I saw a NFL draft site have him ranked as the 22nd prospect for the next draft before this season started. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine him moving up into maybe 15 spot. Their biggest gripe on him was his low completion percentage. It seemed he was on his way to correcting that. But with around 10 QBs getting drafted and another 7 to 8 signing as UDFA’s I think there’s a very decent shot Lombardi would at least get into a NFL camp.

(10-25-2022 05:46 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  I saw a NFL draft site have him ranked as the 22nd prospect for the next draft before this season started. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine him moving up into maybe 15 spot. Their biggest gripe on him was his low completion percentage. It seemed he was on his way to correcting that. But with around 10 QBs getting drafted and another 7 to 8 signing as UDFA’s I think there’s a very decent shot Lombardi would at least get into a NFL camp.

Well, he certainly is NOT moving up from 22 to 15 when he isn’t even playing due to injury. It is far more likely that he is dropping.

(10-25-2022 05:49 PM)HuskieDave Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 05:46 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  I saw a NFL draft site have him ranked as the 22nd prospect for the next draft before this season started. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine him moving up into maybe 15 spot. Their biggest gripe on him was his low completion percentage. It seemed he was on his way to correcting that. But with around 10 QBs getting drafted and another 7 to 8 signing as UDFA’s I think there’s a very decent shot Lombardi would at least get into a NFL camp.

Well, he certainly is NOT moving up from 22 to 15 when he isn’t even playing due to injury. It is far more likely that he is dropping.

I think we are all talking about his potential if he played another season. Or the even the hypothetical scenario had he finished this year healthy. Pretty obvious he won't get a look sitting out the year injured. Same thing happened to Hare.

(10-25-2022 06:06 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 05:49 PM)HuskieDave Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 05:46 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  I saw a NFL draft site have him ranked as the 22nd prospect for the next draft before this season started. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine him moving up into maybe 15 spot. Their biggest gripe on him was his low completion percentage. It seemed he was on his way to correcting that. But with around 10 QBs getting drafted and another 7 to 8 signing as UDFA’s I think there’s a very decent shot Lombardi would at least get into a NFL camp.

Well, he certainly is NOT moving up from 22 to 15 when he isn’t even playing due to injury. It is far more likely that he is dropping.

I think we are all talking about his potential if he played another season. Or the even the hypothetical scenario had he finished this year healthy. Pretty obvious he won't get a look sitting out the year injured. Same thing happened to Hare.

This is what we (or I...but my comment seemed to spur the debate) are responding to:

(10-24-2022 07:25 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  Why come back? He has his degree. I ffel he a chance to go pro, get ready for the draft or a FA contract and see what happens from there, but come back for a 6th year??? Doesn't make sense.

To me this indicates "don't go back for another year, you're NFL ready right now".

Your college stats are not the end all be all for NFL. If Rocky gets healthy, plays again next season, puts up similar or better numbers, he will be fine. He already has NFL size and strength. His leadership and toughness will bump him up over others. And if he has a great scouting combine with his throwing and measurements, he would be drafted for sure

(10-23-2022 06:14 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-23-2022 05:47 PM)epasnoopy Wrote:  

(10-23-2022 04:41 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  Why in the hell do we have so many problems that other teams don’t in getting QBs? This has gone on for years.

Another issue is our QBs staying healthy. Dan Nicholson, Chandler Harnish (early on), Drew Hare, Ross Bowers, Ethan Hampton (he was already coming off an injury in offseason), and Rocky Lombardi (he missed time last year as well due to injury). I'm sure there are others but those are the most recent QBs I can think of. Since Jordan Lynch I don't think we've had a QB play the entire regular season.

The Drew Hare injury really derailed the NIU dynasty train. It cost NIU a MACC in 2015. 2016 would have probably still gone to that WMU squad, but the Huskies would have pushed them. The 2016 team was loaded. But the 2016 MAC West might be the toughest season ever. Woodside, Rush, Terrell….and if you added a healthy Hare? Crazy.

A review of our QBs over the last decade plus is a mixed bag but far from horrible. Harnish was the complete package. He certainly struggled early in his career with INTs, but ultimately, became a HOF QB. was the key to building the foundation that took the program to an elite level. Lynch was a special athlete, a true winner who was an average passer but had an ability to make big time throws at key moments, the record speaks for itself. Hare was very underrated, limited turnovers, made good decisions and was similar in many ways to Harnish. Injuries came at the worst time. Maddie had some huge upside, a gifted athlete who can run and pass effectively. Like with Hare, injuries came at a time when he was starting to play at a higher level. Graham was a solid backup who was forced to do things before he was ready. He was a tough kid who played to the best of his abilities. Santa was perhaps the best passer, especially on deep passes. He was limited by injuries, but successful in limited time. He had a great finish to the Nebraska game and a very bad end to the SDSU game. His strengths were better suited to a different offense than NIU. Childers was an effective manager of a run heavy offense. He was a very average passer but limited TOs and fit the Carey offense very well. He won some big games. Lombardi is a solid QB whose running ability sets up his passing game. He has stepped up in key moments, and the team seems to respond well to his leadership. Hampton, like Graham, was asked to do things too early in his career. Justin Lynch appears to be an old school, “option offense” QB. It is unrealistic to expect him to be something he is not…a passing QB. Overall not a bad group.

(10-25-2022 07:05 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 06:06 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 05:49 PM)HuskieDave Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 05:46 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  I saw a NFL draft site have him ranked as the 22nd prospect for the next draft before this season started. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine him moving up into maybe 15 spot. Their biggest gripe on him was his low completion percentage. It seemed he was on his way to correcting that. But with around 10 QBs getting drafted and another 7 to 8 signing as UDFA’s I think there’s a very decent shot Lombardi would at least get into a NFL camp.

Well, he certainly is NOT moving up from 22 to 15 when he isn’t even playing due to injury. It is far more likely that he is dropping.

I think we are all talking about his potential if he played another season. Or the even the hypothetical scenario had he finished this year healthy. Pretty obvious he won't get a look sitting out the year injured. Same thing happened to Hare.

This is what we (or I...but my comment seemed to spur the debate) are responding to:

(10-24-2022 07:25 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  Why come back? He has his degree. I ffel he a chance to go pro, get ready for the draft or a FA contract and see what happens from there, but come back for a 6th year??? Doesn't make sense.

To me this indicates "don't go back for another year, you're NFL ready right now".

Your initial convo morphed into Rocky’s NFL potential and what he may need to do. At the end of the day the real question is - could Rocky get on an NFL roster? If he has his sights set on turning pro I’m sure he will be advised about his odds this year vs returning for another season.

(10-25-2022 08:38 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 07:05 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 06:06 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 05:49 PM)HuskieDave Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 05:46 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  I saw a NFL draft site have him ranked as the 22nd prospect for the next draft before this season started. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine him moving up into maybe 15 spot. Their biggest gripe on him was his low completion percentage. It seemed he was on his way to correcting that. But with around 10 QBs getting drafted and another 7 to 8 signing as UDFA’s I think there’s a very decent shot Lombardi would at least get into a NFL camp.

Well, he certainly is NOT moving up from 22 to 15 when he isn’t even playing due to injury. It is far more likely that he is dropping.

I think we are all talking about his potential if he played another season. Or the even the hypothetical scenario had he finished this year healthy. Pretty obvious he won't get a look sitting out the year injured. Same thing happened to Hare.

This is what we (or I...but my comment seemed to spur the debate) are responding to:

(10-24-2022 07:25 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  Why come back? He has his degree. I ffel he a chance to go pro, get ready for the draft or a FA contract and see what happens from there, but come back for a 6th year??? Doesn't make sense.

To me this indicates "don't go back for another year, you're NFL ready right now".

Your initial convo morphed into Rocky’s NFL potential and what he may need to do. At the end of the day the real question is - could Rocky get on an NFL roster? If he has his sights set on turning pro I’m sure he will be advised about his odds this year vs returning for another season.

He would be 25 year old rookie in 2024. Not Chris Weinke territory yet, but not many have that on their resume. If he was good enough as some think before this season another year isn't going to change that.

As far as "advised" as to odds, I wonder who advised Sutton. While nothing to prove on field perhaps another year experience and physical attributes would have helped, maybe. I just got sense it was his thing and get the guarantee money of 100's of thousands from signing as FA. Can't argue that if you think nothing will change. That's money for his future in his pocket now.

(10-26-2022 12:16 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 08:38 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 07:05 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 06:06 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 05:49 PM)HuskieDave Wrote:  Well, he certainly is NOT moving up from 22 to 15 when he isn’t even playing due to injury. It is far more likely that he is dropping.

I think we are all talking about his potential if he played another season. Or the even the hypothetical scenario had he finished this year healthy. Pretty obvious he won't get a look sitting out the year injured. Same thing happened to Hare.

This is what we (or I...but my comment seemed to spur the debate) are responding to:

(10-24-2022 07:25 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  Why come back? He has his degree. I ffel he a chance to go pro, get ready for the draft or a FA contract and see what happens from there, but come back for a 6th year??? Doesn't make sense.

To me this indicates "don't go back for another year, you're NFL ready right now".

Your initial convo morphed into Rocky’s NFL potential and what he may need to do. At the end of the day the real question is - could Rocky get on an NFL roster? If he has his sights set on turning pro I’m sure he will be advised about his odds this year vs returning for another season.

He would be 25 year old rookie in 2024. Not Chris Weinke territory yet, but not many have that on their resume. If he was good enough as some think before this season another year isn't going to change that.

As far as "advised" as to odds, I wonder who advised Sutton. While nothing to prove on field perhaps another year experience and physical attributes would have helped, maybe. I just got sense it was his thing and get the guarantee money of 100's of thousands from signing as FA. Can't argue that if you think nothing will change. That's money for his future in his pocket now.

Sutton was never going to grow into an NFL DE. He could have came back and had 30 sacks and most NFL teams would have still moved him to full back. He was a gimmick player and getting any kind of nfl contract was a win for him. Lombardi could improve his NFL status by upping his completion percentage. Outside of that he has a lot of NFL traits. Look at Daniel Jones - last full season had 60% comp, 2,600yds, 23 td and 9 int. 6-5, 215. First rounder. Will Levi’s last full seasons - 66%, 2,800yds, 24 td and 13 int. 6-3, 220. Projected first rounder. Will Levi’s also bombed at at Penn state for two seasons like Rocky did at MSU. Lombardi was on pace for 66%, 3,000 yds, 23td and 5 int. He really didnt have enough passes to project a full season, but if he could return and put up those numbers I think an NFL team gives him a shot.

Just to be clear. If Rocky enters the draft now I doubt he gets a chance. But if he comes back and has a career best season I think he gets a UDFA camp invite. Or possibly even our second Mr. Irrelevant.

(10-26-2022 01:17 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 12:16 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 08:38 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 07:05 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 06:06 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  I think we are all talking about his potential if he played another season. Or the even the hypothetical scenario had he finished this year healthy. Pretty obvious he won't get a look sitting out the year injured. Same thing happened to Hare.

This is what we (or I...but my comment seemed to spur the debate) are responding to:

(10-24-2022 07:25 PM)NIU05 Wrote:  Why come back? He has his degree. I ffel he a chance to go pro, get ready for the draft or a FA contract and see what happens from there, but come back for a 6th year??? Doesn't make sense.

To me this indicates "don't go back for another year, you're NFL ready right now".

Your initial convo morphed into Rocky’s NFL potential and what he may need to do. At the end of the day the real question is - could Rocky get on an NFL roster? If he has his sights set on turning pro I’m sure he will be advised about his odds this year vs returning for another season.

He would be 25 year old rookie in 2024. Not Chris Weinke territory yet, but not many have that on their resume. If he was good enough as some think before this season another year isn't going to change that.

As far as "advised" as to odds, I wonder who advised Sutton. While nothing to prove on field perhaps another year experience and physical attributes would have helped, maybe. I just got sense it was his thing and get the guarantee money of 100's of thousands from signing as FA. Can't argue that if you think nothing will change. That's money for his future in his pocket now.

Sutton was never going to grow into an NFL DE. He could have came back and had 30 sacks and most NFL teams would have still moved him to full back. He was a gimmick player and getting any kind of nfl contract was a win for him. Lombardi could improve his NFL status by upping his completion percentage. Outside of that he has a lot of NFL traits. Look at Daniel Jones - last full season had 60% comp, 2,600yds, 23 td and 9 int. 6-5, 215. First rounder. Will Levi’s last full seasons - 66%, 2,800yds, 24 td and 13 int. 6-3, 220. Projected first rounder. Will Levi’s also bombed at at Penn state for two seasons like Rocky did at MSU. Lombardi was on pace for 66%, 3,000 yds, 23td and 5 int. He really didnt have enough passes to project a full season, but if he could return and put up those numbers I think an NFL team gives him a shot.

Just to be clear. If Rocky enters the draft now I doubt he gets a chance. But if he comes back and has a career best season I think he gets a UDFA camp invite. Or possibly even our second Mr. Irrelevant.

How quick we forget how dominant and disruptive Sutton Smith was. Leaving early definitely did him no favors, but he still made the NFL. The NFL never fully gave him at Defensive end. Same way Jordan Lynch never got a chance at QB.

(10-26-2022 02:06 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 01:17 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 12:16 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 08:38 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 07:05 PM)Big Red Wrote:  This is what we (or I...but my comment seemed to spur the debate) are responding to:


To me this indicates "don't go back for another year, you're NFL ready right now".

Your initial convo morphed into Rocky’s NFL potential and what he may need to do. At the end of the day the real question is - could Rocky get on an NFL roster? If he has his sights set on turning pro I’m sure he will be advised about his odds this year vs returning for another season.

He would be 25 year old rookie in 2024. Not Chris Weinke territory yet, but not many have that on their resume. If he was good enough as some think before this season another year isn't going to change that.

As far as "advised" as to odds, I wonder who advised Sutton. While nothing to prove on field perhaps another year experience and physical attributes would have helped, maybe. I just got sense it was his thing and get the guarantee money of 100's of thousands from signing as FA. Can't argue that if you think nothing will change. That's money for his future in his pocket now.

Sutton was never going to grow into an NFL DE. He could have came back and had 30 sacks and most NFL teams would have still moved him to full back. He was a gimmick player and getting any kind of nfl contract was a win for him. Lombardi could improve his NFL status by upping his completion percentage. Outside of that he has a lot of NFL traits. Look at Daniel Jones - last full season had 60% comp, 2,600yds, 23 td and 9 int. 6-5, 215. First rounder. Will Levi’s last full seasons - 66%, 2,800yds, 24 td and 13 int. 6-3, 220. Projected first rounder. Will Levi’s also bombed at at Penn state for two seasons like Rocky did at MSU. Lombardi was on pace for 66%, 3,000 yds, 23td and 5 int. He really didnt have enough passes to project a full season, but if he could return and put up those numbers I think an NFL team gives him a shot.

Just to be clear. If Rocky enters the draft now I doubt he gets a chance. But if he comes back and has a career best season I think he gets a UDFA camp invite. Or possibly even our second Mr. Irrelevant.

How quick we forget how dominant and disruptive Sutton Smith was. Leaving early definitely did him no favors, but he still made the NFL. The NFL never fully gave him at Defensive end. Same way Jordan Lynch never got a chance at QB.

Sutton got destroyed in those all star games and in NFL camps when he lined up at D-end. He wasn't going to learn to be 6'4" and 260 with an extra year. The only way coming back could have helped his NFL future was to move him to MLB in a 3-4 and let him run side to side and blitz on occasion.

That being said, gimmick or not, he was one of the greatest pass rushers in NCAA history.

(10-26-2022 02:20 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 02:06 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 01:17 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 12:16 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 08:38 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  Your initial convo morphed into Rocky’s NFL potential and what he may need to do. At the end of the day the real question is - could Rocky get on an NFL roster? If he has his sights set on turning pro I’m sure he will be advised about his odds this year vs returning for another season.

He would be 25 year old rookie in 2024. Not Chris Weinke territory yet, but not many have that on their resume. If he was good enough as some think before this season another year isn't going to change that.

As far as "advised" as to odds, I wonder who advised Sutton. While nothing to prove on field perhaps another year experience and physical attributes would have helped, maybe. I just got sense it was his thing and get the guarantee money of 100's of thousands from signing as FA. Can't argue that if you think nothing will change. That's money for his future in his pocket now.

Sutton was never going to grow into an NFL DE. He could have came back and had 30 sacks and most NFL teams would have still moved him to full back. He was a gimmick player and getting any kind of nfl contract was a win for him. Lombardi could improve his NFL status by upping his completion percentage. Outside of that he has a lot of NFL traits. Look at Daniel Jones - last full season had 60% comp, 2,600yds, 23 td and 9 int. 6-5, 215. First rounder. Will Levi’s last full seasons - 66%, 2,800yds, 24 td and 13 int. 6-3, 220. Projected first rounder. Will Levi’s also bombed at at Penn state for two seasons like Rocky did at MSU. Lombardi was on pace for 66%, 3,000 yds, 23td and 5 int. He really didnt have enough passes to project a full season, but if he could return and put up those numbers I think an NFL team gives him a shot.

Just to be clear. If Rocky enters the draft now I doubt he gets a chance. But if he comes back and has a career best season I think he gets a UDFA camp invite. Or possibly even our second Mr. Irrelevant.

How quick we forget how dominant and disruptive Sutton Smith was. Leaving early definitely did him no favors, but he still made the NFL. The NFL never fully gave him at Defensive end. Same way Jordan Lynch never got a chance at QB.

Sutton got destroyed in those all star games and in NFL camps when he lined up at D-end. He wasn't going to learn to be 6'4" and 260 with an extra year. The only way coming back could have helped his NFL future was to move him to MLB in a 3-4 and let him run side to side and blitz on occasion.

That being said, gimmick or not, he was one of the greatest pass rushers in NCAA history.

It's crazy because Yannick Ngakoue and Hasson Reddick figured out being effective at that size. He just never could. I remember seeing him just getting eaten up in the Senior Bowl.

When he was in camp at Pittsburgh, he had a core muscle injury and was never able to show any flash and got cut. He came back on the Raiders as a FB. But lost that opportunity when they moved over to McDaniels system. FB opportunities are so few nowdays.

But yes, the greatest and most electrifying rusher I've ever got to see live. He was so much fun to watch and single handed game changer.

(10-25-2022 05:08 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  I think the reality of Rocky being the end all savior of the future needs to be put to sleep. The program needs to move on just as he likely does.

And if you think he's NFL material, he will be 24 next opening day. Not quite Chris Weinke zone, but even 24 is pushing it for a rookie qb in the NFL.

Why does his age as a rookie matter? I am not saying I think he is NFL material, I honestly have no clue, but his age seems like a non-issue if he is healthy and performs well enough to get a camp invite and shows well in camp. Kurt Warner was
like 26 when he finally got a shot in the NFL.

(10-26-2022 03:51 PM)cosine4 Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 05:08 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  I think the reality of Rocky being the end all savior of the future needs to be put to sleep. The program needs to move on just as he likely does.

And if you think he's NFL material, he will be 24 next opening day. Not quite Chris Weinke zone, but even 24 is pushing it for a rookie qb in the NFL.

Why does his age as a rookie matter? I am not saying I think he is NFL material, I honestly have no clue, but his age seems like a non-issue if he is healthy and performs well enough to get a camp invite and shows well in camp. Kurt Warner was
like 26 when he finally got a shot in the NFL.

The NFL likes development. At that age, he's not going to get any better than he already is. Brandon Weeden was drafted round 1 at age 29, but their thought process was that he was plug and play, could help them win now.

Rocky has been alright for us. Mostly willing a lot of victories for us with his supreme confidence under center. A lot of NFL players have a lot of confidence too, and arm talent. This is an uphill battle for him, especially if he's ranked amongst the back half of incoming talent and at an older age.

(10-26-2022 03:50 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 02:20 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 02:06 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 01:17 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 12:16 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  He would be 25 year old rookie in 2024. Not Chris Weinke territory yet, but not many have that on their resume. If he was good enough as some think before this season another year isn't going to change that.

As far as "advised" as to odds, I wonder who advised Sutton. While nothing to prove on field perhaps another year experience and physical attributes would have helped, maybe. I just got sense it was his thing and get the guarantee money of 100's of thousands from signing as FA. Can't argue that if you think nothing will change. That's money for his future in his pocket now.

Sutton was never going to grow into an NFL DE. He could have came back and had 30 sacks and most NFL teams would have still moved him to full back. He was a gimmick player and getting any kind of nfl contract was a win for him. Lombardi could improve his NFL status by upping his completion percentage. Outside of that he has a lot of NFL traits. Look at Daniel Jones - last full season had 60% comp, 2,600yds, 23 td and 9 int. 6-5, 215. First rounder. Will Levi’s last full seasons - 66%, 2,800yds, 24 td and 13 int. 6-3, 220. Projected first rounder. Will Levi’s also bombed at at Penn state for two seasons like Rocky did at MSU. Lombardi was on pace for 66%, 3,000 yds, 23td and 5 int. He really didnt have enough passes to project a full season, but if he could return and put up those numbers I think an NFL team gives him a shot.

Just to be clear. If Rocky enters the draft now I doubt he gets a chance. But if he comes back and has a career best season I think he gets a UDFA camp invite. Or possibly even our second Mr. Irrelevant.

How quick we forget how dominant and disruptive Sutton Smith was. Leaving early definitely did him no favors, but he still made the NFL. The NFL never fully gave him at Defensive end. Same way Jordan Lynch never got a chance at QB.

Sutton got destroyed in those all star games and in NFL camps when he lined up at D-end. He wasn't going to learn to be 6'4" and 260 with an extra year. The only way coming back could have helped his NFL future was to move him to MLB in a 3-4 and let him run side to side and blitz on occasion.

That being said, gimmick or not, he was one of the greatest pass rushers in NCAA history.

It's crazy because Yannick Ngakoue and Hasson Reddick figured out being effective at that size. He just never could. I remember seeing him just getting eaten up in the Senior Bowl.

When he was in camp at Pittsburgh, he had a core muscle injury and was never able to show any flash and got cut. He came back on the Raiders as a FB. But lost that opportunity when they moved over to McDaniels system. FB opportunities are so few nowdays.

But yes, the greatest and most electrifying rusher I've ever got to see live. He was so much fun to watch and single handed game changer.

I’m sure it helped that Ngakoue weighed 250lbs and a legit 6’2” at the combine where as smith was 230lbs and 6’0.3”. If I remember correctly Pittsburgh moved smith to fullback after that injury. Either way he never got it going but probably never was gonna make it as a DE. He made some good NFL bank and hopefully he qualified for their pension which I think is 3 years in the league. Not sure on that though.

Most of Sutton’s combine numbers were better than Ngakoue’s

(10-26-2022 05:01 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 03:50 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 02:20 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 02:06 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 01:17 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  Sutton was never going to grow into an NFL DE. He could have came back and had 30 sacks and most NFL teams would have still moved him to full back. He was a gimmick player and getting any kind of nfl contract was a win for him. Lombardi could improve his NFL status by upping his completion percentage. Outside of that he has a lot of NFL traits. Look at Daniel Jones - last full season had 60% comp, 2,600yds, 23 td and 9 int. 6-5, 215. First rounder. Will Levi’s last full seasons - 66%, 2,800yds, 24 td and 13 int. 6-3, 220. Projected first rounder. Will Levi’s also bombed at at Penn state for two seasons like Rocky did at MSU. Lombardi was on pace for 66%, 3,000 yds, 23td and 5 int. He really didnt have enough passes to project a full season, but if he could return and put up those numbers I think an NFL team gives him a shot.

Just to be clear. If Rocky enters the draft now I doubt he gets a chance. But if he comes back and has a career best season I think he gets a UDFA camp invite. Or possibly even our second Mr. Irrelevant.

How quick we forget how dominant and disruptive Sutton Smith was. Leaving early definitely did him no favors, but he still made the NFL. The NFL never fully gave him at Defensive end. Same way Jordan Lynch never got a chance at QB.

Sutton got destroyed in those all star games and in NFL camps when he lined up at D-end. He wasn't going to learn to be 6'4" and 260 with an extra year. The only way coming back could have helped his NFL future was to move him to MLB in a 3-4 and let him run side to side and blitz on occasion.

That being said, gimmick or not, he was one of the greatest pass rushers in NCAA history.

It's crazy because Yannick Ngakoue and Hasson Reddick figured out being effective at that size. He just never could. I remember seeing him just getting eaten up in the Senior Bowl.

When he was in camp at Pittsburgh, he had a core muscle injury and was never able to show any flash and got cut. He came back on the Raiders as a FB. But lost that opportunity when they moved over to McDaniels system. FB opportunities are so few nowdays.

But yes, the greatest and most electrifying rusher I've ever got to see live. He was so much fun to watch and single handed game changer.

I’m sure it helped that Ngakoue weighed 250lbs and a legit 6’2” at the combine where as smith was 230lbs and 6’0.3”. If I remember correctly Pittsburgh moved smith to fullback after that injury. Either way he never got it going but probably never was gonna make it as a DE. He made some good NFL bank and hopefully he qualified for their pension which I think is 3 years in the league. Not sure on that though.

Most of Sutton’s combine numbers were better than Ngakoue’s

I don’t think he is even close to qualifying for an NFL pension. He was only on a roster for a total of eight games and all were in the same NFL year (2021).

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/p...itSu00.htm

(10-26-2022 05:25 PM)HuskieDave Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 05:01 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 03:50 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 02:20 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(10-26-2022 02:06 PM)BDB5yp Wrote:  How quick we forget how dominant and disruptive Sutton Smith was. Leaving early definitely did him no favors, but he still made the NFL. The NFL never fully gave him at Defensive end. Same way Jordan Lynch never got a chance at QB.

Sutton got destroyed in those all star games and in NFL camps when he lined up at D-end. He wasn't going to learn to be 6'4" and 260 with an extra year. The only way coming back could have helped his NFL future was to move him to MLB in a 3-4 and let him run side to side and blitz on occasion.

That being said, gimmick or not, he was one of the greatest pass rushers in NCAA history.

It's crazy because Yannick Ngakoue and Hasson Reddick figured out being effective at that size. He just never could. I remember seeing him just getting eaten up in the Senior Bowl.

When he was in camp at Pittsburgh, he had a core muscle injury and was never able to show any flash and got cut. He came back on the Raiders as a FB. But lost that opportunity when they moved over to McDaniels system. FB opportunities are so few nowdays.

But yes, the greatest and most electrifying rusher I've ever got to see live. He was so much fun to watch and single handed game changer.

I’m sure it helped that Ngakoue weighed 250lbs and a legit 6’2” at the combine where as smith was 230lbs and 6’0.3”. If I remember correctly Pittsburgh moved smith to fullback after that injury. Either way he never got it going but probably never was gonna make it as a DE. He made some good NFL bank and hopefully he qualified for their pension which I think is 3 years in the league. Not sure on that though.

Most of Sutton’s combine numbers were better than Ngakoue’s

I don’t think he is even close to qualifying for an NFL pension. He was only on a roster for a total of eight games and all were in the same NFL year (2021).

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/p...itSu00.htm

It was mostly wishful thinking on my part. I really don’t know the rules other than I think a 3 year minimum. Also wasn’t even sure how much Sutton was active. Wonder if he has considered other leagues at this point?

(10-26-2022 03:51 PM)cosine4 Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 05:08 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  I think the reality of Rocky being the end all savior of the future needs to be put to sleep. The program needs to move on just as he likely does.

And if you think he's NFL material, he will be 24 next opening day. Not quite Chris Weinke zone, but even 24 is pushing it for a rookie qb in the NFL.

Why does his age as a rookie matter? I am not saying I think he is NFL material, I honestly have no clue, but his age seems like a non-issue if he is healthy and performs well enough to get a camp invite and shows well in camp. Kurt Warner was
like 26 when he finally got a shot in the NFL.

Using one special player as an example actually does more to support that it's not possible than it does to support it is possible.

However. Kurt Warner was signed as a developmental/futures guy and was sent to NFL Europe for a season before being brought in the 3rd string QB/practice squad guy for the 1998 season (because he lit up the European league) and then, due to injuries (namely the starter Trent Green) he ended up being the starting QB for the 1999 season on a team that was (at that time) tied for worst team (with Cincinnati) over the past decade.

So, just for clarity, Warner was never drafted, tried out for the Packers but didn't make the team, played 3 seasons in the AFL, spent a year in Europe, then was signed by the Rams to be a practice squad QB, then found himself starting in Week 1 a year later because everyone else got hurt. Oh, and right before the '99 season, the Rams left Warner unprotected in the expansion draft and, well yeah...no one wanted him. (btw, that was the Browns expansion draft and the only QB they selected that year was Scott Milanovich...not that highlighting Cleveland Browns personnel failures is much of a signifier of any sort, but I digress)

That's not exactly a story to chase if your Rocky Lombardi. It's also a story that took 6 years to complete. Rocky is 23 and if he followed (basically) Warner's path, he'd be a 29 year old rookie QB in the NFL.

Honestly, I hope he pulls it off!

Taysom Hill was 26 or 27 when he went into the league. How many BYU players are in the NFL? They're all pretty old by the time they get into the league because of their Mormon missions.

(10-26-2022 03:51 PM)cosine4 Wrote:  

(10-25-2022 05:08 PM)randyfensfanclub1 Wrote:  I think the reality of Rocky being the end all savior of the future needs to be put to sleep. The program needs to move on just as he likely does.

And if you think he's NFL material, he will be 24 next opening day. Not quite Chris Weinke zone, but even 24 is pushing it for a rookie qb in the NFL.

Why does his age as a rookie matter? I am not saying I think he is NFL material, I honestly have no clue, but his age seems like a non-issue if he is healthy and performs well enough to get a camp invite and shows well in camp. Kurt Warner was
like 26 when he finally got a shot in the NFL.

Why does age matter? Don’t think that needs an explanation. And Warner is an exception.