I know what you're thinking ... its awfully early for a draft thread - and it is. But it looks to me like we aren't going to be bad enough to get Bridgewater or Hundley, and to tell you the truth, I'm not sure they're the answer(s) anyway. I hate high 1st round QB picks not named Manning or Luck. But we'll be going QB at some point next spring in the draft, and I heard about this kid the other day on local radio (Hooley). Wondering what some of our Chicago area or Illinois dawgs might know or think of Jimmy Garappolo of Eastern Illinois (alma mater of Tony Romo). Anyone seen him play?
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Everyone notices Garoppolo now
Eastern Illinois QB has attention of NFL scouts as he surpasses school records of Payton and Romo
September 18, 2013 Chicago Tribune by David Haugh
For four seasons on the Baylor coaching staff, Dino Babers watched quarterback Robert Griffin III develop into a passer worthy of winning the 2011 Heisman Trophy.
For the last two years, the Eastern Illinois coach benefited from Jimmy Garoppolo blossoming into the state's best NFL-caliber quarterback not named Cutler.
"I've been around RGIII but Jimmy has the fastest release I've ever seen,'' Babers said.
The pride of Rolling Meadows will bring his rare talent home to the Chicago area Saturday when Garoppolo leads Eastern (3-0), ranked eighth in the latest Football Championship Subdivision poll, against Northern Illinois at Huskie Stadium. Fans will see a 6-foot-3, 222-pound quarterback with textbook mechanics and record-book statistics, a legitimate NFL prospect coming off two straight FCS national player of the week awards.
In three games, Garoppolo has completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 1,281 yards and 14 touchdowns with only one interception. The four-year starter recently passed Sean Payton to become Eastern's all-time leader in completions and, after seven touchdown passes against Illinois State, stands within six of Tony Romo's career record of 85.
"It's an honor to be mentioned in the same sentence as those guys,'' Garoppolo said.
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer didn't mention names when he called Garoppolo "one of the best quarterbacks I've ever seen'' after noticing No. 10 on film preparing for San Diego State, Eastern's season-opening opponent. But consider the quarterbacks Meyer coached at Utah, Florida and Ohio State: Alex Smith, the NFL's No. 1 overall pick in 2005; 2007 Heisman winner Tim Tebow; and 2013 Heisman hopeful Braxton Miller.
"When my teammates first told me what he said I didn't believe them so they had to pull up the Twitter account and show me,'' Garoppolo said. "It meant a lot because he obviously knows what good quarterbacks are like and what it takes.''
The long process of becoming one began for Garoppolo one summer day during a 7-on-7 drill before his junior year at Rolling Meadows. A running back growing up who didn't play football until sixth grade because of his mother's concerns, Garoppolo changed positions after meeting former NFL quarterback Jeff Christensen, who runs Throw It Deep quarterback and wide receiver training academy in Lombard. The two meticulously rebuilt Garoppolo's delivery by focusing on his shoulder and fingers more than his arm.
"I used to throw it like a baseball player,'' Garoppolo said. "He also fixed my feet.''
Quietly, Garoppolo progressed step by step into an accurate passer — but too quietly. No FBS schools offered scholarships. When Christensen learned longtime Eastern assistant Roy Wittke was recruiting another quarterback in the area, he challenged him.
"I said, 'Do me one favor. Watch the first half of your game then drive to the Rolling Meadows game 30 minutes away and watch Jimmy Garoppolo. And if you think your kid can carry Jimmy's jock, let me know,' '' Christensen recalled. "He came. And there was no comparison.''
Four years after turning down Illinois State and Montana State for Eastern and now-retired coach Bob Spoo, Garoppolo entered his senior season as the seventh-highest-rated NFL quarterback prospect among seniors, according to NFL.com's Gil Brandt. All 32 NFL teams have found the way to Charleston, Ill. Babers says they marvel at Garoppolo's precision, which Christensen recalled reached epic proportions by the end of July.
"I'd say, 'OK, throw this 16-yard dig route and put it an inch above his eyebrows and he would do it seven times in a row,'' Christensen said. "I told him, 'Jimmy, you're an NFL starting quarterback, son. Get that in your mind right now. So when this national media thing happens, you're not shocked. Mentally prepare yourself. Stay the great kid you are. Expect nothing, appreciate everything.' ''
Growing up with three brothers kept Garoppolo grounded enough to handle the hype suddenly surrounding the quarterback who never envisioned any when taking over an 0-4 team as a true freshman. The Walter Payton Award given the top FCS player looks within Garoppolo's grasp. Christensen compares his footwork to Aaron Rodgers' and his poise to Tom Brady's. He is the Jimmy Football of the mid-majors, minus the bravado.
"I don't have problems like Johnny Manziel — there are a lot less students here than Texas A&M,'' Garoppolo said, chuckling. "There was no bragging in my house. Acting that way wasn't right. Nobody wants to be around anybody who's arrogant.''
In the coming months as his football celebrity expands, the number of people who want to be around Garoppolo will increase significantly. His life will change. Those closest to him insist he won't.
"You can tell he wasn't raised in a roller-coaster family,'' Babers said. "If you look up humility in the dictionary, you will find a picture of Jimmy Garoppolo.''
Hard to imagine an image representing a college football program any better.
I watched some other youtube video on him. Super quick release was the first thing I noticed. It was highlights though, so I didn't get to see too much, and it was the good only. There's something odd about the release though, it just doesn't look like he throws the ball overhand (then again Bernie didn't and he turned out ok).
While his yards (8106) and TD (65) numbers are super, take a look at his other numbers - career 61% completion rate 42 INT and 75 sacks 2010-2012. Maybe a late round flier at this point...
I don't know much about Lalich, but the endorsements for Garapollo by Urban Meyer and Gil Brandt made my ears perk up. Those guys have some cred with me. CBS Sports says he's a 7th round / UDFA, but I heard elsewhere that he'll likely go somewhere in the 3rd round (sorry, can't recall the source - maybe Gil Brandt?).
I meant no disrespect or to comment on Garapollo at all. Just adding a Lalich comment for anyone who may be curious. There are some interest in bringing him in.
Endorsements from Meyer and Brandt certainly carry some weight.
I would be willing to bet money that there aren't four QB's selected in the top 10 of this years draft. Probably not even three. There isn't an Andrew Luck in this group. I don't see it as a blue chip year for QB's.
Better than last year, but not by leaps and bounds IMO
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Quote: What do people think about the kid from Oregon?
he's one of the four guys to consider in the top10 (Bridgewater, Hundley, Boyd, Mariota)
Like him a lot. I think the transition will take a little longer, but I like everything I read about him and obviously what you see on the field is really impressive.
I guarantee there won't be 4 QB's drafted in the top 10. That doesn't mean there aren't that many worthy of being considered for a top 10 pick. There's a difference
Quote: I guarantee there won't be 4 QB's drafted in the top 10. That doesn't mean there aren't that many worthy of being considered for a top 10 pick. There's a difference
yes, but Murray isn't one of them
and, I wouldn't go as far as guaranteeing it won't happen. It could happen but that has to do as much with alot of the current QB crop ending it's NFL cycle as it does with the fact this is a good group of QBs.
teams looking at possible top10 picks that could consider drafting a QB (doesn't mean they will draft a QB):
JAX TB Pitt (if they feel Ben won't last longer, I think they'll roll with him though) Oakland Minnesota St. Louis Philly Cinci (ok, they probably don't end up top10. not out of the question though and I don't believe in Dalton at all)
others that may fall apart, end up top10 and take a QB: NYJ Tenn Arizona and the Browns
Quote: I guarantee there won't be 4 QB's drafted in the top 10. That doesn't mean there aren't that many worthy of being considered for a top 10 pick. There's a difference
There are at least 4 teams I the NFL that need QB's. You only consider a player in the top 10 if you feel they are worthy of a top 10 selection.
There aren't four QB's in this draft worthy of that consideration. Plain and simple.
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
Quote: You only consider a player in the top 10 if you feel they are worthy of a top 10 selection.
tell that to Blaine Gabbert & Jake Locker. Everyone (i guess except their respective teams) saw they weren't worth a top10 pick.
anyway, I disagree that there are not top-flight QBs in this draft as well. many may stay in school for one more year (to avoid the glut of QBs), but this is as good a year as any in recent memory despite no Andrew Luck caliber guy (because there are so few of them).
If the Jaguars, Raiders, Buccaneers, Eagles, and/or Vikings have a top ten pick they will all be candidates to take QBs (we will be too if we end up in the top ten).
Mariota, Hundley, Boyd, Bridgewater, Manziel, McCarron, Murray, and Mettenberger are all potential first round QBs. Guys like Carr, Braxton Miller, Fales, and Stephen Morris are all decent prospects as well.
There is no Andrew Luck, but there are a lot of guys with a ton of potential.
Quote: There aren't four QB's in this draft worthy of that consideration. Plain and simple.
It's not even close to being plain and simple. What's plain is that it is probably more of your dislike of the FO and you don't want to give them any credit for acquiring another first round pick.
There isn't a Luck in the this draft. However, there are a multitude of very good qbs who could be outstanding pros. I really think this is one of the stronger qb draft classes in quite some time. No, not as good as the Luck, RGIII, Wilson, Cousins, Tannehill class, but it's a very good class that will likely put more qbs on NFL teams than even that draft.
I think we are sitting pretty. Hopefully, Hoyer is the guy and we can use all those picks on more talent in other areas. However, if he isn't---or even if there is some doubt---we can use one of our picks on a pretty darn good qb.
Oh.........and to the guy who said Bridgewater was going to be a bust.........please explain why? That makes no sense. He is the best of the bunch right now. He is very smart. He is level headed. He has a good arm. And above all......no qb is more accurate. Methinks you are talking out your behind.
Let me guess.........you are one of the same guys who thought Weeden was a good pick? LOL
Quote: If the Jaguars, Raiders, Buccaneers, Eagles, and/or Vikings have a top ten pick they will all be candidates to take QBs (we will be too if we end up in the top ten).
Quote: If the Jaguars, Raiders, Buccaneers, Eagles, and/or Vikings have a top ten pick they will all be candidates to take QBs (we will be too if we end up in the top ten).
Say what you will but he was once considered a top (not elite...but neither was Rogers) prospect. He fell in the draft. Now he sits and learns the NFL game. I for one wasn't happy that the Stillers drafted him. He's the type of guy that, with time, has the tools to succeed at the pro level.
I like Carr, Murray and Fales of the non top QBs and Bryn Renner, but I expect all of them to rise up boards. Good class to draft two QBs, if they get rid of Weeden (Campbell is already gone in my mind)
#gmstrong
"Players come along at different points in time" - Ray Farmer
It's not even close to being plain and simple. What's plain is that it is probably more of your dislike of the FO and you don't want to give them any credit for acquiring another first round pick.
Excuse me? You are becoming a stalker. LMAO
I think acquiring another first round pick was fine. How you use that first round pick will be the greater issue and is yet to be determined.
Quote: There isn't a Luck in the this draft. However, there are a multitude of very good qbs who could be outstanding pros. I really think this is one of the stronger qb draft classes in quite some time. No, not as good as the Luck, RGIII, Wilson, Cousins, Tannehill class, but it's a very good class that will likely put more qbs on NFL teams than even that draft.
So you feel there are four or more QB's worthy of a top 10 pick? If the top 2 are gone before we could make a deal to move up, do we use both picks to move up, or do we simply draft the best BPA with our first 1st rounder and wait to draft a QB with our second 1st round pick?
You have a lot of BS accusations to throw around, but I don't see you supplying any answers.
You say use "one of our picks" on a QB? I hope Hoyer is our guy too, but it appears they will have to determine that based on a very small sample size that we've seen. So given your infinite wisdom, is he? Because as sad as it is to say, he won't be playing anymore before next years draft.
We are sitting in very good shape for the upcoming draft. How successful they are in that draft will be critical. Just remember, you're the one who doesn't buy excuses.
And just for the record, Hoyer was a Lombardi guy all the way. Lombardi should receive all of the credit or if it had played out badly, all of the blame for Hoyer.
As it turned out, he gets the credit because it was a big upgrade from what we had for less money. Yes, that's me giving him credit. I'm sure your selective memory will quickly forget that in no time flat. LOL
Intoducing for The Cleveland Browns, Quarterback Deshawn "The Predator" Watson. He will also be the one to choose your next head coach.
by Greg Gabriel National Football Post October 03, 02013
When I started in scouting in the early 1980's, good scouts could find a small school prospect, keep the name quiet, and draft him in the late rounds. When the player turned out to be good they would label him a “sleeper”. That’s is not the case anymore. Between social media and YouTube, there are many ways for the small schools to get one of their players noticed. In the case of Eastern Illinois quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, the school didn’t need either of those tools to get the word out on their star player. Garoppolo’s play did all the talking. It’s only early October, and just about every team in the NFL has seen him this year in practice or a game. He has been a starter since midway through his freshman year and has re-written the quarterback record book at Eastern. He hasn’t just done it against the lower level of comp FCS schools. Just about every time he has played a Division I school he has put up big numbers. This season versus San Diego State and Northern Illinois he completed a total of 65 of 95 passes for 911 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. Through five games this year, he has completed 151 of 231 passes for 2053 yards, 23 TDs and five interceptions. That is a season's worth of production for a lot of quarterbacks. In his college career he has passed for over 10,000 yards and 88 touchdowns. By the end of this season, I have no doubt he will surpass 12,500 yards in passing and 105 TDs.
Coming out of high school, Garoppolo was not highly recruited. His offers were from Eastern Illinois, Illinois State, and Montana State. Big Ten schools Iowa, Indiana, and Purdue all looked at him but did not offer. I’m sure they regret that decision as none of those schools have a quarterback with Garoppolo’s talent. Garoppolo has good size at about 6’3-220. He is a good athlete with quick feet and better than average play speed (4.77). He plays mostly from a spread or pistol formation but will line up under center at times. When under center, he can set up quickly. He has the quick feet and athleticism to move around in the pocket and keep plays alive. He shows a good feel for pass rushers and can step up or roll to keep plays alive and get the throw off. He holds the ball high and has very good delivery quickness. When he makes a decision, the ball is out of his hands instantly. I have seen improvement from 2012 to 2013 in his decision making and accuracy. On tapes from 2012, I felt his accuracy and ball placement were just above average. This year his completion percentage is up, and his ball placement is even better. He will still force a throw at times, but with only 5 interceptions in 231 throws, he is keeping his mistakes to a minimum. He is showing much more patience in the pocket this year. He does a good job seeing the field and going through a progression.
Garoppolo does not have a cannon for an arm. He has good arm strength and can easily throw the ball 50+ yards but by no means can he drill the ball. He doesn’t have John Elway or Brett Favre arm strength, it’s more like Sam Bradford or Aaron Rodgers when they came out of college. His arm will improve when he gets into an NFL strength program and he is doing exercises conducive to improving his arm strength. My one concern is he doesn’t throw a consistently tight ball. While he shows he can drive the ball, I have also seen a number of throws where the ball flutters. It will be interesting to see what his hand measurement is when he attends an all-star game or the combine. Quarterbacks with small hands can sometimes have a problem spinning the ball consistently.
Garoppolo can make all the throws needed to play in the NFL. He has good pocket presence and awareness. His decision making improves every year as he gains experience. He is a play maker who comes up big when it is needed. His leadership on the field is obvious.
At this point, I’m not ready to say he is a potential first round pick. He is talented and will go early but I don’t think I would take him in the first. He still has at least seven games to play this season and then the FCS playoffs. How well he plays the rest of the season and in an all-star game will determine his final value. Jimmy has a lot of upside. He will be a guy who goes through a number of interviews. Before the process is over, he will be looked at as much if not more than any other player in the draft.
Greg Gabriel is a veteran of 29 NFL seasons. He started as a part time scout with the Buffalo Bills in 1981. In 1984 he became an area scout for National Football Scouting and then was hired by the New York Giants in January of 1985. Gabriel was with the Giants for 16 seasons and worked with some all time great NFL coaches and personnel people including George Young, Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Dan Reeves, Tom Coughlin and Ernie Accorsi. While in New York, the Giants won three NFC Championships and two Super Bowls (XXI and XXI). Also, 12 first round draft picks came from Gabriel’s main areas of responsibility. In June of 2001, Gabriel left New York to become Director of College Scouting for the Chicago Bears. During his nine seasons with Chicago, the Bears went on to win three Division Championships, one NFC Championship and were an NFC wildcard team twice. Six of the Bears draft picks went on to the Pro Bowl under Gabriel’s direction.
Man, he snaps that ball out there. He has some serious arm action going on there. His release almost looks inhuman, but he looks like he puts nice touch on the ball, and looks accurate.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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