Who's going to suck?

[BobDobbs]

Some people say that we'll never see a player like Barry Sanders again. That may be true and we may never see another player like Tony Mandarich again. A player with so much hype that amounted to so little.

This thread is my antidote to all the pre-season powder puff pieces that we're going to be flooded with this next month. We know that some of these new guys will make it, but definitely not all of them. For every Greg Jennings or Clay Matthews there's a Brian Brohm or Pat Lee. Or even a guy like Ricky Elmore. A sixth rounder getting cut is not a big deal. But, he still sucked.

So, who's it going to be this year. Which of the new rookies is going to come in and underwhelm us all?

[BobDobbs]

We haven't gotten to see any them play so this is all wild speculation. Things may change when we get to watch some pre-season games. But right now the guy I'm most worried about is Nick Perry. He's going to have a tough time making the transition positionally. But, more than that, when I watch him play he just seems passive. He tries to use his speed almost exclusively. With his base he should be knocking some people back on occasion. I know it's too early, but at this point I see him as Jeremy Thompson 2.0. A guy with the build, but not the ferocity to play Linebacker in the NFL.

But I also thought that Aaron Rodgers didn't have the leadership capacity to thrive, so obviously I'm very wrong sometimes.

[Guiness]

We already know who sucks...Slocum! Fire the bum! Is it Wednesday yet?

I think Lawrence Guy isn't going to make it to the roster or the PS. I know he wasn't drafted this year, but I should get a pass because he didn't have a chance to suck last year.

From this year's draft, the guy who's the biggest unknown has to be McMillian. Classic small school pick by TT, no film on him anywhere, who knows if he'll suck of not!

[hoosier]

Good thread. I am a little worried that Nick Perry might suck. In part because of the uncertainty surrounding his ability to transition to playing in space, because with Matthews on the other side, Perry will not be rushing every down. But also because "pass rusher" seems to have a high bust rate.

[Joemailman]

Come on Bob! This is Kool-Aid season! I have my doubts that Datko's injury history will stay in the past. He might never be a player.

[Brandon494]

AJ Hawk

[Pugger]

Ask us again in August after a game or two has been played.

[ThunderDan]

So, who's it going to be this year. Which of the new rookies is going to come in and underwhelm us all?

AJ Hawk

We already know your feelings on Hawk. Please follow the instructions at least for the 1st 20 posts.

I think Mike Daniels will struggle this year. Maybe he makes the roster but he is game day inactive all year.

[Brandon494]

It was a joke but since you asked so nicely I honestly don't see any of these rookies getting cut. I see every single one of them either making the roster or P.S. I guess two players who I think will struggle early will be McMillian and Daniels. McMillian because most rookies struggle their first year playing safety, just like Sharper and Collins who also came from small schools. Daniels because hes switching positions, his size, and hes coming off an injury.

[smuggler]

I'm going to say the biggest chance to bust would be Nick Perry.

[Patler]

Daniels could very well be on the roster and inactive for much of the season. Datko, too. Both may not be ready physically due to injuries, but might be difficult to get through to the practice squad. It will be interesting to see if either fails their physical at the start of camp, and therefore might be candidates to start the season on PUP.

I get no feel for what to expect from Perry at all, simply because the professional opinions about him as an individual and as a player are all over the place. He plays hard, he doesn't play hard. He doesn't translate well to a 3-4 OLB, he could be a monster at OLB in a 3-4. He will work hard at the transition, he hates the idea of not being a DE.

So, who will absolutely suck? My bet is Marc Tyler. I know, he is an undrafted rookie free agent; but I really don't see why he was signed. He is slow, has a checkered past and some have questioned his commitment and character. I expect he will be gone quickly.

[Brandon494]

I'm with you on Marc Tyler, only way I see him even making the practice squad is if he shows he can protect the QB.

[Patler]

I'm with you on Marc Tyler, only way I see him even making the practice squad is if he shows he can protect the QB.

That is about the only signing during TT's tenure that has made me say, "Huh???"
Usually, you can see something behind the signing. An incredible athlete with marginal experience or coaching, a real football talent who had injuries, a high effort guy with borderline talent, etc. I have been unable to come up with anything for the signing of Tyler over the many other available RBs, other than the family connection of his father having been a good NFL player.

[Smidgeon]

I think this is the first year I'm on board for the entire draft class. I'm not a prognosticator by any means, but I've got a good feeling about all of them. The one I'm feeling the least though is Datko. And if he doesn't make it, it will be due to injury and not ability (at least that's what you guys have been telling me).

As for the undrafteds, there are so many of them, where do you start?

[rbaloha1]

Ditto on Hawk.

IMO all the rookies make the roster or practice squad. Disagree about Perry. Starter with double digit sacks. USC pride prevents any bust potential.