Tapper make or break season

[CalPolyTechnique]

This has got to be a make or break upcoming season for Charles Tapper. I actually forget sometimes he’s even on our team. I was high on him coming out of OU and stoked to grab him in the 4th round. That said, be it due to injuries or otherwise, he’s yet to push for any significant playing time.

What’s the over/under on him breaking through this season and justifying a spot on the roster?

 

[Parcells4Life]

He’s still on the team?

 

[John813]

If he stays healthy he has a spot on the roster IMO*

Don't think the FO/coaches have written him off but it's year 3. Make or break(injury settlement) time.
Still think he could be a good 3rd down edge rusher if his health will allow it.

*Unless he looks terrible in practice

 

[Bullflop]

This has got to be a make or break upcoming season for Charles Tapper. I actually forget sometimes he’s even on our team. I was high on him coming out of OU and stoked to grab him in the 4th round. That said, be it due to injuries or otherwise, he’s yet to push for any significant playing time.

What’s the over/under on him breaking through this season and justifying a spot on the roster?

There's no question but what Tapper's likely to be under bigtime pressure to perform once and for all. His unavailability privileges are fairly certain to expire this year. Most players can only last for so long despite being absent. If it weren't for exceptional talent being in his favor, he'd likely have been sent packing by now.

Here's hoping he's blessed with a miraculous recovery in 2018.

 

[Section446]

As a player, he's dead to me... Just another wasted pick.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

I'm going to call it a make. Tapper and break are two words we should keep apart. He did show some get off week 1 with a sack, I'm pulling for him I think he can be a pleasant surprise. Too early to "tap" the brakes on Charles

 

[Prime21]

It blows my mind how quickly posters here will quit on a player.

Tapper has elite athletic traits, very good size, great arm length, and plays a premium position. There is not a lot of guys with Tapper's physical tools.

But yes, he does need to stay healthy and produce this year. 5-6 sacks I think would be great for him as a situational rusher. I also think he has the ability to kick inside on passing downs. Could be a Justin Tuck type player.

 

[DCreppinBoysfan]

We can't afford to be impatient with high potential pass rusher. I'm sorry we just don't have that luxury when you consider the fact that we don't sign any high price free agency dline men. If your goin to play the grow and develop game then you have no choice but to be patient or keep recycling picks at the same position.


Hate it or love it but you going deal with it. I bet that.

 

[The Natural]

It blows my mind how quickly posters here will quit on a player.

Tapper has elite athletic traits, very good size, great arm length, and plays a premium position. There is not a lot of guys with Tapper's physical tools.

I don't think its quick at all. Physical tools are great but he's played in two games in two years. As of now I would have to think it's more likely he never becomes a major contributor for us. I'm agreeing with OP that it's a make or break season for Tapper coming up, high potential guys can be found every year.

 

[Parcells4Life]

Matt Johnson 2.0

 

[Sydla]

As a player, he's dead to me... Just another wasted pick.

He was a 4th rounder.

They typically bust. What did you expect? To grab an All Pro there?

He was a freakish athlete at a position where we lacked athleticism. It was a worthwhile risk.

 

[Sydla]

It blows my mind how quickly posters here will quit on a player.

Tapper has elite athletic traits, very good size, great arm length, and plays a premium position. There is not a lot of guys with Tapper's physical tools.

But yes, he does need to stay healthy and produce this year. 5-6 sacks I think would be great for him as a situational rusher. I also think he has the ability to kick inside on passing downs. Could be a Justin Tuck type player.

It’s mind numbing and stupid. There’s no downside at this point to just let let him (and Gregory for that matter) compete in camp and see what they have.

 

[jazzcat22]

Matt Johnson 2.0

Haven't we had about 10 Matt Johnson's since Matt Johnson?

 

[jazzcat22]

He was a 4th rounder.

They typically bust. What did you expect? To grab an All Pro there?

He was a freakish athlete at a position where we lacked athleticism. It was a worthwhile risk.

Right, but this team needs to hit on their 4th rounders since they avoid FA like the plague. They miss on both more often than not.

I still have some hope for Tapper, but that is about all one can say. Hope to stay healthy that is. I think his skills are there, just needs to stay healthy. This is where is may be, well, critical is not the right word, but would be best if Gregory returns, as not sure Mayowa is the answer there either.

 

[Knotamus]

I predicted that he’d have a good season last year, then the foot injury happened. It’s ridiculous that folks want to write the dude off bc he hasn’t played due to injury. He was looking good in camp before the injury.. funny how people were trying to write off Lawrence also before last year happened. Lawrence also had a foot and back injuries early in his career that limited him. Give the guy a break.. yeah I agree, he needs to show something year three or the FO will have no choice but to move on. He has freakish speed and first step for a guy his size and that’s rare. If he can stay healthy, he will prove to be a very good player. I know, I know.. IF. But you should write players off if they play and just can’t get the job done.. not bc injuries have limited thier potential.

 

[G2]

Tapper had a pre-existing back issue. It's not really the teams fault because his issue was unnoticed since birth. He did see the field but ended up breaking his foot. I would expect to see a return and we can go from there. He needs to stay healthy an entire season.

 

[jazzcat22]

Tapper had a pre-existing back issue. It's not really the teams fault because his issue was unnoticed since birth. He did see the field but ended up breaking his foot. I would expect to see a return and we can go from there. He needs to stay healthy an entire season.

Thanks for reminding me it was his foot and not his back. This gives more of a good sign he may contribute.

 

[G2]

Thanks for reminding me it was his foot and not his back. This gives more of a good sign he may contribute.

Another thing that slowed him down IMO is when the staff decided to put Moore in after his suspension. Not really too sure why, but maybe the consistency being on the field would have been better for Tapper. Not saying that's why he broke his foot.

 

[jazzcat22]

Another thing that slowed him down IMO is when the staff decided to put Moore in after his suspension. Not really too sure why, but maybe the consistency being on the field would have been better for Tapper. Not saying that's why he broke his foot.

I thought they were DE heavy last year, and needed more LB's in TC. Then yes, how they used them during the season too. If not enough playing time, then one doesn't get that comfortable feel to get in a rhythm of the game, it could cause them to play a different way trying to make an impact. So possibly contributed. Doubt it, but I guess it could. Most likely just one of those things.

 

[McKDaddy]

It blows my mind how quickly posters here will quit on a player.

Tapper has elite athletic traits, very good size, great arm length, and plays a premium position. There is not a lot of guys with Tapper's physical tools.

But yes, he does need to stay healthy and produce this year. 5-6 sacks I think would be great for him as a situational rusher. I also think he has the ability to kick inside on passing downs. Could be a Justin Tuck type player.

Agreed!! How do you blame a guy for having a medical condition & then getting hurt? If he had been available & just not earned playing time or played poorly it would be different.

He was showing some signs in preseason & up until he got hurt. Maybe it all comes together for him, maybe it doesn't but we have to let it play out on the field.