Value and ranking discussions

[Warhorse]

The draft is almost here and there is much conjecture as to who our Colts should select. One of the common used rating guides is stats. Of course that is because that is the most common, readily available information for the average fan. However, stats can be very misleading. Most fans, even ones with limited knowledge of the game know who Emmit Smith is, but a far smaller group of fans know who Moose Johnston was. Here is a quote from Wikepedia...

Johnston was considered one of the best fullbacks of his day, while blocking for Emitt Smith, as Smith went on to become the all-time NFL rushing leader. However, Johnston was not the lead blocker for Smith's entire career. An unfortunate neck injury prematurely ended Johnston's career. Johnston was present the day Smith broke the rushing record; he was in the broadcasting booth, but came down onto the field to hug Smith and congratulate him afterward. As Smith made his victory lap of Texas Stadium after the record setting carry, Johnston hung back in the shadows. When Smith saw Johnston, the two joined together in an emotional embrace, with Smith telling Johnston, "I couldn't have done it without you". Johnston replied "It was my pleasure. I couldn't imagine doing it for anybody else."

So what this as aimed at, is that regardless of what a players numbers are in college...or in the pros for that matter, rankings mean very little. If you listen close to Grigson in his last interview, he speaks quite eloquently about choosing players in this draft for the Colts that really love to play the game, rather than for need or by ranking. Don't be surprised if we take a player at #34 who no one is expecting because they don't use rankings like fans do, they use film and one on one conversations with players and scouts who have either watched expensive film or seen players live in games. In the end, a player who is fairly healthy and has a great attitude and love for the game, may end up being more valuable than stats, rankings, and the ability to fill a need.

[Warhorse]

Oops....extensive film.....not expensive. Man I wish this site allowed you to edit for more than 15 minutes after your post.

[deedub75]

Oops....extensive film.....not expensive. Man I wish this site allowed you to edit for more than 15 minutes after your post.

I'm sure the film is quite expensive too!

[bahhummbug]

Loved watching Emitt and Tony play good ole Cowboy days.Great post shows some of the big men that get no credit for their jobs.