Coach Kelly Press Conference 12-6-2010

[GoIrish41]

Floyd is gone. He is not rated lower than Baldwin, Jeffrey, or Blackmon. Only Jones and Green are higher. Floyd will tear up the Combine and then be a top 20 pick. His size and speed combination combined with his production is too much.

Rudolph would be stupid to come back and risk another injury while he's still the #1 tight end prospect.

This is just silly talk. No way Floyd is a top 20 pick after this season. He could tear it up next year at ND and not be that high. Neither Floyd or Rudolph have had a real elite season to hang their hat on. I suspect they will both come back to complete some unfinished business at ND.

 

[OCIrish]

He needs to do what is best for himself and family. If its to stay then so be it. If its in the NFL, then great, good for him and good luck.

 

[woolybug25]

A lot of college coaches go by the "16 Rule". If most experts project a kid as a top 16 pick, then they should go. Even if they slip a bit, it is still a good decision. Kids projected after the end of of the first can slide (ie Clausen). Under this rule, Rudolph should go and Floyd should stay. If this allows Floyd to raise his stock to a top 10 pick the following year, then it would be a decision that earns him millions more in guaranteed money (assuming rookie pay isn't capped per the new cba, in which case, he should go now).

Oh yeah... We should beat Miami.

 

[chyrspchuck]

Floyd is gone. He is not rated lower than Baldwin, Jeffrey, or Blackmon. Only Jones and Green are higher. Floyd will tear up the Combine and then be a top 20 pick. His size and speed combination combined with his production is too much.

Rudolph would be stupid to come back and risk another injury while he's still the #1 tight end prospect.

While I agree Floyd is gone, I respectfully have to disagree with your comment that Floyd is not rated lower than Baldwin or Blackmon. You have to be an insider on ESPN.com or I would send you the several links from Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, and also Scouts Inc.

Most cases have him as the 5th best receiver, AJ Green, Julio Jones, Justin Blackmon, and Jon Baldwin are all ahead of him.

Alshon, not able to come out yet, obviously it doesn't matter if he's ranked higher than or not,

 

[jmurphy75]

IMO Tate had a much better year last year than Floyd this year and he was a 2nd round #60 pick overall. I understand there are differences especially in how they would compare to the combine but I don't think that there is that much of a difference.

 

[military_irish]

IMO Tate had a much better year last year than Floyd this year and he was a 2nd round #60 pick overall. I understand there are differences especially in how they would compare to the combine but I don't think that there is that much of a difference.

one of the main reason Tate fell so far is because he is only 5'10, not really ideal to be a NFL WR. If he was 6'2 he would have been picked in the 1st round.

 

[NDty9]

Just a thought, and not sure i agree.......... but when i was in ND earlier this year, i was speaking to a player on the team and his opinion was that Floyd and Rudy would both be staying. Rudy because of the doubts NFL scouts have due to his injuries, and Floyd for similar reasons, but also because of academics. Lets not forget, Mrs. Floyd played a very big role on getting her son to ND, and the player i talked with brought up how she is very serious about him getting his degree from Notre Dame......

 

[bornready85]

IMO Tate had a much better year last year than Floyd this year and he was a 2nd round #60 pick overall. I understand there are differences especially in how they would compare to the combine but I don't think that there is that much of a difference.

Arrelouis Benn went about 20 spots before Tate with less than half of the production.

 

[bjohnmwc]

When is Rudolph going to be able to work out? Will he be ready for the combine, or will he have to be "drafted on faith" without a team seeing him work out?

I agree with you guys in regards to Floyd having a rough start to the year. Only thing is, though, everyone knows what he can do talent-wise, he's got solid character from what I can tell, and he certainly has the size that Tate was missing.

I'd hate to see either of them go, though.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

McShay is an idiot, and I discredit him immediately.

Floyd is a physical freak. Very few receivers are as tall and fast. More importantly, he's stayed healthy this year which was his biggest question mark. His production is down because it's a new system with 2 new quarterbacks. Even Golden Tate's production would be down this year.

Floyd is elite at staying in-bounds while catching a ball down the sidelines and timing his jumps. He's very advanced for a wide receiver. He's improved this year. His hands are getting better and he's been playing well in clutch situations. Baldwin's stock is dropping with his lack of production and just not looking good this year. Blackmon is about equal to him but the Combine will set them apart. I'd take Floyd over both of them easily, and I bet a lot of GMs would too. Floyd is a special talent.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

McShay is an idiot, and I discredit him immediately.

Floyd is a physical freak. Very few receivers are as tall and fast. More importantly, he's stayed healthy this year which was his biggest question mark. His production is down because it's a new system with 2 new quarterbacks. Even Golden Tate's production would be down this year.

Floyd is elite at staying in-bounds while catching a ball down the sidelines and timing his jumps. He's very advanced for a wide receiver. He's improved this year. His hands are getting better and he's been playing well in clutch situations. Baldwin's stock is dropping with his lack of production and just not looking good this year. Blackmon is about equal to him but the Combine will set them apart. I'd take Floyd over both of them easily, and I bet a lot of GMs would too. Floyd is a special talent.

Honestly at this point Green, Jones, Baldwin, Broyles and Blackman will all go ahead of Floyd. Floyd has dropped some passes this year and had some fumbles. Also, scouts still question his speed and that won't be answered till the combine. Floyd also didn't stay completely healthy this year, as he had a hamstring issue for part of the season. Granted Floyd did improve his route running and blocking this year.

In the end we can all discuss if he goes and should he go to the NFL, but Floyd is making the decision. So lets just wait and see what happens.

 

[rocket31]

More importantly, he's stayed healthy this year which was his biggest question mark. .

no he didnt.

 

[IrishMoore1]

Isn't staying in school and getting the degree the best thing for both of these guys? Yeah they can start making serious money in the NFL but what if they get seriously injured? Football isn't forever. There's life after football, and if you don't have a degree to fall back on, you're kinda screwed in this kinda economy.

Plus, is everyone forgetting about the impending lockout that may happen?

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

He was dinged up for one game. Yes, he stayed healthy. That's not a big deal.

And don't even try to bring up an education. That means nothing in the long run, especially if you are a first rounder.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Education means nothing in the long run??? Guess I wasted my life as a teacher. As did all my students including the jocks. Sorry everybody. I'll try to do better in the next reincarnation...ohh, wait, Catholics don't believe in that....

 

[NDinL.A.]

McShay is an idiot, and I discredit him immediately.

Floyd is a physical freak. Very few receivers are as tall and fast. More importantly, he's stayed healthy this year which was his biggest question mark. His production is down because it's a new system with 2 new quarterbacks. Even Golden Tate's production would be down this year.

Floyd is elite at staying in-bounds while catching a ball down the sidelines and timing his jumps. He's very advanced for a wide receiver. He's improved this year. His hands are getting better and he's been playing well in clutch situations. Baldwin's stock is dropping with his lack of production and just not looking good this year. Blackmon is about equal to him but the Combine will set them apart. I'd take Floyd over both of them easily, and I bet a lot of GMs would too. Floyd is a special talent.

First off, I love Floyd and I agree he is a special talent. But I don't think it'll happen. Scouts and GMs simply love Green and Jones more, and as has been mentioned there are a couple of other receivers who may go before him as well. Add to the fact that WRs are not in as high demand as guys in the trenches as well as QBs (there will be 4 QBs taken highly most likely...Luck, Mallett, Newton, and Locker) and you can get quality WRs in the later rounds and not have to spend near the same money as a 1st rounder, well you can see that Floyd going in the top 20 is a stretch.

HOWEVER, I just looked up a few mock drafts, and in Title2012's defense, I did find one that had him being drafted at #19. So while I originally thought Title's post was crazy, apparently he's not alone in thinking that. All the others had Floyd as a 2nd rounder, but like I said, someone else out there agrees with Title2012. I hope Floyd stays, but if he goes, I hope he gets drafted high.

Also, Floyd has been banged up all year. Just look at how he's been running; he has an obvious hitch in his giddy-up due to the hamstring injury. The injuries to Floyd and Rudolph could conceivably hurt the Irish's chances that they come back; they could see their mortality and want to cash in before they get seriously injured. ND will always be there - but the chance to make millions will not. Not saying that I endorse that line of thinking, but you're fooling yourself if you don't think that it enters these kids' minds.

 

[phork]

He was dinged up for one game. Yes, he stayed healthy. That's not a big deal.

And don't even try to bring up an education. That means nothing in the long run, especially if you are a first rounder.

Yah because an NFL career lasts 30+ years and has a hell of a pension.. Oh wait... The average career is less than 5 years..

 

[DillonHall]

Yah because an NFL career lasts 30+ years and has a hell of a pension.. Oh wait... The average career is less than 5 years..

But you're not considering the amount of money. The average guaranteed amount for a second rounder last year was about 2 million. Meanwhile, say someone finishes his/her education and gets a "real" job. The average starting salary for ND graduates from the school of business (ranked #1 in the country, btw) is still "only" 50-55K. It would take over 30 years at 65K a year to earn 2 million. To me, this math makes it clear that you should take the NFL money, even if you're only going to be a second rounder. (of course, this doesn't take into account progressive tax rates and the new NFL CBA, but I think the evidence is convincing).

 

[Kak7304]

Leaving early doesn't mean he will never have a college degree. He can finish up his degree requirements during summers or go back to school after his career is over. Most of the athletes have to take summer school so are ahead of the average student as far as credits go, so he probably doesn't have much to go to qualify for a degree. Vince Carter did this a few years ago after leaving UNC early for the NBA.

 

[phork]

But you're not considering the amount of money. The average guaranteed amount for a second rounder last year was about 2 million. Meanwhile, say someone finishes his/her education and gets a "real" job. The average starting salary for ND graduates from the school of business (ranked #1 in the country, btw) is still "only" 50-55K. It would take over 30 years at 65K a year to earn 2 million. To me, this math makes it clear that you should take the NFL money, even if you're only going to be a second rounder. (of course, this doesn't take into account progressive tax rates and the new NFL CBA, but I think the evidence is convincing).

Take about half for tax and it doesn't leave much. When you are in the league for 5 years, thats $10M say... Blow it on housing, partying and broads and you don't got much left.

 

[RDU Irish]

Is Floyd really that quick? I thought Tate surprised on his forty time and IMO has game breaking quicks which earned a premium for the likes of Ted Ginn Jr and some others (Thanks largely to Devin Hester's Super Bowl KO return for TD for my Bears). I don't remember Floyd out running any CBs, more beating them with good routes and out muscle/jump for the ball. In short, I don't think his measurables will stack up against the other top five WRs this year.

I think both stay and make a case for two first rounders next year. When is the last time ND put that together?

Better draft question, where does Ian Williams get drafted? I can't wait to see him light up Miami!

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Better draft question, where does Ian Williams get drafted? I can't wait to see him light up Miami!

Good question...I say before the injury Ian Williams was a third rounder maybe late second. If he is 100% for the bowl game & the senior bowl (if invited) and plays well I think he can slide back into the third round.

 

[DillonHall]

Take about half for tax and it doesn't leave much. When you are in the league for 5 years, thats $10M say... Blow it on housing, partying and broads and you don't got much left.

This is so dumb it pisses me off.

 

[NDTH91]

This is so dumb it pisses me off.

Thank you. Earn 60k for 5 years, thats $300k say? taxes, housing and broads leaves you with... oh wait since he's not in the NFL he magically makes better financial decisions and now has $10 million. Gee I hope I never get drafted so I won't blow all of my money.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Players don't give a damn about their education. When do you hear about a player staying in school, passing up millions, to graduate? Never. You can always finish up school, but one injury can take away your entire career. You are fooling yourself if you think players even take into consideration academics.

 

[DillonHall]

Players don't give a damn about their education. When do you hear about a player staying in school, passing up millions, to graduate? Never. You can always finish up school, but one injury can take away your entire career. You are fooling yourself if you think players even take into consideration academics.

Well, I think there are plenty of ND student-athletes who take their education seriously. You go to college and get an education to get a job and earn a living. However, when you have the rare opportunity that Floyd and Rudolph will have in the draft, they have to seriously consider this alternative way of earning money.

 

[Riddickulous]

Is Floyd really that quick? I thought Tate surprised on his forty time and IMO has game breaking quicks which earned a premium for the likes of Ted Ginn Jr and some others (Thanks largely to Devin Hester's Super Bowl KO return for TD for my Bears). I don't remember Floyd out running any CBs, more beating them with good routes and out muscle/jump for the ball. In short, I don't think his measurables will stack up against the other top five WRs this year.

I think both stay and make a case for two first rounders next year. When is the last time ND put that together?

Better draft question, where does Ian Williams get drafted? I can't wait to see him light up Miami!

This pretty much hits the nail on the head. If this were any other draft class, Michael Floyd would be Top 3. However, this is probably the most loaded wide receiver class in history, so he's Top 10, possibly Top 5. At the WR position, to clarify. Not overall.


Ian Williams will probably go in the mid to late rounds. He's not in the same league as Nick Fairley or Stephen Paea.

 

[WaveDomer]

Players don't give a damn about their education. When do you hear about a player staying in school, passing up millions, to graduate? Never. You can always finish up school, but one injury can take away your entire career. You are fooling yourself if you think players even take into consideration academics.

There are plenty of guys who care about education. There are plenty of guys who care about money. And there are plenty who care about both. Remember when Elton Brand left Duke early? That was such a big deal because he was the first Duke player to leave early for the NBA. That wasn't that long ago and you are talking about guys who won multiple NCAA title before him: Hurley, Laettner, Hill and others who didn't Dawkins, Ferry, Gminski. That's just one example, but to say these guys don't care about education is kind of goofy. Why come to ND then? The Indiana weather?

That being said, you can earn a degree and still come out early. You can also earn a ton of money and blow it. Ever hear of Mike Tyson or MC Hammer? It is all about the individual.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

You go to college to prepare for your future job in life and to gain the skills to succeed at that. Floyd has done that.

 

[WaveDomer]

You go to college to prepare for your future job in life and to gain the skills to succeed at that. Floyd has done that.

True, but that's not the only reason you go to school. Also, people change jobs and careers constantly. Even if Floyd, as the example, has a 12 year HOF career, he could retire and want to start a business like a lot of these guys do. I'm not saying a degree is the only way he could do that, but there is more to life than football, even for an elite player.