Quote:I really don't think anyone is questioning the intelligence here.  The guy has a great football IQ.  I think there are legitimate concerns about how durable he'll be at the next level.  I think there are also worries about how his passing ability translates to a bigger, faster brand of football in the NFL.  I think he's got the potential to be a good starting QB, but I'm still not buying into the hype some here keep stoking about him being worthy of the #3 pick.  I'm just not seeing it.
 
Now, I DO think if we draft him at #3 that the team should immediately make it clear Henne remains the starter, and we let Bridgewater (or any QB we wind up with for that matter) develop for as long as it takes.  I don't want to see them rushing anyone into that position before they're ready.  I think a smart guy like Bridgewater can probably assume the starting role during his rookie year, but I'd prefer it not happen right away just to allow him time to develop. 
 
It's interesting.  I was listening to Lageman talking about how thin his ankles are.  It doesn't equate to durability one way or the other, but it is always something you worry about.  He's got a pretty slight build.  But, I always thought the same thing about Mark Brunell.  When I'd see him out there during training camp, I was always surprised by how small he actually was in comparison to a guy like David Garrard who was thick from his neck to his cleats.  Same thing for Quinn Gray.  Mark had spindly legs in comparison to Garrard.  Leftwich was the same way.  But, Brunell was fairly durable, and Leftwich wasn't, so while there's a concern with Bridgewater over his durability, it's not a given that he'll be fragile at the next level. 
 
Honestly, if the team drafted him, I'd be fine with it.  I think any team that lands him is going to be getting a smart QB who understands the game, and can think quickly on his feet.  What he lacks in some areas, he more than makes up for with his football IQ.

That's the thing though with football I.Q, intangibles, and then the physical make-up of a QB though. Bridgewater, just from reading your thoughts on him, yes, he's a sharp tack, but is he an elite QB prospect? I can't say he is. Luck had it all coming out of college. I.Q, Size, Arm, and durability. That's not to say that, given the right situation and circumstances, that, he couldn't develop into an Elite QB in the NFL. I just feel like right now, he reminds me of Chad Pennington a bit coming out of college. He's "okay", just not "great", and, if he gets time to develop, he could be a winner. But if he doesn't, he could fail quickly.

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