Just curious on your take regarding players sitting out the bowl game. I would rather then play, but fully support anyone who chooses to sit it out. A whole lot on the line for guys like this.
I'd rather have them sit out then go half speed, see Vernon Hargreaves, among others in last years Gator bowl game.
How did you not see this topic in the NFL Draft section? I started a poll about players doing it in general, thinking it might become a trend because of how people are talking about the issue.
But to answer the question, I think it is one of those "right for this guy, wrong for that guy" scenarios and people will say, "He should have played," if his draft stock takes a big hit.
I think it is smart on their part. The fan in me is disappointed because I'd like to watch them play. And the tough guy sitting on the couch in me is thinking "oh im sure id play if i were them." But honestly I cant blame them one bit. In fact, once it becomes apparent you are a top talent, no matter if you are a junior, soph, or fresh, I could make the argument you should shut it down and train for the draft. I'm sure there is some line between how long you sit out and the impact on your draft status. However if you're Fournette, did playing at all his junior year do anything for his draft stock? Same question for McCaffrey. I could make a reasonably strong argument playing their junior years this year did nothing for them. At the end of the day, the NFL really only cares about talent. And if you've shown you've got it, i dont think you'd fall that far because you choose to sit out.
I added links to my thread so people can see what is really going through their minds. They cite injuries suffered this season, but if a player is healthy now why should he worry about it?
I'd skip it too. It's about the money.
A poll is open in the draft section for anyone who wants to vote on it.
Quote:How did you not see this topic in the NFL Draft section? I started a poll about players doing it in general, thinking it might become a trend because of how people are talking about the issue.
But to answer the question, I think it is one of those "right for this guy, wrong for that guy" scenarios and people will say, "He should have played," if his draft stock takes a big hit.
I think like 90% board members have you on ignore, so they wont see your threads.
Quote:I think like 90% board members have you on ignore, so they wont see your threads.
There are people who claim to ignore me but read my posts anyway.
I don't know how many people ignore me but there are many others who don't.
Quote:There are people who claim to ignore me but read my posts anyway.
I don't know how many people ignore me but there are many others who don't.
It's probably tough for then not to when you post 100+ times a day. Your posts fill the board. I'm not saying this negatively but it's how it feels to me.
As far as the RBs go I can't fault them one bit. They have to be smart about their future and playing in these minor bowls does little for them in comparison to the injury risk that comes with playing in the bowl game. They have nothing to gain. NFL guys have more than enough tape on them.
After seeing what happened to jaylon smith, you can't blame anyone who wants to protect themselves for their future.
If the bowl game had any importance they would be playing, but Fournette and Mcaffrey have had some injuries this year so you really cant blame them for preserving their bodies for the combine and draft.
The one player that made me laugh was Ezekiel Elliot when he said he would do anything to have one more game with OSU....hey Ezekiel, you could have had two more seasons if you really wanted it. Dumbest criticism ever.
I'm torn on this. By the way, thanks for starting a thread on this. Glad to see someone do it.
Anyway, my thoughts:
First, things that fit both. "taking this time to focus on my eventual NFL career" (paraphrasing)
...
Are you [BLEEP] kidding me?!?! There is nothing you are going to do in the two to three weeks that it would take to prep for a Bowl game that will help your NFL career. You're gonna go prep for the combine and Pro Days by doing football things and the last time I checked, bowl preparation included lots and lots of ... wait for it... football things.
You're gonna take the bowl game off so you don't run the risk of some Linebacker taking a pot shot at your knee. Let's at least be honest here instead of the double-talk.
Now onto my .02 on the players:
McCaffrey
1. McCaffrey chose to come back for this season, and all that entails. Yes, he is an uber-talented, guaranteed draft pick type of guy, but he chose to come back and play for his team. To not finish it out now is selfish and sends the message that "I'm only in this for all of us until I don't stand to profit any longer." I don't care for it. You're either all in, or you're all out.
2. That being said, I do understand where he is coming from especially being such a high impact position such as RB. It makes a lot of sense to keep yourself out of harm's way.
3. My overriding sense stated in #1 holds sway however. If you're in for this season, be in for the whole season.
Fournette
1. He is a third year Junior so was not given a chance to enter the draft last year so I view his situation slightly differently. But the concept of "all in or all out" still stands.
2. I can see how his perspective is changed due to his injury early on this season. That would give anyone pause.
3. I honestly think it would help Fournette to play more than McCaffrey.
I don't blame ether of them for skipping out on their bowl games. Why risk your financial future for a college game where you don't get compensated?
I like Fournette though and wouldn't be disappointed at all if the Jags drafted him
Quote:If the bowl game had any importance they would be playing, but Fournette and Mcaffrey have had some injuries this year so you really cant blame them for preserving their bodies for the combine and draft.
The one player that made me laugh was Ezekiel Elliot when he said he would do anything to have one more game with OSU....hey Ezekiel, you could have had two more seasons if you really wanted it. Dumbest criticism ever.
Ezekiel Elliott later tweeted he did not realize the sitting players had injuries this season.
If anybody wants me to continue discussing the issue he can post in my thread anytime.
Two words
Jaylon Smith
I'm not risking my future over a meaningless game, its one thing if its the playoffs but its not
plus both guys have been battling injuries this year, its not like they are two healthy players sitting out
You go to college to secure a career for life, they could lose that in one play in a meaningless game
I sure am glad that this is the only thread discussing this. To have another one would bother me.
Ezekiel Elliot should know what he's talking about before talking out of his rear end then.
JW, if anyone actually wanted to discuss this in your thread, they would go there. When you decide to show people respect, they will show you some.
Quote:I sure am glad that this is the only thread discussing this. To have another one would bother me.
I started mine first in the appropriate forum. It has a poll and links. So there is no reason for this thread to exist.
Quote:Ezekiel Elliot should know what he's talking about before talking out of his rear end then.
JW, if anyone actually wanted to discuss this in your thread, they would go there. When you decide to show people respect, they will show you some.
I have said it many times: When others respect me I will respect them.It must start with the other person.