Tobias-Reiper

I'd like someone to explain to me what exactly is so great about Mario Williams the football player without mentioning size and 40 speed. Just because he's the size of Julius Peppers and runs the 40 as fast as Julius Peppers it certainly doesn't mean he can play like Julius Peppers.

Here's the thing that bothers me about Mario Williams:

Bush - declared next Gale Sayers l the second week of the 2005 NCAA because of his play on the field
Hawk - hyped all of last NCAA season because of his play on the field and because his hotty sister dates the ND QB.
Brick - hype started mid-way through the 2005 NCAA season because of his play on the field.
Leinart - hype started in 2004 because of his play on the field.

Williams - hype started before the 2006 combine because he's the size of Julius Peppers and runs the 40 as fast as Julius Peppers..

Some please enlighten me.

'Cause the simple man pays the thrills, the bills and the pills that kill

pakowitz

actually hawk dates the hotty sister of the ND qb

wheelman

He's like...a defensive end...and all. Duh!

saintswhodi

To answer your question in a word TR, nothing.

BrooksMustGo

Same as Jay Cutler. An elite talent playing on a mediocre or less team.

Jay Cutler didn't win games at Vandy, neither did Mario. They just exhibit the tools to be very good to elite professional talents. In the same way that some observers (like Jaworski) are projecting Cutler to be the best QB out of this year's class. Other observers (like Pasquarelli) are projecting Mario to be the best player from this draft.

FanNJ

Cutler also gained recognition by being the Offensive MVP of the SEC.

I don't think Williams gained such honers?

Tobias-Reiper

Pardon me, but that's not an answer. What's an "elite talentt"? Talent for what? For being the size of Julius Peppers and running the 40 as fast as Julius Peppers?

Here: I'll add to my list:
Cutler - Showed QB skills such as accuracy, poise, leadership, and mobility while leading a very mediocre Vandy team to 5 victories in a row in a very tough SEC, and received Offensive MVP honors. Hype started midway the 2005 season because of his play on the field.

Williams - hype started before the 2006 combine because he's the size of Julius Peppers and runs the 40 as fast as Julius Peppers.

Oh! Wait!! Williams played in the Carolinas just like Julius Peppers!!!

'Cause the simple man pays the thrills, the bills and the pills that kill

MatthewT

When it comes to drafting, it's all about potential. Mario has the potential to be freaking great. Of course if he fails, then he is a bust. Mario Williams is like every other college athlete who is trying to make it in the NFL. Get the right system and coaching and chances are very good to make it. We will see... Personally I would love to see Mario Williams and Will Smith anchor the D-Line for the next 5 years in NOLA.

TheDeuce

Not much T-R. His workouts are great. His athletic ability is great. But guess what's not great:

1. His drive. He takes plays off.
2. His ability to show up in big games. He just doesn't have "it" like the best players do.
3. His track record. He just hasn't played well enough to deserve such high praise.

Another thing that I think people overlook is that he played college ball alongside a guy who will probably be taken in the 2nd round (Lawson) and a guy who has 1st day potential (McCargo). That should help a guy be able to take some of the pressure of Mario. Three guys on a defensive line who are going to be drafted in the first day of the same draft? Hmmm.....

BiggPoppaFro4

OK look, williams is a supreme talent...you'd have to be to get the run he's getting. He's 6'7, 295, runs like a deer and can set up a forward base in the opponents backfield.

That said, I don't think we need to waste a pick on yet another "could be due to potential". Yet another guy we keep hoping will get that motor running and keep it going full tilt, rather than when he feels like it.

We traded up to get one guy like that and here we sit, still waiting for that bag of vinegar and water to actually be worth the hamstringing deal his big ass got.

Once again, I DO think Williams can be great and can set us up for great things, but yes, I am also comparing him to Sully. Yet another guy with loads of potential that we could have sworn would be great. Do we have the pick to chance?