I wouldn't draft Vince Young in the Top 10 and here's why

First, let me say that Vince Young might be one of the greatest college quarterbacks to ever play the game. Secondly, let me state that his game in the Rose Bowl was the best big game, clutch performance that I've ever seen by any QB at any level.

However, I wouldn't draft him in the Top 10 if I were a NFL General Manager. I would even have to think long and hard about the first round. Why?

It's not because of his overall talent level.
It's not because of his intelligence level.
It's not because of his throwing motion.
It's not because of his experience level.
It's not because of any intangible.

It's simply because no owner in the National Football League has guts to use him to his fullest abilities. He is a bigger, more polished passing version of Mike Vick. He's a guy that will command a $100-150 million contract early in his career. That is the type of contract that limits a team's ability to improve in other areas.

No owner in today's NFL has the balls to put $150 million at risk by letting their franchise QB really run wild.

It's like having a Ferrari in the driveway and only driving it to church. It's stupid, but it's what NFL owners insist upon doing. Time after time.

As sure as the sun rises, his NFL owner and coaches will try and turn him into a flat-footed pocket passer by Year 3. The media will also talk about the need to protect him and run less. His family will talk to him about the need to protect himself. Everyone will encourage him to run less and less and less.

And with Young, you're paying Top dollar for him b/c of his legs. And remember in the NFL that top dollar drives what sort of decisions you can make regarding the rest of your team.


If there were an owner willing to let Vince be Vince and run the ball with authority while installing plays like the zone read or speed option, then yes I would definitely draft him #1 overall. This year.

As an NFL GM, you have to evaluate him based on what you're actually going to allow him to do. I personally don't think that he's a Top 10 pick without his running ability. Why pick a player that high and then not let him be the player that you drafted?

It seems like an obvious question, but it never goes the way it should with mobile QBs.

pwd

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