Where Will Brett Hundley End Up?
By Keith Rivas
UCLA’s cream of the crop, QB Brett Hundley, decided earlier this year to enter the 2015 NFL Draft. With that decision being what it is, as exciting as this can be for all of the prospective great players involved, there is no question that uncertainty plays a huge role in process as well.
This usually stems from wondering where in the world you’ll end up as a player and what team, fans, and franchise decided you were worth it at the biggest level of football.
Brett Hundley’s style of play was no question effective in college, but it won’t fit every kind of offensive scheme that comes alive in the NFL — much like how Marcus Mariota’s run-and-gun style of quarterbacking wouldn’t fit in a St. Louis Rams, Indianapolis Colts, or Denver Broncos style offense.
But somewhere out there is just the right fit for the former Bruin in blue.
Some possible landing spots for Hundley include the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams, and the San Francisco 49ers.
Here’s how the UCLA super star would fit into those three teams at the next level:
WHY HUNDLEY WOULD WORK WITH THE JETS
Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) looks on from the bench during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Jets would be a smooth transition for Hundley because they’ve been in the process of rebuilding and have learned the hard way that maybe Geno Smith isn’t the answer. Despite the occasional great athletic plays that Smith is able to do on the football field, he hasn’t been able to get a winning attitude back inside the Jets’ locker room.
At least Mark Sanchez won games at first.
Bottom Line: Jets need to get past team’s turbulance
After Sanchez was able to lead the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship Games but come up empty both times, his career and the Jets franchise seemed to fall off the deep end — kind of like the Titanic, I guess you could say.
Hundley provides the Jets with some comfortable learning curves to go and grow with what they’ve been trying to develop and build around a consistent quarterback.
You’d be surprised how good the Jets would be with a good quarterback, I guarantee it.
WHY HUNDLEY WOULD FIT IN WITH THE RAMS
Sam Bradford hasn’t exactly been the answer to the St. Louis Rams’ prayers either.
Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford before the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Oakland Raiders at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
In his four seasons as a member of the Rams, Bradford has yet to have even a .500 season. Two of hisseasons have finished with a 7-9 record, a third year the Rams ended 7-8-1 which is nearly identical, and then there was of course a year where everything tanked (2011) where the Rams ended up an awful 2-14.
What’s the common theme here? Mediocrity.
Much like the Cleveland Browns, who can’t even seem to escape how horrible they are, the Rams have seen nothing but below average to say the least from Bradford. Hundley’s presence — even if it were as a backup at first for a year or two — would give hope to other Rams who are looking for wins here and now, not just one miracle season down the road.
Bottom Line: Bradford will get them nowhere in the NFC West
And unlike Matthew Stafford of the Detroit Lions, Sam Bradford doesn’t seem to know how to correct his mistakes–he literally ends up with the same result each year.
Pretty sure doing the same thing over and over again while expecting the same exact result is known as insanity.
Take notes, Rams front office.
Hundley will actually take you places because he’s a teachable player — Bradford is not and never will be.
WHY HUNDLEY WOULD FLY HIGH WITH THE NINERS
December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs with the football during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi
Now that San Francisco is without Jim Harbaugh at the head coaching position, they’ve shown to the country that they are not afraid to make a bold move — even what some would say was a stupid move — so why not go with Brett Hundley coming out of the draft?
Someone’s got to back Colin Kaepernick up — and I can promise you Blaine Gabbert and Josh Johnson are not the answer to that question or position.
Bottom Line: The 49ers want to win a Super Bowl, right?
If anyone should fill that gap behind Kaepernick, it’s Hundley. Not only is he able to make plays in a scramble, but he can deal with a limited or quickly evaporating pocket and still hit his target with unmatched accuracy.
Consistency is key in the NFL, and that’s what Hundley no question brings to the table.