NFL DRAFT and Race

Originally posted by Waterbear:

In a league that's all about money and winning, I find it hard to believe that any coach or GM could use race as a reason to draft or not draft a QB.

Originally posted by AceDuce49:

Originally posted by Waterbear:

I can't believe I missed that. f**king hilarious

Originally posted by CatchMaster80:
In a league that's all about money and winning, I find it hard to believe that any coach or GM could use race as a reason to draft or not draft a QB.

No one would, but it goes deeper, it's when you start stacking your board and your unconscious bias (or actual bias) whisper at you. In terms of QB's it's, will he work hard enough, can he digest the playbook, does he see the field, does he just rely on his athleticism, can he win from the pocket.

Sometimes all it takes is those things to nudge a player down boards.

As it pertains to the NFL draft that's not really an issue as there are 32 teams out there, most of whom are trying to do the right thing, and guys will get opportunities.

The big issue for QB's normally come younger when people are trying to get them to switch positions.

Once the black QB's get in the league they face a similar issue that black coaches do. Everything is scrutinized harder and they have to be better than a white version of themselves would be.

Don't believe me? Just check out nearly any story or thread about Lamar Jackson, he's an MVP, but apparently not a good QB.

Originally posted by ComeOnDeberg:

Originally posted by genus49:
There are 100% racially based biases still out there. If people think there aren't then you're in denial.

The fact that there are people still out there commenting that Justin Fields is a run first QB says just that. The fact that teams are trying to push him down by saying he's lazy says just that.

I do think teams have moved on from them but there are likely still scouts out there who still use that way of thinkings. More of the old school ones. There's a reason Bill Polian says some of the stupid s**t he says. Someone told Gil Brandt they have a 4th round grade on Fields. How someone can say that with a straight face I don't know.

I don't think he is a "run first" QB. His ability to run however may make him inclined to use it sooner than he should.

This is the issue though. Film shows that he doesn't do that. But a built in bias puts that thought in your head.

Same way people were talking about Dwayne Haskins being a running QB when he wasn't at all.

Fields looks to throw the ball. He runs by design or when he doesn't see things open down the field. Lawrence and Wilson do the same thing but there are no concerns with them being inclined to run sooner than they should.

Steve Young talked about that being something he had to learn back in the day but if he was in the draft now do you think it would be a knock people would bring up for him?

The built in bias theory is just a was to convince non racist people that they are in fact racist

Originally posted by GangstaGangsta:
The built in bias theory is just a was to convince non racist people that they are in fact racist

It's more of a nice way to explain to naive people how prevalent racism still is.

Originally posted by 49erBigMac:
It's more of a nice way to explain to naive people how prevalent racism still is.

Isn't assuming everyone is subconsciously racist a form of built in bias? We can't fully appreciate one another and end racism if we are constantly telling people that they are racist when it doesn't apply

Originally posted by GangstaGangsta:

Originally posted by 49erBigMac:
It's more of a nice way to explain to naive people how prevalent racism still is.

Isn't assuming everyone is subconsciously racist a form of built in bias? We can't fully appreciate one another and end racism if we are constantly telling people that they are racist when it doesn't apply

It also doesnt end when you ignore it. I dont necessarily think its racism, either, I think its stereotyping... which isnt mutually exclusive and sometimes happens subconsciously without the person knowing. A perfect example being Stephen A Smith calling Haskins mobile and athletic (lol).

I understand those not wanting to talk about it because it makes them uncomfortable or because they dont see it, but you have to be willing to listen.

Originally posted by CatchMaster80:
In a league that's all about money and winning, I find it hard to believe that any coach or GM could use race as a reason to draft or not draft a QB.

Or in a league that is 70% black? Coaches and GM's want to win. They will look for the best player for their team, period.

Originally posted by Second2Nunley:

Originally posted by CatchMaster80:
In a league that's all about money and winning, I find it hard to believe that any coach or GM could use race as a reason to draft or not draft a QB.

Or in a league that is 70% black? Coaches and GM's want to win. They will look for the best player for their team, period.

That's not the point that is being made. Point is that when talents are similar at certain positions, a player of one race gets more hype than a player from another race.

Man, imagine if an athletic Asian QB became a first round prospect. I can think of soooo many comps that would probably be brought up by the media talking heads.

• His processing ability is through the roof.
• He needs to be more assertive and less like Eli Manning mentality.

If this thread needs any proof just look at Charley Casserly's recent draft.

Originally posted by genus49:
If this thread needs any proof just look at Charley Casserly's recent draft.

I don't doubt that racism exists in the NFL. Why wouldn't it when it exists everywhere else. That wouldn't necessarily keep a team from drafting a black QB. Winning and keeping your job would usually trump racism. It could make for some uncomfortable relations within a team but that's a different issue.

Originally posted by CatchMaster80:

Originally posted by genus49:
If this thread needs any proof just look at Charley Casserly's recent draft.

I don't doubt that racism exists in the NFL. Why wouldn't it when it exists everywhere else. That wouldn't necessarily keep a team from drafting a black QB. Winning and keeping your job would usually trump racism. It could make for some uncomfortable relations within a team but that's a different issue.

I don't think teams would take a player off their board because he's a black QB. I think this stuff is more prevalent in draft media and casual fans who tend to do no research/watching of their own and take everything from ESPN or talking heads.

I think when it's all said and done both Fields and Lance go early(hopefully Fields is our guy) but when you have guys like Carrely mocking Fields in the 20s something is really wrong.