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An analysis of UM 1st round drafted QB’s and their supporting cast

RF-4CCane

RF-4CCane

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Maude
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I’m an Analytical animal and thus like to verify claims, theories and narratives.

Before the draft and since, we’ve seen several common opinions.

1. The draft showed that the 2024 UM offense was “meh” and Cam elevated the players.

2. The NFL draft is the ultimate determining factor in whether a player was a good college player.

3. The NFL draft reflects whether the coaching staff did well in recruitment, evaluations and coaching.

Below are the 5 UM QB’s drafted in the 1st round of the NFL draft, their top reception leaders in their (QB) best season and where those supporting cast members were drafted.

Jim Kelly - 1981

Brodsky - 10th round
Rodrigue - 12th round
Rush - 4th round but never played an NFL down. Played a few years in USFL.
Dennison - 2nd round but was an NFL bust with 18 receptions in 18 games.

Bernie Kosar - 1983

Shakespeare - undrafted
Bentley - 2nd round
Dennison - 2nd round NFL bust
E. Brown - 1st round

Vinny Testaverde - 1986

Irvin - 1st Round
Perriman - 2nd round
Highsmith - 1st Round

Steve Walsh - 1988

Chudzinski - undrafted
Conley - undrafted
Dawkins - 9th round
Gary - 1st Round
A. Brown - undrafted

Cam Ward - 2024

Arroyo - 2nd round
Restrepo - Udfa
George - Udfa
Horton - TBD
 
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2. The NFL draft is the ultimate determining factor in whether a player was a good college player.

Define "good college player". I think a college player is good, maybe even great, if they produced and excelled at their position regardless if they successfully transitioned to becoming an NFL player, be it briefly, a journeymen , or HOF.
 
TemplarCane said:
2. The NFL draft is the ultimate determining factor in whether a player was a good college player.

Define "good college player". I think a college player is good, maybe even great, if they produced and excelled at their position regardless if they successfully transitioned to becoming an NFL player, be it briefly, a journeymen , or HOF.
Click to expand...
That’s why I merely provided facts leaving the analysis to others.
That said, I agree with you 100%!
You can be a GREAT college player and never play a game in the NFL.

Restrepo will always be a UM great, regardless of if he ever takes an NFl snap. He didn’t just pad his numbers under Cam. He did it with mediocre QB’s as well. The kid was a baller, he just didn’t have the traits the NFL was looking for. Hope he proves them wrong.
 
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