Darron Thomas leaving for NFL

[SlyPokerDog]

As reported on the radio and twitters.

Rumor on radio is that DT is leaving because of serious sanctions and/or Chip is leaving for NFL, lol.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

http://espn.go.com/nfl/conversation...n-thomas-oregon-ducks-leave-early-enter-draft

 

[PapaG]

DT is leaving in part because Bryan Bennett is Chip's prototype QB for his system, as are Mariota and Rodrigues. This is my opinion only, though.

Don't assume DT was going to win the job next year.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

DT is leaving in part because Bryan Bennett is Chip's prototype QB for his system, as are Mariota and Rodrigues. This is my opinion only, though.

Don't assume DT was going to win the job next year.

DT is the winingest QB in Oregon history. His job was never in doubt.

 

[Ghost Pepper]

Bad move by DT! He'll be a late 2nd round at best. He doesn't have a NFL arm or wide reciever speed.....

The best DT's football carreer will ever be is being a senior leading his #3 Ducks to a national championship. He'll kick himself for this later in life...

That said, we've got some damn good QB's waiting for a chance! The kid from Hawaii is a stud!

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Bad move by DT! He'll be a late 2nd round at best. He doesn't have a NFL arm or wide reciever speed.....

The best DT's football carreer will ever be is being a senior leading his #3 Ducks to a national championship. He'll kick himself for this later in life...

That said, we've got some damn good QB's waiting for a chance! The kid from Hawaii is a stud!

DT is not a 2nd round draft pick.

 

[PapaG]

DT is the winingest QB in Oregon history. His job was never in doubt.

Chip runs the USC system where you compete every week for your job. Ask Cliff Harris about it. Or whoever was the 3rd WR all year (Huffman/Hawkins/Dungy/etc. etc.).

I love what DT did at Oregon, but he isn't Chip's prototypical QB. I think Mariota is going to be special at UO, and if Bennett can work on his mechanics, he can be as well.

 

[PapaG]

DT is not a 2nd round draft pick.

I'm not even sure he'll be drafted at all. Just an odd decision that came completely out of the blue. Maybe he as a great job offer at a hedge fund or something and just wants to start it?

 

[Sinobas]

I'm happy about this, because I really want to see Bryan Bennett lead this team. Darron Thomas will be drafted in the 7th round at the earliest, I honestly think he would go undrafted.

 

[STOMP]

Being a Redshirt Jr, Darron should be on pace to graduate shortly. He's started two years putting up big stats being very efficient and a winner, I don't know how much staying another season would have helped boost his draft stock. Concerns about not being familiar with being under center weren't going to go away and he'd be risking injury. Best of luck to him in all things as he's been all time great Duck QB, but from what I understand he's projected to go in the later rounds.

oh well, every year change is part of the deal when following a team, especially a college team. This certainly adds intrigue to the Spring practices... Mariota v Bennett should be very interesting. Both bring better raw physical ability to the position then DT possessed, but of course QB is such a cerebral position and thats where Thomas excelled. I feel better about the early part of next year's schedule being a bit light then I did just a few days back.

STOMP

 

[STOMP]

DT is the winingest QB in Oregon history. His job was never in doubt.

he's thrown the most all-time TD passes as well... Iirc he's 2nd in total yards too

STOMP

 

[Da_O]

From what I've heard, DT asked for a draft evaluation. It must have been pretty favorable, and I don't think if he was getting told 7th round to undrafted that he would've left.

With a lot of QB's coming back for their senior years he might get into that top 6-7 QB range. I'm guessing 3rd-4th round.

 

[Da_O]

Also if anybody cares recruiting wise, this does open up another scholarship.

 

[PapaG]

From what I've heard, DT asked for a draft evaluation. It must have been pretty favorable, and I don't think if he was getting told 7th round to undrafted that he would've left.

With a lot of QB's coming back for their senior years he might get into that top 6-7 QB range. I'm guessing 3rd-4th round.

That would be simply stunning to me. Then again, with LMJ/Barner last year, and DAT/LMJ/Barner this year, Darron has kind of flown under the radar for a lot of Duck fans, myself included. Maybe if you break down his tape, he's a great passer? I do know he makes good decisions in both the running and passing games, but I'm actually surprised by this announcement. It just makes no sense to me.

 

[Da_O]

That would be simply stunning to me. Then again, with LMJ/Barner last year, and DAT/LMJ/Barner this year, Darron has kind of flown under the radar for a lot of Duck fans, myself included. Maybe if you break down his tape, he's a great passer? I do know he makes good decisions in both the running and passing games, but I'm actually surprised by this announcement. It just makes no sense to me.

DT doesn't have bad throwing mechanics and he doesn't have the weakest of arms. He has most of his problems with how he plants his feet. That could be fixed pretty easily. With a good combine I would not be surprised by that at all.

 

[MickZagger]

I've said it all along, but Thomas was a product of the system. He happened to be the guy who was quarterbacking the team when they got world class speed that inflated his numbers.

From the glimpses that I saw of Bennett this season, I thought he was the better choice already. Tuck the ball and run! I think Bennett will excel at that.

I don't see him getting drafted. I don't dislike Thomas' either, I just didn't think he was as great as others.

 

[Da_O]

If Darron Thomas does not get drafted that would be a huge miscalculation on his part. He cannot even take part in the Senior Bowl which usually raises the draft stock of a lot of underrated players. He must feel pretty confident a team is going to take him.

As for Bennett, I hope he does well.

 

[Natebishop3]

On the one hand I agree that his stock probably won't go much higher, so why stay? On the other, he had a chance to stick around and take another shot at the natty.... but ya, I'm pretty excited to see what Bennett can do.

 

[BoBoBREWSKI]

Stupid move IMO. He wont even get drafted.

 

[Targus]

DT is leaving in part because Bryan Bennett is Chip's prototype QB for his system, as are Mariota and Rodrigues. This is my opinion only, though.

Don't assume DT was going to win the job next year.

Yah, why would anyone assume the winningest QB in Oregon history and team leader would assume duty as QB1 - as a third year starter, going into his SR year. Always reasonable to tell other posters what not to assume. Free thinking and debate should not be encouraged.

Moseley reported: Thomas was raised in Houston by a single mother who works a retail job, and in the statement Saturday announcing his decision, Thomas said it was made “on behalf of myself and my family.” Quarterbacks selected in the late rounds of the 2011 draft made a base salary of $375,000 as rookies.

Here's how DT compares to JH:

Cmp Att Pct Yards Y/C TD Int Rate
Darron Thomas 432 710 60.8% 5,642 13.1 63 16 152.4
Joey Harrington 465 855 54.4% 6,289 13.5 53 21 131.7

 

[Targus]

Chip Kelly said, "I don't want anybody else to run this football team." Thomas threw three touchdown passes in the Pac-12 title win over UCLA to set the school record with 63 touchdown passes, breaking the record set by Danny O'Neil. He had a season-high 60 rushing yards against the Bruins including a career-best 40-yard run. He is sixth in school history in total offense with 6,360 yards. He has thrown 30 touchdown passes in two straight seasons, the first Duck to do that.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=84638&draftyear=2013&genpos=QB

 

[PapaG]

Yah, why would anyone assume the winningest QB in Oregon history and team leader would assume duty as QB1 - as a third year starter, going into his SR year. Always reasonable to tell other posters what not to assume. Free thinking and debate should not be encouraged.

Moseley reported: Thomas was raised in Houston by a single mother who works a retail job, and in the statement Saturday announcing his decision, Thomas said it was made “on behalf of myself and my family.” Quarterbacks selected in the late rounds of the 2011 draft made a base salary of $375,000 as rookies.

Here's how DT compares to JH:

Cmp Att Pct Yards Y/C TD Int Rate
Darron Thomas 432 710 60.8% 5,642 13.1 63 16 152.4
Joey Harrington 465 855 54.4% 6,289 13.5 53 21 131.7

You seem very angry lately. Also, comparing Thomas to Harrington statistically means nothing. Joey was running an NFL offense that stretched the field in the passing game; Chip's offense has short pass reads the are often caught within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage.

I don't see why there wouldn't be an open competition for the QB spot. That's how DT won the job in the first place, when it was assumed that Nate Costa was going to be QB1 after Masoli got dumped. I think DT saw the writing on the wall, already has his degree, and decided to move on instead of having to fight for his job.

Bennett played very well this year without a lick of experience. Remember how DT got benched against ASU, and Bennett led the comeback? I do...

Bennett had a higher QB rating than DT this year, had zero interceptions with 6 TDs, and that doesn't include his 23 carries for 200 yards, which was only 3 yards less running than DT had all season. I think it's unreasonable to assume that a guy who played like that with limited reps wouldn't be part of the QB mix next season.

 

[PapaG]

Chip Kelly said, "I don't want anybody else to run this football team." Thomas threw three touchdown passes in the Pac-12 title win over UCLA to set the school record with 63 touchdown passes, breaking the record set by Danny O'Neil. He had a season-high 60 rushing yards against the Bruins including a career-best 40-yard run. He is sixth in school history in total offense with 6,360 yards. He has thrown 30 touchdown passes in two straight seasons, the first Duck to do that.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=84638&draftyear=2013&genpos=QB

I notice in your link that Thomas isn't even projected to be drafted. Seems odd that he'd leave a potential BCS title team without being assured of a job in the NFL. A 6th or 7th round pick is more apt to be cut or put on the practice squad than be paid actual NFL money.

 

[Targus]

I wasn't aware emotions were clearly communicated via message boards. This is a new one. I'll just have to 'assume' you know what you're talking about. Weren't you the one attacking Ed O., recently based on what you described as objective? Maybe I'm wrong...it happens. You ever wrong?

Chip says he doesn't want anyone else running the offense and leading the team - late 2011. You say don't assume DT would return as a starter.

...I'll take Chip's word for it...sure, it's an open competition. It was DT's to lose and he did nothing to show he wouldn't return as the starter. DT got these yards as a QB on a run first team. He's a great QB.

I wish him the best of luck and appreciate all he did. Should the NFL not pan, he's a shoe-in for six figures in CFL or Arena.

I'm going to miss him.

 

[PapaG]

I wasn't aware emotions were clearly communicated via message boards. This is a new one. I'll just have to 'assume' you know what you're talking about.

Really? Because you come across as very angry on this board these days. Not sure why. Aren't we all Ducks?

Chip says he doesn't want anyone else running the offense and leading the team - late 2011. You say don't assume DT would return as a starter.

...I'll take Chip's word for it...sure, it's an open competition. It was DT's to lose and he did nothing to show he wouldn't return as the starter. DT got these yards as a QB on a run first team. He's a great QB.

What do you exect Chip to say about his QB with the Rose Bowl still to be played?

"You know, DT is OK, but he doesn't run very well anymore. He'll probably suffice for the Rose Bowl this year, though."

What was Chip's answer when he was asked after the Rose Bowl about next year? That's what is relevant, not something he said after the Pac-12 title game.

I wish him the best of luck and appreciate all he did. Should the NFL not pan, he's a shoe-in for six figures in CFL or Arena.

I'm going to miss him.

Yeah, same here. I'm just wondering why you find it so absurd that DT may be challenged next spring by both Mariota and Bennett. If they perform better in spring/fall, then Chip will play them. He's proven that before. Masoli passed two experienced QBs, including one who led a rout of USF in the Sun Bowl, in just one fall camp.

 

[Targus]

I notice in your link that Thomas isn't even projected to be drafted. Seems odd that he'd leave a potential BCS title team without being assured of a job in the NFL. A 6th or 7th round pick is more apt to be cut or put on the practice squad than be paid actual NFL money.

You didn't notice he's still under 2013 class and projected as the 12th best QB in that class. You also didn't mention 12 QB's were drafted last spring and for 2012, after basically the top 6 QB's of 2012, talent drops off quickly. Thomas is right there. It's his dream. I feel strongly he'll be drafted as a project. But, not being drafted isn't the end of the world. FA. Other pro leagues and six figures. He's a gifted athlete. He has a future. He comes from a fam of limited means so it's not only his dream, but his way of helping his family.

He signed with Rosenhaus - a top and successful agent, so some believe in him. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drew_Rosenhaus

But, of course, we aren't to assume he'd "win" the starting role. Nonsense in many ways.

 

[Targus]

Now you're changing your tune. First, you tell posters not to even assume DT will "win" the starter position (inferring he'll somehow lose it) and now you infer the debate is about being "challenged". Two totally different issues.

I'll assume all day DT was going to be the starter...because he would have been.

I'm not angry. Maybe you're offended by facts and objectivity...that seems to be the trend I'm noticing.

 

[PapaG]

Now you're changing your tune. First, you tell posters not to even assume DT will "win" the starter position (inferring he'll somehow lose it) and now you infer the debate is about being "challenged". Two totally different issues.

I'll assume all day DT was going to be the starter...because he would have been.

I'm not angry. Maybe you're offended by facts and objectivity...that seems to be the trend I'm noticing.

That's a false argument. We won't know if he would have been the starter, be it because of being outplayed or because of injury.

I won't assume he would have been the starter ... because maybe he would not have been the starter.

Plus, he was rated by some website without a single individual workout. That's where he'll have to prove himself as a potential NFL QB, and not by dinking and dunking the ball in the Oregon offense. Has he even once taken a snap from under the center and thrown a pass? I can't recall him doing so in two years as the starter.

I also wish him well, but there are QBs behind him who are a much better fit for Chip's offense, and guys who Chip actually recruited to Oregon as the HC.

 

[PapaG]

I'm not angry. Maybe you're offended by facts and objectivity...that seems to be the trend I'm noticing.

An assumption isn't a fact. Better polish up on the vernacular. I'm also wondering how I'm not being objective.

You're upset because someone has a different assumption than you have. There is no right or wrong answer.

 

[Targus]

I'm not buying your schtick. First, you tell people how they should think and what they can and can't assume, then you change your tune to the QB situation just being a challenge. But when all else fails you resort to calling people who disagree with you - angry. It's all strawman stuff.

And yes, you just got done attacking Ed O. (one of the most respectful posters here) for simply offering an objective opinion that differed from yours. You read into his post in a way no one else did and attacked him. Now, because I disagreed with you, you're on to the next project - calling me angry and making personal assumptions instead of debating something you can't back up.

Yup, I'm not to assume a 22-3 player and team leader, returning for his SR year won't be the starter. You're right. I'm wrong.

Feel better about yourself? Now you can return to telling other posters what they can assume and can't. That's always a crowd favorite.

DT should be drafted, and if not, should be able to make a living and support his family with some level of pro play. He's got a great agent and plenty of teams are in need of good backup QB's and are willing to burn a late draft pick on a project QB.

This is a guy that I really like as a developmental player, and a really great team for him to go to right now to be a backup would be with the Denver Broncos, who are going to be in need of a backup quarterback should Brady Quinn opt for free agency.

http://nflmocks.com/2012/01/15/oregon-quarterback-darron-thomas-enters-2012-nfl-draft/

You posted again before I could respond. Why do you keep saying I'm angry and upset? It's weird, man.