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NFL Offseason Media Broken Down

The Suspect Riser, Dark Horse Riser, & Positions Of Obscurity

Written by NFL QB Consultant Jordan Palmer & The QB Summit Team

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In today’s Cover 3:

This week we’re looking at NFL media coverage through a unique lens during the offseason

  • The suspect riser

  • The dark horse riser

  • Positions of obscurity

Gregory Shamus/GettyImages

The Suspect Riser

In the swirling whirlwind of NFL media coverage during the offseason, one phenomenon looms larger than most: the suspect riser.

This term encapsulates the unintended consequences of the relentless hype machine surrounding certain players, often propelled by rumors, speculation, and the magnetic allure of big names.

Today, we'll dissect this concept and explore its implications through the lens of one notable figure: Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Set The Stage

As the NFL season fades into the rearview mirror, the spotlight narrows its focus on the impending free agency frenzy and the looming specter of the draft.

Suddenly, every pundit, analyst, and fan becomes fixated on the quarterback carousel and the tantalizing prospects vying for a shot at NFL glory.

Enter J.J. McCarthy, a name that needs no introduction in college football circles. With a perfect 15-0 season under his belt and a superstar coach in Jim Harbaugh singing his praises, McCarthy finds himself thrust into the spotlight.

Harbaugh's bold proclamations of McCarthy's prowess and the media's insatiable appetite for captivating narratives converge to create the perfect storm of hype.

Here’s The Question

Is McCarthy truly deserving of this meteoric rise, or is he merely a pawn in the game of media sensationalism? The lines between reality and hyperbole blur as rumors swirl and speculations abound.

Suddenly, McCarthy's odds of being drafted skyrocketed, fueled by the echo chamber of media speculation and the gravitational pull of his alma mater's storied football legacy.

A Cautionary Tale With Unintended Consequences

McCarthy, once regarded as one of many talented quarterbacks in a deep draft class, now finds himself thrust into the spotlight as a prime target for NFL teams eyeing their next franchise signal-caller. But at what cost?

Has the media's incessant drumbeat of hype unfairly inflated McCarthy's draft stock, setting him up for unrealistic expectations and undue pressure?

 As we navigate the treacherous waters of the NFL draft cycle, McCarthy stands as a stark reminder of the dangers of the suspect riser phenomenon.

While his fate remains uncertain, one thing is clear: In the relentless pursuit of headlines and narratives, the line between fact and fiction becomes increasingly blurred, leaving players like McCarthy to navigate the murky waters of media-driven hype with caution and resilience.

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Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics

The Dark Horse Riser

Amidst the NFL media madness, there's a storyline often overlooked, one that flies under the radar but packs a punch: the saga of the dark horse riser.

These aren't the flashy names hogging the headlines; they're the hidden gems quietly plotting their ascent, ready to surprise the skeptics and steal the show.

The Underdog

Meet the unsung hero, the underdog with a heart of gold and a rocket arm to match. Take Joe Milton, for example.

You might not have heard his name echoing through the college football halls, but mark my words, this guy's got potential oozing out of every pore.

From Michigan to Tennessee, he's been grinding away, defying the odds and carving out his own path to the NFL draft.

Waiting To Be Unleashed

Sure, he's not the household name like some of his peers, but don't let that fool you.

Beneath that unassuming exterior lies a beast waiting to be unleashed, a quarterback with the raw talent and untapped potential to make waves at the next level. Picture a cannon for an arm and the speed to match, all wrapped up in a package that screams NFL-ready.

Letting His Game Do The Talking

While others are basking in the limelight, Milton's been quietly putting in the work, letting his game do the talking. No flashy headlines or media hype, just pure grit and determination.

And as the draft draws near, he's poised to emerge from the shadows and shock the world.

In the cutthroat world of NFL media, where big names rule the roost, it's easy to overlook the dark horse risers like Joe Milton.

But mark my words, when the dust settles and the smoke clears, it's guys like him who remind us that greatness can come from the most unexpected of places. So keep an eye out for Joe Milton—he's about to turn some heads and rewrite the narrative of his

Michael Miller/ISI Photos

Positions Of Obscurity

Amidst the flurry of NFL media coverage surrounding the draft, there's a crucial aspect that often gets overshadowed—the positions of obscurity.

These are the unsung heroes, the linemen and linebackers who toil in the trenches, away from the glitz and glamor of the spotlight.

You see, while the flashy quarterbacks and star receivers hog the headlines, it's the guys in the trenches who truly lay the foundation for a team's success.

Think guards, tackles, defensive linemen, linebackers, and safeties—positions that may lack the sex appeal of a flashy touchdown catch but are essential to a team's success.

Backbones Of Winning Teams

Sure, these players may not generate the same buzz or clicks as their counterparts, but make no mistake, they're the backbone of any successful team.

Just take a look at the long list of fifth-round safeties, fourth-round guards, and sixth-round linebackers who have gone on to make significant contributions in the NFL.

Part of what makes these players so valuable is their hunger and determination. Many of them haven't tasted real success or big paychecks yet, so they're willing to put in the work and grind it out on special teams or in the film room to prove themselves.

Keep An Eye Out

As a die-hard fan, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the early rounds of the draft. But don't make the mistake of turning off the TV or closing your browser after the first few picks.

The real magic happens in rounds three through seven, where teams have the opportunity to unearth hidden gems who can make a lasting impact on their franchise.

So next time you tune into the NFL draft coverage, keep an eye out for those positions of obscurity.

Because while they may not generate the same buzz as a top quarterback or receiver, they're the unsung heroes who quietly go about their business and help teams win championships.

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