The Enigma that is Ryan Tannehill

Every year there is that one player that skyrockets up draft boards based on “tools” and the combine and ends up being over drafted.

2007- JaMarcus Russel, 2008- Vernon Gholston, 2009- Darrius Heyward-Bey, 2010- Tyson Alualu

(Am I overlooking some players who did do well, yes. But for these purposes I’m pointing out the failed picks.)

This year’s draft class has its own player drawing in all the pre-draft hype, Ryan Tannehill.

The draft has its clear #1 and #2 at QB with Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, but who is the #3 QB? Many arguments could be made for Tannehill, Kirk Cousins, or even the elder Brandon Weeden.

No matter who you choose as your #3, it should be obvious that they are not in the same class as #1 and #2, let alone a potential top 10 pick. However, Tannehill has been seen multiple times going in the top 10, or even the top 5 at #4 to the Browns.

Here are some numbers on Ryan Tannehill:

4.62: Tannehill’s 40 time at his pro-day, a great time for QB’s.

61.6: Tannehill’s competition percentage in his final year at Texas A&M

29: Touchdowns by Tannehill in his final year at A&M

20: The number of starts Tannehill has at QB in college, total.

Let me start off by saying I believe Tannehill is worth a first round pick, his tools are exceptional and I feel he could have a successful career. However, I don’t see how a team can justify drafting a QB in the top 10 who only has 20 career starts at the position (in college). Experience is the biggest tool that a QB needs, he needs to be able to see the defense in front of him and know how to adjust accordingly and where to go with the football.

Here’s my take on the two teams rumored to be in on the Tannehill sweepstakes:

Browns: If the browns didn’t feel like RGIII was worth trading up for, (a much “safer” (if you can use the word safe on a QB) pick to me), how on earth can they justify taking a project two picks later? The Browns had the best package to offer the Rams with 2 first round picks this year and choose to stand pat because they know they have more needs than QB. With the number 4 pick, the Browns could go many different directions. Justin Blackmon could come in and easily by the number one option for Colt McCoy and give Mohamed Massaquoi a complementary receiver. With the departure of Peyton Hillis, Trent Richardson is another viable option. Although running backs can be found anywhere nowadays (Arian Foster, Hillis etc….) Richardson seems to be one of those every down monsters that come around once every few years (Adrian Peterson). Now I’m not saying he will be AP, but he is built in the same mold. Lastly, Morris Claiborne could be the option if the Browns chose so. The combination of Claiborne and Joe Haden would give the Browns the potential to have one of the top CB tandems in the league. The Browns could come back with their second pick in the 1^st and grab Tannehill, a move that makes much more sense.

Dolphins: The Dolphins to me have a better reason to draft Tannehill since they did not have as much a shot at RGIII, combined with how badly they need a QB. The Dolphins have started to fall behind the Bills, becoming the laughing stock of the AFC East and need to start developing some young talent if they want to compete anytime in the near future. With the trade of Brandon Marshall, the Dolphins now lack a “#1 receiver.” Malcolm Floyd for Notre Dame could be the guy to fill that spot. He’s a big, tall, and surprisingly fast receiver whose only real knock is the DUI arrest a few off seasons ago. However if the Dolphins can overlook that incident, they could have a real playmaker on their hands. The other option for the pick would have to be on defense, where they lack many players who game changing potential. Vonte Davis and Cameron Wake are both excellent players, but that’s where the well begins to run dry. Options on defense could include Melvin Ingram (USC) and Quinton Coples (UNC). Impact pass rushers are needed in this progressively pass happy league and both could come in and help put pressure on opposing QBs. Lastly, the Dolphins could target a number of offensive tackles to play RT with the All-Pro Jake Long manning the LT spot.

20, once again the number of starts that Tannehill has had in college. This is the classic case where a player is being overvalued due to the top heaviness of the position (Christian Ponder-2011). There is such a large gap, GM’s are overlooking the obvious lack of experience, trying to justify picking him so high and closing the gap between Tannehill and the top 2 QBs.

We will all see how it unveils live April 26^th at 8 p.m., and we will see where Tannehill will be throwing passes this fall.