Video: Tony Pollard: The Most UNDERRATED Rookie in the NFL

[GimmeTheBall!]

Pollard is not an every down back. He runs to high. Hyping Pollard to try and get Zeke into camp is not
going to work.

But who is at camp?
Is it Zeke?
Or is it Pollard?
Pollard, in your Zekeoneon eyes, will never be good enough.
Neither will a piña colada in Cabo be good enough for us.

 

[Bob-Lillys-War]

Tap the brakes.

 

[jnday]

I'm so sick of this contrived Tony Pollard hype. Talk to me in Week 1.

This is the most overrated rookie bum in the league due to Cowboys fans. Pollard rushed for 40+ yards on several carries and scored a TD playing behind one of the best olines in the league that was blocking second and third string dlinemen that very well could be Wal-Mary shopping cart gatherers within the next month.

 

[jnday]

Then don't follow training camp. When someone is doing well people notice. You're going to hear good and bad things.

I remember a lot of players that Jerry hyped up during training camp over the years. Most of them didn’t even make the team because they was not good when it counted, but they looked like HOFers in training camp when they was facing camp fodder type of players.

 

[JohnsKey19]

The hype train is at full speed. Poor guy will face more pressure to produce than Zeke did in his first NFL game.

 

[GMO415]

Ok, great but he ain't EzE

 

[Dre11]

I remember a lot of players that Jerry hyped up during training camp over the years. Most of them didn’t even make the team because they was not good when it counted, but they looked like HOFers in training camp when they was facing camp fodder type of players.

So, that means you're not suppose to get excited about players that are showing promise in camp. That's what they're there for to audition.

 

[johneric8]

Lets be real guys, the boys are very good at drafting as of late, and Pollard's tape doesn't lie, the kid has incredible vision and a quick first step and acceleration. He is a unique talent, and one we all should be excited about. Is he Zeke? No, but he could be better in other areas quite honestly. He has better hands than Zeke, and can move through holes with a quicker reaction which could pay dividends with our slowish hog of a line. The guy is a straight up gamer who loves football, so I say lets be excited we have him because he will do well here.

 

[ItzKelz]

Don't you have to first be rated to be underrated or overrated?

I think most would say they expected many of the RBs selected before him to be rated higher than he was coming out of the draft.

 

[Hawkeye19]

 

[zekecowboy]

But who is at camp?
Is it Zeke?
Or is it Pollard?
Pollard, in your Zekeoneon eyes, will never be good enough.
Neither will a piña colada in Cabo be good enough for us.

ANALYST'S REPORTS
Kelly

• 
  Route Running – Pollard has all of the traits necessary to become a legitimate route runner in the NFL. He can accelerate through all types of cuts, has shiftiness in open space and plus athleticism. However, there are some issues with him in this regard. He wasn’t consistently asked to play wide receiver at Memphis, and it shows. Too often, Pollard will break his route off directly into a defensive back or into a coverage. His feel for zone coverage and field vision can be a bit lacking. He is more successful as a route runner when coming out of the backfield, as he works well in space. If Pollard is given a more defined role for an NFL team, I would bank on his traits developing into a more refined route runner. If he’s used as a hybrid offensive weapon, it’s hard to see his routes progressing as his issues are mostly fixed with experience.
  
  
  
  Athleticism/Speed – Pollard is a natural, fluid athlete. He was born to have the football in his hands, and his easy movements are impressive. While he may be missing that top gear, he has good speed on tape. Not necessarily a burner, but without question Pollard is an NFL-athlete.
  
  
  
  Hands/Ball Skills – This area is a question mark for Pollard. He suffered from far too many drops throughout his time at Memphis, including a three drop game against Houston. While he will extend back towards the catchpoint, his tracking doesn’t seem natural. Additionally, he will struggle with contact in contested spots. Again, this issue may be fixed with a permanent role as a wide receiver. However, I don’t ever see this being a strength of his.
  
  
  
  Ball Carrier – Get Tony Pollard the football with a step of space good things will happen. Coming as a running back or on the edge, he thrives when defenders need to tackle him one on one. He can effortlessly glide past potential tacklers, set them up for a juke move, or get vertical when necessary. His contact balance is natural, but he also does an excellent job of setting up blockers in front of him. This trait will be the one that gets Tony Pollard drafted.
  
  
  
  Stalk Blocking – Not a strength by any means. Pollard’s effort is fine, but his technique and approach is lacking. Can get overpowered and give up space against more aggressive defensive backs. Pollard could use some strength and size in his lower half for the NFL, and it would greatly benefit his stalk blocking.
  
  
  
  Versatility – Tony Pollard is Mr. Versatility. He’s aligned at every receiver position, produced as a traditional running back and is a dynamic kick returner. While not asked to do so at Memphis, I’m willing to bet he’d find success as a punt returner too. He’s found success on deep, intermediate and short passes, can run routes out of the backfield, and play running back in an instant. His body type and natural feel truly allows him to play multiple roles when asked.
  

 

[Bob-Lillys-War]

 

[Jake]

Where is Pollard being underrated? Certainly not on this board.

He's getting a lot of love for a 4th round pick who has yet to play his first real NFL game.

 

[Section446]

People need to slow down with the anointing oil.

 

[Whirlwin]

Over hyped/under hyped whatever........kid runs a little too high IMO from what I’ve seen in limited action.

I don't think that's a bad thing, many great running backs ran like that. They're running with their eyes downfield. I don't hold that against them

 

[Rockport]

Don't you have to first be rated to be underrated or overrated?

He was rated dimwit. He was drafted in the 4th round.

 

[dallas72]

I'm so sick of this contrived Tony Pollard hype. Talk to me in Week 1.

I'm hoping for the Best....But Pollard averaged 6 rushes a game in college...not sure he can take 20+ in nfl

 

[Whirlwin]

Look I like the rookie. I think he's a great addition to the team. Emphasis team. So many are putting so much on one position.

 

[Whirlwin]

This is the most overrated rookie bum in the league due to Cowboys fans. Pollard rushed for 40+ yards on several carries and scored a TD playing behind one of the best olines in the league that was blocking second and third string dlinemen that very well could be Wal-Mary shopping cart gatherers within the next month.

Did you see what the veteran Morris did ran into his own blocker. Give the kid credit he did well.

 

[atlantacowboy]

He was apparently underrated in college too.