With everyone’s head spinning towards elite prospects RG3 and Andrew Luck, is there room for Ryan Tannehill as a third quarterback in the top ten? Many believe that the answer is simply no. Although Tannehill showed great success with Texas A&M, he is still viewed as an unsure prospect, and a project. Can an NFL team like the Miami Dolphins or Cleveland Browns really use a top ten pick on a guy with so many questions in the air?
The big picture is simply not the risk though, it is the reward. Many people even asked if Tannehill would be drafted in the first round. He certainly has the skill set to be a late first round pick. The only way one of the teams picking early in the first round will get him is to either trade back and take the risk of not landing your guy, or take him early in the round and roll the dice; however, that’s a tough call.
As risky as this seems for teams such as the Browns or Dolphins, Tannehill could pay big dividends in the long run. He could turn out to be the next Tom Brady… or he could turn out to be another Ryan Leaf. And spending big money on an early first round bust wastes a key draft pick, and can get a general manager fired.
That said, both the Browns and Dolphins had personnel at Tannehill’s Pro Day, including Browns’ offensive coordinator Brad Childress and Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin. The Browns hold the fourth pick and the Dolphins hold the eighth pick in April’s NFL Draft. Seahawks’ head coach Pete Carroll was also at the Pro Day, perhaps hoping Tannehill makes it out of the top ten to go to Seattle at pick number 12.
How did Tannehill’s name get brought into discussion as a top 10 pick? Simply his success in college (passing efficiency above 133 in each year he started), and he came up big when the right people were watching. I’m not saying that he didn’t perform well when scouts were not on top of him, but he brings his A-game when it matters most, which is something else you can add to his list of upside – performing with confidence under pressure.
How will Tannehill do in the NFL? I think Tannehill is a bit of a project, and will struggle as a rookie, but I do believe after his second or third year, teams will get their money’s worth. I think with the right amount of experience in the NFL, Tannehill will be a better than average player.
Based on his potential upside, Tannehill has the potential, skill set, and leadership ability to be a top ten pick. He is a down to earth quarterback who is not likely to get star struck with his name in the lights, he has good awareness on the field and throws the ball well, and he has a great work ethic. With enough help, protection and a receiver or two on his side, Tannehill could turn out to be a very good NFL quarterback.
There is a very important key to all big-name, young athletes, particularly quarterbacks, and that is the connection and compatibility with the team and coach. Don’t believe me? Just look at Alex Smith, a number one overall draft pick who was supposed to be an elite quarterback.
Smith failed to impress early in his career, and many thought his chance at stardom was up. Then Jim Harbaugh came to San Francisco, and Alex Smith started living up to his full potential, getting the 49ers to the NFC championship game.
With all the right pieces around him, I believe that Tannehill is a star in the making. It all depends on where he winds up, what offense he is playing, and what coach will be by his side.
By Blake Novacek
Follow me on Twitter at @Blake_PPI
