(05-01-2021, 12:12 PM)Bullseye Wrote:

(05-01-2021, 12:00 PM)Cleatwood Wrote: It’s a multitude of things.

1. I think Etienne is a very good player but James Robinson and Hyde would have done just fine this year.

2. If they didn’t have JRob, I would feel better about the pick.

3. I don’t value any RB in the first round unless they are a generational type RB talent. That’s not Etienne.

4. There were so many good options at 25 (Newsome, Barmore, Jenkins, Moehrig, Batemon, Elijah Moore, Oweh).

5. This team has so many holes that value and need could have been met with a myriad of players not named Etienne.

Now if Etienne ends up being the full time starter and is a 3 down back, great. But right now, that’s not what he’s going to be. For every pick except Trevor, I would have gone in a different direction but I’ll support all the players and coaches until proven otherwise.

Understandable.

The more I think about the pick, I have more problems regarding how the team will utilize him.

Everyone predicted great things for Reggie Bush when he came out in 2006.  He had insane speed, acceleration, good hands, change of direction, and open field ability.  What he didn't have was a lot of bulk and good between the tackles running ability.  In essence he was a receiving back.  As a result, even a great coach like Payton didn't seem to know how to utilize him or get the most out of him.  Given all the hoopla surrounding him, he should have had more impact.

While I like Ettienne as a player, it's no stretch to say he is not quite the prospect Reggie Bush was coming out.  How will he be utilized?  Meyer said he will be a 3rd down back.  Taking that at face value, even factoring in his breakaway ability and hands, I'm not sure that role warrants a 1st round pick.  He'll be an asset, but can the offense maximize his contribution?

Reggie Bush was the 2nd overall pick in the draft.  Etienne was drafted with the 25th pick.  That's a huge difference.  

I am convinced that Etienne is a special player and he will do some great things for us.  Remember, it's a 17 game season now, and bell cow running backs rarely last an entire season without missing games due to injury.  You need more than one.

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