Posts: 6,973
Threads: 3,788
Joined: May 2013
Reputation:
2,358
Each offseason, NFL Network does a countdown of the league’s top 100 players as voted upon by their peers. After a 91-catch season, it was no surprise to see Minnesota Vikings receiver Adam Thielen pretty high on the list at No. 36. But something stuck out about NFL Network’s mini feature on Thielen: The players he was compared to weren’t really all that comparable.
Cornerback Damarius Randall says Thielen reminds him of Jordy Nelson. Linebacker Blake Martinez says he’s like Julian Edelman.
While there are some similarities — Nelson is a detailed route runner and routinely wins 50-50 balls and Edelman is effective in the slot — we can probably find better answers...
http://www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2018/0...m-thielen/
John Randle. That is the only comparison I can make. From walk on to HOF. AT is just a freak, maybe late blooming, maybe overlooked, who knows. But John Randle is the player comparison I would make. They just wanted it so much more.
I don't really like any of those comparisons in the article... Thielen reminds me of Reggie Wayne in his prime. There are a lot of similarities in their playing style IMO.
He's a hard comp. Isaac Bruce for routes, but he's bigger than that. Larry Fitzgerald's size and poise. But he's faster than that. The guy he reminds me of the most is maybe Fred Biletnikoff. Now hows that for digging up the past? Not an acrobat but good size, good speed, precision routes, reliable, fantastic hands and slippery as hell with the ball in his hands. Always gets more than you think he's going to.
I will stick with Randle as I don't see any modern WR like him. Not that he superior to every WR, but his combination of all traits, plus his desire to be great on the practice field as well as the playing field sets him apart. Teammates hated trying to block Randle because he was all effort all the time. Thielen gets those same compliments.
I’ve got to go w/ Raymond Berry. Although Berry was drafted... in the 20th round! B)
After catching very few passes in high school and college, Berry was drafted in the 20th round of the 1954 NFL Draft by the Colts and was considered a long shot to even make the team's roster. Diminutive and unassuming, his subsequent rise to the Pro Football Hall of Fame has been touted as one of American football's Cinderella stories. He made up for his lack of athleticism through rigorous practice and attention to detail, and was known for his near-perfect route running and sure handedness. Berry was a favorite target of quarterback Johnny Unitas, and the two were regarded as the dominant passing and receiving duo of their era.
he's scrappy like Chris Walsh was.... played special teams hard like Chris Walsh did.... only much more talented than Chris Walsh... but like CW... very easy to cheer for.
The most comparable to Adam Thielen is....
Adam Thielen
Quote: @MaroonBells said:
He's a hard comp. Isaac Bruce for routes, but he's bigger than that. Larry Fitzgerald's size and poise. But he's faster than that. The guy he reminds me of the most is maybe Fred Biletnikoff. Now hows that for digging up the past? Not an acrobat but good size, good speed, precision routes, reliable, fantastic hands and slippery as hell with the ball in his hands. Always gets more than you think he's going to.
The "Snake" and Fred
Quote: @ThunderGod said:
@ MaroonBells said:
He's a hard comp. Isaac Bruce for routes, but he's bigger than that. Larry Fitzgerald's size and poise. But he's faster than that. The guy he reminds me of the most is maybe Fred Biletnikoff. Now hows that for digging up the past? Not an acrobat but good size, good speed, precision routes, reliable, fantastic hands and slippery as hell with the ball in his hands. Always gets more than you think he's going to.
The "Snake" and Fred
They broke my heart in January 1977....Never in a million years would I have thought i'd still be waiting. And yah, I think Fred is a pretty good comparo too.
|
