Fact or Fiction: Matt Rhule will be a better NFL coach
National recruiting director Mike Farrell and national recruiting analyst Adam Gorney tackle three topics daily and determine whether they believe the statements or not.
MORE FACT OR FICTION: Oklahoma will never break through in the CFB Playoff
1. CeeDee Lamb is a surefire first-rounder.
Farrell’s take: FACT. CeeDee Lamb is a special talent and while there are a ton of talented receivers in the NFL draft for 2020, Lamb is sure to land in the first round. Heck, he could be a top-10 pick if he tests well. I like Jerry Jeudy as my No. 1 guy at receiver, but Lamb is right up there.
Gorney’s take: FACT. There is almost no doubt in my mind that Lamb will be a first-round pick unless he completely tanks from here to draft night and that’s unlikely. Lamb could emerge as the first receiver taken off the board if he tests well because he has excellent size. Jeudy, Tee Higgins and Henry Ruggs could be in that early first-round discussion but Lamb is definitely at or near the top.
2. Matt Rhule will be a better NFL coach if he goes that route.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. Matt Rhule is a great coach, but he’s a player development guy and the NFL isn’t about that nearly as much as college is. Rhule has been mentioned with the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants openings, but he should stay at Baylor and continue to build a power program.
Gorney’s take: FACT. I agree that Rhule is a player development guy, but to accomplish what he has at Baylor, Rhule also has to be a fantastic Xs and Os guy because the Bears’ roster was hardly loaded with elite talent the last couple years. Baylor went 11-2 so far this season with both losses coming to Oklahoma and the Bears could have won both games. If NFL teams are realistic and give Rhule time, then he could be a great pro coach.
3. Alabama will beat Michigan.
Farrell’s take: FICTION. Alabama has more talent but I don’t think their heart is going to be in this game as much because they are used to being in the playoff. This is a great chance for Jim Harbaugh to get a marquee win for recruiting.
Gorney’s take: FACT. There is nothing more dangerous than an Alabama team coming off a loss - especially one where its defense didn’t play well and it was a rivalry game. There will be some players missing this game for the Crimson Tide, which might be seen as bad but the replacements will be focused. Michigan has not been good in bowl games recently. Alabama needs a win for momentum into the offseason. Nick Saban is ticked off. I’ll take the Crimson Tide.