Yeah, that 2001 RB room is almost impossible to top. I like our guys, but not sure there's a Portis or Gore or even Najey among them. Let along McGahee who I think was injured.Big fan of Mark Fletcher, but Najeh was bigger, faster, and had the overall edge in talent. I'm not sure what Ferman's comparison is based on, but when you consider the guys sitting behind the 2001 starters it's hard pencil anyone other than Mali in.
I know this is all for fun, but Mensah is a better pure talent than Dorsey and the stats support that...
Darian Mensah (14 games) outpaced Ken Dorsey (12 games) in pure statistical volume and efficiency, but Dorsey held the edge in team dominance and national accolades.
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We’re gonna have to let the season play out for this oneMensah is starting over Dorsey
The entire 2001 secondary played at an elite level as a unit and individually, none of the current corners or linebackers would have started on that 2001 teamDorsey was a consummate winner. Mensah is a better passer and athlete, and may prove to be as good of a winner. For those of us old enough to remember, we loved Dorsey but he threw some terrible passes and he lacked a true NFL arm. Mensah does not
The problem with Ferman’s list is he is looking at it from the hindsight of the NFL draft. if we really want to do this exercise, we have to think of who these payers were at UM in that season.
Rumph may not start over OJ/Lucas.
Gonzalez was not an all-world RT and may not start.
Toure/Smith probably are as effective as Campbell; better against the run and not as good against the pass.
If I’m right, then more than half the defense (3DL, 1LB and 2DB) are from 2026
QB, 1RB, 2OL and 1 WR are from 2026. Like @Pearson704 I actually wonder about Najeh/Fletcher. Pre-injury Najeh wins hands down. Post injury its hard to say because Najeh was always the FB.
That would be 11 out of 22.
I agree although I don't know if Dorsey can be considered better starter than Mensah. That is debatable. I watched the 2001 squad. Just ridiculous how talented and good they were. They showed that against PSU on road, cuse, Washington, Nebraska, FSU in Tallahassee that year. Ed Reed was the key to that team. He was a real leader.
Not so sure on the cbs starting . Lucas is the real deal