LRZ

Where goats go to escape
User avatar
Margin__Walker
Posts: 2741
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:47 am

The latest rugby player to piss about trying to get a game in the NFL.

inactionman
Posts: 3045
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 7:37 am

Margin__Walker wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:45 pm The latest rugby player to piss about trying to get a game in the NFL.

Didn't see that coming.

Although he might do better in a game where he doesn't have to catch or tackle.
User avatar
Margin__Walker
Posts: 2741
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:47 am

inactionman wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:48 pm
Margin__Walker wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:45 pm The latest rugby player to piss about trying to get a game in the NFL.

Didn't see that coming.

Although he might do better in a game where he doesn't have to catch or tackle.
I can't actually see a position he'd play where he doesn't have to either catch or tackle
User avatar
Uncle fester
Posts: 4160
Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 9:42 pm

Assumed it was a pisstake at first.
inactionman
Posts: 3045
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 7:37 am

Margin__Walker wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:50 pm
inactionman wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:48 pm
Margin__Walker wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:45 pm The latest rugby player to piss about trying to get a game in the NFL.

Didn't see that coming.

Although he might do better in a game where he doesn't have to catch or tackle.
I can't actually see a position he'd play where he doesn't have to either catch or tackle
Can't believe he'd be a receiver, maybe a running back? Assume he'd be of interest due to his speed, not his defence.

(that exhausts my knowledge of American Football positions btw - except Tight End which I only recollect as it makes me laugh, I've no idea what it actually is)
User avatar
Margin__Walker
Posts: 2741
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:47 am

I'm no expert, but he'd surely get melted as a RB.
inactionman
Posts: 3045
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 7:37 am

Margin__Walker wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:57 pm I'm no expert, but he'd surely get melted as a RB.
I'd think he'd get smashed no matter where he played.
User avatar
Uncle fester
Posts: 4160
Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 9:42 pm

Way too light for anything other than wide receiver or corner back.
Jock42
Posts: 2436
Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 7:01 pm

How does the player pathway work? Assuming he's not been signed by anyone yet, is there some sort of sponsorship from a particular team though?
Big D
Posts: 3924
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2020 11:55 am

Uncle fester wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:59 pm Way too light for anything other than wide receiver or corner back.
He's definitely a wide receiver (if he makes it).
Big D
Posts: 3924
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2020 11:55 am

Jock42 wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:03 pm How does the player pathway work? Assuming he's not been signed by anyone yet, is there some sort of sponsorship from a particular team though?

https://operations.nfl.com/journey-to-t ... L%20roster.

Fair play to him for giving it a go.
Slick
Posts: 11875
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 2:58 pm

Just when you thought Welsh rugby couldn’t get any lower their star player fucks off to play a different sport in a different country before the 6N!
All the money you made will never buy back your soul
I like neeps
Posts: 3571
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 9:37 am

Big D wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:06 pm
Uncle fester wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:59 pm Way too light for anything other than wide receiver or corner back.
He's definitely a wide receiver (if he makes it).
Absolutely no chance he makes it as a receiver. Release packages, route trees, reading coverage, hand usage etc. Won't learn it in a year.
User avatar
laurent
Posts: 2123
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 6:36 am

He is not that good anyway :twisted:
User avatar
JM2K6
Posts: 9764
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2020 10:43 am

Much like Christian Wade, a great opportunity to pick up a decent amount of money and take a lot of supplements without anything as gauche as appearing in competitive matches or getting drug tested
sockwithaticket
Posts: 8633
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 11:48 am

IIRC Christian Wade made the Bills practice squad for 3 consecutive seasons, but didn't actually play any games. However, the money earnt just from being among the lowest paid in an NFL team would be comparable to rugby wages. From what I could find out with a quick google, in 2023 the weekly wage for a rookie practice squad member, which is different to a full squad member, during the season is $12k per week. The regular season is 18 weeks. Before that they will also have had a few weeks of pre-season, though payments for that are significantly lower and amount ot less than a week of regular season salary.

So that'd be about $220k (£170k) for 22-24 weeks of work. A shorter season than rugby for sure and still decent money. I can see why it would tempt some.
User avatar
PornDog
Posts: 815
Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 9:39 pm

I like neeps wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:15 pm
Big D wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:06 pm
Uncle fester wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:59 pm Way too light for anything other than wide receiver or corner back.
He's definitely a wide receiver (if he makes it).
Absolutely no chance he makes it as a receiver. Release packages, route trees, reading coverage, hand usage etc. Won't learn it in a year.
Punt returner is pretty much the only possible way in.
duke
Posts: 576
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2020 6:54 am
Location: Smallsbury

JM2K6 wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:21 pm Much like Christian Wade, a great opportunity to pick up a decent amount of money and take a lot of supplements without anything as gauche as appearing in competitive matches or getting drug tested
Last seen at the Rec on Sunday as a travelling reserve for Racing
I like neeps
Posts: 3571
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 9:37 am

sockwithaticket wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:22 pm IIRC Christian Wade made the Bills practice squad for 3 consecutive seasons, but didn't actually play any games. However, the money earnt just from being among the lowest paid in an NFL team would be comparable to rugby wages. From what I could find out with a quick google, in 2023 the weekly wage for a rookie practice squad member, which is different to a full squad member, during the season is $12k per week. The regular season is 18 weeks. Before that they will also have had a few weeks of pre-season, though payments for that are significantly lower and amount ot less than a week of regular season salary.

So that'd be about $220k (£170k) for 22-24 weeks of work. A shorter season than rugby for sure and still decent money. I can see why it would tempt some.
It's 52 weeks of work, he'll need to change his entire body composition.
User avatar
SaintK
Posts: 6595
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 7:49 am
Location: Over there somewhere

He stands less than zero chance of making it. Who the hell is advising him?
Gatland won't be best pleased though Skivington is probably happy that it has freed up some headroom in the salary cap!!!
dpedin
Posts: 2966
Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2020 8:35 am

Good luck to the lad but he has zero chance of making it over there, grab the money and a bit of time out from rugby?
Big D
Posts: 3924
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2020 11:55 am

I like neeps wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:15 pm
Big D wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:06 pm
Uncle fester wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:59 pm Way too light for anything other than wide receiver or corner back.
He's definitely a wide receiver (if he makes it).
Absolutely no chance he makes it as a receiver. Release packages, route trees, reading coverage, hand usage etc. Won't learn it in a year.
Can try and make it work through specific schemed plays if he shows enough, like a diet supermarket chain version of Deebo Samuel. Kick returner and notionally WR is the most likely option.

He isn't a tight end, as he'd have to learn to block and receive and at running back he'd have to run in heavy traffic and learn to block and he is unusually tall and lean for the position. Other tall RBs such as Henry carry a lot more bulk than LRZ does.

He can't play defence.
Big D
Posts: 3924
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2020 11:55 am

SaintK wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:32 pm He stands less than zero chance of making it. Who the hell is advising him?
Gatland won't be best pleased though Skivington is probably happy that it has freed up some headroom in the salary cap!!!
Why not give it ago? 22 years old, four years until the next and a chance for a new experience.
User avatar
ASMO
Posts: 5402
Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 6:08 pm

Special teams kick returner is his best bet
User avatar
Hal Jordan
Posts: 4150
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 12:48 pm
Location: Sector 2814

Slick wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:15 pm Just when you thought Welsh rugby couldn’t get any lower their star player fucks off to play a different sport in a different country before the 6N!
Makes a change from the old days when League hoovered up all the Welsh talent.
Biffer
Posts: 9115
Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 6:43 pm

Got told this by some of the Glaws fans on Saturday. Could make it as a WR, but a huge amount to learn both in terms of what you actually do and then the physical techniques of hand fighting etc that are integral to the position. Given he doesn't really look to have put in the work to improve his defence, I doubt he'll make it.
And are there two g’s in Bugger Off?
Big D
Posts: 3924
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2020 11:55 am

The reality is any of the positions are going to be bloody hard. There are very few specialist kick returner who only returns kicks without having to pick up some snaps at a position on offence or defence. Even Jarryd Hayne played snaps as a RB.

It will be tough, nearly impossible even. But good for him to have a go.

Mialata went over at a similar age and was drafted in th 7th round with doubts over him. That contract alone was worth 2.5million over 4 years. He now plays one of the key positions on a team so it can be done.
Biffer
Posts: 9115
Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 6:43 pm

Big D wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 2:09 pm The reality is any of the positions are going to be bloody hard. There are very few specialist kick returner who only returns kicks without having to pick up some snaps at a position on offence or defence. Even Jarryd Hayne played snaps as a RB.

It will be tough, nearly impossible even. But good for him to have a go.

Mialata went over at a similar age and was drafted in th 7th round with doubts over him. That contract alone was worth 2.5million over 4 years. He now plays one of the key positions on a team so it can be done.
Yeah, no one is on the squad just to return kickoffs or punts.
And are there two g’s in Bugger Off?
Waudbee
Posts: 53
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 12:41 pm

OK, bye then. Very unexpected and odd move.
Big D
Posts: 3924
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2020 11:55 am

Thinking about it more, if we worked in sectors with companies going burst, and we had potentially transferable skills then we'd consider moving to another field. Not sure why sportspeople should be any different.
Blackmac
Posts: 3222
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2020 4:04 pm

Big D wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:06 pm
Uncle fester wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:59 pm Way too light for anything other than wide receiver or corner back.
He's definitely a wide receiver (if he makes it).
He's not exactly great under a rugby ball falling from the sky, he has zero chance of catching an American football spiralling over his head.
User avatar
Jim Lahey
Posts: 1011
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 8:26 am

Good luck to him.
Big ask to convert and be successful at his age but fair play to giving it a crack.

As mentioned above, getting away from the English prem is probably a good idea financially, before it hits the next iceberg.
Ian Madigan for Ireland.
Blackmac
Posts: 3222
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2020 4:04 pm

ASMO wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:45 pm Special teams kick returner is his best bet
Agreed.
Blackmac
Posts: 3222
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2020 4:04 pm

Let's face it, he is young and not exactly giving up the sport. He will give it a lash for a few months and come back.
User avatar
Hal Jordan
Posts: 4150
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 12:48 pm
Location: Sector 2814

Biffer wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 2:10 pm
Big D wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 2:09 pm The reality is any of the positions are going to be bloody hard. There are very few specialist kick returner who only returns kicks without having to pick up some snaps at a position on offence or defence. Even Jarryd Hayne played snaps as a RB.

It will be tough, nearly impossible even. But good for him to have a go.

Mialata went over at a similar age and was drafted in th 7th round with doubts over him. That contract alone was worth 2.5million over 4 years. He now plays one of the key positions on a team so it can be done.
Yeah, no one is on the squad just to return kickoffs or punts.
Cough Devin Hester Cough

Because heaven knows he always dropped the ball when it was thrown to him....
I like neeps
Posts: 3571
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 9:37 am

Big D wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 3:20 pm Thinking about it more, if we worked in sectors with companies going burst, and we had potentially transferable skills then we'd consider moving to another field. Not sure why sportspeople should be any different.
Yes the issue is a 22 year old star is going to the NFL is a damning inditement on rugby.

Re Mailata - there's not many 6'7 people who can move like him which at LT is a huge huge benefit. LRZ at 6'3 and straight line fast with good agility eh every team has those guys.

Re him playing a Deebo role... That NFL coaches can't find a budget Deebo shows how impactful he is. LRZ's 9ers comp is Aiyuk who is a clinician technically. Scheming players open isn't that easy.
Big D
Posts: 3924
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2020 11:55 am

I like neeps wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 4:38 pm
Big D wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 3:20 pm Thinking about it more, if we worked in sectors with companies going burst, and we had potentially transferable skills then we'd consider moving to another field. Not sure why sportspeople should be any different.
Yes the issue is a 22 year old star is going to the NFL is a damning inditement on rugby.

Re Mailata - there's not many 6'7 people who can move like him which at LT is a huge huge benefit. LRZ at 6'3 and straight line fast with good agility eh every team has those guys.

Re him playing a Deebo role... That NFL coaches can't find a budget Deebo shows how impactful he is. LRZ's 9ers comp is Aiyuk who is a clinician technically. Scheming players open isn't that easy.
Wasn't comparing him to Mialata, only giving an example of a player with no NFL or American football experience making a career from it in a thread full of reasons why he won't make it.

Wasn't intending to compare directly to Deebo as a player although see now it looks like that. LRZ literally has no NFL comparison at the moment because we have no idea what they'll try to do with him really. Was more the point that coaches can scheme plays to suit whatever his comparative strengths may be, if he develops any.

Even great receivers have plays schemed simply to use their speed when it is elite speed. If LRZ turns out to be middle of thr pack speed wise he's screwed. For McDaniels occassionally calls plays which are effectively "Tyreek go in motion and run" for Tyreek Hill to use his speed going by defenders before they are set.
I like neeps
Posts: 3571
Joined: Tue Jun 30, 2020 9:37 am

Big D wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 7:17 pm
I like neeps wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 4:38 pm
Big D wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 3:20 pm Thinking about it more, if we worked in sectors with companies going burst, and we had potentially transferable skills then we'd consider moving to another field. Not sure why sportspeople should be any different.
Yes the issue is a 22 year old star is going to the NFL is a damning inditement on rugby.

Re Mailata - there's not many 6'7 people who can move like him which at LT is a huge huge benefit. LRZ at 6'3 and straight line fast with good agility eh every team has those guys.

Re him playing a Deebo role... That NFL coaches can't find a budget Deebo shows how impactful he is. LRZ's 9ers comp is Aiyuk who is a clinician technically. Scheming players open isn't that easy.
Wasn't comparing him to Mialata, only giving an example of a player with no NFL or American football experience making a career from it in a thread full of reasons why he won't make it.

Wasn't intending to compare directly to Deebo as a player although see now it looks like that. LRZ literally has no NFL comparison at the moment because we have no idea what they'll try to do with him really. Was more the point that coaches can scheme plays to suit whatever his comparative strengths may be, if he develops any.

Even great receivers have plays schemed simply to use their speed when it is elite speed. If LRZ turns out to be middle of thr pack speed wise he's screwed. For McDaniels occassionally calls plays which are effectively "Tyreek go in motion and run" for Tyreek Hill to use his speed going by defenders before they are set.
Yeah I appreciate that you aren't comparing him to Mailata but he's a planet theory guy. I don't think in the NFL LRZ is. I wonder if like Mailata he'll be drafted in the 7th round. I guess it depends on his combine.

Yeah all the teams use a lot of pre snap motion, and yes as fast as he is (10.2 100m) Tyreek just runs past people often. But Tyreek is still an excellent route runner. Motion and run this pattern, at this depth, the ball will be placed here if the coverage is there and there if the coverage is here etc etc etc.

It would be incredible if he makes it, even as a gadget player. But good luck to him. And funny it's happened to Wales' great white hope.
Big D
Posts: 3924
Joined: Wed Jul 01, 2020 11:55 am

I like neeps wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 7:52 pm
Big D wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 7:17 pm
I like neeps wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 4:38 pm

Yes the issue is a 22 year old star is going to the NFL is a damning inditement on rugby.

Re Mailata - there's not many 6'7 people who can move like him which at LT is a huge huge benefit. LRZ at 6'3 and straight line fast with good agility eh every team has those guys.

Re him playing a Deebo role... That NFL coaches can't find a budget Deebo shows how impactful he is. LRZ's 9ers comp is Aiyuk who is a clinician technically. Scheming players open isn't that easy.
Wasn't comparing him to Mialata, only giving an example of a player with no NFL or American football experience making a career from it in a thread full of reasons why he won't make it.

Wasn't intending to compare directly to Deebo as a player although see now it looks like that. LRZ literally has no NFL comparison at the moment because we have no idea what they'll try to do with him really. Was more the point that coaches can scheme plays to suit whatever his comparative strengths may be, if he develops any.

Even great receivers have plays schemed simply to use their speed when it is elite speed. If LRZ turns out to be middle of thr pack speed wise he's screwed. For McDaniels occassionally calls plays which are effectively "Tyreek go in motion and run" for Tyreek Hill to use his speed going by defenders before they are set.
Yeah I appreciate that you aren't comparing him to Mailata but he's a planet theory guy. I don't think in the NFL LRZ is. I wonder if like Mailata he'll be drafted in the 7th round. I guess it depends on his combine.

Yeah all the teams use a lot of pre snap motion, and yes as fast as he is (10.2 100m) Tyreek just runs past people often. But Tyreek is still an excellent route runner. Motion and run this pattern, at this depth, the ball will be placed here if the coverage is there and there if the coverage is here etc etc etc.

It would be incredible if he makes it, even as a gadget player. But good luck to him. And funny it's happened to Wales' great white hope.
I love him trying. The position I'm thinking he could fill is tje wing back type of receiver that was used, then wasn't and was starting to be used more again. Allows him to line up a yard back from the line which might help negate lack of technique a little.

I suspect NFL/NFL UK and LRZ have an idea of how he'll test and he'll make some money on his "journey" from PR.

Worst case he fails and is back starting for Wales on 2027 world cup. A benefit of the NFL is that the contact attrition on his body will likely be lower than union so should come back in one piece.
User avatar
Guy Smiley
Posts: 5999
Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 7:52 pm

Blackmac wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 4:03 pm
ASMO wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:45 pm Special teams kick returner is his best bet
Agreed.
There was an ex AFL player who migrated over back in the 90s, not a star player but he had a massive boot. He made millions playing as the team's specialist punt kicker. Come out on field, boot the leather off the thing and leave the field of play while the musk oxen clashed heads over it.
Post Reply