Rico Gathers TE Baylor

[Fla Cowpoke]

Talk about a project

Here is Brugler's report

SUMMARY: A two-year starter on the basketball court, Ricardo “Rico” Gathers was an All-American power forward at Baylor, setting a school record as a junior with 394 total rebounds, also holding the single-game record with 28 rebounds. With his basketball eligibility exhausted after the 2015-16 season, he initially decided to walk on Art Briles’ football team, but instead decided to throw his name in 2016 NFL Draft class. Gathers passes the eye test with flying colors with his sculpted, muscle-bound frame, showing flexible joints and overall athletic ability that should translate well to the NFL. However he hasn’t played competitive football since he was 14-years-old and obviously faces a learning curve as he relearns route-running, technique and the other details of the position, both receiving and blocking. Gathers, who is married (Bria) with a young son (Rico Jr.), is as raw as it gets, but his chiseled frame and athletic traits are a great starting point and worth developing.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

F by Prisco

 

[Manwiththeplan]

Yea, total reach, but I don't think 4 6th rounders were making the roster

 

[Killerinstinct]

I accept!

 

[BlueNSilver88]

"Rico Gathers had 292 offensive rebounds the last 2 seasons for Baylor, more than any other major conference player."

This dude was a rebound machine, I like the pick. If we can develop him, he could turn into a pretty nice red zone weapon. Plus, he was a 6th round pick. Those are always stretches to even make the roster, none the less produce.

 

[Stash]

It will be interesting to see how this draft pick impacts the overall TE position. A lot of money and draft picks invested in the tight end position.

 

[Verdict]

The problem with this pick is that he is too raw to make the 53 man roster and our only hope is to get him to the practice squad. He probably wouldn't be claimed and put in a roster when we cut him, but he could probably be an I drafted free agent.

You KNOW we will expose him to waivers and it is at least plausible that a team like Ckeveland who is going to tank this year could put him on their roster. We will need his roster spot.

I'm not against the idea, but I don't understand the strategy behind this pick.

 

[csirl]

High risk, high reward pick.

Like any player taking up football for the first time there is at least a 50% chance that he will not be able to take a hit/handle the contact.

I remember from my own playing days my team (minor league stuff) trying to convert a college basketball player to TE. Seemed like he had all the skills necessary. Never worked out - throwing/catching angles are very different from basketball. I guess some can't handle the transition. However this player ended up being a dominant pass rushing DE until injury shortened his football career. Speed and upper body strength were perfect for DE.

 

[65fastback2plus2]

We finally picked a TE who has no capability...now fans can quit saying "why don't we use uncle Rico properly?"... If he's on the bench...we are using him properly.

 

[fivetwos]

Isn't it an awesome feeling to know that we have such a stacked roster that we can just throw away draft picks?

 

[speedkilz88]

The problem with this pick is that he is too raw to make the 53 man roster and our only hope is to get him to the practice squad. He probably wouldn't be claimed and put in a roster when we cut him, but he could probably be an I drafted free agent.

You KNOW we will expose him to waivers and it is at least plausible that a team like Ckeveland who is going to tank this year could put him on their roster. We will need his roster spot.

I'm not against the idea, but I don't understand the strategy behind this pick.

Antonio Gates made the chargers as a rookie 3rd teamer and then went on to start 11 games that same season. He has the talent to make the roster.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

I have no problem with the pick, he can be the red zone weapon we thought Escobar was going to be.

 

[Gaede]

Isn't it an awesome feeling to know that we have such a stacked roster that we can just throw away draft picks?

It was a sixth round compensatory draft pick. Big deal.

 

[Nexx]

It was a sixth round compensatory draft pick. Big deal.

you would think we used a first on this guy how some people are reacting lol

 

[Idgit]

I got no problem with this one. Unlike our 34 pick, where we passed up a starter at a position of need, these 6th rounders need to show something to stick. If he's an elite athlete whose limitation is not having played, but they think they might get him ready in time, take a shot.

 

[Floatyworm]

Well...After this pick...I'm putting together my resume for the 2017 draft. I can rebound too. I can rebound from a banning like no other.

 

[CATCH17]

I got no problem with this one. Unlike our 34 pick, where we passed up a starter at a position of need, these 6th rounders need to show something to stick. If he's an elite athlete whose limitation is not having played, but they think they might get him ready in time, take a shot.

Exactly..

I'm all for swinging for the fences with those low picks.

I love Jaylon Smith the player btw too. He's insanely talented.


I just wish that we would've maximized that pick. Even if we wanted Jaylon Smith I wish we would've moved back and got another 4th or something.


I fully expect to not get any contribution from that pick this year and we need all the help we can get right now.


Jerry made it sound like we might get him back in October but I think that's just him trying to create some optimism.

 

[DBOY3141]

It was a sixth round compensatory draft pick. Big deal.

Agree. Kind of like the Vikings drafting the German WR and the Ravens drafting the Navy kid who can't play for 4years. 6th/7th round is where you take chances on projects.

 

[TheBigEasy]

See Jimmy Graham (yes, played football at the end of his college career), Julius Peppers, Antonio Gates, Martellus Bennett & Julius Thomas. Yes, the pick was a reach but he's an 'athlete'. I like his chances and will be pulling for him.

 

[Cowboys22]

It was a sixth round compensatory draft pick. Big deal.

I don't understand this thinking. Some of you act like because it was a comp pick, it's okay to throw it away on a high risk flyer. It is still draft capital owned by the team. It was earned because we lost more talent than we added in free agency this past year. Why would anyone thing it's okay to throw it away. How about taking a flyer on Jalen Mills or Charone Peake at that spot? Those are two pretty good FOOTBALL players at positions where the team could use some help. Those are guys that could actually make the team and contribute. I don't see any way they keep Gathers on the 53. If they do, they have to go with 4 TEs and go short somewhere else. I'd just rather they pick football players that have a path to make the roster with every pick they get their hands on. No draft pick is worth throwing away in my opinion.