Ryan Mallett Declares for NFL Draft
by John Expat on Jan 6, 2011 7:25 PM CST
in Arkansas Razorback Football
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In news that should surprise absolutely no one, Ryan Mallett declared for the 2011 NFL Draft today. There will be plenty of time for reflection on his Razorback career and speculation as to what will come next for the Hogs, but for now let's just say this:
When Mallett transferred to Arkansas from Michigan way back in early 2008, hopes were high that he could join forces with Bobby Petrino and lead the Razorbacks into a new era. 62 touchdowns, 39 school records and 7496 passing yards later, we'll call it mission accomplished. Thanks, #15, for the memories and may you torch many defenses in the big leagues.
Official statements from both Mallett and Petrino are after the jump:
Mallett 's statement:
"After careful consideration, I have decided to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft. Ever since I was a kid, my dream has always been to play for the Razorbacks and I am thankful I had the opportunity to do so. A year ago, when I returned to school I said I wanted to help lead this team to a place among the nation's elite and for the Razorback community to have a mindset to expect greatness. There is no doubt we got there together and this program will continue to play games on the biggest stages and when it does we'll come out swinging. Playing in the NFL is a goal of mine and I am grateful to the people that have prepared me to take the next step. Coach (Bobby) Petrino is a winner, a man of character and the hardest worker I have ever seen. I'd also like to thank Coach (Garrick) McGee for everything he has done for me and in particular helping develop my mental approach to the game. The leadership of Chancellor David Gearhart and Director of Athletics Jeff Long is a model for me and I am extremely appreciative of the tireless work they do for all University of Arkansas students every day. The Razorback fans are the greatest in the country and their support for me and the team throughout my career has been humbling. Arkansas is where my heart is and I'm proud to say that I will always be a Razorback."
Petrino's statement:
"I am very proud of Ryan Mallett and I can't say enough about what he has done for this program. Leaders do their job extremely well and lift everyone around them to compete better and Ryan does those things. One of the greatest parts about coaching is watching individuals become adults while they are in college and Ryan has certainly developed not just as a player, but as a person. I know Ryan will be successful in life and I wish him the best in the NFL."
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More likely
To be the 3rd or 4th QB picked, some say the second but I’m not so sure. First round is highly likely.
I think you might see DJ go before his QB in the draft though. He’s Mr. Solid.
Stay Classy San Diego.
by Ron Carter on Jan 6, 2011 7:52 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I disagree
Kiper had Mallett going #9 overall to the Titans in his latest mockup, and that was with Luck in the draft. Locker is up there, so is the kid from Mizzou, and Newton is the flavor of the month, but with a strong combine and pro day Mallett could easily be a top 5 pick.
Also, I’m not sure if you were serious about DJ or not, but if you are then there isn’t really anything I can say. I love him too but I can’t see him going in the second. Kiper has DJ as his 3rd tight end and they usually don’t start coming until the mid to late first for the blue chippers.
Just to be clear, I am not a Kiper nuthugger. I understand the guy can be way, way off in his assessments and that a lot can change before the draft, but I would bet my house on Mallett going at least 20 picks before DJ.
GET TO THE CHOPPA!!!
You're right.
I saw Andrew Luck was going back to school next year. It certainly sends Mallet’s stock higher. DJ would fit in well with just about any offense because the guy can block. You might be right though, will Luck coming back Mallet will be up there.
Stay Classy San Diego.
This.
Luck’s decision has everything to do with this. The timing is just too coincidental. I hate it (not that much) for Arkansas but would love to see what Mallett could do in the NFL.
Red Cup Rebellion - Changing the Culture of Ole Miss Athletics
Sports are chaotic and stupid; and we're bad at them.
by The Ghost of Jay Cutler on Jan 7, 2011 10:44 AM CST up reply actions
Good luck, Ryan
From catching a glimpse of him on the sidelines supporting his team while having to sit a year to his last TD pass to Wright in the Sugar Bowl, he leaves us with a lot of good memories and honestly, some very painful ones as well. I hate it that his last play was probably his worse play ever as a Hog. And DJ’s last play was a drop. I so wanted both of these guys to go out on much better notes than that. Hopefully they will both be back next year in New Orleans to watch the Hogs play from the sidelines. They now join us as fans, don’t they?
Ryan’s future? It would be great for the Hogs to have an “A list” member in the NFL. He has the arm for it, no doubt. But a good qb is always more than an “arm.”
Our future? I think as long as Petrino is coaching the offense, we’ll be okay. And I am actually really excited to see now what Tyler Wilson and Brandon Mitchell can do. If Ryan had stayed, we probably lose one of them.
I've heard a lot of scuttlebutt lately...
People are talking about DJ not being an NFL TE but more like a RB/FB or slot receiver. What do you guys think about that? Their arguement is always lack of size for a TE…
I’m really not sold on their opinion, just looking for some feedback…
"It's not by chance that I bleed Razorback Red, it's what God intended for us all!"
Not an NFL Tightend?
I’d like to know what reasons those folks have to say that. The guy has proven that he can catch a pass in high pressure situations and he’s also proven that he can block and block well. He’s got the size of a TE and the biggest reason (I’d see) to have him in a slot is if you were running Jumbo or goalline package. Fullback position would be pretty impressive to see him in too.
Stay Classy San Diego.
it depends...
on where he is drafted. He doesn’t have the size of an NFL TE. Antonio Gates of the Chargers is 6’4" 260# and he is considered a smallish TE. Jason Witten is 6’6" 260# as is Marty Bennett of the Cowboys. DJ is 6’2" 235-340#. I know that size isn’t everything in the NFL (see the mighty midget playing for the patsies) but they don’t usually DRAFT undersized players. John Randall is a Hall of Fame player that was considered undersized and was not drafted (that was when the draft was 16 rounds!).
I think DJ will be a fine NFL player if he gets a chance. He has the “willingness to support the team” attitude that may land him in a New England/Kansas City type team where they rely on players being able to do multiple roles. He is not a punishing blocker, he is not a huge target, he is not a super speed guy, but he does have good hands and the ability to block.
I can't say I blame him.
It’s really too bad that his last moment as a Razorback was a crushing interception. A game-winning TD pass would have been much more fitting. I’m glad he was a Hog.
Yep
Entering the draft is the safer thing to do. Imagine if he came back next year and was injured. This is pure money and I’d probably be doing the same thing. At least, currently, he doesn’t have to compete with Luck. :)
Stay Classy San Diego.
As an OSU fan
I just want to say that DJ was beast mode for that game. From the nearly-escaping Homan for the touchdown to the extension on the extra point, two of the most over-achieving plays I’ve ever seen out of a tight end. Good luck to him at the next level.
I believe we have a 4 star recruit coming to Fayetteville. Well, staying in Fayetteville, I suppose. He is a local kid.
Brandon Allen or something like that.
Hey man! D'you touch my drumset?
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