The Third QB
NFL draft analyst rips Ryan Tannehill: Expects Texas A&M quarterback to struggle
Ryan Tannehill has already emerged as one of the winners of the 2012 NFL Draft. The Texas A&M quarterback's shot up draft boards and is now expected to go in the Top 10 picks, not all that far from the No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck and No. 2 Robert Griffin III in the NFL's three-night TV show.
Many expect the Miami Dolphins — who have only been searching for a legitimate quarterback since Dan Marino retired — to grab Tannehill with the eighth pick in the draft Thursday night. Tannehill's former coach at Texas A&M (Mike Sherman) is the new offensive coordinator in Miami and it's easy to see him pushing for his guy.
"He's at least a year away from being a functional NFL quarterback," Mayock said of Tannehill.
But NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock cautions Dolphin fans to understand what they'd really be getting.
"He's at least a year away from being a functional NFL quarterback," Mayock said of Tannehill in revealing his final mock draft in the latest of the seemingly-endless NFL Draft specials.
Not a year away from being good. A year away from being "functional."
Mayock also cautions that the Dolphins will be "overdrafting" if they nab the Aggie at No. 8 — as he has Tannehill rated the 19th-best prospect in the draft.
None of this should be too shocking to Texas A&M fans. Tannehill alternately wowed and disappointed during a 7-6 season that held the promise of so much more. Tannehill has the size (6-foot-4) and arm strength that pro scouts value, but he only started 19 games at quarterback in his college career. This converted wide receiver is still learning the most important position in football on the fly.
Mayock clearly thinks he's a big project. Of course when he's "winning" on draft night, Tannehill might not care.