Of course more goes into it. However for those positions wingspan has ALWAYS been a
Every situation in the world has its share of outliers and anomalies. Mentioning 2 guys at that position doesn't erase the myriad guys who couldn't cut it due to just not being built properly for the demands of the position. Ereck Flowers is a great example of this: drafted number 9 overall at LT. An OT drafted 9 overall is supposed to be a cornerstone guy for at least a decade for you. However due to his short arms he just couldn't cut it as an OT, got moved to OG and now can actually continue playing in the league because his wingspan is more suited for Guard than at Tackle. His career would be over if he stayed on the outside.
Lastly, if you grade out 2 guys at those positions and they grade out fairly similarly, you'd be an idiot not to draft the guy with the longer wingspan. Not saying it's the only factor at certain positions, but yes it's a very critical factor at those positions.
I get what you're saying, but look at my original point though. It's really hard to say because no two players are ever the same, where the only difference is the wingspan or arm length. To my original point:
..
Somebody short who can make plays by finding windows in the trenches >>>> somebody who's tall, can see over the line but can't make as good plays.
The only thing that matters is if the pass can get to where it needs to and if the player can do that.
It's like when people get too obsessed with wingspans and metrics rather than someone who's insanely talented.
If somebody has proven they can make it happen, then they probably can make it happen.
All I'm saying: at the end of the day, the
result is still what matters, not the
potential. If someone like Bryce Young can make plays at 5'10 then he can make plays, maybe dude has incredible vision/eyesight and other intangibles not explicitly noticeable (one of the reasons why Barry Bonds was a great hitter and what held Jameis Winston back). It's about focusing on what someone can do that others can't vs what they're "missing".
Somebody like CP3 can see some unique passing lanes because he's short and slips the ball places taller players have no chance to get to. Kyrie is so effective partly because can dribble through a key hole and destroy taller defenders because they can't turn like he can. There's always a counter to something and an advantage can always be exploited which is why games, security, businesses, competition, trends, etc. always goes back and forth and metas change.
