FC on the NFL radio yesterday, the Steelers GM said Jesse James

[sluggo72]

should have stayed. He would have benefitted from another year. But he didn't so they liked his measurables, and went with him. But he repeated, he would have been better off staying in school. I think what I heard yesterday was a replay from earlier in the week.

 

[Nashville Lion]

Another one who should have stayed was Deion Barnes.

 

[fairgambit]

Another one who should have stayed was Deion Barnes.

Agreed. He made a very poor decision.

 

[lionlurker]

Not news to us. Especially since he didn't graduate.

 

[dawgduice]

I can see why Barnes left - he graduated and he has "peaked". Another year would not have made him better. James should have stayed - especially if he did not get his degree? I wonder if the coaching carousal was a factor?

 

[kgilbert78]

I also don't think he fit with Franklin's offense.

 

[Louisville JD]

Barnes is just too small for the league. Nasib will be better at this position this year from a consistency stand point and probably a better pro prospect because of his size.

 

[BobPSU92]

should have stayed. He would have benefitted from another year. But he didn't so they liked his measurables, and went with him. But he repeated, he would have been better off staying in school. I think what I heard yesterday was a replay from earlier in the week.

I'm surprised by the candidness. How would you feel if you were James? Hopefully this motivates him.

 

[kgilbert78]

I'm surprised by the candidness. How would you feel if you were James? Hopefully this motivates him.

The NFL is a business. They tell it like it is. They aren't recruiting so they are honest in their talent evaluations. There's plenty of third round TE picks out there.

 

[Rick76]

Jesse James stayed at PSU when it really mattered (i.e. the summer of 2012). For that reason, he and all the guys who stayed will always have my respect. Best of luck to you in the NFL, Jesse.

 

[Blueblood4eva]

I feel this is especially true with QB's, including Hack. Their risk of injury that would threaten a Pro career is less than others and they all benefit from an extra year of maturity, game preparation and play.

 

[BobPSU92]

The NFL is a business. They tell it like it is. They aren't recruiting so they are honest in their talent evaluations. There's plenty of third round TE picks out there.

Yes, it's a business, but the GM could have stayed positive about his third-round pick (a respectable spot to go in the draft). GMs don't often criticize their own picks like this, especially so soon after the draft. The criticism, if their is any, is usually stuff like they need to bulk up, improve footwork, and other stuff you expect with some kids. I found it odd that he said the kid he drafted in the third round shouldn't be in the league yet.

 

[91Joe95]

Yes, it's a business, but the GM could have stayed positive about his third-round pick (a respectable spot to go in the draft). GMs don't often criticize their own picks like this, especially so soon after the draft. The criticism, if their is any, is usually stuff like they need to bulk up, improve footwork, and other stuff you expect with some kids. I found it odd that he said the kid he drafted in the third round shouldn't be in the league yet.

James was a 5th rounder.

 

[rjg82]

Not 3rd rounder

 

[N&B4PSU]

my imagination or did the dummies on this board get it right about what those 2 should have done? as in, stuck around another year. and jeepers, we're not even coaches or scouts or nuttin.. just a bunch of guys killing time with no idea of the intricacies of football..

frankly, it was clear as a bell that both barnes and james would gain from another year... barnes was just beginning to return to form and would have grown physically, and James could have proven himself as a blocker and honed his skills.

of course, it might be james wanted no part of jeopardizing his career by putting his body on the line by blocking and a final year might have been a rehash of last year... and worry scouts even more... as for barnes... well.... hmmmm... umm.. well, i think the lad was had. somebody convinced him he was a top 3 round pick?

 

[BobPSU92]

James was a 5th rounder.

Not 3rd rounder

Yes, 5th round. My mistake. It doesn't change my point, though.

 

[BobPSU92]

my imagination or did the dummies on this board get it right about what those 2 should have done? as in, stuck around another year. and jeepers, we're not even coaches or scouts or nuttin.. just a bunch of guys killing time with no idea of the intricacies of football..

frankly, it was clear as a bell that both barnes and james would gain from another year... barnes was just beginning to return to form and would have grown physically, and James could have proven himself as a blocker and honed his skills.

of course, it might be james wanted no part of jeopardizing his career by putting his body on the line by blocking and a final year might have been a rehash of last year... and worry scouts even more... as for barnes... well.... hmmmm... umm.. well, i think the lad was had. somebody convinced him he was a top 3 round pick?

I believe Barnes would have benefited from another year in college, but as some have said, he is undersized. Another year in college would not have changed that (one can only bulk up so much). He just may not be NFL material.

It has been stated that Franklin's offense was not ideal to showcase James' talent, and maybe James realized it. It seems that it highlighted his poor blocking skills more than anything else, and maybe James didn't feel it was in his best interest to stay in the wrong offense in college another year to work on his blocking.

 

[mmp121]

I believe Barnes would have benefited from another year in college, but as some have said, he is undersized. Another year in college would not have changed that (one can only bulk up so much). He just may not be NFL material.

It has been stated that Franklin's offense was not ideal to showcase James' talent, and maybe James realized it. It seems that it highlighted his poor blocking skills more than anything else, and maybe James didn't feel it was in his best interest to stay in the wrong offense in college another year to work on his blocking.

JJ Stats for 2013 and 2014 years:

25 receptions for 333 yards - 2013 (2nd year in O'Brien Offense)
38 receptions for 396 yards - 2014 (1st year in Franklin / Donovan Offense)

 

[LaJolla Lion]

should have stayed. He would have benefitted from another year. But he didn't so they liked his measurables, and went with him. But he repeated, he would have been better off staying in school. I think what I heard yesterday was a replay from earlier in the week.

Not sure what it was, but long before the season this year there was smoke about James leaving due to personal reasons. I don't know what they were and it was never really put you there, but sometimes other things behind the scenes may play a part in these decisions.

 

[GringoStarr99]

Aaron Maybin was a perfect example of one that wasn't ready to leave early...

http://www.cincyjungle.com/2013/1/26/3918218/cincinnati-bengals-aaron-maybin

 

[The Spin Meister]

If James is such a poor blocker, why did the Steelers draft him? Their tight ends do much more blocking than running routes. I don't remember any Steeler TE that has been mainly a receiver. When they added Miller, they said they would use him more as a receiver but that hasn't happened.

I said on draft weekend that James would be on the taxi squad for a year to bulk up and learn. Maybe thats why the coach said this....to prep James for a year of taxi squad.

Could be lots of reasons he or any player goes early. Money is one obvious one....many families are struggling. Personality clashes with coaches/team. Health concerns. Health of family member. Girl friend/children....ready to start life. Bored with college.

Even if he did come out too early, it sure worked out well so far as he landed with the Steelers, just a few miles from his home. Great for him.

As others said, he stayed when others left and he deserves our gratitude and best wishes.

Be well, James. Live long and prosper.

 

[N&B4PSU]

If James is such a poor blocker, why did the Steelers draft him? Their tight ends do much more blocking than running routes. I don't remember any Steeler TE that has been mainly a receiver. When they added Miller, they said they would use him more as a receiver but that hasn't happened.

I said on draft weekend that James would be on the taxi squad for a year to bulk up and learn. Maybe that's why the coach said this....to prep James for a year of taxi squad.

First, I wish him lots of success... but I think another GOOD year would have bumped him into the 3rd round... more moola. but there are risks associated with that... and possibly james saw (or was told) that franklin was going to lean more on gesicki and brenneman. who knows? makes sense, though.

that said, a couple things stand out. first, i don't see where he needs to bulk up. learn yes, bulk up.. after that combine performance? not imo.

as to the blocking, i really do think he got injured early last year and played hurt all year. i also think that was inside info and most scouts knew it... it sure wasn't public knowledge around here. but he looked like a guy trying awfully hard not to injure himself.