Michael Holley Quips “Shame on NFL Draft Evaluators” for Mistreating Tom Brady Despite Michigan Years & College Football

In a recent segment of NBC Sports Boston, Phil Perry, Tom E. Curran, and Michael Holley sat to decode the brilliance of athletes who defy conventional expectations. Holley came up with a verbal stance by calling out the failure of NFL commentators to recognize the fallacy of NFL draft rules and combine culture by bringing up none other than Tom Brady.

Holly took a direct shot at NFL draft evaluators. The sports commentator expressed his frustration stating, “Shame on the the NFL draft evaluators still haven’t learned their lessons I’m not saying they should have known that Tom Brady was going to be the greatest of all time but stop it.”

NFL Scouting Combine consists of the following six individual physical performance tests: a forty-yard dash with times electronically recorded at the ten-yard line and twenty-yard line, vertical jump, 225-pound bench press, broad jump, three-cone drill, and the twenty-yard pro agility shuttle.

In Brady’s case, his NFL draft report after the tests indicated he was not a priority in the NFL draft for his thin build, lack of a strong arm, and insufficient mobility among multiple other reasons. Even though it might have been difficult for the evaluators to predict Brady’s status as the greatest quarterback of all time, expectations revolved around them to have recognized his potential instead of simply dismissing him. While placing his views on the undervaluation of Brady during the NFL Draft, Holley specifically calls out Chad Pennington being the first quarterback with the 18th overall pick taken in the 2000 NFL Draft.  

Six quarterbacks including Pennington, namely Giovanni Carmazzi, Chris Redman, Tee Martin, Marc Bulger, and Spergon Wynn were taken off the board before Brady. However, Brady’s success story on the field serves as a stark reminder that draft evaluators may sometimes miss the mark, especially with the wealth of talent Brady showcased in Michigan.

Brady’s successful stint in Michigan

Brady’s ascent to greatness began during his tenure as the starting quarterback. Brady seamlessly transitioned into the starting role in 1998 taking over from Brian Griese. In his first full year as the starter, Brady seized control of the offensive reigns and made a record for the most pass attempts and completions in a single season. 

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During this time over the two subsequent seasons, his stint comprised exhibiting his prowess with an impressive tally of 4,644 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. Furthermore, in 2000, Brady led Michigan to a dramatic overtime win against Alabama in the Orange Bowl.   

Hence, despite owning a commendable track record with Michigan, the NFL Draft evaluators considered Brady unworthy for the pro leagues. His success with multiple Super Bowl victories and MVP awards becomes a testament to his resilience despite being overlooked by the concerned critics. 

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