Not too long ago, it seemed that even the best college QBs were expected to sit on the bench for a significant part of their first NFL season. And interestingly, that was during a period of time when NFL just didn't throw it as much as they do now. For example, Tom Brady only played in one game as a rookie (although I realize he was behind Bledsoe). Similarly, Joe Montana rode the pine behind future HoFer Steve DeBerg in 1979 throwing only 23 passes. (And as an aside: Neither Brady nor Montana wowed many scouts with their "measurables".)
On the flip side, Gabbert was highly drafted by a bad team and look how that worked out. And if I remember correctly, he was injured for much of a season in HS and then only really played two years at Mizzou.
But nowadays high schools, colleges, AND the professional leagues sling it around much more. But rookie QBs are often expected to get in to games sooner rather than later.
Now when QBs throw it a lot more, QBs are expected to play SOONER.
So can rookie QBs start in the NFL because they've just had more experience slinging it around since middle school? The proliferation of 7-on-7 HS summer leagues? Is it because they eat up so much more of an NFL team's salary cap?
Is the jump in difficulty greater from HS to college more a factor of the need for more growth along with better strength & conditioning before getting adjusted to college from HS?
Just curious to hear some of your thoughts.
On the flip side, Gabbert was highly drafted by a bad team and look how that worked out. And if I remember correctly, he was injured for much of a season in HS and then only really played two years at Mizzou.
But nowadays high schools, colleges, AND the professional leagues sling it around much more. But rookie QBs are often expected to get in to games sooner rather than later.
Now when QBs throw it a lot more, QBs are expected to play SOONER.
So can rookie QBs start in the NFL because they've just had more experience slinging it around since middle school? The proliferation of 7-on-7 HS summer leagues? Is it because they eat up so much more of an NFL team's salary cap?
Is the jump in difficulty greater from HS to college more a factor of the need for more growth along with better strength & conditioning before getting adjusted to college from HS?
Just curious to hear some of your thoughts.
