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New Jersey – Jets General Manager Mike Maccagnan was at Oregon’s Pro Day, and saw an underwhelming performance by Marcus Mariota.
And you know what, if you are inaccurate throwing against air, what are you going to do with NFL pass rushers breathing down your neck?
First of all, it needs to be pointed out that Maccagnan being at Oregon’s Pro Day means nothing vis-à-vis the Jets’ interest in Mariota.
It’s so ridiculous that some people in the media surmise that a GM being at a workout means he’s interested in a particular player.
That is nonsense. It’s Maccagan’s job, along with his scouts, to go to these workouts. It’s part of the process.
And keep in mind, Oregon has a few other good prospects, like offensive tackle Jake Fisher, defensive tackle Arik Armstead, center Hroniss Grasu and cornerback Troy Hill.
So Maccagan was checking out all of them.
The fact that Mariota missed on some throws should come as no surprise. He’s a major work-in-progress. If I were a GM, I’d have him sit for not one, but two years.
When you compare what he was asked to do in Oregon’s offense, with what most NFL teams would ask him to do, sans the Eagles perhaps, it’s like comparing apples to oranges.
He has a good arm and great wheels to go along with a terrific attitude and work ethic. This could work, but it’s going to time, something in short supply in an instant gratification society.
I think if a team picks him, and handles him like Green Bay handled Aaron Rodgers, this could turn out to be a good pick.
But it’s fools gold to pick this guy and start him as a rookie.
He has so much to work on. His footwork and mechanics need an overhaul . . .
With so much focus on the Jets’ additions of Darrelle Revis and Antonio “Cro” Cromartie, the signings of cornerback Buster Skrine and safety Marcus Gilchrist have fallen under the radar a little.
I like both of these additions.
I actually like them better than Revis and Cromartie in one category. Before you think I’m insane, let me explain.
Skrine and Gilchrist will both be 26 this season.
They are in still very young by NFL standards. This sport beats the crap out of your body. It really takes it’s toll. These guys still have young legs.
I’m not saying Revis and Cro don’t. We will see.
And the other good thing about Skrine and Gilchrist is the Jets are getting them after four years of development by another club. They learned the why’s and wherefores of their positions, and now they come to the Jets way up the growth curve. This isn’t like throwing Dee Milliner and Calvin Pryor to the wolves like Rex Ryan did the last two seasons. Skrine and Gilchrist know what they are doing out there.
Also, both of them have great character and work their tails off. Their former teammates loved them.
I like both of these signings.
March 13, 2015
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