Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Ryan Mallett spent the months leading up to the 2011 NFL Draft as arguably the most scrutinized prospect available. Questions about maturity, decision making and possible drug use surrounded the former Arkansas quarterback within days of him announcing he was turning pro.

Being selected Friday by the New England Patriots in the third round with the 74th pick hasn’t put an end to the scrutiny just yet. Mallett continues to be questioned in the press, something he’ll probably need to get used to in an NFL media market, particularly one like Boston.

Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe focuses on the questions surrounding Mallett, whose physical talent is unmistakable. He threw for 7,493 yards and 62 touchdowns in two seasons, but was seen by many — including his top critics — as a risky pick.

There are no concerns about Mallett’s love of football. When he’s in the building, at practice and on game day, the son of a high school coach is all in.

It’s the other hours that concerned teams.

“Things just aren’t right with him,’’ one NFL executive said. “Has the drugs and alcohol stuff. He can be a hothead. Carries himself like the 6-7 Eminem. He’s just a different dude. Maybe they can keep him in check. They can take that risk. We can’t.’’

That’s why Mallett lasted until the 74th pick, where the Patriots hope they struck gold.

ESPN Boston called Mallett’s selection a “shocker.” New England needed a consistent pass rush threat most of all, but decided to take a chance on a quarterback that many teams had looked past.

... It was a move that few saw coming. Tom Brady is entrenched as the starter and the Patriots also have a promising backup in Brian Hoyer. Third-stringer Jonathan Crompton, a 2010 fifth-round draft choice of the Chargers, filled out the third spot on the depth chart entering the draft.

ESPN.com AFC East blogger Tim Graham says the Ryan Mallett story is “waiting to be written”:

When the Patriots make a selection such as this one, it's perceived as brilliant. Bill Belichick earned that presumption with three Super Bowl rings and a steady stream of AFC East championships.

Had the Oakland Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals or San Francisco 49ers drafted Mallett, we would be ridiculing them right now.