Thursday, Ohio State hosted a Pro Day for 2023 NFL draft prospects.
During the ESPN television coverage, I noticed ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay and Louis Riddick informing the live audience that the Carolina Panthers not only had some scouts and coaches present, but Riddick said it was “the entire Panthers contingent” who were present.
McShay added he had been attending the pro days of the top rookie quarterbacks for the last 16 years. McShay continued, “And the last time I remember an owner being at a pro day was when Daniel Snyder was at RG3s (Robert Griffin) before they drafted him in Washington. So it says a lot that [Carolina owner] Tepper was here.”
McShay elaborated further, “But David Tepper, the owner of the Panthers, is also going to be in Tuscaloosa (AL) tomorrow for Bryce Young’s. He is going to be in Lexington (KY) for Will Levis’ (pro day) and then later in the week at Anthony Richardson’s in Florida.”
“So it’s going to be interesting to see how the owner plays into this as he tries to get to know all four of these quarterbacks as people and future businessmen.”
Washington fans are discouraged to be reminded that Griffin, after his highly successful rookie 2012 season, refused to run the offense designed by Mike and Kyle Shanahan and saw his lack of ability in an NFL pocket exposed.
Snyder had desired to have Griffin, trading up to the No. 2 pick in the draft to take Griffin. In turn, Snyder traded away the 2012 No. 6 pick, the 2012 No. 39 pick, the 2013 No. 22 pick, and the 2014 No. 2 overall selection. Though still exhibiting physical and athletic ability, Griffin’s performances were so subpar in 2013 and 2014 he never recovered, never experiencing anything successful in the NFL.
Though Snyder wanted and got Griffin, it was Shanahan who insisted Washington draft Kirk Cousins when he was available in the fourth round of that same 2012 draft. This resulted in much sharp criticism from NFL analysts being directed at Shanahan personally.
However, it was Shanahan who was proven correct and Daniel Snyder incorrect in judging NFL QB potential.