He's on a completely different page in a completely different book in a completely different library.
Benched twice?
He probably did improve on something but he took steps back in other areas that he couldn't afford to.
I simply think he has to be delusional in order to maintain some confidence in himself. His bar is simply "to function" and he can't reach it. He has to tell himself something otherwise its got to hurt too much... the truth hurts too much.
Not sure he has a love for the game. I would think that would be a pre-requisite to drafting someone.