Solid Talent Floor vs High Potential Ceiling

[fliptalianstallion]

As this dreadful season is nearing its end, I would like to ask you guys what type of players you prefer picking in terms of talent level and potential ceiling. Do you guys prefer the man with the solid talent capable of getting the job done or the raw guy with the potential to become an elite playmaker. Please explain your reasons also, I'd like to get good insight on this debate.

The most notable example in the 2011 Draft was the debate between Lance Kendricks and Torrey Smith. I know the outcome was Smith flourishing well while we ended up getting Handbricks. However, there's also a high potential ceiling in Kendricks's case seeing that he is capable of creating lots of mismatches through solid blocking capabilities, being a middle downfield attacker, and an adequate redzone threat. Smith looks to have gone near his peak in terms of talent level seeing that his deep threat skills are where he shows off a lot.

If this example leaves you with a bitter taste, then the debate between Justin Blackmon and Alshon Jeffery might give you a clearer view. Blackmon is already a proven, polished route-runner with physical tools; seeing the way he plays reminds me of Torry Holt with physical capabilities. Jeffery on the other hand hasn't shown much but that's due to poor QB play but he can still produce decent numbers especially at the SEC.

What are your thoughts?

[Tampa_Ram]

hmm, interesting, gonna have to think about this one.

[GROUND DOG 39]

I think it depend's on which position. Skill players, you must go with the higher ceiling. I think you stand a much better chance of finding difference makers this way. I think you can get away with employing solid players, in the O- line in the NFL.

[RockinRam]

We have often been faced with these situations:
Jason Smith vs. Eugene Monroe : Eugene Monroe
Chris Long vs. Vernon Gholston : Chris Long
James Laurinaitis vs. Rey Maualuga : James Laurinaitis
Donnie Avery vs. Jordy Nelson : Jordy Nelson
Mardy Gilyard vs. Mike Williams : Mike Williams




It depends on the situation, and the players involved. I still can't believe we drafted Adam Carriker instead of Revis or Leon Hall.

[Chris58]

My answer depends on how good the next coaching crew is at player development. If they aren't any better than the current regime at developing the talent they acquire, then I would opt for drafting the highly polished solid talent floor players and pray they "get it" when the play book is thrown at them.

[GROUND DOG 39]

We have often been faced with these situations:
Jason Smith vs. Eugene Monroe : Eugene Monroe
Chris Long vs. Vernon Gholston : Chris Long
James Laurinaitis vs. Rey Maualuga : James Laurinaitis
Donnie Avery vs. Jordy Nelson : Jordy Nelson
Mardy Gilyard vs. Mike Williams : Mike Williams




It depends on the situation, and the players involved. I still can't believe we drafted Adam Carriker instead of Revis or Leon Hall.

Agreed. How about the year before when we traded out of the eleventh slot, with Haloti Ngata, and Jay Cutler sat there. All in the name of Tye Hill and Claude Wroten.? Its no wonder the Rams have the worst roster in the league. This is why I prefer going BPA in the draft, over lesser players that fill needs.?