“Flameouts”
May 18th, 2015
The Buccaneers’ running backs depth should be soothing, especially when considering the fizzle rate of stud college backs.
Pickpocket-thwarting, Bucs-uniform-frowning, Allie-LaForce-smitten, Big-Ten-Network-hating, pedestrian-bumping, olive oil-lapping, popcorn-munching, coffee-slurping, fried-chicken-eating, oatmeal-loving, circle-jerking, beer-chugging, cricket-watching, scone-loathing, college football-naïve, baseball-box-score-reading, NPR-listening, filthy-hotel-staying, fight-instigating, barista-training Peter King, of Sports Illustrated and NBC Sports fame, tickled this subject a bit in his Monday Morning Quarterback column for TheMMQB.com.
King looks at a five-year window of stud college prospects and notes that half left their teams weeping.
Some of the backs picked in the top two rounds since 2009: Christine Michael, Montee Ball, Trent Richardson, David Wilson (injured, I know), Isaiah Pead, LaMichael James, Mikel Leshoure, Daniel Thomas, Jahvid Best, Ben Tate, Montario Hardesty, Beanie Wells. Between 2009 and 2013, 26 backs got picked in the first two rounds, and half of them are current flameouts.
Welcome to the NFL Draft. Half the players selected on the draft’s first two days, sometimes more, are busts.
This is why Joe calls Packers GM Ted Thompson a draft “yoda.” The man sees what others don’t, and Green Bay shuns free agents year after year and keeps on winning.
Joe’s not worried about the Bucs running backs. Dirk Koetter should be able to get the most of the four men available. They’ve all got strengths. Joe hopes ego and/or a burning desire to see one guy succeed more than another is not a factor.
May 18th, 2015 at 11:15 am
Whatever happened to mike james he seemed like a guy that was on the rise, I know he got hurt but he seemed to be not part of the last year scheme or future
May 18th, 2015 at 11:19 am
“Joe hopes ego and/or a burning desire to see one guy succeed more than another is not a factor.”
Agreed but unfortunately it’s just wishful thinking.
May 18th, 2015 at 11:37 am
“Joe hopes ego and/or a burning desire to see one guy succeed more than another is not a factor.”
are you saying we’ll have another josh freeman saga on our hands? cuz competition is a way of life in the NFL. on RG3 thinks he shouldn’t have to compete for his job. cream rises to the top and I really hope it’s Charles sims since they aren’t picking up the 5th year option on doug martin
May 18th, 2015 at 11:52 am
Ted Thompson has had Favre and Rodgers, Joe you could be a draft “yoda” too if those were your QB’s.
May 18th, 2015 at 11:53 am
If you look at Thompson’s draft they honestly aren’t impressive, he is good at wide receivers i’ll give him that!
May 18th, 2015 at 11:58 am
lol yea because ahmad green was the best running back they ever had in my lifetime, like the only decent running back before eddie lacy came along….ted Thompson far from “Yoda”
May 18th, 2015 at 5:11 pm
Thompson: Looks like Yoda Drafts like Dominic
May 19th, 2015 at 8:42 am
Umm..it could because most of those backs were workhorses in college and come in with less tread on the tires or more wear and tear on them. Just a thought.