Cassel > Cutler by Mel Kiper Jr.

[EyePod]

Tuesday with Mel Kiper Jr.

Mel says Cassel is better than Cutler


This week, Jay Cutler's moaning has distracted Mel Kiper Jr. from his usual draft content. "Talk about whining and complaining -- this is at the top of the list," Kiper says.
Kiper: Cassel > Cutler

Cutler's complaining came about because the Denver Broncos tried to trade Cutler in a three-team deal that would have brought over Matt Cassel from New England. But when the trade fell through, Cutler started to complain.

Kiper says Cassel would have been an "upgrade" over Cutler and that Cutler is, to put it mildly, overrated. "[Cutler] throws one pass, he's a Hall of Famer," Kiper says. "I've seen the media put him in the Hall of Fame. I had to run to the bathroom quick. It was making me ill. I've been hearing this overhype. "This guy was overhyped at the combine, he was overhyped at Senior Bowl week, he's been overhyped before he was drafted. The media, they love Jay Cutler. Jay Cutler can do no wrong. I've been saying he's overrated since day one. Everyone's been pounding their chests saying, 'Oh, I love Jay Cutler, I'm a genius.' They have egg on their face now." Kiper points out that Cutler has yet to lead the Broncos to a winning record or a playoff appearance. Also, Kiper says, "[Cutler] makes throws that leave you scratching your head, which I said on draft day when he was picked. Yeah, he's got a strong arm, but my daughter knew he had a strong arm. She could've written that report."

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Kiper compares Cutler to Jeff George. "Jeff George had a great arm, and Jeff George had a lot of great games in this league, and people were putting Jeff George in the HOF early in his career," Kiper says. "So I'm just telling you, this is ridiculous." Also, Cutler once said he had a better arm than John Elway. Not surprisingly, Kiper isn't a big fan of that comment, either. "So what? Who cares? Why would you make a comparison to John Elway? That could be taken like you're in a position to critique the quarterback that is a legend."
Cornerbacks

Back to discussing the draft. "There isn't that one true shutdown cornerback available this year," Kiper says. "And after the subpar 40 times run by the defensive backs at the combine workout, this position isn't really as strong or as deep as originally anticipated." Michael Jenkins, Ohio State: "Jenkins is barely maintaining his spot as the No. 1 cornerback," Kiper says. Although Kiper points out that Jenkins "brings a ton of experience and sound technique to the position," he ran a 4.55 40-yard dash at the combine, which makes Kiper worry whether he's worthy of first-round consideration. Vontae Davis, Illinois: Davis is on Jenkins' heels as the top cornerback in this class. But "he lacks the necessary consistency and is still a work in progress," Kiper says. "But physically, he has the awesome physical talent you look for to warrant a first-round grade." D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt: Kiper says he has impressive cover skills, good return skills, smooth hips and good ball skills, but he lacks good recovery speed. Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest: "The 5-9, 193-pounder would be a first-round lock if he were a few inches taller and a bit faster," Kiper says. Darius Butler, Connecticut: Butler is a multiskilled athlete with outstanding recovery speed, Kiper says. Butler also saw action on offense, with nine receptions, and is a solid kick returner.

Underrated: Donald Washington, Ohio State: Washington left school early, a move that many people questioned, but Kiper says he is a solid second-rounder and will draw consideration in the latter portion of Round 1. "He has the physical skills you look for," Kiper says.

Others with early-round potential

• Jairus Byrd, Oregon
• Keenan Lewis, Oregon State
• Brandon Hughes, Oregon State
• Captain Munnerlyn, South Carolina
• Sean Smith, Utah
• Asher Allen, Georgia
• Jerraud Powers, Auburn

Safeties

Because USC's Taylor Mays opted to return to school, there isn't a true star at safety in this draft, Kiper says. William Moore, Missouri: After his junior season, in which he made eight interceptions, he was considered a first-round pick. But Kiper says a foot injury early in his senior season caused him to have just one pick last season. However, he ran an "impressive" 4.5-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. "He could turn out to be a steal in Round 2," Kiper says. Louis Delmas, Western Michigan: "A true ball hawk at free safety." Rashad Johnson, Alabama: "Had a spectacular year in the SEC, evidenced by his three-interception performance against LSU back in early November," Kiper says. He adds that Johnson is smart and instinctive, with his only weakness being a lack of ideal size (5-foot-11, 202 pounds). Others with early-round potential

• Emanuel Cook, South Carolina
• Patrick Chung, Oregon
• Sherrod Martin, Troy
• Darcel McBath, Texas Tech
• Chip Vaughn, Wake Forest
• David Bruton, Notre Dame
• Michael Hamlin, Clemson

Outside linebackers

"While there are several high-profile inside linebackers, there's no question the outside linebacker spot is much better when it comes to talent and overall depth," Kiper says. He predicts that as many as four outside linebackers could be chosen in Round 1 of the draft. Aaron Curry, Wake Forest: Curry is the top player on Kiper's draft board. The multidimensional linebacker gets "high grades in all aspects of outside linebacker play." Kiper says he is destined to be a perennial Pro Bowler. Brian Cushing, USC: Kiper says Cushing is able to perform effectively in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. Also, he is more "proven and battle-tested" than his teammate Clay Matthews. Clay Matthews, USC: Matthews is in the Mike Vrabel mold and excels as a pass-rusher, Kiper reports. He is rocketing up draft boards after one season as a starter at USC. Larry English, Northern Illinois: "He was a force to be reckoned with with the Huskies." Clint Sintim, Virginia: "He has the talent and wingspan to operate on his feet or shift to a down defensive end position." He likely will be drafted in the second round. Inside linebackers

Rey Maualuga, USC: "He ranks as one of the hardest-hitting tacklers you will ever come across." James Laurinaitis, Ohio State: "He isn't flashy and lacks awesome computer numbers, but he gets extremely high grades in the consistency department." Kiper believes he needs to be protected by quality defensive tackle play. Others with early-round potential

• Jason Phillips, TCU
• Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh
• Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina
• Gerald McRath, Southern Mississippi
• Darry Beckwith, LSU

T.O.'s replacement?

With Terrell Owens gone, Kiper thinks Roy Williams will have to step up and be the No. 1 receiver in Dallas. "When he was at [the University of] Texas, he had great talent -- he flashed it time and time again." But Kiper believes Williams needs to be more assertive. "Don't be necessarily T.O. or Randy Moss. But you've got to go out there and have a little bit of an attitude -- a little chip on your shoulder," Kiper says. So who will play opposite Williams? Kiper says the Cowboys could find a quick slot receiver in the second round, like Brian Robiskie from Ohio State or Juaquin Iglesias from Oklahoma. Or they could roll the dice and go for Pat White from West Virginia, a quarterback whom many teams view as a wide receiver. Kiper says White could be the next Antwaan Randle El. But those are the Cowboys' options only if Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina) and Kenny Britt (Rutgers) are off the board by the time the Cowboys make their first pick of the draft in Round 2.








LOL. Cutler fans have egg on their face.... hahaha what a great insult.

[Codered]

Come on now ... I am excited as much as the next guy about Cassel and the Broncos troubles but seriously Mel?

[MTG#10]

I have big hopes for Cassell, but to say he's better than Cutler right now is just plain stupid.

[vailpass]

Mel Kiper? Brotha' please.

[beach tribe]

I think Mel Kiper, and Mecca are the same guy.

Both overvalue their own opinion, and are wrong more often than they will ever admit.

[Chief Roundup]

espn has been showing that little blurb about all of this and comparing Cassel and Cutler based on last seasons numbers and Cassel comes out ahead. And right now I think Jay is hurting himself more with the "whining" that he is doing. Not returning phone calls from Bowlen..the owner...He is starting to make himself look like a problem.

[milkman]

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup

espn has been showing that little blurb about all of this and comparing Cassel and Cutler based on last seasons numbers and Cassel comes out ahead. And right now I think Jay is hurting himself more with the "whining" that he is doing. Not returning phone calls from Bowlen..the owner...He is starting to make himself look like a problem.

The fact is that Cutler needs to grow up, but he has tons more upside than Cassel.

[htismaqe]

We've yet to see Leinart play in a system that really suits his arm strength. Sure, that arm strength is a big negative, but it's not the only thing that's important in a big-time QB. Intangibles have alot to do with it, and whether or not Leinart has those is yet to be determined.

The thing is, Kiper is right about Cutler. People are enamored with his physical tools, but nobody (other than Kiper apparently) had ever stopped to examine whether or not this guy has the mental makeup to be a champion. I said at the time he was drafted that I didn't think he did, and so far, he's done nothing but prove me (and Kiper) right.

[DrRyan]

Originally Posted by milkman

The fact is that Cutler needs to grow up, but he has tons more upside than Cassel.

Upside = hoping that he pans out.

I would say assessing a player based on upside is pretty equal to drafting for need. Not the same, but similar. It happens every single year in the MLB draft where half of the first rounders(or more) are high school kids drafted on potential. When all is said and done, a small percentage of them turn out being big time MLBers.

Like I said, not the same, but quite similar.

[MMXcalibur]

Originally Posted by EyePod

With Terrell Owens gone, Kiper thinks Roy Williams will have to step up and be the No. 1 receiver in Dallas.

Wow. Hard hitting analysis right there.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by milkman

The fact is that Cutler needs to grow up, but he has tons more upside than Cassel.

Does he? He's got ALL of the physical tools. There's very little that he can develop on the physical side. And mentally, it's not something that even CAN be developed. He's either a winner, or he's not.

I think Cutler is, right now, what he's going to be. THIS is Jay Cutler.

[milkman]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Does he? He's got ALL of the physical tools. There's very little that he can develop on the physical side. And mentally, it's not something that even CAN be developed. He's either a winner, or he's not.

I think Cutler is, right now, what he's going to be. THIS is Jay Cutler.

It also possible that he will be like George and never get it.

But I don't think you can completely rule out the possibility that he'll mature.

If he does mature, that combined with his physical tools would make him an elite QB.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by milkman

It also possible that he will be like George and never get it.

But I don't think you can completely rule out the possibility that he'll mature.

If he does mature, that combined with his physical tools would make him an elite QB.

I can't completely rule it out, no.

But he actually seems to be regressing, so to say I've seen anything to even suggest that he might be able to turn the corner would be exaggerating.

I just don't see him being anything more than he is today - a very good QB with a great arm that won't ever win anything of significance.

[blaise]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

We've yet to see Leinart play in a system that really suits his arm strength. Sure, that arm strength is a big negative, but it's not the only thing that's important in a big-time QB. Intangibles have alot to do with it, and whether or not Leinart has those is yet to be determined.

The thing is, Kiper is right about Cutler. People are enamored with his physical tools, but nobody (other than Kiper apparently) had ever stopped to examine whether or not this guy has the mental makeup to be a champion. I said at the time he was drafted that I didn't think he did, and so far, he's done nothing but prove me (and Kiper) right.

He may be right about Cutler, but that doesn't exuse the fact that he's telling other people how wrong they were when Leinart has done nothing and Vince Young is a train wreck- both of whom he claimed were better. If he wants to bash Cutler, that's cool, but for him to be deriding other people because they liked him is ridiculous. Look in the mirror, Mel. As far as Leinert yet to be determined- he couldn't earn his way onto the field so I don't see any way anyone could claim he's anywhere near Cutler yet.

[orange]

Pro-Bowl >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> bench

[vailpass]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

We've yet to see Leinart play in a system that really suits his arm strength. Sure, that arm strength is a big negative, but it's not the only thing that's important in a big-time QB. Intangibles have alot to do with it, and whether or not Leinart has those is yet to be determined.

The thing is, Kiper is right about Cutler. People are enamored with his physical tools, but nobody (other than Kiper apparently) had ever stopped to examine whether or not this guy has the mental makeup to be a champion. I said at the time he was drafted that I didn't think he did, and so far, he's done nothing but prove me (and Kiper) right.

A young all-pro QB being a hot head? Who ever heard of such a thing? Cutler, like a lot of twenty-something ultra-competitve athletes, needs to grow into his role. He is a smart guy that doesn't appreciate the new kid-coach ****ing with him and isn't afraid to say so.
Is that the mature thing to do? No. But I bet it feels good.