Smith impressing, but don’t jump the gun

By Adam Sweeney  |   Wednesday, June 03, 2009  |  Comments( 10 )

 Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins' draft selections of cornerbacks Vontae Davis and Sean Smith make a lot of sense when you consider the AFC East wide receivers they will be going up against, a list which includes Randy Moss and the always adorable Terrell Owens. Physicality is a must-have if you don't want to be watching them blow by you. While Davis is a ...
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CommentsComments: 10
 No.1
Dr Michael		 12:03 AM
06/04/2009
If Smith makes the starting lineup, how does that make Davis a bust?
 No.2
JimmyD		 07:59 AM
06/04/2009
Full -on training camp will be a great test for these guys. Having played DB in college I can tell you that there are so many mental tactics, drills and strategies that go beyond the physical play of the game. i had the mental part of the game down, but wasn't big enough to move to the next level. That's too bad cuz I would be driving a Bentley instead of a Nissan. Playing DB is a very tough position because you are out on an island and your help are yards away. Your status from hero to goat is way more visible than a lineman missing a block/tackle or a hold. Trash talking and psych outs are common and happen on just about every play. If you can get into a receivers head you have won a major battle. i would relentlessly pick on a guy for dropping a pass or running a bad route. However, you get burned and that's a tough thing to recover from because not only does everyone see it, but you probably just gave up a score. it's awful, man....
Anyway, these guys have a lot to learn and it's not all physical...
 No.3
Ben6821		 08:02 AM
06/04/2009
He said it could make him a bust not that it automatically would. Also the very next sentence indicates that it is too early to judge.
My rule of thumb (a little variable depending on the position in question) is, if a top 50 pick doesn't see some notable playing time in year 2, crack the stating lineup within 3 years and doesn't play for at least 3 seasons, he has to be be considered some degree of a bust.

But I agree only passing critcism or praise should be doled out at this point. Also, Davis' assessment is largely indepenedent of Smith's. In that regard the situation is a little unfairly magnified by the two of them being on the same team. When Donald Thomas started shining last offseason did that make the handful of less notably emerging guards taken ahead of him busts? Why should it be any different if two players at the same position happen to play on the same team.
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