STRENGTHS
Joe reminds me of the Buffalo Bills Running back LeSean McCoy. He is without a
doubt one of the most talented running backs in this group of, very talented
running backs. His ability to run between the tackles and break tackles because
of his quickness and lateral agility and burst is unique. His ability to take
the ball to the house on any play from any place on the field because of his
blazing speed is impressive. Joe’s hand eye coordination to catch a pass any
place on the field is also impressive. He is a patient runner setting up blocks
and changing speeds when running between the tackles. He has those quick feet
that make it easy for him to change direction in a broom closet and make two
other players in that broom closet miss him. He has excellent size and runs with
this slinky, sliding method that eludes tacklers when running between the
tackles. He is a good blocker and can play multiple positions for your offense.
In short if you look in the dictionary for the definition of the perfect running
back you might see Joe’s face. In fact as far as on the field, Joe might be
consider by some teams as the best running back in this draft. I would not
disagree with them as far as “on the field” but it takes more than talent to
play in the NFL.
CONCERNS
Being the perfect running back on the field does not supersede Joe’s off field
behavior. Also you have to question Joe’s maturity on and off the field and his
mental stamina to hold up to the rigors of the NFL season.
BOTTOM LINE
The definition of the word rigors is, “unrelenting strictness or toughness in
dealing with people or things and an unwillingness to make allowances”. The
running back position this year has four or five running backs with talent close
or equal, to Joe’s talents on the field and all of them have less baggage that
they bring with them into the league. If Joe stayed in college another year with
no other issues I would not hesitate to select him in the first round as his
talents suggest because that would show me the maturity that I’m looking for in
his actions and not just words. But… that’s just me and I’m sure others will
have a argument suggest I’m an unrelenting jerk who thinks he’s better than
anyone else. Of course those people attacking me for my views show their
immaturity. We are talking about a business and Joe right now is a public
relations nightmare and distraction for the rest of the players on your team if
you select him in the 1st round this year as his talents suggest. Of course the
closer we get to the Draft and with the correct public relations people working
for him, all of his indiscretions become muted and people are willing to see his
talent more than they see his off field “altercations”. I would not take Joe off
my board to select because; his issues are in the past. But because of his
coming out early (to me) that adds to his personal maturity question marks and
that’s why I believe in the third round I would be more willing to take a chance
on that lack of maturity he may have now…maturing without issues for the length
of his first contract.
Drew Boylhart
JAN.2017
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