The Browns missed on Carson Wentz because analytics can’t measure franchise QB traits

Analytics have transformed talent evaluation across pro sports, and in an attempt to resurrect their organization, the Browns have gone all in. Colin isn’t anti-analytics, but he doesn’t think it’s useful in terms of evaluating college quarterback prospects.

The Browns, for example, play in a cold weather division with no domes, but passed up 6’5’’ country strong Carson Wentz from the North Dakota tundra to move down in the draft, get more picks, and later select Cody Kessler out of USC. 2 years later, it’s clear that was a mistake.

Wentz didn’t have eye popping college stats that would dazzle on a spreadsheet, but he’s clearly a franchise quarterback. He would have been perfect for the AFC North because of his size, arm, and cold weather pedigree, but the Browns passed.

Colin thinks analytics are useful, but just not in evaluating quarterback prospects. The best quarterbacks in the NFL are often overlooked by the big time programs, and what makes them great are their intangibles, no their measurables. Tom Brady was an analytics nightmare and didn’t have eye-popping stats. He’s the best QB of all-time.

Cam Newton he still doesn’t get it

Cam Newton is in the middle of a media firestorm of his own making after making condescending comments to a female reporter when asked a legitimate question about pass routes. Colin thinks the comments are obviously offensive, but also isn’t surprised they came after a big win over the Patriots.

Unlike the best quarterbacks in the league, Newton gets to full of himself after wins, and has historically followed up big games with letdowns the week after. Usually the letdowns occur on the field, but this time, his post win arrogance got him in trouble with a really bad look in a press conference.

He just doesn’t get it like the great ones, and he never will.

Guests:

Ray Lewis – FS1 NFL Analyst is in-studio to discuss Terrelle Pryor confronting a fan over racist comments; his own experiences receiving racial taunts at games; and why the Browns can never get a quarterback.

Greg Cosell – Senior Producer for NFL Films joins the show to break down the film on how the Bills have turned it around; Jacoby Brissett; why he thinks he can be a franchise quarterback; what the Texans have done schematically to allow Deshaun Watson to succeed; and what he thinks the Bears will do to play to Mitchell Trubisky’s strengths.

Nick Wright – Host of FS1’s First Thing’s First joins the show to talk Cam Newton’s comments; and why this slow start is different for the Patriots; and why LeBron will win the MVP.

Brandon Marshall – Denver Broncos linebacker joins the show to discuss Denver’s season so far; his relationship with Colin Kaepernick dating back to Nevada; his take on Cam Newton’s comments to a female reporter.