Popular Post Jonboy Posted December 11, 2013 Popular Post Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 Pull up a chair. Grab some coffee. Prop your feet. This one is a doozy. I’m as big a fan as Jake Locker as anyone. Unfortunately, his health is a huge concern. Therefore, I would not pick up his option for 2015. It may be easier to wait on Locker if we were convinced he was a true franchise QB. Sadly, we’ve seen too many ups and downs to be completely convinced of that. I still believe he could become a franchise QB…if he could stay on the field. Of that, however, I’m not convinced. The 2013 Titans were an average QB away from the playoffs (heck, even the division). Thus, my top priority heading into 2014 would be to find a quarterback. The free agent qb class looks to be chocked full of the usual suspects. The Rex Grossman’s, Derek Anderson’s, and Kellen Clemens’ of the world aren’t really what this team needs. It’s possible Jay Cutler is available and while I would be tempted, I feel his injuries are too great a concern. That combined with the fact that he’s never been much more than a slightly above average QB leads me to think he isn’t worth the money. Unfortunately, the Titans weren’t bad enough to obtain a top 5 pick. I still think the draft is where we have to find our QB. Derek Carr is certainly rising…but no QB comes close to Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater. Full disclosure here: I’m a Louisville alum. While this means I may be more willing to overlook faults, it also means I’ve watched him with a keen eye throughout his 3 seasons with the Cardinals. I see a QB who can be a star in the NFL. It may not even be possible depending on who has the top 2-3 picks, but if, and it’s a big if, the opportunity is there? I would trade up, whatever it costs, to draft Teddy Bridgewater*. Bridgewater took over the starting job 4 games into his freshman year. He managed to throw for over 2000 yards and completed 65% of his passes. He threw 14 TDs to 12 ints. He was named Big East Rookie of the Year and Freshman All-American. He absolutely blew up in his sophomore season, throwing for 3700 yards and a 69% completion rate. His TDs increased to 28 and his INTs fell to only 8. To this point in his career, a major knock people had is that he didn’t do all this against top competition: enter, the Florida Gators. Louisville met Florida in the 2013 Sugar Bowl. It was Teddy v.s. the nation’s number 1 pass efficiency defense and he threw for a pair of TDs, 266 yards, and led the Cardinals to a 33-23 upset of the Gators. Florida's All-America safety Matt Elam raised some eyebrows around the SEC when he said of Bridgewater earlier this week: "I feel like, hands down, he's the best quarterback we will face this year." Turns out Elam was right. The Gators shut down Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M and intercepted Georgia's Aaron Murray — the nation's second-rated passer — three times. But Teddy B turned the Gators into teddy bears. The Cardinals couldn't run the ball at all, but Bridgewater still shredded UF's defense like coleslaw cabbage. http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-01-03/sports/os-mike-bianchi-gators-cards-sugar-bowl-0103-20130103_1_muschamp-florida-gators-teddy-bridgewater Unsurprisingly, his 2013 numbers also impress: 3500 yards, 70% completion, 28 TDs, and only 4 INTs (Louisville still has a bowl game). He has great size at 6’3 although his small frame is a concern. He’s currently under 200 lbs, but it shouldn’t be a problem to bulk up once he’s in an NFL workout program. Numbers can’t quantify the most impressive thing about Bridgewater. No, the most impressive thing about Teddy is what’s between the ears. Throughout his time at Louisville, he’s shown total command of the offense. He reads defenses, makes the audibles, line calls, adjustments…you name it. He’s not going to grade out as highly as Andrew Luck…but when it comes to his knowledge of the offense, that's the level of understanding and command of the offense you can expect from Bridgewater. “Bridgewater rates off the charts in this area, according to scouts and colleagues that I've spoken with in recent weeks. He routinely walks to the line with two or three play calls at his disposal in the Cardinals' "check with me" system (the quarterback will change the play or the direction of the play call based on the defensive alignment).” http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000260626/article/film-room-breaking-down-louisville-qb-teddy-bridgewater Gruden's QB camp segment with Teddy will be must-see TV. Recent Titans QB selections, Vince Young and Jake Locker, faced numerous questions about their accuracy and their knowledge of the game. Neither will be a question with Bridgewater. Similar to VY and Locker, he has a great arm...but he differs from both in that he's deadly accurate. There will be throws and games where he occasionally misses, but pinpoint accuracy is far more often the norm for Teddy. Time after time I've seen him zip balls into tight windows or place just the right amount of touch on a fade in the endzone. He's not a running quarterback, but he can definitely move around the pocket and scramble if need be. A number of scouts compare him to Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith in that regard. Others say he's a much more polished Geno Smith. I believe he’s worth everything it would take for us to get him. Take a look at the articles below if you're interested in some additional reading. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000264095/article/scouts-take-bridgewaters-character-drawing-raves http://sports.yahoo.com/news/louisville-cardinals-teddy-bridgewater-continues-rise-top-nfl-154400780--ncaaf.html So…what would it take to get him and how much would we have to give up? Atlanta is the key. They would almost certainly be the trade partner as they already have their QB in Matt Ryan. Right now, the Texans are in the driver’s seat for the #1 pick. The only other team who MAY be willing to deal is St. Louis (via their pick from Washington). So we either have to hope that the Falcons have the #1 pick or that someone at the top passes on Bridgewater (very little chance imo). The thought of Bridgewater in Houston, Luck in Indy, and Carr in Jacksonville is a scary one for the Titans. The fact that so many QB-needy teams will be at the top of the draft is all the more reason to trade up. Houston, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Minnesota, Oakland, and potentially even St. Louis could be looking for a new signal caller. The top QBs may all be gone by the time the Titans pick. That leaves us looking to round two or four (no 3rd rounder in 2013) for our QB or overdrafting drastically in round 1. Literally, no other option excites me or would give me any confidence going into 2014. Cutler is injury-prone, getting older, makes big mistakes, and he’s just never been more than an average to above average QB. A.J. McCarron out of Alabama could be an option if we waited until round 2. Zack Mettenberger and Aaron Murray have undeniable talent, but they’re both coming off ACL injuries and had a series of question marks even before that. If I were the Titans GM, I wouldn’t hesitate to trade for Teddy. I took a quick look at three of the biggest trades in recent memory. The Redskins moved up 4 spots, from 6th to 2nd,to take RGIII. They gave up their first rounder, plus 2 future firsts, plus a 2nd rounder. The Falcons moved up 21 spots (27th to 6th) to draft Julio Jones. They traded their first, 2nd, and 4th rounder, plus a future 1st and 4th rounder. Ditka pulled one of the craziest trades in draft history when he moved up 7 spots (12th to 5th) to take Ricky Williams. They gave up their 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and a future 1st and 3rd rounder. The Titans would likely have to move up 5-10 spots depending on where exactly we finish. I can accept trading away one future first. Two futures would be hard to accept, but I’d do it if that were what it took. Of course, you could expect a number of other picks to be thrown in as well in all likelihood. These are pretty insane and I know it would be difficult to swallow. It may not even matter if the Titans win out or if the Texans are picking number 1. But I hope we have that chance. And I hope we take it. Call me a homer…but that’s how much I believe in Teddy Bridgewater. *Disclaimer: I realize this has about .01% chance of actually happening; however, I still enjoyed the dream. Number9, heyitsmeallen, Dmeade-, and 5 others 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
scine09 Posted December 11, 2013 Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 You only do that if you can get Andrew Luck or Peyton Manning. Bridgewater is neither of those. And if you really want to show how great Bridgewater is showing him elude tacklers on one play and then throwing to a wide open guy on the 2nd isn't going to do the trick. Can Bridgewater routinely hit a crossing receiver 30 yards downfield with men in his face? TennesseeTuxedo 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan Posted December 11, 2013 Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 Jason Campbell.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeamRamrod Posted December 11, 2013 Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 You only do that if you can get Andrew Luck or Peyton Manning. Bridgewater is neither of those. And if you really want to show how great Bridgewater is showing him elude tacklers on one play and then throwing to a wide open guy on the 2nd isn't going to do the trick. Can Bridgewater routinely hit a crossing receiver 30 yards downfield with men in his face? He's deadly accurate. The only issues he's going to face from scouts is from a physical stand point. Smaller frame and hands. He's going to be a force in the pros in my opinion of course. Jonboy, and Number9 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonboy Posted December 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 And if you really want to show how great Bridgewater is showing him elude tacklers on one play and then throwing to a wide open guy on the 2nd isn't going to do the trick. Can Bridgewater routinely hit a crossing receiver 30 yards downfield with men in his face?From the second article I linked... "He never appears rattled or flustered facing pressure, and his ability to bounce back from big hits or poor plays is a testament to his confidence and cool demeanor. Against Rutgers, Bridgewater never blinked in the face of pressure despite taking a few big shots in the pocket. Although the Scarlet Knights recorded two sacks in the game, Bridgewater was seemingly unfazed by the pressure, as he routinely delivered accurate throws to his receivers with rushers in close proximity. This is certainly an encouraging sign to NFL evaluators that understand how frequently quarterbacks must throw with defenders near their feet in the pocket." http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000260626/article/film-room-breaking-down-louisville-qb-teddy-bridgewater Jason Campbell.. Not a very accurate comparison. Go back and read Campbell's scouting reports. He had a number of flaws. Some didn't even project him to the 1st round (was actually taken late round 1). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercalius Posted December 11, 2013 Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 Good writeup Jonboy. I'm really fond of Bridgewater as a prospect, and (I posted it in the draft forum) recent reports are that Carr might be surpassing him as the first QB off the board come draft time. I think Carr's a fine prospect as well, but I'd personally give the nod to Teddy. I'm not sure a scenario really exists where we could trade up to get him, especially with as many QB needy teams that will be drafting ahead of us and us not having a 3rd rounder this year, but if a realistic move is possible - I'd be very happy to have him as a Titan. To me, he's easily the best QB prospect to come out since Luck, and better than many that came out before him. Playing for Louisville, it's hard to get a grasp on how good he really is, but you can only play who's on your schedule, and he did come up huge against Florida in their bowl game last year (while playing injured). Like others have mentioned, his accuracy (much like Bradford when came out in 2010) seems head and shoulders above his peers, and mixed with the other things you've mentioned (pro style offense, line calls, etc) he's a damn fine prospect. Sadly, I just can't think of a way for it to really happen. Jonboy 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonboy Posted December 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 Sadly, I just can't think of a way for it to really happen. Very little chance it CAN happen and even less of chance that we would pull the trigger. I plan to revisit this once the draft order is actually set. If we somehow end up in the 6-7 range and St. Louis or Atlanta is picking first...I'd find a way. I think it appears far more likely that Houston keeps the first pick a we end up around 9 or 10. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
abenjami Posted December 11, 2013 Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 It's not really an outrageous plan at all. Having a stud franchise QB is a huge advantage in this league and the best way to have a nice long window for a super bowl run (or 2, or 3). You sell out to get one if you don't have the ability to get the right guy with the draft pick you have. And if he fails, you get back on your horse and do it again until you strike gold. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonboy Posted December 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 It's not really an outrageous plan at all. Having a stud franchise QB is a huge advantage in this league and the best way to have a nice long window for a super bowl run (or 2, or 3). You sell out to get one if you don't have the ability to get the right guy with the draft pick you have. And if he fails, you get back on your horse and do it again until you strike gold. Well...outrageous for the Titans, lol. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SleepingTitan Posted December 11, 2013 Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 How many times in our history have we moved up in the draft? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ManningEnvy Posted December 11, 2013 Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 The Football Gods are laughing their asses off right now. They're drawing straws on who gets to light the bag full of steaming dog shit setting by your front door. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Number9 Posted December 11, 2013 Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 (edited) He's deadly accurate. The only issues he's going to face from scouts is from a physical stand point. Smaller frame and hands. He's going to be a force in the pros in my opinion of course.I was looking to see if you addressed his size and you did. I like Bridgewater. I think A.J. McCarron is a qb who could win with the talent the Titans have in place. Obviously he would be a better sell to Titans fans who like Locker. Chance Warmack has taken a little shine off the great Alabama players being surrounded with great talent. I have watched both these qbs go through reads and progressions. TB is the better player, but AJ could be the kind of guy who will take the beating a NFL qb has to take. How high is McCarron supposed to go? Meant to quote Jonboy. Edited December 11, 2013 by Number9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercalius Posted December 11, 2013 Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 (edited) I was looking to see if you addressed his size and you did. I like Bridgewater. I think A.J. McCarron is a qb who could win with the talent the Titans have in place. Obviously he would be a better sell to Titans fans who like Locker. Chance Warmack has taken a little shine off the great Alabama players being surrounded with great talent. I have watched both these qbs go through reads and progressions. TB is the better player, but AJ could be the kind of guy who will take the beating a NFL qb has to take. How high is McCarron supposed to go? At the start of the season, he was projected from most to be anywhere in the rounds 3-5. This year he's really helped himself and I've heard a lot of 1st round talk, but I think to solidify himself as a first round pick he'll have to have an outstanding combine and would benefit himself tremendously by playing in (and playing well) during the Senior Bowl. As of right now, I believe most people have him in the 20-60 range, but there's still plenty of time to increase his stock. To add further about McCarron, I've tried to be "meh" on him for the last two years. Didn't see anything special last year, and there are some limitations to his game (arm strength being one, but Foles this year has proven that what limits you in college may not define your career). I hear a lot of "Brady" talk in connection with McCarron, and while I don't really see that personally, he does everything you like to see a QB do, and he does it very well. And he's been doing it for several years now. He's not McElroy, but that stigma of being a good AL quarterback on National Championship teams that very likely does nothing at the next level has always sorta framed my opinion of him, but you can't deny his numbers this year and time and time again driving AL down the field to win games during crunch time. He's big, can take a hit, seems like a student of the game, and possesses that clutch factor that you'd like your quarterback to have. That being said, like Teddy, you have to look at where he plays and weigh that into your evaluation to make it fair. He's grown on me a lot over the last year, which is saying something considering I hate Alabama, but I'm not personally sure I'd be happy if we picked him in the first round. Anything after that though, and I'd certainly be willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. Edited December 11, 2013 by Mercalius Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvyablue256 Posted December 11, 2013 Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 Get ready to catch hell Jonboy. You know our fan base and this board doesn't like to hear about this "do what it takes to win" nonsense. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan Posted December 11, 2013 Report Share Posted December 11, 2013 Quarterback from Northern Illinois reminds me of Russell Wilson I'd be tempted to draft him later rounds Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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