Tebow or Mallett

Submitted by Birdman on

For consideration: Who would you draft higher? Not who is going to be drafted higher.
As much as can't stand the knob-slobbering media following of Tebow, the guy was a winner. I personal found Mallett to be kind of funny while at Uof M, but for those reasons, as a GM I would stay the hell away from him. Also I think hes a fumbling arm punter.
Mallett is being thrown around in (very ) early First Round talk for next year, and Tebow is almost a lock for 3rd or later this year.
What say you Internets

Noahdb

March 2nd, 2010 at 1:52 PM ^

Despite his two-cent head, he's an NFL-ready QB. I think he'll be a functional NFL QB who might eventually grow up enough to even be good.

I don't think Tebow has the physical skills to ever be an NFL QB. If I was a GM, Tebow wouldn't even be on my board. Just like I wouldn't have Tommy Frazier or Tony Rice on my board. Good college QBs. Had all the intangibles. Not an NFL QB.

saveferris

March 2nd, 2010 at 2:02 PM ^

Yeah, but does Ryan Mallett = Ryan Leaf? Mallett's already showing a few of the characteristics that ruined Leaf, immaturity, arrogance, lack of work ethic...

Tebow may be tools deficient but I don't think the Rice/Frazier comparison computes. Tebow is a lot bigger than either of those guys isn't he? He should at least be able to hang in the pocket and take hits.

Either way, hard to argue against the notion that Tebow isn't the bigger QB project.

MI Expat NY

March 2nd, 2010 at 2:31 PM ^

Mallett could potentially be Ryan Leaf or JaMarcus Russell, but he's not going to be a Heath Sheuler or Rick Mirer. Mallett, Leaf and Russell all had/have the tools to be studs in the NFL and that's the type of guy you gamble with higher in the draft, rather than the guys that might never develop the skill set to be a starter in the league, even if they have the intangibles.

Tebow is more of a quarterback than Rice/Frazier were, but not much more. Lots of QB's could look special in Meyer's offense. The reads are easy, there are lots of wide open receivers and the use of quarkbacks and the TE for YAC improve a QB's numbers. When actually watching Tebow play, I was always struck by what seemed to be slow progressions, the obvious mechanics issues, his lack of accuracy and his struggles under the slightest pressure. I would be surprised to see much improvement in these areas as a pro.

Where Tebow stuck out in college was his running ability. A guy you had to tackle like a big running back who was granted one extra blocker. This isn't going to be an advantage in the NFL. Look at the top lineman and linebackers, they're all as big or bigger than Tebow and they all are as fast or faster. The successful big running backs in the NFL run a lot faster than 4.72. Tebow might be able to survive the hits for a full season, but that treat to run isn't as important if you'll struggle to get 3 yards.

MGOARMY

March 2nd, 2010 at 1:56 PM ^

Mallet has the tools to be a big time NFL QB, You can't coach 6'6 and a rocket launcher for a arm. I wouldn't be suprised if he goes #1 next year.

maxr

March 2nd, 2010 at 7:34 PM ^

Mallet's arm is truly remarkable, but his delivery looks soooooooo sloooooooooow. Not to say he can't be successful, but he's gonna need to be a smart QB and also get lucky enough to be drafted into an offensive system that takes advantage of his skills (huge arm) and minimizes his deficiencies (slow delivery; not mobile). He won't do well in a system that has lots of short, quick passes, but could thrive in a system designed around the long bomb.

bouje

March 2nd, 2010 at 1:56 PM ^

unless you want a wildcat QB who can't throw. Mallett might be the best NFL-style drop-back passer in the draft (even over JIMMAH!).

Zonereadstretch

March 2nd, 2010 at 1:58 PM ^

Granted I don't have slew of deductive reasoning behind my choice and I respect that you’re factoring in the leadership quality of above, but IMO the draft is all about upside not who the better person or leader is. Be it right wrong or indifferent I'd talk Mallett over Tebow any day.

neoavatara

March 2nd, 2010 at 2:34 PM ^

no question. We will see how he is this year, but Mallett is the prototypical NFL QB. There was a reason we were in love with him when he was here.

Birdman

March 2nd, 2010 at 2:50 PM ^

I don't see Tebow as a NFL starter ever really. But I also see drafting Mallett in the the 1st or 2nd as a serious waste of money, and a possible serious hold out/ team distraction. Mallet does not have the head for the NFL I don't think, that and Bobby P's guys don't translate to well in the pro's even when they d have great numbers.

UMalum1997

March 2nd, 2010 at 2:54 PM ^

It would be tough to justify drafting Tim Tebow over Ryan Mallett. Mallet is 100% a head-case, but he has all of the physical tools you would want in a NFL Quarterback (arm strength, size, etc). There are always teams (Raiders) who think that their coaching staff can coach maturity, etc. Drafting in the NFL is 100% based on potential, not results.

tn wolverine

March 2nd, 2010 at 3:00 PM ^

This could be the easiest Question on here ever. It's Mallett and it's not even close. I rem. When Clausen and Mallett were the top two QB's in the country and after having both in camp we put the full court press on Mallett. Everybody who saw both in camp said Mallett had the better arm, better leadership qualities and better decision making. Plus I saw them both on the same field twice (US Army All-American game and UM vs. ND) and Mallett significantly out played Clausen both times. Tebow can run a little but he has the slowest release in the history of Quarterbacking. I watched him try to play against NFL level talent at the senior bowl and he was horrendous at best. He could be a great tight end but I don't think his ego will allow him to do it. I see he's trying to change his delivery now, but after doing something for 15 years or so I guarantee as soon as he gets into trouble in the pocket the old habits come back. So give me Mallett and his god given tools and Tebow will be a great headphone wearing hand waver on the sidelines.

Noahdb

March 2nd, 2010 at 3:06 PM ^

If you don't like the Tommy Frazier comparison, compare him to Danny Wuerffel.

Wuerffel was a VASTLY superior college passer to Tebow and he still wasn't an NFL-caliber QB. DW was, by most accounts, a good leader, a good guy, etc. Just not an NFL QB.

Jon Benke

March 2nd, 2010 at 3:42 PM ^

It seems like he's older, because he backed up Chad Henne as a true freshmen, though last year he was only a red-shirt sophomore. The kid has two years, one if he's ready, to become ready for the NFL. His arm is ready now, which is something, I don't care how great of a work ethic and desire he has, that is something Tebow can't obtain...

Mallet's arm strength.

Don

March 2nd, 2010 at 3:51 PM ^

Ryan Leaf. And you can throw Jeff George in there, too. Lots of physical talent, more than adequate for the college game, but the NFL is a whole lot more than having the right body.

WoodleyIsBeast

March 2nd, 2010 at 3:51 PM ^

the #1 pick in the draft next year. A cannon for an arm to go with insane size already has NFL scouts drooling. He has two inches and 20 lbs on Big Ben, the biggest current QB if I'm not mistaken. He and Locker will battle for the top pick next year IMO.....

stankoniaks

March 2nd, 2010 at 11:48 PM ^

You know I was going to say it was interesting that Locker and Mallett were complete opposites of each other, yet could be the first 2 QBs selected. Mallett is the big tall immobile statue, with a canon of an arm and is a prototypical NFL QB. He's also known to be a little arrogant and has had a few brushes with the law. Jake Locker is extraordinarly fast, built, and extremely mobile. His feet are deadly. Jake's also a great kid, quite humble, and has a good head on his should.

But as a MLB pitching prospect, Locker has a great arm that's one of the few in college football that's comparable to Mallett. And last year, Sarkisian used Locker effectively as a drop back QB; he hardly ran. In fact his accuracy last year was better than Mallett's too. Locker seemingly has Mallet's arm strength and Tebow's toughness and mobility.

So it occured to me:

Tebow + Mallett = Locker.

BluePants

March 2nd, 2010 at 4:23 PM ^

Mallet has the tools. No need to repeat the same, obvious points.

However, and I know I say this putting my invaluable mgopoints at risk, if I was a GM I would definitely look closely at drafting Tebow if I could get him in the right round. Despite the obvious criticisms (slow release, height), you'd be taking probably the hardest working kid in college football, even if he is a project. He's working on his release and I can guarantee he'd work harder than anyone in the film room and gym. Obviously the wildcat possibilities are there (Tebow owes Pat White a drink or two) and at the least you have a guy who has a ton of raw, athletic skill. Worst comes to worst, you have a highly paid team chaplain and motivational speaker.

Not to mention the merchandising possibilities...sweet, sweet, lucrative merchandising possibilities.

Birdman

March 2nd, 2010 at 5:47 PM ^

Obviously, Mallett will be drafted by a team that needs a Starting QB, Tebow will be drafted by a team that has a starting QB. Three years of good coaching throwing against the starting defense could develop Tebow into a valuable trading piece.
3 years on Mallett in my opinion will be impossible to trade and a 10mil hit to the salary cap on a team bound to draft another QB and suffer indefinitely.
Just as dudes, I like Mallett and hate Tebow, but as NFL GM... well...

goblueritzy92

March 2nd, 2010 at 4:41 PM ^

I would love for Mallett to fall tot he middle of the first round next year so my broncos(who are always at that spot) can pick him up. Him and McDaniels(Brady's OC) equals success.

Captain Obvious

March 2nd, 2010 at 5:22 PM ^

they would be committing malpractice. One, you don't draft "leadership skills" over football potential. Two, even if he has valuable leadership skills, they will not be useful. A backup QB or any string of fullback/TE does not have the opportunity to lead like a starting QB of a NC cfb team does. Three, Mallett has ideal size and arm strength for the NFL. Four, Tebow has SEVERE mechanics issues and many many other deficiencies.

jsquigg

March 2nd, 2010 at 6:04 PM ^

Tough one. I think if I trusted Mallett as a leader it would be a no brainer from an NFL standpoint, but as is I'd rather have a proven leader who still works his tail off.

UMFootballCrazy

March 2nd, 2010 at 6:28 PM ^

Since Mallet is not in the draft this year it is a little bit of apples and oranges. Since they are not being graded against each other in this draft, it is a bit of a moot question. Its like asking how Mallet or Tebow's college tape and their combine performance stack up against someone like Drew Brees, for example. The only question of any meaning is whether Tebow will draft better than any of the other QB's on the board and if so, how high and who might take him; and if not how far could he fall?

burntorange wi…

March 3rd, 2010 at 12:20 AM ^

tebow should be playing fullback, we all know that. take the kid with the rocket arm: cutler, flacco, mcnair, culpepper(when he was good), henne(eventually). im sure i can continue. tebow is gonna sit on the bench for 2-3 years to work on his throwing motion at LEAST. then u spend 2 years working on his accuracy. then 2 years working on his footwork. OR u can draft the nfl rookie of the year.

no team drafts mascots: no one should pick tebow

Blue Ninja

March 3rd, 2010 at 10:48 AM ^

If you absolutely need a QB you have to draft Mallet, no question about it. If you need a player who can play a couple of positions draft Tebow because he will end up a fullback or TE, if he stays at QB he will wash out.
With that said I would have big concerns about Mallet; foot speed, fumble concerns and what goes on between the ears. With Tebow you have a guy who has heart, who has the will to win but would have to be convinced to play a different position. So would he be willing to do it and be another Antwan Randle El or will he be convinced that he is a QB and nothing else and be the next Kordell Stewart or Eric Crouch?

Dientrous

March 3rd, 2010 at 8:22 PM ^

mallett and its not even close...tebow was only successful in college because urban developed an entire offensive scheme that was made for tim tebow to be successful...i mean half the time he had 2 RBs or TEs lined up in front of him....and he rarely threw the ball downfield....its more than him just learning to throw before the draft...