As the NFL Draft approaches on April 25, the hype surrounding the quarterback prospects is at an all-time high. However, amidst all the excitement and anticipation, one voice stands out as a contrarian and skeptic – Merrill Hoge.
For those unfamiliar with Hoge, he may be remembered by Chicago Bears fans for his brief stint with the team. But beyond his playing career, Hoge is known for his critical and sometimes controversial opinions.
In a recent interview on KOA sports radio in Denver, Hoge made it clear that he is not sold on the top quarterback prospects in this year’s draft class. In fact, he expressed his disdain for the consensus top pick, Caleb Williams.
Hoge pointed out that Williams, while talented and exciting to watch, lacks the necessary skills to succeed in the NFL. He criticized Williams’ reliance on athleticism and improvisation, highlighting the importance of playing within the structure of an offense in the professional league.
Despite acknowledging Williams’ accuracy and processing abilities, Hoge emphasized the quarterback’s shortcomings, including a perceived lack of mental toughness and a tendency to turn the ball over.
In a bold statement, Hoge went as far as to compare Williams to Patrick Mahomes, suggesting that the young prospect does not have the same potential for success as the Chiefs’ superstar quarterback. Hoge’s harsh assessment of Williams may come as a surprise to many, especially given the hype surrounding the talented signal-caller.
In the end, while Hoge’s criticism of Williams may seem harsh, it is important to consider his track record. After all, this is the same analyst who famously favored Brian Brohm over Aaron Rodgers in the draft, a decision that has since been widely criticized.
