I just saw Mark Herzlich on Game Changers on NFL network and he was projected to be a top fifteen pick before he was diagnosed with cancer. He looked like he was back to form now- his strength was back, his explosion and he had nice footwork. He said he did a lot of dropping back at Boston College and felt he could cover any WR (yes a stretch, but a good mindset). I was just wondering what everybody's opinions on drafting him in a later round and fill the position of Calvin Pace in a year or two.
im not versed enough on his condition to know what his risks of infected or abnormal cells returning great story but not too sure about drafting him
Love him as a oplayer, but know nothing about his medical. For me, fourth round is fine no matter what medical says, third if my doctors say he's ok.
Nothing against Herlzlich, but I only want him on the team if he deserves to be. I don't want him to be picked as some sympathic "he beat cancer, let's draft him" type deal that puts him over a better player. It would be degrading to Herzlich and a misused pick. He is a damn strong person that went through a lot, but in this business called the NFL, that doesn't mean a lot...
He's a hell of a player. If he's 100% of what he was before he was hit with cancer, he's going to be a hell of a steal for some team.
I dont think he will be even close to a misused pick. He was considered a top ten talent a year ago. I am not saying draft him because he beat cancer blah blah blah, but draft him because of his play. If he is going to be drafted anywhere between the fifth or seventh round (I'm not sure where his stock is) he's going to be a steal.
thats a pretty enormous if. that being said he was a monster before being diagnosed. id have to have access to what our scout dept has access to in order to confidently go one way or the other
forgetting the entire cancer issue for a moment, here is why I don't want to draft Herzlich, he doesn't fit our system. He is 6'4'' 244, when Rex likes his OLBs big, in the range of 255-270, that means Herzlich needs to put on a minimum of 10 pounds, probably closer to 20. His 40 yard dash was 4.91 at the combine and even slower at his pro day when he ran a 4.96. I can hear some of you going who cares about his 40, whats his 10 yard split? 1.72. Which just for fun, Marcel Dareus ran his 40 in 4.96 and his 10 yard split was 1.66 at 320 pounds. While Dareus is extremely athletic for a big man, it just shows how unathletic Herzlich is after the cancer treatments. Brandon Spikes showed last year you don't have to be the most athletic guy to succeed, and Herlich has the heart to do it if anybody does, but I just wouldnt bet on him being a success here in our system playing for Rex. Rex demands size and speed, neither of which Herzlich currently has.
I mean the fact that he beat cancer, survived a fatal car injury, was shot, etc... doesn't mean much to the NFL. It's a good story, but doesn't get you a spot on a team...
