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I understand what you're saying, and that's a fair point. But to suggest it's entirely on coaching/support is a little disengenuous. IMO, it IS up to the player. You can provide the BEST coaching/support the NFL has to offer, but without the player absorbing/implementing that support, the result is the same. If you believe that coaching/support is the panacea, then let's just coach/support Rattler and Haener to "franchise" status, and deploy our draft picks to more obvious holes in the roster. Are any of us comfortable that will turn out the way we want/hope? I know I'm not, and I like BOTH players. I think that's proof you need BOTH. Also, if you're citing Geno Smith and Sam Darnold as the examples here, I think we define "franchise QB" differently. MY definition is a guy who elevates the roster...the franchise....for an extended period; not a one-off personal best season. Geno & Darnold have finally blossomed into quality QBs, but I wouldn't call either "franchise QB" quality. JMO...If he drops to 9, I'll take him for sure. I said last season that in terms of actual quarterbacking (and not being an athlete that throws), he was up there (IMO) last season. But I don't believe no QB is worth a reach BUT if Kellen is on board with it, I'm down...lol
Truth is, that's not up to the player. Franchises make "franchise QB," so I believe that the QB that our staff put their energy and focus behind will be that for us. The problem is we have so many coaching staffs that believe that a person isn't a certain caliber, so they are robbed of that opportunity because they don't have the support. Then there is shock and confusion when a player goes somewhere that gives them that and they succeed (Geno and Darnold to name a couple).
I'll fundamentally agree with your overall take, but I think we define the nuances differently. I appreciate your perspective though.