OG Donovan Jackson

[badgervike]

Wasn't the scouting report on Davis that he lacked technique and relied on athletic ability primarily when he was at Ohio State? I remember there being red flags pre-draft.

[purplefaithful]

I remember posting at the time wondering if Davis might not just be an idiot. I'd bet this lack of mental aptitude is behind more busts than we realize, because it's not something either side is going to talk about much.

Yah, its pc to talk about 40 times, but not whats in between the ears (or not). Its pretty taboo in nfl culture.

[hogjowlsjohnny]

I remember posting at the time wondering if Davis might not just be an idiot. I'd bet this lack of mental aptitude is behind more busts than we realize, because it's not something either side is going to talk about much.

I think the current GM and coaching staff are somewhat more selective than some in the past when it comes to the mental aptitude. It's not discussed, but I assume all the talk about fitting the Vikings culture and team includes, intelligence as well as love of football as traits they are looking for.

[greediron]

I think the current GM and coaching staff are somewhat more selective than some in the past when it comes to the mental aptitude. It's not discussed, but I assume all the talk about fitting the Vikings culture and team includes, intelligence as well as love of football as traits they are looking for.

Yes, the mental aptitude is not just for QBs.  Complex modern schemes demand film study and the ability to understand multiple assignments based on alignments.

[medaille]

Eh, I don’t think intelligence is that big of a factor. Teams routinely draft athletic but dumb players. Dumb players often become successful. I’m sure there’s a floor where you are too dumb, but I think the league in general is moving towards a dumbed-down form of football because there is a huge pressure to get production from your cheapest (youngest) players and college teams aren’t running “pro” offenses/defenses that much anymore, and very rarely is your core team sticking together for a long time. I think schemes are getting better and more innovative, but I think part of that is finding ways to make your schemes more accessible to players who are new to your team, new to the NFL, etc.

That said, I think something that correlates with being dumb is not trying hard in a classroom setting. I think being dumb and also not trying enough is probably tough to overcome. If you’re just daydreaming while your coach is telling you everything you need to know for the next game, it’s going to make life harder for you, and you probably have to be in the top tiers of physical ability and have your fundamentals down pat.

[Mattyman]

Jackson has everything going for him. Resume/experience, situation (playing between Kelley/Darrisaw) to be above average Week 1.

Dude is strong as hell. He doesn't need a year in the weight room incubator.

[MaroonBells]

Eh,  I don’t think intelligence is that big of a factor.  Teams routinely draft athletic but dumb players.  Dumb players often become successful.  I’m sure there’s a floor where you are too dumb, but I think the league in general is moving towards a dumbed-down form of football because there is a huge pressure to get production from your cheapest (youngest) players and college teams aren’t running “pro” offenses/defenses that much anymore, and very rarely is your core team sticking together for a long time.  I think schemes are getting better and more innovative, but I think part of that is finding ways to make your schemes more accessible to players who are new to your team, new to the NFL, etc.

That said, I think something that correlates with being dumb is not trying hard in a classroom setting.  I think being dumb and also not trying enough is probably tough to overcome.  If you’re just daydreaming while your coach is telling you everything you need to know for the next game, it’s going to make life harder for you, and you probably have to be in the top tiers of physical ability and have your fundamentals down pat.

Intelligence is just one of many factors that might go into a good "mental aptitude." You could add character, discipline, worth ethic, focus, resilience, toughness. Every year we see dozens and dozens of remarkable physical specimens fail in the NFL. If the reason they fail is not above the shoulders, I don't know where it is.