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Val Holmes set to join the NFL - Sharks grant release

DC_fan

DC_fan

Coach
Messages
11,980
AJB1102 said:
I start by stating I know f**k all about NFL.

A few who obviously do know NFL have mentioned his time over 40 (guessing yards or metres). Given he's been conditioned to play 40 minute halves it'd be about the potential of compacting that into short bursts across a long game, I'd guess.

Val isn't necessarily fast, but he reaches top speed by about the 3rd step and when at top speed has awesome balance, doesn't slow down changing direction and he can change gears between steps. Very evasive little prick.
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It is 40 yards. Some believe that a good 40 yard time is not relevant to the running back position. For example the NFLs career rushing leader Emmitt Smith had a 40 yard time very similar to that of Holmes. Even the great wide receiver Jerry Rice never had outstanding speed. It is what you do with ball in hand that counts most.
 
9701

9701

First Grade
Messages
5,400
DC_fan said:
It is 40 yards. Some believe that a good 40 yard time is not relevant to the running back position. For example the NFLs career rushing leader Emmitt Smith had a 40 yard time very similar to that of Holmes. Even the great wide receiver Jerry Rice never had outstanding speed. It is what you do with ball in hand that counts most.
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I tell my wife the bolded part all the time.
 
Danish

Danish

Referee
Messages
32,024
KeepingTheFaith said:
Hayne was a 3rd string backup who barely played on the worst team in the league.

He was never close to being a starter within 12 months and probably wouldn't have made the 53 on other teams.

Val is young and has a couple years to learn. That's his biggest advantage. Not sure where he would fit position wise. Maybe slot receiver at best or change of pace RB. It won't be easy and remains to be seen if he has the patience.
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he started in 1 game as RB for the 49ers. That makes him a starter in the NFL in his first and only season.

I would see Holmes playing as an RB. It seems to be the easiest position to learn and also matches his skill set best IMO. He wouldn’t be able to make any 50+ yard runs without being chased down.... but an off season of NFL “supplements” and training would probably improve is pace a bit
 
KeepingTheFaith

KeepingTheFaith

Referee
Messages
25,235
Danish said:
he started in 1 game as RB for the 49ers. That makes him a starter in the NFL in his first and only season.

I would see Holmes playing as an RB. It seems to be the easiest position to learn and also matches his skill set best IMO. He wouldn’t be able to make any 50+ yard runs without being chased down.... but an off season of NFL “supplements” and training would probably improve is pace a bit
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Started 1 game because of injury not merit. That's just spin calling him a starter within 12 months. There are players who "start" every week that are still considered nothing but backups/3rd stringers.

RB is his only real shot IMO. Even then it wouldn't be an every down back. His best hope is to develop just enough WR skills to contribute meaningful yards as a receiver in short passing situations. Can't see him ever being a WR that can threaten at all three levels. DB's will just sit on him and shut him down.
 
Canard

Canard

Immortal
Messages
35,980
KeepingTheFaith said:
Started 1 game because of injury not merit. That's just spin calling him a starter within 12 months. There are players who "start" every week that are still considered nothing but backups/3rd stringers.

RB is his only real shot IMO. Even then it wouldn't be an every down back. His best hope is to develop just enough WR skills to contribute meaningful yards as a receiver in short passing situations. Can't see him ever being a WR that can threaten at all three levels. DB's will just sit on him and shut him down.
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So because, in your opinion, he won't be a Hall of Famer or Pro-Bowler he shouldn't try,
 
Danish

Danish

Referee
Messages
32,024
KeepingTheFaith said:
Started 1 game because of injury not merit. That's just spin calling him a starter within 12 months. There are players who "start" every week that are still considered nothing but backups/3rd stringers.

RB is his only real shot IMO. Even then it wouldn't be an every down back. His best hope is to develop just enough WR skills to contribute meaningful yards as a receiver in short passing situations. Can't see him ever being a WR that can threaten at all three levels. DB's will just sit on him and shut him down.
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Given the way the game is played these days plus the CTE concerns there aren’t only a handful of genuine every down running backs in the league anyway.

He should aim to slot into a 2 RB system like my Vikings play with, adding extra contribution as a kick/punt returner. Basically the same as what Hayne tried to do, but with several extra years to do it properly.

If he becomes proficient at that he’ll earn double the highest paid NRL player salary. No need to aim for super star status.

I genuinely want him to succeed so that it hopefully encourages some other Polynesian kids to give it a go from a younger level. No reason why Polynesian athletes wouldn’t exceed at NFL.
 
nick87

nick87

Coach
Messages
12,458
umina panther said:
The myth that this sport can't be learned is very silly. Americans are morons for the most part
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It can be learned, it just takes longer than most RL players willing to commit to, which is fair given they are sacrificing a lot of money in RL to do it

Val is 23. If he’s serious and is willing to spend the next 2-3 years getting less money than he can earn here and not really playing, he’s got a chance
 
KeepingTheFaith

KeepingTheFaith

Referee
Messages
25,235
Canard said:
So because, in your opinion, he won't be a Hall of Famer or Pro-Bowler he shouldn't try,
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Feel free to quote where I actually said that.

Hell, feel free to quote where I even came remotely close to saying that.

Giving an opinion on where he might best slot in is nowhere in the ballpark to saying he shouldn't try because he won't be a pro bowler or HOF.
 
Last Week

Last Week

Bench
Messages
3,727
MilkShark said:
No one cares that he wants to play NFL, its the fact that he has a year left in his contract and now leaves the club in a bad situation of have to find a replacement in so little time.
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I suspect that this whole thing is about Val wanting a release to go to North Queensland. Just a hunch.
 
Fire

Fire

First Grade
Messages
9,669
nick87 said:
And is willing to spend the next 2-3 years getting less money than he can earn here.
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+ damages he'll have to pay to Cronulla for terminating the final year of his contract (you'd think $100,000s at least).

He is either incredibly determined or incredibly stupid.
 
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