What this tells me, most assuredly, is that it is perfectly possible to build a championship team at any level (cfb or nfl) with a majority of 3 star type players. I have always felt this way and nothing in that report urges me to change my mindset. Any person with eyeballs and a certain level of interest in their sport can pick out the kids with the greatest potential in terms of physical tools. There aren't many of those types but, unfortunately, a certain number of them crash and burn when forced to improve or adapt, while still many others become cancers on their respective teams due to attitudes etc.
I will never argue that having more talent is worse than having less talent. That analysis, however is only applicable when all other factors are equal. In the long term, especially in the NFL but also in the CFB world as well, the best strategy is to draft or recruit character, brains and work ethic first from the pool of players that can help you in terms of physical talent. The number of kids ready for the professional ranks right out of HS is exceedingly rare. They do exist, but to build a plan around them for your future is not a good strategy. The rest of the prospects have to continue to grow, and the factors that affect growth are mentioned above.
If push comes to shove and you were choosing the player to put on your roster, would you go with the guy who was .05 faster in the 40, vertical leap 3" higher, and had 5 more reps with 225 over the guy you fully expected to make great decisions on and off the field, learn your scheme backwards and forwards, play with a high sports IQ and great sense of anticipation, use great technique, and be a rallying force for his teammates? I know what direction I would go. A lifetime of playing and coaching sports has taught me that summation of the collective efforts of a cohesive group of players with chemistry and ability is what wins, not a bunch of talented individuals.
