I can only look at the results. Rolle performed quite well as an NFL CB with another franchise. Goodson was not very good for us. I understand the upside argument, but why is it so hard to think his draft status had everything to do with him sticking and Rolle leaving? That never happens in the NFL? Sherrod stuck around how many years due to draft status? A lot of guys stick due to draft status...you would really deny that?
Originally Posted by: uffda udfa
First, this is another strawman! The issue raised was Rolle was kept over a lesser equally paid ONLY because of his draft status. But, Sherrod wasn’t kept due to his draft status; he was kept for cap and [1st rnd] potential reasons. Another name for the GM that keeps the worse player only because of draft status is unemployed.
Second, Rolle stunk w/ HTN. INTs are not an important stat for a CB; often it’s a negative indicator of performance. The perfect CB is 100% statless; because coverage is so tight, no one even throws his way. Rolle played 4 games, 9-12, got 3 picks and then is benched the last 4 games. BENCHED! He wasn't even allowed to play in dime w/ Andre Hal out [a guy clearly ahead of him on D. Chart]. QB passer rating v. Rolle was 90; which is unbelievable high w/ 3INTs in so few snaps. When Rolle didn’t intercept, QBs had 147.5 rating throwing his way. And the QBs that Rolle was trying to get enshrined in Canton were Sanchez, Hoyer, Dalton and Mettenbeger/Locker. Fact is Rolle stunk against some pretty bad QBs and that is why he was BENCHED and why today Rolle sits #7 on the Texans CB depth chart. Unless multiple injuries occur or he becomes Htn's Jerrat Bush, Rolle will be cut.
If Ted Thompson wants Rolle back he can get him for a 7th in a heartbeat; but Ted Thompson won’t give up a pick for Rolle because he’ll be available when he’s cut.
Third, if you watch the film and compare Rolle to Goodson you’ll see Goodson is simply better at mirroring receivers; this is the most critical CB skill. In the 3rd PS game both Rolle and Goodson got 1 target v. James Jones. Both played press man: JJ separated 3 yards from Rolle on a slant for 9 yards; JJ got no separation from Goodson 25 yards downfield and Goodson knocked the ball away. Goodson had trouble dealing with push offs and locating the ball in the air; but those skills can easily be developed. The CB’s ability to mirror a WR’s movements is largely dependent on qualities/skills that cant be coached.