That's all fair enough, and to go any further would only be pouring lemonade in your sores. To the clones85, you’re examples are good, but you are talking about 4 or 5 in a sample segment of thousands who are out there. Incidentally there are more than you have mentioned, but the one thing they all have in common is they all had a serious learning curve, with Brad Smith not being there yet, and Matt Jones being debatable. Though the difference between the NFL and College is understood and appreciated.
To Aclone, I wasn't trying to be sneaky or glib. As far as I'm concerned playing QB last year and becoming one this year constitutes never playing the position before, "this year"!
In closing, and I have had this debate ad nauseam on the Iowa board. Speed and athleticism is the most over rated attribute of a top shelf receiver. The next time I hear them or anyone else for that matter say........"What we need is a speed burner who can stretch the field" or "our receivers are possession receivers and not fast enough!" I'm afraid I'll punch myself in the face. Obviously now I'm a high strung guy and very animated, but it irks me to no end. The best WR's in the NFL are NOT typically speed burners. Sure there are some, but "speed" and it’s relevance in the NFL and in the Big 12, Sec, Big 10 is a hot button of mine and something I have researched in-depth.
Larry Fitzgerald ran a 4.63 if I remember, but he knows the position.
Boldin ran a 4.71, Jerry Rice a 4.6 something Chad Johnson in the 4.55's as did T.J Houshmandzadeh. I am in no way shape or form cherry picking here as this is an extensive list, but I'm getting bored and so will you be I imagine. Just know there are more 4.5-4.68 WR's in the NFL than 4.4's! Point being they are physical, smart, run great routes and know the position. They don't get by on their athleticism, which bringing this back full circle.........
If that is what money does, you'll be disappointed, I've seen first hand athletic players, trying to be a WR, it is a waaaaaayyy more advanced position than us fans give it credit for hence my insistence he will have some adjusting to do.
All in all though I have enjoyed the talk. It jogs my memory and strengthens my dialogue and debate skills.
Chad