2012 NFL Draft: Mike Mayock Intrigued By Ryan Tannehill
by Brian Galliford on Feb 22, 2012 1:45 PM EST
in 2012 NFL Draft
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PrintIn 2008 and 2009, Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill lost two quarterback competitions to Stephen McGee and Jerrod Johnson, respectively. He played his first two seasons in the Big 12 at wide receiver, catching 101 passes for 1,453 yards and nine touchdowns in that time frame. In 2010, however, Tannehill got to go back to his natural quarterback position, and after two productive seasons under Mike Sherman - now the offensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins - the 6'4", 222-pound Tannehill is suddenly a coveted 2012 NFL Draft commodity.
The 23-year-old's story is unusual, but his on-field play has caused many respected talent evaluators to take notice. The latest to talk about Tannehill publicly: Mike Mayock, who appeared on Pro Football Talk Live just yesterday to address whether or not Tannehill was the real deal.
"There's something pretty interesting about this Tannehill kid," Mayock told Mike Florio.
"You know the background," Mayock continued. "He was their leading wide receiver in '08 and '09, and then gets converted to quarterback half-way through the 2010 season. He's only got 19 starts at the quarterback position, which is not enough, in my opinion, for most guys coming out. Does he have some development ahead of him? Absolutely."
Tannehill is a tall, commanding figure in the pocket with a big arm and the athletic ability to extend plays. The small sample size is a concern, and operating out of a college spread offense, Mayock sees one chief flaw in Tannehill's game at the moment: a lack of anticipation.
"What I see though, Mike, is a kid that has a big arm; understands and has a work ethic and a passion for the game; and the thing that he doesn't have that needs to develop... he lacks some anticipation, and he'll throw late into coverage," Mayock said. "In other words, he doesn't have enough trust in himself yet where he can throw a guy open. He's got to see the guy open before he throws it."
In the 2011 NFL Draft, several second-tier quarterback prospects - most notably Jake Locker and Christian Ponder - shot up draft boards quickly despite obvious warts to their game; Locker was taken No. 8 overall by Tennessee, and Ponder went four picks later to Minnesota. Both of those players are excellent athletic talents, and Mayock wasn't shy in equating Tannehill's draft-day potential to those two prospects.
"I really believe, and if you look at Locker and Ponder, this kid's as gifted as either of those," Mayock stated. "Is it a stretch to think he's going to go somewhere in the first half of the first round? No. So keep your eye on him."
We know that the Buffalo Bills need to start developing a quarterback. We know that the Bills have the No. 10 overall pick, which lands them right in the Locker-Ponder wheelhouse from a year ago. We also know that the Bills have more pressing immediate needs, particularly in the pass-rushing department. Our question for you: how willing are you to consider the possibility of the Bills using their third straight Top 10 pick on a raw, talented quarterback that may not play for a year or two?
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I'm ambivalent
On the one hand, it would be great to think the Bills have finally begun the process of developing a true franchise quarterback. They have Fitz under contract, so there would be no need to rush Tannehill’s development, which is good, since he seems like the kind of QB prospect that would benefit greatly from two years holding a clipboard.
On the other hand, there is a possibility that the Bills’ days in Buffalo are numbered, and I’d really like to see one more home playoff game before they go (if they go). So I’m in a win now mode, and I’d rather they draft the player that is going to help them the most RIGHT NOW.
Win Now
“So I’m in a win now mode, and I’d rather they draft the player that is going to help them the most RIGHT NOW.”
This should be the thinking. Unless they think they can get someone in the second round who can rush the passer, which is doubtful, then we should focus our attention at our biggest need. Tannehill will not be the BPA at 10.
by Josh Elmer on Feb 22, 2012 2:07 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Me too
The need for a pass rusher is huge, but the rule also says that you always take advantage of the opportunity to draft a true franchise QB if it becomes available to you. The question is whether Tannehill is a true franchise guy. He may be, but then again Osweiler, who the Bills can probably get in round two (they might have to trade up a little to be sure), could also be a franchise guy down the road. Buddy and Chan are going to need all their expertise to figure this one out. Of course, Tannehill may very likely be off the board before the Bills pick. He could go to Washington at #6 or Miami at #9.
some other comments
“what I saw on tape was impressive, and what I saw in person was as impressive if not more so. He has significant arm strength and very good accuracy…I think he’s going to go somewhere between 7 and 17 and I think he’s got the ability and make up to be a good starting quarterback in the NFL.”
Mayock on Jimmy Clausen. I think I’ll pass on his evaluation of talent for now.
With that said, if Tannehill is there in the 2nd take him but def not the 1st we need a playmaker who can play THIS year not someone who needs to ride the pine and carry a clip board.
Paranoids are not paranoid because they're paranoid, but because they keep putting themselves...deliberately into paranoid situations.
by christopher.j on Feb 22, 2012 2:02 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
most notably Jake Locker and Christian Ponder – shot up draft boards quickly despite obvious warts to their game
Jake Locker’s only supposed “wart” was his lack of accuracy. The criticism of Locker’s accuracy always baffled me. "Expert’s constantly pointed to his sub-par completion percentage as the indication that Locker had accuracy issues. But, did any of these experts watch any of Locker’s games? I did. And you know what I saw? I saw a great Quarterback he put the team on his shoulders and won game after game by himself. And do you know why he had to do it by himself? Because his receiving corps was a steaming pile of $hit. I have never seen a collection of more stone-handed receivers in one place in my life. Locker hit his receivers in the hands with regularity and watched as they let the ball drop to the ground. Locker’s accuracy was fine. His completion percentage was not. And that was the fault of his receivers, not him.
Tennessee obviously saw what I saw.
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 22, 2012 2:02 PM EST reply actions
A lot of people, including Der Jaeger, have observed that Tannehill would have put up much better stats for accuracy if he had had a better corps of receivers at Texas A&M.
So what does one do with Andrew Luck? He had marginal talent at WR and relied on his TEs.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 22, 2012 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
exactly
not like Tannehill would be coming to a team with significantly better weapons, to help him “highlight” his abilities.
Of course, he also wouldn’t even be starting for multiple years either. Not sure why we waste a pick on a bench sitter… rather than adding a weapon to develop with our current QB (who has few if any already) and then take our bench sitter, when he has less time he will have to sit on the bench.
Just because Rodgers sat for 3 years, doesn’t mean he couldn’t have played after 1 or 2. ANY time they get to develop, should be icing on the cake. Take Leinart for example (yadda yadda he sucks whatever. He was still a what? Oh yeah, a number 10 overall pick in the first round.
He rode the pine forever, and never got better. Mental reps do little. Practice does little. Game play does wonders. If we are gonna burn the pick on a QB, I want him to be the starter ASAP. (if not immediately, then in year 2, or 3 at the absolute latest.) The rest of the time, you are just letting time slip away from their career.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 22, 2012 11:24 PM EST up reply actions
He also played in an extraordinarily conservative offense, considering the type of passing offenses that are being played in college football today.
If you can, re-watch Stanford’s last regulation drive to tie the game against USC. Mostly runs. Mostly 2-3 tight ends in the game. Mostly short, timing passes. Very conservative. Effective. Not a knock against Luck.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
locker was the top rated QB in the country before his junior year, also.
just a tidbit I remember about the kid. He had some question marks going into his senior year, and among them was accuracy, but I saw what you saw: A winner who fought hard to win. He does get a little wide in his base though (legs too far apart) which created some issues. He has improved those things to SOME degree (or at least his pre draft tape showed some improvement) and it didn’t surprise me at all that he still went in the top of the draft.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 22, 2012 11:18 PM EST up reply actions
How willing are you to consider the possibility of the Bills using their third straight Top 10 pick on a raw, talented quarterback that may not play for a year or two?
I am not willing, whatsoever. Not our top 10. We need help in too many other places and have a QB that works already. The soonest I would be ok with drafting a QB in round 2. A QB that has to be developed and can sit behind Fitz. I would be much more comfortable with that coming in the 2nd round than the first.
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 22, 2012 2:06 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Not now and not with 10
ill take Brock in the 2nd though
"The Buffalo Bills have just exploded all over the Cincinnati Bangles"
-Steve Tasker-
Agreed
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 22, 2012 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
It's Tannehill's presence in the 2012 draft
That improves the odds that Brock Osweiler might last to pick #41. I believe they are actually similar talents and could both potentially be developed into special starting NFL QBs. But I agree that I’d rather invest the #41 pick in the right development QB prospect in 2012 than the #10 pick (which doesn’t really make any value sense). I’m simply pointing out that without Tannehill in this draft the odds that Osweiler could last through the entire first round become much dimmer.
If Nix/Gailey think this kid is a franchise QB in 2 years – take him. People are talking about “Win Now”, but I would rather have a chance at the Super Bowl in 3 years, than losing a wildcard playoff game or two over the next few years. The Bills aren’t going to the Superbowl with Fitz.
by jhloje on Feb 22, 2012 2:32 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
The Bills aren’t going to the Superbowl with Fitz.
I disagree. If Trent Dilfer can win a Super Bowl, Ryan Fitzpatrick can win a Super Bowl. Football is a team sport, and if there is a phenomenal team around Fitz, the Lombardi Trophy is a realistic possibility.
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 22, 2012 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
The ravens defense is in the top ten defenses of all time. They won despite the play of trent dilfer. That defense was so goid they won games with no tds scored alot. Its harder to build a 2000 ravens defense then find a franchise qb.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Feb 22, 2012 2:39 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
perhaps
but buffalo was better than average on offense last year losing a lot of people. they were 29th in defense. defense first.
NOBODY circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills.
by heff17 on Feb 22, 2012 2:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And the fact that they had a better than average offense...
should make one consider the possibility that Ryan Fitzpatrick is a great deal better than Trent Dilfer.
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 22, 2012 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
Yet they still stunk when it was all said and done.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 22, 2012 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
Right, and I put that on two things:
1) Terrible Defense
2) Lack of a Deep pass threat
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 23, 2012 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
Rypien had one of the greatest seasons ever in the NFL. He was an overnight sensation.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 22, 2012 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
Little history nugget: He apparently played for the Rochester Raiders in one game not too many years ago. Who’d have thought he’d wind up in upstate NY in that manner?
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 22, 2012 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
yeah the Bills D is not The Ravens
The Bills defense has a long way to go. The ONLY reason Dilfer won was because he had the Ravens D to kill opposng drives at key times. In that Super Bowl against the Giants in 2000 they won 34-7. Dilfer was 12-25 for 153 yards. Hardly a world beater. Ryan Fitzpatrick will never win a super bowl if Jim Kelly can’t with those Bills defense teams from 1990-1993
by BillsFan1972 on Feb 22, 2012 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
Nix and Gailey need to worry if they're going to be here in 2 years.
If they don’t win this year, they won’t.
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by twoeightnine on Feb 22, 2012 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
That's not a certainty.
If they go 8-8 and miss the playoffs, why not give them more time? That’s still progress. I say stick with them until they stop besting the previous year.
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 22, 2012 3:01 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Progress is winning all their divisional games. Progress is making the playoffs and playing like a team that belongs there.
Progress is not 8-8. 8-8 is Dick Jauron with sprinkles on top.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 22, 2012 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
lol
I wouldn’t call them sprinkles on top:)
OK, After 12 yrs. of inepititude lets set the bar a little higher regarding both talent and ownership. This is unacceptable for this franchise. Thanks for the memory's RW but let it go, please.
by buffalobacker on Feb 22, 2012 7:10 PM EST up reply actions
I am not measuring against Jauron. I am measuring CHIX against Year 1. CHIX made noticeable progress with the BIlls in year two. CHIX just ran out of depth, which CHIX is still planning to add and build. In Year 3, I guarantee there will be more noticeable progress. I just can’t guarantee the playoffs. But if they continually look better than the previous year, why would you stop the forward progress and start all over?
"The Amish Rifle is your god now." - Muzza34
by BuffaloOwdaTwnr on Feb 23, 2012 3:03 PM EST up reply actions
He fits the mold of WR they said they were after
Big kid who can go up and get the ball…haha. I wouldnt put it past them to draft him at #10 and use him as a wideout. Imagine the wildcat option you could get with him and Brad smith on the field, not knowing which guy is taking the snap and who is playing wideout.
a return of the wingback counter
That is an intriguing thought, even of one was under center and was running and pitched you would still have the option to throw is down te field or continue running depending in what the secondary did. It could have some knees knocking
Paranoids are not paranoid because they're paranoid, but because they keep putting themselves...deliberately into paranoid situations.
by christopher.j on Feb 22, 2012 2:50 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
The thing that scares me most about Tannehill,
Is that he “has to see his receivers are open before he’ll throw it”. I’ve heard several different people say this and it screams Trent Edwards to me. I think the ability to read what a defense is doing and throw a guy open is infinately more important than arm strength and athleticism. I’m obviously not saying he can’t learn to do this, but I WOULD NOT use our #10 pick to find out. If he falls to the second round, I may concider it, if OBD really feels he could be a franchise quarterback with more experience.
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby. That’s what we’ve got to do. We’ve got to show you the baby, and the baby is winning." - Buddy Nix
by Schwing9 on Feb 22, 2012 2:58 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
I prefer a QB that throws to open up his receiver.
"Son. People can see you!"
by TheAfghanTwilight on Feb 22, 2012 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
rec'd
…ability to read what a defense is doing and throw a guy open is infinately more important than arm strength and athleticism. I’m obviously not saying he can’t learn to do this, but I WOULD NOT use our #10 pick to find out.
To me, this is like a “killer instinct” in a fighter. It can be brought out (i.e. taught), but it’s so much more when it’s innate.
"WE’RE SUPER FREAKY" – STEVIE J
The Bills are like your parents. You can’t choose them, and no matter how much they disappoint you, and no matter how much you want to hate them, you simply love them. - BuffaloOwdaTwnr
by BigBlkGr8Dane on Feb 23, 2012 8:53 AM EST up reply actions
Could not disagree more
with Mayock’s assessment. I watched a lot of Big 12 football and Tanehill is athletic and fits the mold size wise, but he is not close to ready for NFL play. He does not make the tough throws and only throws to open receivers (as Mayock said). I would spend more time scouting Weeden and the Michigan State QB (Cousins? as an example), players that have some experience and actual playing ability during a game. Not on a prospect, not in the first round.
Mayock was also intrigued by Blaine Gabbert. And like Gabbert, I say no to Tannehill. I saw nothing of him at A&M that made me think he wouldn’t be anything other than a lesser Brad Smith.
by Wien on Feb 22, 2012 4:49 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I like what I've seen of him.
I would be fine if the Bills took him at #10. However, I don’t think there’s a chance they do, because Nix and Gailey (mainly Gailey) need to win this year, and because of that they need to draft a guy in the first to make an instant impact, which would not be Tannehill.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
Tannehill
At 10 I’d look elsewhere considering his lack of experience in college. Chan or Nix not sure whom said they look for player “proven” in college Tannehills not that player. Not saying he’s got no talent just not NFL ready and at 10 overall please get talent, not upside or potenial.
OK, After 12 yrs. of inepititude lets set the bar a little higher regarding both talent and ownership. This is unacceptable for this franchise. Thanks for the memory's RW but let it go, please.
I would like to see a QB taken within the first 3 rounds.
Either Tannehill in the 1st, Osweiler in the 2nd, BJ Coleman in the 3rd, even though that may be a reach. Take a QB that we can develop for the next 2 years.
Mario Williams.
lol
OK Der Jaeger:) But truly if he’s on Nix’s radar pull trigger I’ll bet we don’t look at QB till 4th rd. simply based on contract Fitz signed. We’ll be hollering for new QB sooner than 2yrs I’ll also bet. :)
OK, After 12 yrs. of inepititude lets set the bar a little higher regarding both talent and ownership. This is unacceptable for this franchise. Thanks for the memory's RW but let it go, please.
by buffalobacker on Feb 22, 2012 8:52 PM EST up reply actions
What makes you think any of this?
Nix has stacked players before. Stacking a QB behind Fitzpatrick seems about right for Nix.
If Buffalo takes a QB now, why would they need another in two years? The 2012 drafted QB may not have even played by then.
Re-starting the official Buffalo "Draft a quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Sorry
Not sure whom your questioning. My bad.
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by buffalobacker on Feb 22, 2012 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
I want this kid but not with tenth pick. 2nd rd
"They’re a very special group of men. Cherish them, you will not see their like again."
by chaucer on Feb 22, 2012 10:10 PM EST via mobile reply actions
i would take him in the second
as I am sure most would. But he won’t be there. Need will elevate his stock. That makes him just about a perfect selection for us in the “dread zone” (picks 8-15 where elite talent is gone, and GMs decide that slightly above average players could be elite… even when they aren’t.)
To say I am leery of this pick, at number 10, is the hugest (yes, hugest, not biggest) understatement ever.
"He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."
~Socrates
by ThaRealTruth on Feb 22, 2012 11:26 PM EST up reply actions
I would not have a problem with this
However I would be surprised if Tannehill is even there at #10. The reality is there are enough teams in need of a QB that if Tannehill is as good as some of us hope and other experts think he is then he won’t last until #10. If the next 2 months show him up as less of a prospect then probably best to look elsewhere. However, I believe the Bills really need to get a first round QB so whoever they are thinking they like they should either take at #10 or attempt to trade back into the first round at the back end to get him. Even pick #41 could be too late for a guy like Osweiler who some people are jumping on board to.
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by Billsdownunder on Feb 23, 2012 12:34 AM EST reply actions
Tannehill got to go back to his natural quarterback position, and after two productive seasons under Mike Sherman – now the offensive coordinator of the Miami Dolphins
First, I think we’d have to trade up to get him. Second, there are “intriguing” QB’s every draft year, and “franchise” QB’s every two or three years. Besides, none of this year’s leading QB’s (Brady, Brees, Rodgers) were taken in the top ten, and I would hate to see the Bills miss out on another pro bowl defender (you guys know the list). With the possibility that Coples, Upshaw, Kirkpatrick or Brockers will be available, taking a QB when there was the chance to add elite talent to a terrible defense does not seem prudent to me.
That's relish from a hot dog I found.
I like Tannehill, but I wouldn’t want to pick him up a second before the Bills 2nd round pick. If he’s there in the second, scoop him up by all means! Unfortunately, I have a feeling some desperate team is going to pull a Christian Ponder and snag him way too high in the first.
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I am not sold on Tannehill, but QB is still a major need for us
For me, we have given Fitzpatrick his chance. He’s been in this league since 2005, and started 49 out of the last 64 NFL games, and yet he still struggles to make all the throws. His lack of arm strength and poor throwing technique has been a major liability for this organization. Lets look at his last two seasons in Buffalo:
Passer Rating – 82 (2010) and 79 (2011)
Completion% – 58% (2010) and 62% (2011)
TD to INT difference – +7 (2010) and +1 (2011)
Passing Yards Per Game – 231 (2010) and 240 (2011)
Yards Per Attempt – 6.8 (2010) and 6.7 (2011)
There was no progression here. He gained in the completion% area and passing yards per game area, but decreased in the passer rating, TD to INT difference, and yards per attempt.
Yes, we re-signed him and a pay increase, but contracts nowadays can be easily voided and torn up, and what he showed for the entire season was unworthy of an extension.
Why we should tolerate this mediocre player is beyond me. With that said, I think Tannehill will probably go to either Miami or Washington. We instead should set our sites on Cousins and Foles. In the late rounds, I wouldn’t mind going after Case Keenum or B.J Coleman.
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