Jets Tab ‘Bama QB McElroy Early in Round 7
Posted by Randy Lange on April 30, 2011 – 5:20 pmFor their first of two seventh-round picks, the Jets added to their quarterback depth chart with another Alabama QB.
Greg McElroy (6’2″, 225), of course, is known for his leadership, his poise under fire and his winning ways for Alabama. His record as ‘Bama’s starter was 24-3 and he guided the Crimson Tide to their 13th national championship as a junior.
McElroy joins a team that has had a few other Alabama quarterbacks, both of them first-rounders — Joe Namath in 1965 and Richard Todd in 1976. McElroy by comparison was this year’s 208th selection but he loves his pro landing spot.
“This is the perfect place to go,” he told ESPN minutes ago. “I know Mark very well I really believe in Rex Ryan’s system and I’m happy to be a member of the New York Jets.”
Mark, needless to say, is Mark Sanchez, the Jets’ fifth overall pick in 2009 and the Green & White’s starter. They know each other because Sanchez’s California high school coach Bob Johnson, the father of former NFL QB Rob Johnson who’s been tutoring McElroy in the months before this draft.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen quotes the elder Johnson on McElroy’s prospects: “He will play in the NFL for a long time. If he wanted to run for president, I’d vote for him.”
Showing he can run coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s offense behind Sanchez will do for now. His track record for the Tide suggests he’ll be able to do that. He started only 27 games for Alabama but still ranks third in school history with 39 touchdown passes and his career 39-to-10 TD-to-INT rate is impeccable.
He’s not only physically adept but book-smart also, having graduated from UA in 2009 with a 3.86 GPA and his degree in business marketing in only three years.
And McElroy’s been around the game. His father, Greg Sr., who played football at Hawaii, was hired by the Cowboys to oversee sales and marketing for the franchise, so the McElroy family moved from Los Angeles and set up shop in Southlake, Texas. At Southlake Carroll High, the McElroy Jr. legend began to grow as Greg was named Offensive Player of the Year for the state of Texas as a senior and threw a state single-season-record 56Â touchdown passes (to nine INTs).
After five years of furthering his personal legend in the legendary Alabama program, McElroy has now come to the Jets.
The Jets acquired this pick from the Cardinals, the fifth of the last round and 208th overall, to complete last year’s trade of S Kerry Rhodes to Arizona.
Tags: Alabama Crimson Tide, Greg McElroy
Posted in Randy Lange | 50 Comments »
By Jimmer on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Really? I did not see a qb being drafted this year. He talks like he’s a coach/politician. Hmm, Nice pick if we did not have pressing needs.
By dougmc on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Kerley looks pretty nifty and fearless… Look at the leg work with Powell , knees up, churning, speed to the outside, strong looks like a nice pick with L.T. getting older and Greene is either going to be great or trade bait soon.
Picking National champ smart QB wth Ainge out and Clemmons going and Backup QB is old is very smart choice at 208 to pick McElroy.
By IRA on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
This is a no brainer. Mr T always says R. Wolf taught him you should always draft a QB if possible. It would be nice if they can develop him into being a long time b/u for Sanchez.
GO JETS!!!!
By John on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
So i guess we have a back up now a QB that will need alot of works. But where the Pass Rusher that we needed and the RT????????????? HELLO.
By Jets Fan on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
I am a diehard Crimson Tide fan as well as a diehard Jets fan and I can attest to this kid’s skill, intelligence and heart. He is a winner through and through, and this is a huge, huge pick. I am ecstatic, great pick Jets!
By Mike C on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
This is awesome. I live in Alabama… re-located from New Jersey… in my opinion the Jets got a great SEC quarterback to back-up Sanchez. The Panthers can keep Cam and the Pats can have Mallett. Maybe this will give a little cheer to some of the folks in Tuscaloosa, after a terrible week. Please pray for the families in AL who have been devastated by the recent storms.
By Ed in Tucson on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
A smart QB with a weak arm… deja vu all over again. Didn’t we give up a draft pick for Kevin O”Connell? I doubt McElroy was drafted to compete for the starting QB spot. Don’t we need more depth in the D secondary?
By Row on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
This was a terrible pick, we have three departed defensive players. A CB that may or may not sign, and a poor safety who went out for the season last year. This guy was not a standout and spent the last two years with the best tandem of running backs in college football. I hope this guy doesn’t make the team because of his draft status.. Go Jets
By Paul on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
NICE PICK!!!!!! This kid has tons of potential. Great back up for Sanchez short term, and if Sanchez stumbles…watch out!
By Blinka posts, but who cares? on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
I was going to post something but nobody cares what I think.
No respect to #54
By matt on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
B-minus, Ellis and Kerley were strong picks, but they needed an outside pass rusher most of all, and they didn’t get one. I wish someone would explain why Chris Carter was treated like he had the plague. This was at least a 3rd rounder and one of the only pass-rushers at OLB in this draft class.There are no FA 3-4 OLBs out there that can rush either. This would be an A draft if Reed was taken first.
Powell is OK since LT will be gone next year, although RBs are pretty easy to find. Cannon in the 4th would have been a very good pick for the future. Back-up QB is Ok I guess, but not inspiring. And Scotty could have been signed as a UDFA.
I do think Mohammed will be OK, but I don’t expect much more than 3-4 sacks from him or Ropati.
By p. bear on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
The guys said the Western Conference needs QBs, he may have been acquired to send off in a deal to get the defensive help they need
By jay boss on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
i love the pick brunell is really old and sanchez is going into his 3rd season he should have all the mentoring he can get by name he’s a veteran the players should look up to him now and kellen isn’t really a guy who could put the jets on his back if sanchez goes down with this pick we have a stable backup
WAY TO GO MR.T.!!!
By mr brett on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
row,
you cannot have watched any mcelroy games. As a lifelong jets fan and gators fan, I guanantee this pick.
By Hans on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Mark Brunell is there as a veteran teacher for Sanchez. This kid will make him earn his starter spot.
By Sleepwriter on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Good pick. Surprised he didn’t go earlier. When he took over at UA, we didn’t really know what to expect but he took the team on his shoulders and won the national championship. A great leader, a smart QB, and confident. His arm is stronger than you think…
Will be a great backup for Sanchez and he can step in and perform when called upon. Go Jets!
By jimD on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Watched McElroy through HS and at Alabama and truly believe Jets got a steal. Jury still out on Sanchez, and this kid could take over in time. Does he have the arm of Kenny Stabler or Chad Pennington? Better. He got a knock Jr year when Julio Jones was dropping deep passes so managed a short/medium pass, ground control game. No running game Sr year and porous line yet he still threw for 400 yards against Auburn and had Bama in title hunt. Kid will only get better.
By johnny B on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
to ED ROW and the rest of the NAY SAYERS ….. why not ,? we did address our needs at D.L. and if there wasn’t a decent safety at our slot why not draft a back- up Q.B. this kid graduated with a 3.86 G.P.A, OK typical Jet Fans ?? don’t dis a good pick due to your lack of knowledge and general stupidity!!
By pete on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
In rd 7 the Jets are not gonna address a pass rushing need. It’s rd 7!!!! I like the McElroy pick.
By Spoonylove on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Great draft for the JETS! Got a top 10 player in Wilkerson that played ina 3-4 defense in college. He will add pressure on the QB and will give concern enough to other teams and will need some attention freeing up our LB’s to make the big plays. Was not a deep draft for WR but were still able to pick up 2 late in the draft with strong potential. Powell also has some potential.And LOVE the Mcelroy pick! He is a proven winner who’s first loss came last year. He can sling the rock and he is a smart QB that played in a pro style offense. Now lets sign our 2 WR’s and our cb and lets go 2 steps further next season.
By GaryC on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
definitely mcelroy has stronger arm than pennington, he already had pro coaching being with saban at alabama and plays in the toughest conference and has won the title.any jet fan who is knocking this pick and praising the ellis pick has to look at himself in mirror.
By Marie on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Congratulations Greg!!! I was on pin and needles, but I knew the perfect team would pick you.You will be missed here in Alabama. Alabama is still attempting to recover from the horrific storm that heavily affected Tuscaloosa. Please know everyone here in Alabama is very proud of Greg and his accomplishments. This team is so lucky and blessed to have him.
By ALICIA T. on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
I am only 7 years old but I belive the Jets should have focus more on defensive players in the later rounds ;)
By Candace on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Congratulations Greg. Alabama is very proud. With all the loss and tragedy of the storm watching you accomplish your dream made me very proud. Will will miss you.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Blinka, we need to know what you think! As for me, I think some of you guys aren’t getting the draft that started All D and ended most Mostly O. Mr T. and Rex haven’t forgotten our D needs, they JUST didn’t see them being met after #2. What this wealth of O guys is about is sending the signal that anybody who drives drunk or says he can take or leave being a Jet can do just that, leave! It also means the end of “Mark’s the guy for 10 yrs” and the start of “Mark’s the guy who has to put pts on the board or be gone.” Frankly, I wouldn’t have guessed the Jets to be so aggressive as to respond to CBA undercertainty and underachieving on O like Jesus with an ax, but that’s what they’ve done. Won’t bother me a bit if as long as we SCORE POINTS!
By Jimmer on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
johnny B, easy on Ed, he’s only stating the obvious. There are no undrafted f/a’s this year(for now). We needed to draft for pure need this year. Any pick not on defense is either a luxury pick, or we lost players for good to f/a. Either way he’s right. QB is not a NEED pick this yr. The WR picks scare me, and another rb must signal something else entirely. ST and LB were musts today and we wiffed. Yeah, we can get the guy from Rutgers when we’re allowed,,,,,if someone else doesn’t beat us to the punch.
By dougmc on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
u said it johnny b…
By kevin on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
Greg McElroy was an unexpected pick but he was a valuble pick. Kellen Clemens( who i thought would be the back up for years) is on his way out, as is Erik Ainge and possibly Mark Brunell. The Jets need money to resign other players like Cro, B.Edwards, and Mr. Holmes. They can’t afford to waste money on these Qb’s.I truly think Mcelroy will turn out to be a great back up or excellent trade bait.The jets have to do everything they can to resign their veterans, and sign 1 pass rusher on defense. If they do that I think that this pick as well as the others in the draft can combine to form a very cohesive unit in The New Meadowlands for years to come!
By TONY GARCIA on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
ROLL TIDE.
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on Apr 30, 2011 | Reply
We wish all you Alabamans the best in the wake of the storms. We thank you for McElroy, now tell us how we can help you.
By scjoe on May 1, 2011 | Reply
So, as of right now we have six (6) QBs on the roster and at least six (6) RBs, counting the FBs and at least six WRs in the picture, most in their prime or not quite there, meanwhile we have an aging D line and LB core that except for the first two picks was totally ignored. I guess that “best player available” supersedes need. Yes McElroy was a leader at Bama, but what about Brunell, O’ connell, Clemens, Ainge, and Will Drew? None were capable of becoming the back up to Sanchez? This is going to be very interesting.
By Shiloh on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Let me tell you guys, ive been a alabama fan my whole life an yall can trust me when i say this…Greg is a steal. hes gonna be a solid backup for yall until he goes to a team that can really use him. you couldnt ask for a smarter kid an a guy who is a pure leader.He threw 71 percent his whole career at bama an led them to a championship in the toughest conference in college football. An ohh he made a 43 outta 50 on his wonderlic.This is a very solid guy an after a year or 2 i think he’ll be ready to take over his own team.
By LBS on May 1, 2011 | Reply
If you believe in your personnel at the other ten spots on Offense, and in the old addage that the job of the QB is not to make plays (i.e. that the QB is the one who has to win the game for you) but do believe that the job of the QB is to maximize the talent around him, then you understand GMac and what has allowed him to be a champion on every level that he has played.
He may not have Ryan Mallet’s cannon of an arm, but then again RM never beat GMac. GMac wins. That’s what he does.
By Jets Fan on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Mike C, First off, you’re right, everyone is praying for the families who have been devastated by the recent storms that hit the south. Great point!
Secondly, I found this interesting post on Twitter from Rich Cimini — “Greg McEloy {sic} wore No. 12 at ‘Bama because of Joe Namath, whom McElroy’s dad idolized. McElroy, on conf call, absolutely ecstatic to be #Jet” Though this proves nothing, Like I said in an earlier post, this kid is a true leader, a winner, and he may sooner or later give Mark a run for his money. You don’t have to believe me guys, but McElroy may be more than just our backup in a few years. Go Jets!!!
By Candace on May 1, 2011 | Reply
To Jet Fan since 64 Tom. Alabama needs so much. A lot of people here lost everything. If you are out of state please contact the American Red Cross. I would contact the Alabama Red Cross website. We also need your prayers. Today is prayer day for the families affected by this horrific storm. Again, one bright spot was Greg being picked by this amazing team. It did bring a smile to a lot of faces.
By russ on May 1, 2011 | Reply
we now have a legit back up should Sanchez go down good pick
By joe wille on May 1, 2011 | Reply
This is a nobrainer pick haveing debt at QB for years to come is a secure feeling. OUR JETS will be in the hunt for a superbowl this decade and on, and we all know what is a big part of the game of football dear I mention it. And keeping up with the pats { mallet } is fine by me AND…nothing wrong with a challange it will only make MARK BETTER!!! I BELIVE…… CANT WAIT!!!!!!
By The Rick on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Hey, #12 from Bama – How can we go wrong!!
By Mike C on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Jets Fan, Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for the folks in AL… and thanks for posting the tweet by Cimini. I know Jets Nation would have preferred to pick a pass rushing monster (eg. ex-Giant Lawrence Taylor), but I doubt someone like that was still available in the seventh round of this draft (as others have already mentioned). I like Sanchez (as a Notre Dame fan also, this is difficult to admit) and I am happy with what he has accomplished so far… it will be nice to have a legit backup QB in McElroy. Hey, the Jets drank from the Alabama well once before and good things happened… so who knows?
Kudos to Mr. T and the Jets organization for a great draft!!!
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on May 1, 2011 | Reply
I’ll get right on it, Candace, me and a friend from Tuscaloosa who lives out here in Southern Cal. Red Cross and prayer, where better to get started? (My dad trained to fly in WWII in Alabama so the state holds a special place in my heart.) Jet Fan, there’s no question McElroy was drafted not just as a backup but as Sanchez’s possible replacement in a few yrs. Jet fans should remember that Mc faced the toughest competition of anyone we’ve drafted in yrs, including Sanchez. In fact, him and Kerley are our only big-school picks this yr. It’ll be MS, Brunell, with Mc 3rd inactive this yr, then watch out. The other QBs are history, at least as Jets, which will save us some money now being wasted. Shiloh, MC’s “own team” could well be the Jets!
By Jets Fan on May 1, 2011 | Reply
Mike C you’re so very welcome. Although, I am from the Northeast as well, I did my undergrad work at UA, Tuscaloosa, and fell in love with area, the school, and the passion surrounding the sports programs. That area and school has some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, in fact, they always treated me like family. Anyway, I sincerely meant what I said; I wish you and your area all my best, go Jets, and Roll Tide Roll…
By mattman57 on May 1, 2011 | Reply
row,
you must not be a college football fan, this kid is a winner, an he’ll win here, sanchez has been nick up already, it takes two good an tuff QB’s in the nfl nowadays, we have two now, jets fan since 1964, where closer than ever to the big game, you watch he’ll help!! go jets
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on May 1, 2011 | Reply
I agree with you, mattman, I don’t see Rex getting excited about a back-up QB. I also don’t see Rex, who’s got an ego as big as any coach in the NFL, hitching his star to any one player. Sanchez is the guy now but if he’s still inconsistent after 3 or 4 yrs, Rex is not going to say oh well, there are no other QBs for the Jets and that’s just my tough luck. Losing MS after a 4th yr is entirely likely, especially since his deal is for 5 yrs and there’s no need to re-up it if he’s not everything they expected him to be by then. Like I keep saying, if you look around the NFL these days, nobody is giving QBs 5 yrs to make it anymore, the standard is more like 2 + or – like with Brady, Ben R., Rivers, and Ryan.
By Jeff B. on May 1, 2011 | Reply
IMO this was a steal. He often held onto the ball too long at Bama but that’s fixable. You can’t beat this kid’s football IQ and he will learn the system quickly, probably more quickly than Sanchez has. Great pick, there weren’t any decent pass rushers or safeties in the 7 and this was a great pick. Looks like they plan to unload a couple QB’s to save some money to re-sign some FA’s. Kerley was a great pick too, he can potentially replace BS or Jco, runs great routes, has great hands(better than BS as a WR), and has special teams abilities.
This was a much better draft than last year.
By Wayne on May 1, 2011 | Reply
To Jet Fan Since ’64 Tom,
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110428/NEWS/110429644/1007/news&nocache=1
This is a comprehensive list of ways to help and there are also numbers for donations on here as well. Thank you for your concern and God will bless you.
As for Greg, he is an asset bigger than anyone could imagine. His football IQ is off the charts and all he does is win games, despite the doubters. Good pick
By Wayne on May 1, 2011 | Reply
http://www.givetuscaloosa.com/
Here’s anther way to help the tornado victims and sorry if this clutters your board but people are in desperate need of big hearts and everyone can make a difference
By Jet Fan Since '64 Tom on May 2, 2011 | Reply
Thanks so much for the links, Wayne, I’ll send as much as I can and keep up with how things are going and how else we can help. And I have no doubt that you’re right about McElroy and I can’t wait to see him in the green and white. Jeff B, I applaud your ability to see what’s right in front of your eyes, which seems to be a problem for some regarding this draft. Smith has never shown a thing at WR, J-Co is starting to get hurt, SH is showing some very unwelcome attitude, and BE’s got to clear himself with the law and league first. Why anyone would think that a team with all that going on would pick 2 WRs just for the heck of it, with no plans to play them, when one of them also returns kicks AND punts terrifically, is really baffling to me.
By Wade on May 4, 2011 | Reply
Read the following and see if this 199th pick sounds familiar to Greg
Positives: Very poised and composed. Smart and alert. Can read coverages. Good accuracy and touch. Produces in big spots and in big games. r. Generally plays within himself. Team leader.
Negatives: Poor build. Very skinny and narrow. Ended the ’99 season weighing 195 pounds and still looks like a rail at 211. Looks a little frail and lacks great physical stature and strength. Can get pushed down more easily than you’d like. Lacks mobility and ability to avoid the rush. Lacks a really strong arm. Can’t drive the ball down the field and does not throw a really tight spiral. System-type player who can get exposed
WHO? TOM BRADY
By John on May 4, 2011 | Reply
I like the pick in the 7th Rd getting a back up QB, McElroy and I love the pick on getting RB, Bilal Powell. I like what I seeN of DT, Kenrick Ellis but I hope he can stay clean and he don’t end up like V.G.
By jeff nezzi on May 4, 2011 | Reply
this kid is the real deal look out mark