[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

I posted something similar to this on another board a couple months back but I thought it'd be relevant with all of the "IR/Bench" Kelly sentiment around here..

There's so much negativity about JC and our rookies from last year I wanted to give a little recent (this decade) historical perspective on patience with letting players develop..

QB- in his first 28 starts he compiles stats of 29 TD, 31 INT, averaging right around 200 yards per game, 6.7 yards per completion, 79.7 QB rating while posting a sub .500 record. He's roundly criticized by his team's fan base for his lack of production, lack of consistency, accuracy and leadership abilities. Their was excitement was boundless when his replacement was sought, even though it was publicly botched.

WR- in his rookie year as a first day pick he plays in 15 games, starting 1, gets 10 catches for 154 yards and no TD. He's got a ton of raw talent but fans and media wonder if he will ever amount to anything because he's a bit of a knucklehead.

WR- in his rookie year as a first day pick he misses 11 games with a knee injury, playing in only 5 games. He amasses 2 catches for 40 yards and no TD and is widely criticized as a player who will always be injured and will struggle to be a consistent performer for his team.

TE- in his rookie year he comes in as a first day pick. Starts 10 games in a pass friendly offense and racks up 29 catches and 1 TD. His tools are unquestionable but his production pales in comparison.

At a glance, what would you have felt about those players at the points of their careers that JC, Thomas, Kelly and Davis are at right now? Any guesses about who those players were/are?

The probelm with Kelly is he couldn't even get on the field at all. He couldn't even practice. Nothing. At least Thomas got in games and played on teams. Sorry but staying patient with Kelly really isn't an option at this point. If he can't get on the field by training camp then someone is going to take his job. His roster spot is too valuable and other guys are being signed that can play teams and be a 3rd or 4th wr. I'm much more willing to be patient with Thomas cause he can help out on teams and he's got game experience. I think with Fred Davis it's only a matter of time. To be honest he's got more ability than Cooley. It all boils down to if he can learn how to be a professional. If he does then there is no way he's not going to be on the field.