Former rugby star visits Lions

[kdp1980]

Jarryd Hayne, sounds like he's going to get signed

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2014/12/detroit_lions_reportedly_closi.html

 

[cheeno]

Guessing you saw effin Mayhew and were like, "yep, effin Mayhew, moving on."

 

[kdp1980]

Shitty, no I didn't look at that thread. I try to stay out of mayhew threads, lol.

 

[cheeno]

That's what I figured. No biggie. So Haynes hey......

 

[kdp1980]

Kinda late in the year for this guy to challenge for a roster spot. Really don't understand the point of signing him.

 

[mhughes0021]

they say he projects as a 6'2'' kick returner...cant be worse than ross.

 

[kdp1980]

they say he projects as a 6'2'' kick returner...cant be worse than ross.

If he can catch a punt I'm all for it. Muffed punts would ruin it for me real quick.

 

[mhughes0021]

id be shocked if we brought in a guy that's never played football before to catch punts when youre 2 games away from your first divisional win in I don't know how long. Kick returns....sure...easy...punts....no way in hell can Caldwell be that dumb.

 

[kdp1980]

I don't see it either. I can't see him even getting a snap at RB. Fumbles haven't been as much of a problem at RB this year it would blow my mind putting an unproven guy in there at all.

 

[boogerlovejoy]

I don't see it either. I can't see him even getting a snap at RB. Fumbles haven't been as much of a problem at RB this year it would blow my mind putting an unproven guy in there at all.

I don't think this would be a move for 2014.... More of a move for next year. See what he can do in camp and maybe preseason before committing more than a PS spot to him.

 

[Mitchrapp]

Exactly. See what he can do, go on the practice squad, maybe practice a little and learn.

 

[elrod817]

As a rugger myself I like the move. While I don't see him contributing this year either handling punts is something that he should already be adept at. It's something that a back and even some pack players do in the constant ebb and flow of a rugby game. No fair catches on the pitch or blocking allowed either. Can't tell you how many times I received a kick after a try or at the beginning of a half and was clocked as soon as the ball touched my hands. Rugby players should have excellent ball handling skills and should also exhibit textbook tackling just by the nature of the game.

 

[boogerlovejoy]

As a rugger myself I like the move. While I don't see him contributing this year either handling punts is something that he should already be adept at. It's something that a back and even some pack players do in the constant ebb and flow of a rugby game. No fair catches on the pitch or blocking allowed either. Can't tell you how many times I received a kick after a try or at the beginning of a half and was clocked as soon as the ball touched my hands. Rugby players should have excellent ball handling skills and should also exhibit textbook tackling just by the nature of the game.

Watched a highlight video of Hayne......boy can run. At 6-2 225.....I'd say add 10-15 lbs and if he can tackle (and it seems he can) put his ass at OLB.

But, he seems to have really good vision, open field moves and really good straight line speed....especially for someone his size.

 

[zyxt9]

i don't really follow rugby, but as i recall they don't have nearly the types of intricate plays involved that football does, with specific assignments and adjustments based on what happens during the play. that takes quite a bit of time to learn regardless of natural physical talent and intelligence. he could be a solid special teams player for first year since there isn't really plays involved and has much more equitable feel to rugby.

wouldn't be the first guy to make an NFL roster on special teams and develop into something more. obviously the size and speed projects well, then it just comes down to whether or not he can mentally reach the high level required of NFL players. not saying NFL players are geniuses in terms of "normal" stuff, but they do have very high football IQ, well usually. obviously as Lions fans we have seen some low football IQ guys posing as NFL players. LOL

 

[elrod817]

i don't really follow rugby, but as i recall they don't have nearly the types of intricate plays involved that football does, with specific assignments and adjustments based on what happens during the play. that takes quite a bit of time to learn regardless of natural physical talent and intelligence. he could be a solid special teams player for first year since there isn't really plays involved and has much more equitable feel to rugby.

wouldn't be the first guy to make an NFL roster on special teams and develop into something more. obviously the size and speed projects well, then it just comes down to whether or not he can mentally reach the high level required of NFL players. not saying NFL players are geniuses in terms of "normal" stuff, but they do have very high football IQ, well usually. obviously as Lions fans we have seen some low football IQ guys posing as NFL players. LOL

Yes and no. Rugby does have plays and the setup can be "intricate." Unlike football though you're not moving in and out of huddle so when you run a play, you and your teammates have to see it and execute on the fly. Vision, instinct, and field/pitch intelligence. On the other hand things like blocking assignments and route running would be a new endeavor assuming he's never played football, which I'm not sure why he would have. Definitely a learning curve in some aspects, but in others not so much...and hey you've got a built-in backup kicker/punter...hope it all pans out.