Depending on the situation, word of mouth can be a great way to spread the news. But for Ryan Mallett, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
The 6-foot-7 Mallett, who was selected 74th overall in the third round of this year’s NFL draft, probably should have gone in the first round if things were based on talent alone. But as Mallett found out, there’s more to it than that. The former Arkansas quarterback had to watch as four other players were drafted in his position in the first 12 picks overall.
When it comes to playing football, Mallett possesses all of the major passing records at Arkansas, where he led a pro-style offense. These include 62 touchdowns and 7,493 yards. He’s also one of just four players to throw for 30 touchdowns and at least 3,000 yards twice in SEC history. In fact, there was no need to sell the scouts on him as they all knew the tools he possesses as a football player and was considered the best in the draft when it came to pure passing ability.
The problem with Mallett was his reputation preceded him and this is why he was drafted lower than his talent would predicate. His character has come into question several times and there have also been rumours about alleged drug use and excessive partying and drinking. There were also rumours that he showed up at meetings with NFL clubs either late and/or hungover.
But, Mallett’s only crime so far has been public intoxication, which he was charged with in March, 2009 when he was 20 years old. These days, that’s nothing serious really, but NFL teams started to question his character and maturity. It was also reported that he rubbed some of his coaches the wrong way when playing for Michigan in 2007. The fact is, he’s never failed a drug test, but some scouts said he was abrasive during interviews at the combine before the draft. However, once you get tagged as a troublemaker it’s hard to shed it.
Things may work out well for Mallett in New England though and many fans feel he’s in good hands with coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. They believe If anybody can turn him around and get him on the straight and narrow it could be those two. But it’s all going to come down to Mallett himself. He’s either going to realize he has all of the talent in the world to be a star in the NFL and will discipline himself or he’s going to waste it all.
Mallet turns 23 years old on June 5th and he’s either going to mature pretty quickly once the lockout’s over and squads can get together with their coaches or he’s going to be the same person he is now. And only Mallett knows what his true character is. If he has any weaknesses in his game they’re minimal and can be worked on with good coaching. But if he lives up to his shady reputation he won’t last long.
With Brady at quarterback, it wasn’t really a gamble by the Patriots to take Mallett, but one wonders where he would have been drafted if they had passed him by.
