Buzz from the media and click bait do NOT translate into NFL draft choices. This is a business. A really important one. They make very precise calculations and why WOULDN"T an NFL scout talk up Mendoza to get their competitors to overvalue picking early and either trade up or pass on the scout's real target.

I readily admit there are likely about 20-30% of owners who meddle. They probably do matter. But I think it is still an open question of whether Mendoza is the first QB taken. Lets see how things unfold in the CFB and then most importantly, the combine where things start to be a lot more truthful.

socaltownie said:

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Buzz from the media and click bait do NOT translate into NFL draft choices. This is a business. A really important one. They make very precise calculations and why WOULDN"T an NFL scout talk up Mendoza to get their competitors to overvalue picking early and either trade up or pass on the scout's real target.

I readily admit there are likely about 20-30% of owners who meddle. They probably do matter. But I think it is still an open question of whether Mendoza is the first QB taken. Lets see how things unfold in the CFB and then most importantly, the combine where things start to be a lot more truthful.

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You are confusing "doesn't ALWAYS translate" with "does NOT". It most certainly normally does translate into NFL draft choices. Because most of the time the buzz is accurate. It certainly did translate when Jared Goff got all the buzz. Normally the QB's with the buzz are the ones that get picked. That's why they had the buzz in the first place. And your statement is inconsistent because if buzz doesn't translate than NFL scouts would be trying to create buzz to get their competitors to overvalue a potential pick.

It is absolutely an open question whether Mendoza is the first QB taken. That depends on draft order and particular team's preference. He's going to go very high

What did you all want him to say? It's a lose-lose question.
The other interview (referenced) was much more affirmative and no one is talking about that.

BearBoarBlarney said:

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socaltownie said:

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This is the reality guys. Get used to it.

It isn't a complete no brainer but he has an opportunity to build life changing intergenerational wealth. It isn't clear that a particular program or situation matters hugely for his NFL draft stock. Has all the throws and physical abilities (not like Cal over Bama will help him grow taller).

The difference is that there are programs that can possibly spend 8 figures on him. Administrations that essentially take the approach "**** the NCAA. We want a Natty. Try to Punish us. We are a blue blood and EVERYONE from the Governor on down has our back." I think so many of you don't get that. It isn't (only) that they have lower academic standards. It is that their commitment to having ICA wage the Dog of Higher ed is near unfathomable to many of you. And so a young man, with the opportunity to take home 10 million gross over 2-3 million gross is going to make a business decision. Just like ALL of US would. Yes. We love X. But if an employer comes to you offer 3X and everything else seems about a wash.....you take the 3X.

That is the world Cal will live in until the powers that be decide it isn't.,

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I think this is one of the most accurate, no-nonsense posts I've read on here. This is it. And for all we know, JKS might just love it at Cal, but $10M gross over $3M gross (or whatever our NIL pool can fund) makes it a no-brainer.

I do want to say how great it's been to see a young gunslinger like JKS come in here and give a real shot in the arm to Cal Football. He's been so fun to watch, and I'm appreciative of what he has done here at Cal.

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So here's the dilemma:

Does a player like JKS take more money from a school less likely to reach the top, or less money from a school that will likely bring him a championship?

Obviously, no one can predict the future and there are a million uncontrollable variables at play. (And truth be told, the highest-paying schools will also most likely be the schools with the best chances of winning it all, or at least providing a player with the best exposure and potential high NFL draft. But say it isn't...)

But pretend for a moment that somehow JKS can earn $1-2M more at Cal (or another school) than any of his other options. Does he take the guaranteed pay out now, or play for greater future riches in the NFL?

This is a dilemma many young players may face today.

TandemBear said:

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BearBoarBlarney said:

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socaltownie said:

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So here's the dilemma:

Does a player like JKS take more money from a school less likely to reach the top, or less money from a school that will likely bring him a championship?

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Any playoff-contending team that wants JKS could match or beat any amount he would get at Cal. I have no idea whether Oregon, or Miami, or any other contending team in the market for a transfer QB wants him, but I have no doubt they would find the money if they want him.