OPINION: Players to face tough decision on whether to turn pro after season
We take a closer look at where things stand with Cane players that can opt to turn pro after the season.
Matt, Well written article. Very thorough with relevant detail, And very important to UM near future.
Just my opinions following up on yours.
Borregales - Should go, Drafted kickers in the NFL are rare and he has a chance for a decent guaranteed bonus. He is viewed as consistent money and that is what the NFL wants from kickers,
Being a long term NFL kicker is not a bad first job.
Jordan - I too think he will go, People say he should prove he can stay healthy for a year, but getting paid to be on injured reserve is not a bad gig. If he were to return next year and get injured again he only reduces his value further. Maybe he is just fragile so why not get money while he can?
King - Has proved he can be a P5 difference maker. He is not going to get taller than 5:9 or really improve his arm and accuracy. Get started and know if you are an NFL QB or WR?
McCloud - He is not going to get physically different. Maybe an NFL team can coach him up? See no reason for him to stay at UM or UM to want him too. Maybe he starts early a coaching career?
Phillips - IMO, this is the X factor guy. Has shown enough this year to get drafted reasonably high. But given his injury history, family money and true interest in his degree - Music, I could see him staying another year to take the chance on being a first day pick and the upfront bonus.
Roche - kind of like King. He has proven he can play at P5 and is not going to really improve his measurables in a 6th season. Get an earlier start to a 2nd contract.
J Williams - same concept as King and Roche.
Bolden - tough call, he should stay to better learn his position. Due to injuries this is really his first full year of playing. But he seems like he might follow the flash of a little Rosenaus cash so that Drew can get a $10K commission to pay a month's car note. He would have a lot of upside potential in staying.
Ford - Have heard he is a guy that just does not like school. May take his chances as a UDFA. Not sure if he really helps himself with another year at UM or anywhere else. There are worse things for a young 20 something that getting $ix figures to be on an NFL practice squad. Or maybe even the CFL, XFL, etc. Not sure UM would be upset if he leaves. Harrison Hunte is the new big dog and needs to eat. Miller can fufill Ford's space eater role.
Harris - Think he is gone. IMO he looks at Homer and Dallas thinks, they are drawing nice checks. Plus understands the RB "can take only so many hits" and says get paid for them. IMO he is not as good as Homer and Dallas, but,,, Plus he sees two more talented FS (Chaney and Knighton) taking 2021 carries. Probably a good choice for him to go as I don't see how 2021 really improves his stock. Take the chances on being offered a 2nd contract sooner.
Hedley - I know he said he is coming back, but from an NFL perspecive, why? He has already proven his ability. Being a long term NFL punter is not a bad gig. Get started now. Plus he is in his mid 20's.
Harley - He has raised his stock significantly in 2020. Don't see how much more he can raise it further as he still is not naturally instinctive and will not grow to 6:3, but something tells me he likes college and might want to spend another year.
Carter and Hall- Have a feeling both will be back. Don't see high current NFL interest for either. Both have talent. Carter has the higher upside due to protypical size.. Both have the physical talent that if they can show the true ability to be a bigtime perorming Safety it will raise their profile. Neither has done that consistently in 2020, nor has Bolden, but they have all shown flashes. But NFL wants safeties to be absolutely consistent.
Silvera - another interestind discussion. He was the classic "i'm coming in for three years and leaving as a top ten NFL draft pick" attitude. Did not happen. His third year has shown him growing physically, gaining mental maturity and learning how to be a P5 DT. He should stay another year, but,,,,,,, who knows?
Matt, you did not mention Ivey and Blades. Neither is ready to go NFL but that does not mean that little Drew will not tell them they are ready, so he can get a couple more $10K UDFA bonuses to make a few more Bentley car payments.
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