"This is why I think Ireland disagrees with gurus like Scouts Inc. regarding their opinion of Ponder’s “Intelligence/Decision Making”, which they judge to be “below average”. As with all QBs, this is a crucial factor because it is the mental aspect (the critical “six inches between the ears”) that makes or breaks quarterbacks more than any other.
The stats would tend to support Ponder’s case in this regard: 49 TDs, 30 INTs, and almost 7,000 yards passing with a 62% completion rate. Off the field, his scholastic accomplishments are exemplary: winner of the 2010 James Tatum award (nation's top student-athlete), graduating in two and one half years with a degree in finance and a 3.73 GPA.
In short, Ponder is a guy who would not require as much time as most rookie QBs to be ready to play. And with superior weapons like Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess to help him, I can easily see how he would do well in Brian Daboll’s system.
Physically, Ponder can make every throw at the NFL level. His solid workout at the combine reinforced what I’d seen of him over the past four seasons. He has very good mobility and escapability, with good pocket presence and a fine sense of the pass rush. He is plenty good enough to run the Wildcat if called upon, as Fisher used him extensively on option plays.
As for the intangibles, such as toughness, character, and leadership, Ponder scores well. He is an outstanding leader, the type of man who could LEAD the Dolphin offense. He’s a person of fine character, strongly devoted to community service, which aligns very well to owner Stephen Ross’s organizational philosophy; a “face of the franchise”, if you will. And though Ponder has suffered through his share of injuries (more on this in a moment), he isn’t afraid of contact; he often played hurt and played well.
http://www.phins.com/chris/column_032511.html
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Whether or not we draft him, I think Ponder's stock is definitely on the rise. I think he probably comes off the board in the late first/early second round. Probably somewhere between picks #15-#40. Too many teams need QB's, whether it's a starter, or a young gun to groom for 2-3 years down the road. And, we're obviously a team with a need at the position. He's got a lot of upside, and is probably one of the most NFL ready QB prospects in the draft from what I've read/heard thus far.
Having said that, I'd love to trade down and still have a shot at him in the late first or mid second.jim1 likes this. -
I sure hope Ponder isn't the target. Soft arm. -
Im a big fan. would be happy if we got him. Have we worked him out privatley ?
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He's been to Davie.
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We have worked out pretty much every major round 1-2 target that I can think of. We are definitely interested in upgrading the position, just a matter of who is available and who do they like.
Ponder reportedly won't get past Buff or Cinci in round 2, and apparently the Jags are studying him hard, so trading down may not be an option. With Newton and Gabbert almost sure to be out of reach, it appears we will have to decide if we want to pull the trigger on Mallet, Ponder or Locker in the first. -
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Frumundah Finnatic, ToddsPhins and SICK like this.
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Low points - He can't throw.
:lol:ToddsPhins and Dol-Fan Dupree like this. -
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Ah, c'mon Alen. He can't be that bad. Mayock sounds pretty high on him. From what I understand, he would've been the #1 QB prospect had he come out early last year. But, he stayed in school and didn't have as good a senior campaign. Therefore, his stock dropped. But, Mayock contends he's the same guy. Now, I have to confess, I've not seen him play. So, I'm just kinda wondering because I do have a funny feeling he could be the target this FO is eyeing for a QB, not Ponder. -
You forgot he looks good in shorts. I have concerns with his footwork in the pocket, basically his stride I think will always make him inaccurate, and his decision making sometimes makes me go WTHolyHellF. Andy Dalton will throw into coverage and will make some uninspiring throws, but Locker can be even worse. He has a better arm than Dalton, but still. He makes more plays out of the pocket than in, and that tends to make me think he doesn't see the field well from within the pocket.
He has the physical skills you'd like for the most part, but his mechanics are off to me and the 6 inches between the ears worries me as well. Thats my short take.ToddsPhins likes this. -
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Locker simply is not a good QB.Conuficus likes this. -
I think it's almost guaranteed they take one of the three. They draft franchise positions in the first pretty consistently. Even when Romo was just starting to appear Ireland and Tuna were considering QBs. I doubt that's changed and this time they might want someone with a little bit more ability to hit that deep ball.
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IMO Ponder isn't worth a first, but I'd have no complaints about him being selected later.
texanphinatic likes this. -
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Not for nothing but we just got mentioned on the Dan Patrick show.............weeeeeee!!!!!
Sorry, had to tell somebody.djphinfan, Desides and ToddsPhins like this. -
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I didn't hear it either, but Frayser posted this:
Patrick to Ryan Mallett who was a guest on the show: 'Did you see the piece in the Sun Sentinel about you?'
I don't know what else was said, but damn that's enough for me. We've been contacted by two different radio shows regarding the article.Desides likes this. -
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I'd love to go on about the difference between the hype surrounding Luck right now and the hype surrounding Locker a year ago but the bottom line is just this: the hype around Luck is deserved, the hype around Locker a year ago was not. Bottom line. That's all there is to it. Locker never would have survived the pre-Draft process in 2010 and still been a top QB prospect. His flaws were already very evident. Everyone that bought into his story were doing so based on thinking what he could be if he improved (greatly). We're still waiting for that improvement.
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One thing I don't get (and, I hear what y'all are saying). But...if true, and again...I'm not questioning anyone's football IQ here, but why does Mayock have Locker rated so high (#2 QB prospect IIRC)? I mean, isn't he usually spot on with his player valuations?
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