Many in the general public can't understand why the Heisman Trophy winner and three-time finalist may not be a top NFL pick, said ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay, who gets questions about it all the time. It has to do with Tebow's accuracy, how long it takes him to release the football, and the system he played in at Florida, he said.
"It's hard to believe and hard to explain," said McShay, who tabs Tebow as a third-round pick. "He has been the face of college football for the last 2 1/2 years." Yeah, the reason they can't believe it is because you can't explain it. Tebow has accuracy issues? Really, the guy who set the all time NCAA pass efficiency mark? I agree his release time might be an issue, but I can point to many QBs with quick releases who suck and many with slow releases who are stars (Brett Favre, Steve Young anyone?) McShay is a tool and has no credible experience other than having an opinion. But because he works for ESPN, his word is gospel and he is the expert. Bleeegh. _____ From: gatorn...@googlegroups.com [mailto:gatorn...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Mark Thomas Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 11:57 AM To: gatorn...@googlegroups.com Subject: [gatornews] Whether to invite Tim Tebow to draft <http://www.sportingnews.com/college-football/article/2010-01-20/officials-m um-on-whether-invite-tim-tebow-draft> Officials mum on whether to invite Tim Tebow to draft Liz Mullen, SportsBusiness Journal Bringing Florida quarterback Tim Tebow to New York for April's NFL draft could spur higher television ratings, but Gil Brandt, who advises the NFL on its invitations, won't say whether Tebow will be on the list. That's because Brandt, former head of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, never says who he's inviting, especially this early. It has been the NFL's policy not to invite players who the league thinks could be sweating it out in the green room for hours, let alone days. And Tebow could very well sit well through the third round. Or he could be taken high in the first, depending on which NFL Draft web site, analysts or agents you go to for an answer. The draft will be broadcast over three days this year, starting with the first round in prime time Thursday, April 22, the second and third rounds in prime time Friday and the fourth through seventh rounds during the day Saturday. It will be broadcast on ESPN and NFL Network. The NFL, which invited about 10 players last year, may invite even more this year, said Jay Rothman, ESPN coordinating producer, who has overseen the draft for that network since 1995. "I have been in meetings with the NFL already, and there is a push to give it more entertainment value," Rothman said. "We have had dialogue about expanding the list of invitees to New York." The question is whether players will come or their agents will advise them not to go. Agents have told SportsBusiness Journal that they don't want their clients there if they don't go in the top 10. Tebow's agent, Jimmy Sexton, did not immediately respond to a call. In a brief interview earlier last week, Sexton confirmed he had signed Tebow for playing contract work. Tebow may select an additional agent for marketing. Sexton, a top agent for NFL players and coaches for 25 years, indicated it was one of the greatest career achievements for himself and his company, Memphis-based Athletic Resource Management, to represent Tebow. "We think he will go very high in the first round, when it is all said and done," Sexton said. Many in the general public can't understand why the Heisman Trophy winner and three-time finalist may not be a top NFL pick, said ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay, who gets questions about it all the time. It has to do with Tebow's accuracy, how long it takes him to release the football, and the system he played in at Florida, he said. "It's hard to believe and hard to explain," said McShay, who tabs Tebow as a third-round pick. "He has been the face of college football for the last 2 1/2 years." Meanwhile, there is talk in the industry that Tebow could be close to a deal to be the face on the cover of EA Sports' NCAA College 2011 video game, which will be out this summer. Sandy Sandoval, senior director of athlete relations for EA Sports, said, "I cannot confirm or deny that." This story, written by Liz Mullen, first appeared in SportsBusiness Journal, a sister publication of Sporting News. C 2009 SportingNews.com.
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