Read the opposing arguments from Loyal Homer and Bleacher Fan about which NFL draft eligible college football player that decided to stay in school is the best player?
Take THAT, Bradford Effect.
After Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford decided to come back for his red shirt junior season in 2009 – fresh off a Heisman Trophy win – the conventional thinking was that he had a good shot to win the trophy again. Several injuries and a frustrating season later, many fans and members of the media questioned Bradford’s decision to return to school, given that he was set to make millions of dollars in the NFL draft. Instead Bradford turned down the millions, returned to school, became injured and missed the majority of the season. The theory is that Bradford would have been smarter to enter the professional ranks and take the millions that come with a rookie contract.
Given the real implications demonstrated by the Bradford Effect, any draft eligible player should immediately head to the pros. Apparently Arkansas Razorback quarterback Ryan Mallet did not get that memo. His decision to return to college ball in the SEC next season flies in the face of conventional wisdom, but makes him the best draft eligible college football player to return to school next season.
Mallet has been in college for awhile – long enough to be eligible for the NFL draft. Despite the fact that he has been in school for awhile, he is stilling seeking the glory of college football that has been elusive to him throughout his career. Former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr retired after Mallet’s freshman season, where he spent time riding the pine behind senior Chad Henne. When Rich Rodriguez took over, and brought his high octane offense and desire for an athletic quarterback with him, Mallet saw the writing on the wall and transferred to Arkansas.
Finally in his junior season in 2009 he was able to start for the first time in his career and put on display what he is capable of doing. He answered the opportunity by leading a young Arkansas team to an 8-5 record in the SEC, a victory over East Carolina in the Liberty Bowl, and was able to set a few records along the way.
Mallet threw for 3,627 yards in 2009 and 30 touchdowns against just seven interceptions. But, his nine yards per completion and completing just under 56 percent of his passes indicate that he does have room for improvement. Also, his forgettable performance against the toughest opponent this team faced – eventual national champion Alabama – creates a feeling that more is possible out of Mallet, and that he needs to show it to improve his draft status. Mallet threw for just 160 yards and completed only 12 of 35 passes with one score and on pick. Better is possible, and Mallet wants to prove that out.
Given the momentum Mallet is leaving the 2009 season with, 2010 Heisman Trophy talk is legitimate. Arkansas does not run a gimmick offense where stats come easy. Mallet engineers a pro style offense under head coach Bobby Petrino, and his stats project well for the NFL and earn respect among those who hand out hardware at the season’s end.
He is the prototypical NFL quarterback. Standing at six feet seven inches Mallet has the size to survey the entire field, the arm strength to deliver the ball deep and on time, and smarts to make the right decision. Another season of honing his craft with a challenging SEC schedule with sharpen his draft status and add to his dollar value. Instead of being a late round sleeper quarterback pick in the 2010 NFL draft, he has the chance to make himself into a top five pick in the 2011 draft. Not only is he a great player, he is making the smartest decision for right now, and his future.
Posted by Sports Geek 
