Question re: J.Arthur from a CFL fan

[Trojan97]

Hello All!First of all props have to go out to this fine site. I've been lurking over the course of the past season occasionally, trying to find info and tidbits about Jabari Arthur and have consistently been impressed. I am a Calgary Stampeder (CFL as I'm sure you know) and have been trying to gain an understanding of a player who seems to have a tremendous amount of potential (from the information I've managed to gather).I've decided to come to the source and ask you guys whatever you can about Arthur. The articles and stats obviously can only tell one so much.So if you would be so kind to answer these questions I would be extremely grateful.1. What seems to be the consensus regarding his future? His stats and accolades from this season suggest he could be a potential late round pick or UDFA in the NFL. From what I can see he seems to be gaining hype and his performance in the Hula Bowl can only boost that hype. Or am I wrong and is he likely he end up in the CFL next season and not get much of a shot in the States.2. What is his speed like? I'm talking route running and breakaway speed not 40 time. Does he outrun many DBs or is he more of a possession guy?3. Is he afraid to go over the middle? In the CFL we play with many 4,5 and occasionally 6 receiver sets. We have some great receivers (by CFL standards) on the outside in Nik Lewis and Ken-Yon Rambo but we lack a big body in the slot who is willing to take a hit to move the chains. Is Jabari capable of becoming this kind of guy?If you would be so kind as to answer those questions I would absolutely appreciate it. Stampeder fans are extremely hopeful to see Jabari up north come training camp in June given that he was one of our top draft picks last year and has dominated this past season.Thanks again and if you're interested in joining us for a few words check out www.gostampsgo.com we're a pretty friendly bunch :)Cheers

[zen]

If you are asking about some of the intangibles and non-measurable qualities, one thing that comes strongly into my mind is the fact that he was not just the primary receiver this year, but much of the time it seemed he was the only guy on the field we would throw the ball to, and this happened not just in some games, but all throughout the season. Teams knew the ball was going to him on a pass play, and yet Jabari would not be daunted. He wanted the ball, and I recall him receiving many of them over the middle. He wasn't a guy thrust reluctantly into a key role.... He shined there.

[Quickzips]

1.) Consensus about his future? He's going to be playing Pro ball somewhere. It is just a matter of where. At this point I personally think someone is going to give him a shot in the NFL. The question in my mind is where exactley does he want to go? Is he content to go into an NFL camp as maybe a 5th round pick at best and get a shot to maybe make the active roster and play special teams and act as a 4th or 5th reciever or (realistically a late round/UDFA type guy isn't going to be starting from day 1 if ever)? Or would he rather go back home and have the opportunity to maybe be a #1 WR in the foreseeable future?2.) Speed never has been and never will be the overwhelming part of Jabari's game. It's his size and his strength that make him a good reciever. He's not going to create a lot of seperation from DB's with his speed, but he will by being bigger and stronger than them. He can make a move in the open field, but he's not exactley going to go Steve Smith style on you. 3.) Jabari's never seemed to be afraid to take a hit. Like I said, he's a big strong guy and he's never really been afraid to use that strength. I don't remember lining him up in the slot a whole lot, so as far as using him in that capacity I couldn't really say, but I wouldn't think it would be a problem for him.Hope this helps. I'm sure other Zips fans will have more to say.

[Valpo Zip]

I am almost positive that Jabari can land an UDFA contract in the NFL if he doesn't go in a late round pick. Not to burst your bubble but the chances of him playing in the CFL are IMHO very slim.He is not the type of receiver who will beat his coverage by 10 yards. But he is the type of wide receivers who will catch the ball above the head of his coverage. In other words, he doesn't necessarily beat the DB by speed but by size. I honestly think that he will make a great NFL tight end.

[skip-zip]

I think playing in the CFL is the most likely scenario for him. If he does make it in the NFL, I'll be very pleasantly surprised.His glaring weakness is that he is not a consistent pass catcher. A few dropped balls at an NFL combine, or during training camp would likely spell doom.Beyond that, he sometimes makes the spectacular catch, and has a knack for getting yards after the catch because of his size and strength. He's very athletic, and played QB before making the transition to WR a couple of years ago. If you are looking for a guy in the CFL that can play in the middle of the field, I think you found your man.

[Trojan97]

Wow, I never expected so many great answers so quickly. Sounds about what I expected to hear regarding his chances of playing up north. Hopefully we get a chance to view him first hand soon like ya'll have been able to the last few years.Thanks again fellas.

[Dr Z]

I would be surprised if his "goal" is to play CFL. I have never spoke to him directly on the issue.I think one of the biggest positives he has coming into the draft will be his combine.I have to think he will open some eyes at the combine. If you have ever stood next to him, he "looks"like an nfl player (big and cut). I also like his attitude and I think he is a team player. As far as dropping a few passes, I don't see that being an issue with him. I would guess his move fromQB to WR was a business move to improve his chances in the NFL. If he does wind up in the CFL, I'm sure you will be pleased if he is on your team Trojan.PS If you are a scout and sign him because of good things you read about him here, you owe us a keg of Labatt for our first home tailgate.