Ryan Leaf

[Tom Baker]

Now Ryan Leaf must surely go down as one of the biggest draft busts in history, bigger than Tommy Maddox...bigger than any I can think of. The Chargers traded up to get him, and there was even some speculation that he was a better prospect than Peyton Manning (what a joke that seems now, after Manning's thrown for 12,000 yards in 3 years and has two playoff and Pro Bowl appearances). Three years later, Leaf is cut. Some injuries were not his fault, but he made things had for himself.

Leaf seemed to have the physical tools, but he neglected the mental side of the game. In college, he could use his superior arm strength to overcome mental (attitude) deficiencies. In the pros, different story. Leaf never mastered (over even grasped) the mental side of the game, and the Chargers have no time for him now. Of course, someone with his physical ability should land somewhere. That somewhere could be the XFL...if that league last much longer, that is...

[SNichol]

The XFL now has a poster boy

[Marc]

I think a lot of the NFL rejects will go to the XFL ... that is if they are willing to take the pay cut. But, with Leaf, it's not like any team would realistically pay him a huge salary like the Chargers made the mistake in doing.

[Edited by M. James on 03-01-2001 at 05:39 PM]

[NickHammy]

Don't you mean XFL?

[Marc]

Yes, sorry 'bout that.

[Spike]

Leaf just signed with Tampa Bay I heard. That will be interesting. Should be a wake up call for Leaf.

He's got more talent than Shaun King. King though has more, savvy, smarts and common sense.

But if Leaf comes in and works hard and uses his brain (I realize, big "if"), that might not turn out bad for the Buccaneers. We'll see. Ah, Leaf and Keyshawn Johnson should make a nice couple, hehe.

[J. Marshall]

Part of the fascination with Leaf seems to be that he has all the tools to become a productive NFL QB---you always here about his arm strength, etc. I agree that perhaps he once did have the tools, but I have my doubts if he will ever be able to regain them.

People must remember that he had shoulder surgery before last season and it has been noted that he has lost some velocity as a result of the procedure.
Where he once had a cannon, now he has what has been dubbed an "above average arm".

Once his physical tools dwindle... and I think that is true about his arm strength, that it has indeed lessened a bit, the allure that is Ryan Leaf will cease. I mean, the guy has shown NO heart ever, no leadership, and general disrespect towards his teamates at a position which should garner the most.

He is done.

[Tom Baker]

With Tampa signing Brad Johnson, Leaf will now be battling for a second string spot--against the head coach's favorite. Unless he makes a huge attitude change, it's likely he'll be a third stringer at best.

I agree that Leaf will never be anything more than a journeyman QB--at best. Hope he invests wisely. It just goes to show you how much the mental side of the game matters. Physical tools are great, but if your head's a snakepit, you aren't going to get very far.

[J. Marshall]

Tom

I had heard that Tampa originally picked Leaf off waivers with the sould idea of trading him for draft pick(s). Apparently, they were hoping for a 5th rounder.

It is a good move if you are the Bucs (if you are planning on dumping the guy) because you can always release him if you cant. I find it funny how a guy went from being the #2 pick overall to being pawned for a 5th round choice in a matter of 3 years.

What is sad is that this guy probably ran out of shots along time ago, but some poor team will give him another one even though he doesnt deserve it.

[Tom Baker]

Could be...but why wouldn't San Diego try to do the same thing then? Maybe that's what the Bucs had in mind all along, but if he's got any draft pick value, surely the Chargers would have tried to do the same thing, unless they just wanted to close the book and be done with him once and for all...but he was the 2nd overall pick in the draft!

[J. Marshall]

Tom

Because if the Chargers would have traded him, the team they traded him to would have to try and fit an absurd salary under their cap. No team would give up anything for Leaf at the salary slot he was scheduled to make this season.

There are no guaranteed contracts in the NFL, so when Tampa picked him up off waivers, it was for very little.

[ryanpaige]

There are no guaranteed contracts in the NFL, but since Bucs picked Leaf up off waivers, they have to pay what his contract calls for. So, the Bucs have to pay the contract he signed with the Chargers unless they release him (or trade him to someone else. Looks like Dallas is interested).