PFT: Jimmy Johnson not sold on Tim Tebow

[Avaj]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/24/jimmy-johnson-not-sold-on-tim-tebow/

Jimmy Johnson not sold on Tim Tebow

Posted by Michael David Smith on November 24, 2009 10:36 AM ET
One of the biggest questions surrounding the 2010 NFL draft is whether Florida quarterback Tim Tebow can make it as a quarterback in the pros.

One of the best draft-day decision makers in NFL history isn't optimistic about Tebow's chances.

Jimmy Johnson, whose wheeling and dealing in the NFL draft built the Dallas Cowboys dynasty of the 1990s, said today on the Dan Patrick Show that he thinks Tebow will need to change positions in the NFL -- unless some franchise is so sold on him that it's willing to rebuild the entire team around an offense he could run.

"I don't think Tim Tebow can play in the NFL if it's in a pro style offense," Johnson said.

According to Johnson, an NFL team that drafts Tebow would most likely turn him into an H-Back or a wide receiver. (Safety might also be a possibility.) Quarterback, Johnson thinks, just isn't the right position for Tebow in the NFL.

Johnson did allow that a team could totally change its offense, start running the same spread attack that the Florida Gators use, and draft Tebow as a quarterback. However, Johnson said a team that was going to do that would probably have to replace its head coach. If that's the case, there probably aren't many coaches who will advocate drafting Tebow.

 

[Shady12]

He's not fast enough to play receiver or safety. If he was on D it would have to be linebacker. As far as running the spread in the NFL, he's not a good college runner because of speed, it's because he pounds it. That won't work so well in the League.

 

[Chinfu]

Jimmy wasn't sold on Aikman either and drafted Walsh. Just sayin...

 

[CATCH17]

I agree that he wouldn't be a good QB right now but with a guy who competes like he does I think if you worked with him on his technique for 3 or 4 years than you could have an outside shot of turning him into a real NFL QB.

Hes still a lot better than your Eric Crouch's and Tommy Fraziers of the world.

If you can fix some of his mechanics it could pay off getting a competitor like that as you QB.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I agree that he wouldn't be a good QB right now but with a guy who competes like he does I think if you worked with him on his technique for 3 or 4 years than you could have an outside shot of turning him into a real NFL QB.

Hes still a lot better than your Eric Crouch's and Tommy Fraziers of the world.

If you can fix some of his mechanics it could pay off getting a competitor like that as you QB.

There is a lot to fix there. You watch his set up, his drops (when he makes any), his throwing motion, his ball placement and you almost just have to start over. I don't know if you could do it. In today's NFL, you got a guy for a couple of three seasons if you want to keep them that long and then you have to sign them long term. The reality is that if a coach drafts this guy, they probably don't see a return on him. They coach him up for another team who might see benefits but it would be hard. If he plays in the NFL, it's on Special Teams and as a change up Wildcat QB in certain packages. He would have to be one heck of a Special Teams guy to stick though. JMO.

 

[Doomsday101]

I agree with Jimmy on this. I like Tebow but he will need a lot of work on his throws to have success in the NFL. Currently when watching him he has a hitch before the follow through on his passes that allows the defender to recover before the ball is actually released. Many things he is doing you can get away with on the college level but you will not get by with it on the pro level. I think Tebow can bring alot of things to the NFL but I have major doubts of him playing QB. No matter I still wish him luck at the next level

 

[joseephuss]

Coaches and teams don't have the time to dedicate to one guy to develop him from scratch. He isn't just a guy they needs time to refine his mechanics. He needs a total re-tooling of his QB mechanics. It hasn't worked for Alex Smith who also played in Urban Myers unique system and Smith was a better passer than Tebow in college. Some guys aren't made to be NFL players. He has had a great college career and that may be where the greatness ends. I think his best bet is to be an h-back and even that transition will be a difficult one.

 

[Doomsday101]

Coaches and teams don't have the time to dedicate to one guy to develop him from scratch. He isn't just a guy they needs time to refine his mechanics. He needs a total re-tooling of his QB mechanics. It hasn't worked for Alex Smith who also played in Urban Myers unique system and Smith was a better passer than Tebow in college. Some guys aren't made to be NFL players. He has had a great college career and that may be where the greatness ends. I think his best bet is to be an h-back and even that transition will be a difficult one.

I agree. I would say the only good chance at getting an opportunity to play QB is being drafted by a team late in the 1st or 2nd by a team that has an established QB so that Tebow would have the time to sit and learn over the next 2,3 or 4 years.

 

[kristie]

Jimmy wasn't sold on Aikman either and drafted Walsh. Just sayin...

he did stick it out with aikman though.