Friday, March 26, 2010

Shanahan admires Tim Tebow

Earlier this week, Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen traveled to Gainesville Florida to watch former University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. Tebow held his pro day workout at the swamp, and as expected the event turn into a rock concert rather then a NFL Draft workout. Shanahan was interview from the Washington Post after the workout and he said that he admires Tebow as a player and a person.



I never like the Gators in college football, but Tebow was a great leader and role model for that team. His personality can definitely help himself and others in the locker room and whether that translates to the NFL remains to be seen. Comparing him to Phillip Rivers is similar since Rivers struggled with his throwing motion. But it didn't stop Rivers from becoming a pro-bowl quarterback in the league.

However, the only area that concerns me is two things;

1)Tebow was the starting quarterback at Florida. Historically, Florida quarterbacks doesn't succeed in the NFL. Redskins fans can look back to 2002 when they had Shane Matthews and Danny Wuerffel in the No.1 and No.2 QB in the depth chart. Also, Steve Spurrier, who coached the Redskins in 2002, struggled in the NFL with then expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2) His throwing motion is way too inaccurate. Tebow has difficulty throwing accurate passes to his receivers, and fumbling snaps during his pre-draft workouts. His low test score in the wonderlic test doesn't help his draft stock either. Tebow also ran a spread offense, which rarely exists in the NFL today. However, Tebow could be a great asset in a wildcat formation.

So will the Redskins go after Tebow in the draft?

Yes it is highly possible, because the Redskins have the option to draft Tebow in the second round. Shanahan wants to draft a QB this year, with no third round pick, the Redskins have to look for a QB in the second round and Tebow will likely be available in round 2. This gives the team a opportunity to draft a offensive linemen like Russel Okung at No.4.

The good news is that the team will focus on O-Line in the first round, but take a major risk with Tebow in round two. But with the uncertainty of Jason Campbell's future and every roster spot open before camp, drafting Tebow may well be worth the risk.

Think about it, Tom Brady had the same issues, but he was drafted in the later rounds with New England. Brady led the Patriots to three super bowls. Also, some NFL coaches think that Tebow will succeed in the NFL. Just ask Tony Dungy.

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