde of the Sun Sentinel concludes:

I hate to labour a point but if Mallett is the bad guy that everyone points to, how come so many players, coaches, etc., defend him? What do they have to gain? There’s a popular myth among draft fans and writers that Mallett wasn’t a team captain during his tenure at Arkansas. This is untrue. Not only was he one of six captains in 2010, he was also team captain in 2009. What’s remarkable about that is that both times it was voted for by the players. And the first time they voted, Mallett was embroiled in a battle with redshirt freshman Tyler Wilson for the starting QB job. Petrino was splitting reps at the position and yet the team had already decided which player they wanted as their leader. Here’s Petrino:

“You don’t have to be a senior to be a leader. Leadership is demonstrated not announced. Ryan’s not a leader because he’s the QB. He’s not the leader because he’s a fourth year senior. He’s a leader because he’s demonstrated it.”

SunSentinel.com

 

[Andrew Garda]

I think it's funny that people are saying that Mallet is slipping because teams are racist and Mallet "sounds" black; all while Cam Newton, who IS black, has shot up the boards and may go #1 overall.

The biggest problems for Mallet are that his teammates don't view him as a leader and he makes hugely stupid decisions on the field during critical situations. When teams watched all the film and did their interviews and research on the guy, that's when his stock started to fall.

That does not seem to be true, at least from anything I have read from the players or coaches during his time in Arkansas. From the SunSentinel.com article by Dave Hyde, Bobby Petrino is quoted about the rumors regarding Mallett's perceived lack of leadership:

It's all about context. Petrino spoke to just that shortly after Mallett arrived in Fayetteville to stop any of the rumours that his new QB was a finger pointer or wasn't a leader, all things that emanated from the Michigan meltdown against the Badgers:

"I brought the team in and talked to them all. I told them, 'Here's Ryan Mallett, already one of the hardest working players I've ever coached. He's more dedicated and spends more time in the meeting rooms, studying film on his own and completely understanding our playbook and understanding what the other side of the ball is going to do.' I addressed the rumor out there that this guy points fingers and isn't a great leader. The first thing I told them was, 'Points fingers? Nothing could be further from the truth. Ryan is one of the greatest encouragers and leaders I've ever been around. Rumors are just part of football. You can't stop them. Blame it on Al Gore. He created the Internet, right?"

And the author of the article also talked to players about this issue:

And it wasn't just the coach who defended him. Here's his offensive right tackle Ray Dominguez on what he said to NFL coaches during the Combine:

"It's a sad deal what some have written about him. We know Ryan. He had his moments a few years ago, but when he puts on the pads, he's the guy you want to take you down the field. He's the man you believe in and the guy you want. I told the guys, if you're looking for a leader, Mallett is your guy."

Dave Hyde of the Sun Sentinel concludes:

I hate to labour a point but if Mallett is the bad guy that everyone points to, how come so many players, coaches, etc., defend him? What do they have to gain? There's a popular myth among draft fans and writers that Mallett wasn't a team captain during his tenure at Arkansas. This is untrue. Not only was he one of six captains in 2010, he was also team captain in 2009. What's remarkable about that is that both times it was voted for by the players. And the first time they voted, Mallett was embroiled in a battle with redshirt freshman Tyler Wilson for the starting QB job. Petrino was splitting reps at the position and yet the team had already decided which player they wanted as their leader. Here's Petrino:

"You don't have to be a senior to be a leader. Leadership is demonstrated not announced. Ryan's not a leader because he's the QB. He's not the leader because he's a fourth year senior. He's a leader because he's demonstrated it."

SunSentinel.com

Piling on your point there have actually been Michigan players who have spoken well of him - and that's considering he didn't exactly leave there on a good note.

 

[5Rings]

shockingly the Panthers came out and backed Mallett.....

BY shockingly, I mean - not surprisingly the report was smoke,.....

Looks like the smear campaign is digging in its heels after these recent positive media stories about Mallett. What news source posted the original story?

Both Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer and Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune and NFP - little shocked - usually Biggs is on his game. Assuming he's wrong...

I suppose that's the kind of crap I'm referring to when I brought up the whole image thing with Mallett and the way he sounds... It seems the media are just chomping at the bit for a chance to vilify him. Even normally reputable sources that are so-called "unbiased" just throw in false information or offer a little tidbit of their own opinion of Mallett. Every Mallett article sounds more like an op-ed than actual journalism.Case in point the FO article just posted regarding Mallett as "Drew Bledsoe that's a a ####"... Even a heavy stats based site doesn't hesitate to throw in their 2 cents about him as a person. Mallett's draft profile video on NFL.com says he was never a team captain, despite being voted team captain by the players for 2 years in a row.

Regardless, I think his career will be one that is very interesting to follow. I suppose I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be another Leaf or Russell, but at the same time I can see him going to a team like the Vikings and lighting it up to win ROY.

Minnesota would be the perfect landing spot for Mallet. Great downfield WRs, great running game, great system for him. Good call...unlike putting him on the 49ers...

 

[Donnybrook]

Minnesota would be the perfect landing spot for Mallet. Great downfield WRs, great running game, great system for him. Good call...unlike putting him on the 49ers...

I think Mallett would end up on IR if he played behind the Vikings Oline. They couldn't protect Favre last year and, even at 40 years of age, Favre is much more elusive in the pocket than Mallet. As well, there is a good chance that Rice will be gone. Tennessee might be a better landing spot.

 

[metoo]

I think he ends up in Washington.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

all along I have said I like Mallets talent the best out of this class. I think someone is going to get a good QB in him.

 

[Eastwood]

I think he ends up in Washington.

me too, in the 2nd round.

 

[Clayton Gray]

all along I have said I like Mallets talent the best out of this class. I think someone is going to get a good QB in him.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

all along I have said I like Mallets talent the best out of this class. I think someone is going to get a good QB in him.

I agree and the Mean Machine should have a pretty good season next year with Mallet behind center.