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Where most of the NFL went wrong... (1 Viewer)

From the way this sounds Fisher's time might be limited with the Titans.

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Hi Perry,The more I thought of this the more I think Young buys Fisher time. No way does he get fired after one year of a rookie QB. The talk will be that you can't pin the QB's inexperience on the coach.

If they'd lost with Leinart who was accepted as the "step in and play right away" guy, he'd be under a lot more heat.

Just a thought I had.

J

 
From the way this sounds Fisher's time might be limited with the Titans.

If this is true, man I hope SD fires Marty when this does happen. Love to see him in SD.

Back to the point at hand though.

I think White represented great value were Tenn got him.

We all know about the issues with Brown & Henry.

While the NFL does place alot of emphasis on the workout, I 'd rather have a football player that can't workout well, than a guy who can workout great but can't play.

 
If I had the 1.04 rookie pick I'd certainly take White if he was there-no one can convince me that Addai is a better prospect than him no matter who drafted him.

But . . . but, since I have the 1.02 and the pre-combine grades between White, Maroney and Williams were so close, the mere fact that there is so much discussion about White's character, White will not even be a consideration for me.

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I believe that Addai stock went up at the combine and that the Colts made a big mistake .Addai is a very , very ordinary RB.

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Ordinary RBs can do quite well in the Colt offense.
 
Which is why Norm Chow had vohemently lobbied for the selection of White.  What do you trust?  One day of workouts or somebody's real life experiences with the kid over several years on a daily basis.

Titans got a steal and Lendale White is going to be the SOD of rookie drafts this year...bank on it.

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By this logic, I assume you are predicting that Leinart will bust since Chow didn't draft him when he had the opportunity to at #3 after "real life experiences with the kid over several years on a daily basis". :popcorn:

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Wasn't it said that Chow did lobby for Matt rather hard?
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Yes, although the Titans are denying it, many close to the organization are saying that Fisher and Chow both wanted Leinart.
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I have a hard time thinking that two high profile guys like Fisher and Chow couldn't carry the vote there over Reese ...J

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Obviously, once Young learns the sytem Reese/Adams/Fisher/Chow feel he will be a better QB than Leinart.
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I'm glad Joe and Bruno are making this point. The idea Fisher and Chow didn't get their man and were lobbying for Leinart seemed to take a life of it's own from very dubious sources. Chow coached Leinart so the assumption was he wanted him. From the assumption all these rumors started, then with the secret sources. I'm not so sure. I know Matt and Chow are friends, and I doubt Chow will ever criticize Matt publicly, but anonymous, undisclosed, sources aside, I think the Titans got their man, and the rumored fued about Leinart never was.
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Moreover, the Jets, Raiders, Lions and Bills passed on Leinart as well. Maybe the Titans decision to pass on Leinart scared these teams away from him. Other teams might be thinking if Leinart's old coach Chow can't convince the rest of the Titans brass (if that was really the case) to draft Leinart should we? Combined with what the Titans did on draft day and those teams' own scouting info Leinart must have been too risky of a pick that high.
 
Two thoughts:

1) I think the character concerns about White a little overblown, but I still think that it appeared that he was not motivated during the time before the draft. Yes, he was injured, but his comments and attitude during that time was not as positive as most other players.

2) Given that hamstrings have laid up many a skill position player in the past and this is a tear and not just a strain, I do think some teams would be justified worrying whether it would be an injury that would last or re-appear in the future. Particularly when combined with the non-motivated attitude.

 
I'll summarize my thoughts quickly.

I trust Jeff Fisher and what I saw with my own two eyes regarding LenDale White (and even Vince Young) more than all the hype and ensuing aftermath which came out of the combine for these kids.

Fisher is one of the game's best coaches, IMO. Reese has been a good evaluator over the years, too.

It's hard not to get pulled into all of the media craze that goes on, the whispers and the workout numbers.. but in the end I still think White is an excellent prospect and Young, despite his awkward throwing motion, is a fantastic prospect. Let him fall to me in my leagues.. please!

 
Were there "character issues" with White while in college?
Open question.
not reallyhe got a little huffy about not getting enough touches, and who wouldn't if you were a first round talent stuck behind Reggie Bush.

Also, there was a fake gun incident I think.

But all in all not a lot to report over a three year span.

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Thanks. Looking at that list you're right, there's not a lot there.
 
It has nothing to do with the torn hamstring....if an NFL RB can't do more than 15 reps at 225, there are more serious issues going on.  Last time I worked out, a torn hammy has nothing to do with you're bench press. 

This really to do with his health, but everything to do with his lack of professionalism.

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Let's remember the kid is a kid. My first job out of college, I was far from a professional...did stupid stuff like get to work late, party too hard the night before a big meeting...stuff like that. But I agree, 15 reps for a man of his stature is weak, and I'm sure Lendale can think of a million reasons why he f'd that one up.

Would 15 reps and some weight gain cause him to drop to the second round on my board, given what I saw from him on the field while at USC...no way, not even close.

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Unless you were really worried that the bench reps were an indicator that the guy is a dog, right?
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I would guess he was a bit lazy during his time off, but would also know he was a STUD on the field and that no "dog" puts together his on the field performances. Bettis hasn't exactly played at his "ideal" weight for several of his playing years, but the guy was a horse when he strapped on the pads.

 
  What do you trust?  One day of workouts or somebody's real life experiences

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That pretty much sums up my attitude about the whole combine thing in general. IMO it is hideously overrated.White is a classic boom or bust IMO. I think they got a steal in the 2d w/him also and he'll be fine (which sucks as a Colt fan - don't even want to think about our soft run D tackling him), but there is the chance for another Dayne-type situation (who came out of school w/the all-time rushing record and ran a respectable (for his size) 4.58 40).

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White should not be compared to Dayne. Dayne has been mis-categorized as a N/S runner since he got into the league. Dayne's success in WI, was from being patient behind the line of scrimmage, and cutting back as plays developed. He's a big guy, with exceptional moves; but is a poor "pounder."
 
From the way this sounds Fisher's time might be limited with the Titans.

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Hi Perry,The more I thought of this the more I think Young buys Fisher time. No way does he get fired after one year of a rookie QB. The talk will be that you can't pin the QB's inexperience on the coach.

If they'd lost with Leinart who was accepted as the "step in and play right away" guy, he'd be under a lot more heat.

Just a thought I had.

J

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Hi Joe,But if the coach and offensive coordinator wanted someone drafted and was then over ruled; doesn't that seem to indicate a lack of faith from the owner. Also Fisher wanted McNair back but again the word I am hearing is that the owner doesn't want him back. It seems to me the Titans front office is battling the coaching staff.

 
Since we are off subject anyway....

My take on Vince vs Matt may be slightly optimistic so take it as you may.

Has anyone considered that maybe Tennessee was more then willing to draft Matt but after working out/interviewing Young they thought he was an even better talent (I.E. once-in-a-lifetime) and then proceeded to float "dissension" rumors to throw other teams off Young's scent?

As far as White is concerned - Chow knows more about football in general and White in particular then I do. I think he will be sucessful in Nashville, provided he is willing to work hard. Judging from the work he put in at USC (I doubt he would have seen the field if he wasn't putting in the effort) he has the ability to do the work needed. I'd take him before the Colts rookie.

 
I've said this before in a similar thread.

Yes, Norm Chow knows a lot more than I do about White and talent evaluation in general.

HOWEVER, so do the GMs and staffs of the 31 teams that passed on White at least once and sometimes twice during which time 4 other RBs were taken.

The whole "Norm Chow knows more than you do" doesn't wash. They ALL know more than we do and this ALL rampant speculation on our part which is why it is a hobby for us and a porfession for them. So don't tell me I can't have an opinion different than Chow's, when 31 other NFL GMs have the same opinion I do.

One of two things is going on here:

1) Most GMs didn't think he was the prospect he was made out to be prior to the draft

2) His attitude/approach really turned people off

One or the other (or some combination of the two) HAS to be the case, or one of those teams would have taken him.

 
From the way this sounds Fisher's time might be limited with the Titans.

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Hi Perry,The more I thought of this the more I think Young buys Fisher time. No way does he get fired after one year of a rookie QB. The talk will be that you can't pin the QB's inexperience on the coach.

If they'd lost with Leinart who was accepted as the "step in and play right away" guy, he'd be under a lot more heat.

Just a thought I had.

J

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Hi Joe,But if the coach and offensive coordinator wanted someone drafted and was then over ruled; doesn't that seem to indicate a lack of faith from the owner. Also Fisher wanted McNair back but again the word I am hearing is that the owner doesn't want him back. It seems to me the Titans front office is battling the coaching staff.

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Hi Perry,I don't disagree they seem to be battling. But I guess what I'm saying is that possibly could work in Fisher's favor in the time buying department. They have a terrible year and he can play the "I had the cook the dinner but you wouldn't let me buy the groceries" card from the Parcells deck.

We'll see.

J

 
It has nothing to do with the torn hamstring....if an NFL RB can't do more than 15 reps at 225, there are more serious issues going on.  Last time I worked out, a torn hammy has nothing to do with you're bench press. 

This really to do with his health, but everything to do with his lack of professionalism.

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Let's remember the kid is a kid. My first job out of college, I was far from a professional...did stupid stuff like get to work late, party too hard the night before a big meeting...stuff like that...and I was as sraight laced as they come growing up.But I agree, 15 reps for a man of his stature is weak, and I'm sure Lendale can think of a million reasons why he f'd that one up.

Would 15 reps and some weight gain cause him to drop to the second round on my board, given what I saw from him on the field while at USC...no way, not even close.

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Was your company planning to give you a multi-million dollar signing bonus and a few million a year? ;)
 
I've seen many tapes on White at USC and he looks great. However, the guy I saw in the Pro Day tapes and the interviews on draft day looks significantly heavier. I'd say at least 10 pounds. He says he is 238 now and was 252 in the Rose Bowl. Did he get weighed at the Pro Day?

 
Just watched NFL Network, and Jeff Fischer was on and was answering questions asked by guest host Drew Bennett (irony, I know).

He was asked about Vince Young and how long it would take for him to contribute, and he said they would be using the same methods they used to develop McNair but he may not be sitting on the bench for 2+ years like Stevey did.

On the matter of Lendale White, he was really happy about the pick and stated that White was drafted to be their franchise running back because of the skills he possesses.

 
My opinion of LenDale fell when I saw someone ask Leinart about White in an interview, and Leinart skated around the issue and refused to stand up for him. If your own teammates won't stand up for you, then something's wrong.

As for the "vote of confidence" that Chow cast... let's look back at some of the last college coaches who transitioned to the NFL and were faced with a choice about picking some former players.

Steve Spurrier grabbed so many gators in his first draft that his team was jokingly referred to as the Washington Gatorskins. They performed so horribly that I'm pretty sure every single one of them is out of town by now (unless Taylor Jacobs is still hanging on as a special teamer).

Butch Davis faced the prospect of drafting Clinton Portis, a back he had recruited and coached in college... and grabbed William Green instead. How'd that work out for him again?

I don't put too much stock in the "vote of confidence" factor.

 
My opinion of LenDale fell when I saw someone ask Leinart about White in an interview, and Leinart skated around the issue and refused to stand up for him. If your own teammates won't stand up for you, then something's wrong.

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Was this before or after White said the best qb in the Rose Bowl was Young (so maybe which ever was later was payback)
 
Which is why Norm Chow had vohemently lobbied for the selection of White.  What do you trust?  One day of workouts or somebody's real life experiences with the kid over several years on a daily basis.

Titans got a steal and Lendale White is going to be the SOD of rookie drafts this year...bank on it.

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By this logic, I assume you are predicting that Leinart will bust since Chow didn't draft him when he had the opportunity to at #3 after "real life experiences with the kid over several years on a daily basis". :popcorn:

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Wasn't it said that Chow did lobby for Matt rather hard?
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Yes, although the Titans are denying it, many close to the organization are saying that Fisher and Chow both wanted Leinart.
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Fischer wanted Cutler.For all we know, Chow told Tenn to stay away from Leinart

 
My opinion of LenDale fell when I saw someone ask Leinart about White in an interview, and Leinart skated around the issue and refused to stand up for him. If your own teammates won't stand up for you, then something's wrong.

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Are you refering to when he skated around White's torn hamstring injury on the Pro day.... the same torn hammy that was proven later with an MRI?
 
I've been on record before as saying I don't think White is going to be a star in this league. He may last awhile, but I don't think he has the goods to be a #1 NFL back.

 
My opinion of LenDale fell when I saw someone ask Leinart about White in an interview, and Leinart skated around the issue and refused to stand up for him. If your own teammates won't stand up for you, then something's wrong.

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Are you refering to when he skated around White's torn hamstring injury on the Pro day.... the same torn hammy that was proven later with an MRI?
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I'm glad that the torn hammy was proven. IIRC before the workouts, he made some comments along the lines of "Well I'm the only true big back in the draft, so how can't I be a 1st rounder??" That really concerend me, hopefully him sliding a bit in the draft, gave him a little bit of a wakeup call.
 
Quite simply, White seems to have the inherent ability to get it done north-south like few others I've seen.   :yes:

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Except on his last play as a Trojan. :cry:
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Hopefully he uses that as fuel... ;)
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He's gonna have a constant reminder of that play in his new qb. Personally, I think they got a steal.
So, most of the NFL went wrong in not hiring Chow?

Not everyone had that advantage... And on the Flip side, what does that say about Leinart? Chow couldn't convince anyone on that one and as a Jets fan I was a bit nervous with them possibly taking Leinart with a much younger and inexperienced coaching staff when the guy's old coach and alma mata buddies passed him up.
I keep hearing the ongoing assumption that Chow had a strong preference for Leinart and was lobbying for him (not saying that's what you're asserting here). I don't think that's necessarily the case. Chow know's Matt's strengths, but also his weaknesses, better than anyone, and to assume that he lobbied hard for him only, with his job on the line, is a bit naive IMHO. That's not to take anything away from Leinart. He seems like a great kid and all, and is a damn fine qb, but I'm sure Chow is licking his chops at the prospect of what he can do with Young.Hell, chances are Chow did want Leinart more and lobbied for him, but it's not a given. Reports toward draft time indicated that the management and coaches were both sold on Young. That's when his Vegas odds of being the 1st qb taken went to 2-1 and Leinart's went to something like 7-2.

 
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My understanding is that he did everything that was asked of him on the football field at USC. I see no reason why he won't elevate his game to do what is asked of him in Titanville.

His pick was a lot more reward than risk.

Was it just me or did all the USC players take big hits this year, almost like people were looking for anything to bring this program back down to earth?

(not a usc fan either)

 
We used to be one of those teams that valued character and work ethic, but with Reese realizing his job will soon be gone, he's abandoned that practice in favor of adding any athlete, no matter what their character concerns.

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We're not talking abou Marcus Vick here...the guy has been a model citizen for 99% of his college career.
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Not exactly model, being a Trojans homer, there was always speculation that he would be kicked off for academic reasons, he hated going to class, and just barely did enough to stay eligible, but other than that hes been a model citizen.
 
We used to be one of those teams that valued character and work ethic, but with Reese realizing his job will soon be gone, he's abandoned that practice in favor of adding any athlete, no matter what their character concerns.

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We're not talking abou Marcus Vick here...the guy has been a model citizen for 99% of his college career.
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Not exactly model, being a Trojans homer, there was always speculation that he would be kicked off for academic reasons, he hated going to class, and just barely did enough to stay eligible, but other than that hes been a model citizen.
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Does that affect his understanding and willingness to learn a playbook?
 
If Henry and Brown were not there... I would say UNBELEIVABLE pick, but to be honest, he might not even see the field... maybe a carry or two unless Brown gets injured or henry bites it this year.

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Chris Brown = AKA GlassmanHenry = Coachs doghouse after the drug issue. I wonder if he can be cut without a huge cap hit?

White = Second half this year will be sharing carries and by 2007 the starter.

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CB - Yes, I agree but he is very productive when healthy.TH - Can be very productive when given the chance.

LW - Fat out of shape and torn hamstring.

Looks like LW is ready to take over :rolleyes:

 
We used to be one of those teams that valued character and work ethic, but with Reese realizing his job will soon be gone, he's abandoned that practice in favor of adding any athlete, no matter what their character concerns.

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We're not talking abou Marcus Vick here...the guy has been a model citizen for 99% of his college career.
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Not exactly model, being a Trojans homer, there was always speculation that he would be kicked off for academic reasons, he hated going to class, and just barely did enough to stay eligible, but other than that hes been a model citizen.
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Does that affect his understanding and willingness to learn a playbook?
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It very well could. We'll have to wait and see.
 
I think White was in a unique situation. And got some bad advice.

He came into the Rose Bowl heavy, and dominated (more or less). He heard all the talk about him being the only pro style RB in the draft. About all the Trojans being a hot commodity in the draft.

Based him being the only "pro style" RB in the draft, he took it easy, and put it on cruise control. He hurt his hammy, and it pretty much derailed his combine and pro day.

To me lack of character, also shows up on the football field. How did he do under pressure? In the big games? Lack of character causes people to fold, limp off the field with an "injury". Excuses. When the pressure is on, looks for a way out.

I don't think we've seen any of this with White. In fact he rises up for the big games. He wants the ball. He wants to carry the team. He shows a high level of competitiveness. The only squeek we heard from him was rumors he wanted the ball more. Doesn't sound like a guy who was riding the Reggie Bush gravy train. The guy for the most part put his game 2nd, and put Bush/Team first. Without Bush, White would have broken Pac-10 records 6-8 games sooner.

To me, we have an extremely talented, prolific, pro-style RB who bought into his own hype. With the media circus that follows USC, with all the hype about him being the only big back in the draft, I can cut him some slack for buying into that. This wasn't a guy from Mississippi State who put it on cruise control after his bowl game. And with Chow more or lesson thin ice in Tennessee, I can't see him putting his name and reputation on the line just to do a former RB a favor.

There's just too much film on this guy to ignore. You have guys drafted with sexual assaults, and there's not even a peep from the media. Putting on some weight is more of a "crime" then sexually assaulting a woman. White is going to be fine, and has stronger character then most of the women beaters that were drafted last weekend. If White’s biggest crime is buying into his own hype in the whirlwind USC media circus, then he’ll be fine.

 
Something was bothering me about why Lendale White slid.  After having watched the kid play for the last couple of years, I believed without hesitation that the kid was made for the pro game.  Then after listening to ESPN radio's Colin Cowherd this morning I realized what was bothering me when Cowhered made the point that I just couldn't seem to articulate...and he did so by paraphrasing Norm Chow.  Chow after the draft said, "White is the most misunderstood player in this draft."  Which is why Norm Chow had vohemently lobbied for the selection of White.  What do you trust?  One day of workouts or somebody's real life experiences with the kid over several years on a daily basis.

Titans got a steal and Lendale White is going to be the SOD of rookie drafts this year...bank on it.

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:yucky: This pick made me sad to be a Titans fan.

We used to be one of those teams that valued character and work ethic, but with Reese realizing his job will soon be gone, he's abandoned that practice in favor of adding any athlete, no matter what their character concerns.

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:confused: What character issues does White have?

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I've been asking for this to be defined for months now.
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It's been defined to death. Whether one wants to acknowledge them or put any stock into them is another matter.

The issues are that White gives the impression that he just doesn't get it. From not being able to control his weight to what seemed like a totally lackluster pro day benching only more than the punter to making comments he felt the QB from (at the time) his most recent opponent was better than his most recent QB not far off from T.O. pining for Brett Farvre over McNabb.

Perhaps none of those things mean anything at all. We won't know for a while. But those are the issues people are talking about.

J

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I think that is it...a lot of teams kind of feel he "doesn't get it", and it's more from an overall qualitative observation/opinion, than one startling incident.
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What is it that you guys want him TO GET? Throughout the time in which he evidently wasn't "getting it" he became the all time USC and Pac-10 touchdown leader. He was arguably the best RB on his team which included the Heisman winning RB. He won a National Championship. He's never missed a game.Maybe he doesn't get "it" but, evidently, he gets everything on the football field.

I don't get what it is that he...doesn't get. :loco:

 
Not being able to keep you're weight down from the end of the season until the draft is a HUGE issue for these teams when deciding if you want to spend a first round pick (and the $$$ and cap dollars associated with it) on the guy. 

This is the biggest day of the guy's life and he can't do it for 3 months?  What makes anyone believe he'll do it 2 years down the line.  That's the issue.

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Now, say the same thing about Jerome Bettis and what is the result?
 
I think White was in a unique situation. And got some bad advice.

He came into the Rose Bowl heavy, and dominated (more or less). He heard all the talk about him being the only pro style RB in the draft. About all the Trojans being a hot commodity in the draft.

Based him being the only "pro style" RB in the draft, he took it easy, and put it on cruise control. He hurt his hammy, and it pretty much derailed his combine and pro day.

To me lack of character, also shows up on the football field. How did he do under pressure? In the big games? Lack of character causes people to fold, limp off the field with an "injury". Excuses. When the pressure is on, looks for a way out.

I don't think we've seen any of this with White. In fact he rises up for the big games. He wants the ball. He wants to carry the team. He shows a high level of competitiveness. The only squeek we heard from him was rumors he wanted the ball more. Doesn't sound like a guy who was riding the Reggie Bush gravy train. The guy for the most part put his game 2nd, and put Bush/Team first. Without Bush, White would have broken Pac-10 records 6-8 games sooner.

To me, we have an extremely talented, prolific, pro-style RB who bought into his own hype. With the media circus that follows USC, with all the hype about him being the only big back in the draft, I can cut him some slack for buying into that. This wasn't a guy from Mississippi State who put it on cruise control after his bowl game. And with Chow more or lesson thin ice in Tennessee, I can't see him putting his name and reputation on the line just to do a former RB a favor.

There's just too much film on this guy to ignore. You have guys drafted with sexual assaults, and there's not even a peep from the media. Putting on some weight is more of a "crime" then sexually assaulting a woman. White is going to be fine, and has stronger character then most of the women beaters that were drafted last weekend. If White’s biggest crime is buying into his own hype in the whirlwind USC media circus, then he’ll be fine.

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:thumbup: Someone who gets it.
 
I think a lot of people are reaching for reasons not to like LenDale White.

Can anybody find one negative about LenDale White's performances on the field while playing with USC?

 
We used to be one of those teams that valued character and work ethic, but with Reese realizing his job will soon be gone, he's abandoned that practice in favor of adding any athlete, no matter what their character concerns.

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We're not talking abou Marcus Vick here...the guy has been a model citized for 99% of his college career.
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"Character" doesnt measure only whether or not he pulls guns on kids, but his willingness to work and not expect everything to be given to him.Other than Vick and a few of the rapists in the draft, I didnt see a player who has more questions about his character.

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Well, I know this is often overstated but Randy Moss lacked "character" as well and that's what caused his slide. We'll see if Chow can provide that security blanket that White might need to succeed at the next level. I don't know if there is a better place for a kid like White to be at other than a team like the Titans where his old OC and staunch supporter will be there looking out for him.I could be wrong, but I think the kid is going to prove a lot of NFL teams wrong.

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It is interesting that the Titans picked Kevin Dyson over Randy Moss for charachter reasons but picked Pac Man Jones and Lendale White the past two years.
 
To me lack of character, also shows up on the football field. How did he do under pressure? In the big games? Lack of character causes people to fold, limp off the field with an "injury". Excuses. When the pressure is on, looks for a way out.
Hi gang,I'd have to disagree there. Guys like T.O. are outstanding on the field. Lawrence Phillips was a beast on the field. I'm not saying White is TO or Phillips, I'm saying I just don't think I can agree with the character : field thing. That usually takes a while to show itself. Most people that just don't get it don't flame out but fizzle out more like a Ryan Leaf type thing.Again, that's a different and more general discussion than with White.J
 
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To me lack of character, also shows up on the football field. How did he do under pressure? In the big games? Lack of character causes people to fold, limp off the field with an "injury". Excuses. When the pressure is on, looks for a way out.
Hi gang,I'd have to disagree there. Guys like T.O. are outstanding on the field. Lawrence Phillips was a beast on the field. I'm not saying White is TO or Phillips, I'm saying I just don't think I can agree with the character : field thing. That usually takes a while to show itself. Most people that just don't get it don't flame out but fizzle out more like a Ryan Leaf type thing.

Again, that's a different and more general discussion than with White.

J

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Well it was two parts.First was his toughness/competitiveness in the game. The second was taking a back seat to Bush. Which clearly TO would never do. White did what was best for USC. He got far less pub then Bush, and it was never an issue. That to me shows some level of character. Especially in today's "me first" attitude.

With Jimmy Williams, you could point to on the field issues with his attitude. Overplaying, taking risks, sloppy at times. White's "character flaws" never translated to the field.

So when you look at the entire situation, his on the field production, taking a back seat to Bush, putting the team first, it's just hard for me to see why gaining some weight (he played great at 252, then lost weight going into the combine) should count so much against him. Mario Williams had questionable worth ethic ON THE FIELD, and was the 1st pick overall. White doesn't hit the weight room like VD and he's a bum?

People didn't like how White expected to be a top pick. He felt like his college career was more then enough to justify a top draft spot. He didn't bust his ### pre-draft, ended up getting hurt, and didn't have a 40 time. It's hard for me to get too worked up about that. You have people drafted before White who have a criminal history, sexual assault allegations, and questionable effort ON the field, but because they went to a lower profile college, no one really cared.

Bottom line is, Mario Williams takes plays off, doesn't produce in 50% of his final 12 games, but because he has measurables, he's fine. White never takes plays off, produces in almost every one of his final 12 games, on the biggest stage, against some of the best competition, but because he didn't run the 40, he's a bum.

NFLs classic paralysis by analysis.

 
NFLs classic paralysis by analysis.

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Thanks gang. That's cool but we'll just disagree. I think it was a lot of smart and experienced NFL guys that got a little gunshy and didn't have a good "gut feel" that he got it. Far from being a "bum". If he winds up in Canton, it surely won't be the first time these guys have missed.

J

 
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He was a tub of goo and had manboobs when he took his shirt off. You don't get manboobs in a month, he has to have been working on those for some time. :)

 
Dang, and I thought this thread was going to be about how there shouldn't be an NFL team in Houston. :shrug:

 
Seriously, that just isn't an NFL physique. You guys can all point to Bettis, the only super fat RB in recent memory that did anything worthwhile, but even he was only among the top 10 RB's in FF 3 times in his entire career along with a bunch of 15-20's. What he brought to the table from an NFL standpoint was just far superior to what he was doing in FF in almost every season. Even if Lendale ends up being a special fat man, that's about what his ceiling is - not all too special in terms of FF.

 
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Were there "character issues" with White while in college?
Open question.
not reallyhe got a little huffy about not getting enough touches, and who wouldn't if you were a first round talent stuck behind Reggie Bush.

Also, there was a fake gun incident I think.

But all in all not a lot to report over a three year span.

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Thanks. Looking at that list you're right, there's not a lot there.
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Character issues as far as causing problems, no - character issues as far as work ethic, there is strong indication that there was.His RB coach said before the draft that the concerns on his work ethic were legitimate. There were several sources/teammates that said he wasn't very notorious for hitting the weight room, and his manboobs and 15 bench reps sure show that to be the case.

Guys can get by on their natural ability through HS and college. It's RARE for a guy to do it in the NFL.

Maybe this is the motivation that he needs and all that, but you don't show up a slug that can barely outpress the punter merely because "you got some bad advice" heading into the draft. It seems to indicate a lack of dedication that goes back further than 3 months...

 
Seriously, that just isn't an NFL physique.    You guys can all point to Bettis, the only super fat RB in recent memory that did anything worthwhile, but even he was only among the top 10 RB's in FF 3 times in his entire career along with a bunch of 15-20's.    What he brought to the table from an NFL standpoint was just far superior to what he was doing in FF in almost every season.    Even if Lendale ends up being a special fat man, that's about what his ceiling is - not all too special in terms of FF.

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All you have to do is put in one single game tape of White, I don't care which you want to pick. It should strike you as blatently obvious that he does not move or play like a fat man. This is a big/fat man with both INCREDIBLE feat and vision. He runs with outsstanding power and finishes runs. He still manages to prove speedy enough to out run a lot of DBs when you watch his actual football speed.
 
Seriously, that just isn't an NFL physique.    You guys can all point to Bettis, the only super fat RB in recent memory that did anything worthwhile, but even he was only among the top 10 RB's in FF 3 times in his entire career along with a bunch of 15-20's.     What he brought to the table from an NFL standpoint was just far superior to what he was doing in FF in almost every season.    Even if Lendale ends up being a special fat man, that's about what his ceiling is - not all too special in terms of FF.

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All you have to do is put in one single game tape of White, I don't care which you want to pick. It should strike you as blatently obvious that he does not move or play like a fat man. This is a big/fat man with both INCREDIBLE feat and vision. He runs with outsstanding power and finishes runs. He still manages to prove speedy enough to out run a lot of DBs when you watch his actual football speed.
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He may look terrific against college competition. I still think there's legitimate questions about how a guy who refuses to keep himself in any real physical condition is going to be able to compete against NFL competition. And even assuming he can get by, how long can his body hold up like that? He's going to get pounded on at his size....There may be some upside, but there are some very real concerns on this guy too. Like I said, you don't show up with manboobs and benching just more than the punter because you got some bad advice heading into the draft. It happens because you haven't been putting in the time in the weight room for the last 3 years....

 

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