(05-01-2021, 05:52 PM)The Real Marty Wrote:

(05-01-2021, 05:21 PM)Bullseye Wrote: The point wasn't so much as to compare Etienne to Bush, but to illustrate that receiving backs don't maximize their productivity if they are not properly utilized.  It seemed that the Saints never quite figured out what to do with Reggie Bush-as talented as he was.  If you look back at Bush's career, he wasn't as productive as you might have expected.  I think that is due in part to him being a receiving back, which reduced the number of touches he got, which, in turn, reduced his impact.  https://www.pro-football-reference.com/p...shRe00.htm

If Etienne is going to be utilized similarly to Bush, then I'm left to wonder how productive he will be.  Granted he wasn't picked to be #2 overall, but as a first round pick, he will carry high expectations.  If he's limited to 3rd downs, how many touches could he realistically be expected to have? How will limited touches limit his impact?  How likely would it be for him to meet the expectations of a first round pick?

If I had to give a more direct player comp with Etienne, it would be with CJ Spiller.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/p...ilC.00.htm

Let's just hope he manages to stay healthier than Spiller.

My direct comp to Etienne is Christian McCaffrey.  See what I did there?  It's easy to find a similar player who failed, and make that the comp, just like it's easy for me to compare him to a star player.  

I don't think he's going to be strictly a "3rd down back," no matter what Meyer says now.  He's way too good for that.  They will get him 15-20 touches per game, and he will get us minimum 10 TDs in a season.  That is easily worth the 25th pick in the draft.

I remembered you comparing him to McCaffrey.  I think Etienne is more "straight linish" than either McCaffrey or Bush, but that comp is pretty good.  I didn't choose Spiller because he failed.  In fact, Spiller actually made a Pro bowl.  I chose Spiller because stylistically, he's basically the same guy as Etienne:  not very big, fast...good burst...not necessarily shifty or a move guy.  Just get it and go.  Besides, pre draft, I said I wouldn't be surprised if the Jaguars took Etienne, and I said that while he initially would not be a popular pick, he would, in time, become a fan favorite because he should be productive.

My concerns with Etienne always centered around how he will be utilized.  Now if he is utilized how you suggest, then if he stays healthy and if he gets the blocking, he should be productive enough.  But I think he's not going to be a between the tackles guy unless you work him on draws.  He is best in space.  Lots of his plays at Clemson were designed to get him in space.

I like him as a player.  I believe from a purely talent perspective, he deserved to be a first round pick.  But as is the case with receiving backs, often they don't get the number of touches needed to thrive and maximize their impact.

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