An Auburn friend of mine and I were talking about this at work Sunday when we were discussing bowl games on NYD. Every year you see kids that have no business coming out early doing so. It's easy for us to say it's a bad decision, but I think they are steered by money, family, and just flat out naivety. I suppose some kids on the lower end of the skill spectrum see it as even if they get picked up as undrafted, they're still getting a check. With that said, in a sense, I think that it would be a mistake for Stidham to declare this year. I think that he has talent, but needs more polish. He needs to show that he can handle pressure better. Also, this year's QB class has been hyped beyond belief. Next year would be a much better scenario for him.
The problem with all of that is that Auburn loses most of the OL and some key pieces on defense next season. And then he has to overcome Malzahn's fuckery. He's taking a gamble that Malzahn can put together a cohesive team and give him an environment conducive to his development. This may be as high as his draft stock gets. It's a tough spot for him either way.
I'm no Mel Kiper, but I don't see Stidham as anywhere near NFL ready. Not even close. He's got a great arm. As they say, "He spins it well". But yesterday was a prime example of why he's not ready. He flat out holds the ball too long. He had a big problem with it early in the season and yesterday, he reverted back to it and it really cost us.
You can say our receivers aren't getting open or our passing schemes aren't the greatest in the world. Maybe some of that is true. But it's almost like if the WR doesn't get 10 feet of separation, Stidham is not going to let it go. I heard some talk this morning on Golic & Wingo about whether Baker Mayfield would be a good NFL QB. Louis Riddick was saying the last TD pass he threw last night rolling to his left and squaring up his shoulders to fire off a pinpoint pass into a tight window was exhibit 1 as to why he has what it takes.
That's what you see in the NFL. Most passes are completed with a DB right there or draped all over the receiver. The next pass I throw in college or the NFL will be my first. But my armchair analysis sees JS as scared to trust the receiver or his own ability to put the ball where it needs to be when the WR has only a step on the defender. Instead, he holds it and waits.
Would love to hear WE!!!'s thoughts on it.