Harrell not inspiring much confidence

[Harlan Huckleby]

I was listening to Pete Dougherty on the radio yesterday. I was encouraged when he said that Harrell was physically impressive, meaning he has great combo of size and athleticism. Said he looks like a first round pick. As opposed to Jamal Reynolds, who looked like a camp body.

(Of course there was that awesome man-mountain, Donnell Washington.)

[retailguy]

I was listening to Pete Dougherty on the radio yesterday. I was encouraged when he said that Harrell was physically impressive, meaning he has great combo of size and athleticism. Said he looks like a first round pick. As opposed to Jamal Reynolds, who looked like a camp body.

(Of course there was that awesome man-mountain, Donnell Washington.)

C'mon! Bringing up Washington isn't fair. The guy was a total underachiever his whole college career.

Harrell, played WELL, WHEN he played. He was hurt a lot. If the guy stays healthy I think he'll be OK. It's a total bummer he showed up so out of shape, but not really surprising since he was hurt so early last year. Not many people have the motivation to rehab and stay in shape.

We'll see what he does... The only gripe I have is that so many people in here were so high on the kool-aid they were preaching what a big help he'd be this season. This guy, due to the significance and timing of his injury is a TOTAL project.

He'll help - IN 2008.

[Lurker64]

He'll help - IN 2008.

With any luck, in January and February

[retailguy]

He'll help - IN 2008.

With any luck, in January and February

Good ONE. :P

[RashanGary]

I thought he would be better than he has been, RG. I was definitly wrong on how much he would contribute.


Damn, I hate saying I was wrong

[retailguy]

I thought he would be better than he has been, RG. I was definitly wrong on how much he would contribute.


Damn, I hate saying I was wrong

I understand. I hoped he would too, but when you try to look at it objectively (that's hard for me too, you know ), it just wasn't likely.

I have never tore a biceps (thank God), but I'd have to think that would extremely limit your weightlifting work. that doesn't come back over night. Without adequate strength, he's going to get stood up, pushed back, and knocked aside... Plus 8+ months without significant foot work? Sheesh...

Nah, there's a lot of work to do. Maybe he can get it by the end of the season. It'll give us a good indicator at how committed he is to becoming a force. He definitely has the talent. Let's see what he does with it.

[Joemailman]

Re: Punter

Right because that punter from Ohio State that we drafted worked out so well...

I think Ryan is fine. I think refining the approach happens far much more than you'd believe.

Funny how Mr. Hall got brought up into this discussion when he hasn't done anything to question his ability as a solid starter this off-season.

Refine the drop, may-be the angle but not the amount of freakin steps!!!!!

Actually, it is quite common for college punters to have to learn to cut a step when entering the NFL. That's why a lot of punters don't make it with their first team. They need time to refine their technique. That is why most punters aren't drafted (but that's another story).

[Joemailman]

As for Harrell, I read recently that of the DT's drafted in the 1st round in recent years, only about a third became starters their rookie year. Most, however, became starters their 2nd year. I imagine it has to do with technique. These guys are probably used to just overpowering the guards they face in college. It doesn't work that way in the NFL.

[Lurker64]

I'm wondering if "expecting your first round guys to make an impact" has increased in the ESPN era. I mean, back when we drafted guys like Wayne Simmons, Terrell Buckley, Aaron Taylor, and Craig Newsome, how much of a splash did we expect them to make in their first year?

[oregonpackfan]

I remain very skeptical about Harrell. He reminds me of a Jamaal Reynolds type of # 1 draft pick.

I predict Harrell will sit on the bench this year and all of 2008. By the fall of 2009, he will not make the final cut and will be out of the NFL.

wow, you are kidding me right? I'm glad you are not making GM-type decisions, or else we'd be in serious trouble. Hey, you know what? Corey Williams took 3 years to develop, why didn't we write him off when he was looking rough during his first season? Not to mention Williams didn't even have the collegiate career that Harrell did, not close.

I guess for both of our positions that only time will tell if Harrell will make it in the NFL or was even worth a 1st round pick.

[Fritz]

I'm wondering if "expecting your first round guys to make an impact" has increased in the ESPN era. I mean, back when we drafted guys like Wayne Simmons, Terrell Buckley, Aaron Taylor, and Craig Newsome, how much of a splash did we expect them to make in their first year?

Good point, though I do remember that Holmgren just assumed from the get-go that Newsome was going to start. I guess he was just NFL ready. But on the whole, I think the pressure for first rounders to start and star immediately is quite unrealistic these days, thanks to the 24/7 ESPN coverage.

[Partial]

I remain very skeptical about Harrell. He reminds me of a Jamaal Reynolds type of # 1 draft pick.

I predict Harrell will sit on the bench this year and all of 2008. By the fall of 2009, he will not make the final cut and will be out of the NFL.

wow, you are kidding me right? I'm glad you are not making GM-type decisions, or else we'd be in serious trouble. Hey, you know what? Corey Williams took 3 years to develop, why didn't we write him off when he was looking rough during his first season? Not to mention Williams didn't even have the collegiate career that Harrell did, not close.

That was a very backhanded response.

Corey Williams took 3 years, yes. He also wasn't a first round pick.

He didn't have the collegiant career meaning it would take him longer to develop, yes.

I don't get what you're trying to imply. First rounders are supposed to be sure things and step in and play sooner than 6th round developmental players like CWill.

That said, if Harrell doesn't become the player Williams is and then some he will be a collossal dissapointment. I have seen him play and have faith in him, but my faith is not unwavering and he needs to show he can dominate in the pros like Henderson and Haynesworth have.

[Merlin]

You have more patience then I Partial. Harrell plugs a hole, that's about it. Someone posted that this was his best game but it probably was the game he played the most in. Tenn isn't exactly a powerhouse and they ate up our second team, Harrell included. If the guy is going to be a project then he shouldn't have been taken in the 1st round. He looks like a project to me!

[Bretsky]

You have more patience then I Partial. Harrell plugs a hole, that's about it. Someone posted that this was his best game but it probably was the game he played the most in. Tenn isn't exactly a powerhouse and they ate up our second team, Harrell included. If the guy is going to be a project then he shouldn't have been taken in the 1st round. He looks like a project to me!

To me he just looks like a guy who is not ready to compete at this level; I think TT thought he would be by now based on his draft comment.

It will take some time; I didn't love the pick in the first place but the guy I wanted isn't doing worth a crap yet either.

[Merlin]

Well I wanted Quinn and he is doing just dandy!

Part of it may be that we have such a deep DL that he just doesn't compare to who we have. But mostly, I think he isn't ready either.