A few
post-first wave of FA / pre draft, Bacon bits on the WR position.
Bill has done a very good job adding talent - building depth at the position. Giving us some flexibility in there for the short term. To continue to build around Cam or just build the team up for the next QB. So the premise of this post is "no QB" early (at 15, trade up) this year. So we're kicking that can down the road until next year at least.
WR -
what do we have ... plenty of options for short & intermediate areas. KB/Meyers to work flat-sidelines, slant/curl. Dynamic duo to work MOF - crossers/seam. NA can stretch the field outside and from the slot. We're definitely set in terms of possession, controlling mof, sidelines.
What do we need?
Speed, we still need speed to hurt & threaten teams both vertically & horizontally.
Doesn't have to be a 80+ rec guy but a true X/Z wouldn't hurt either. The WR room looks better for sure but we absolutely could use an alpha.
The TE is set unless Pitts falls and even then Bill might be set with what we have. Still though Pitts will see plenty of time outside. He would be tough to pass up. Henry inline, Smith detached/back field/a lot and Pitts split out. Good luck. Anyway ...
Options at 15?
Everyone knows the big names or big 3. If you're fine with Cam this year, not necessarily in love with the QB class. Two of these guys would be WR1/maybe Target1 by the end of the year imo. And the other could be your WR1 by early next year.
Chase would immediately bring in attitude, toughness-physicality as an X and slot. He pushed Justin Jefferson to WR2 at LSU when he was 19 yo. Chase is a bully with some finesse in his game. A beast at contested catches. He attacks the ball with a "my ball" mentality. I think his release game is really good but could get a lot better once he stops making it a fight more than it has to. Some coaching could go a long way. He loves imposing his will. Loves to swipe but gets caught up in too much contact. Plays a bit too high. He's an alpha that will help shape your WR room. He's a cross between DJ Moore & AJ Brown imo.
Smith is a r/r demon that looks like a pro off the line. So polished, his release game reminds you of an all-pro like Davante Adams. Could line up anywhere. In Pitt he might be an X. Slot/Z over here I'd guess but you're moving him all over. Tiny but tough af and will make big plays down field and in the air. He's also extremely smart. Just show him his locker and get him stronger. He's a cross between Calvin Ridley and Step Diggs.
Waddle is the wildcard. Different speed and acceleration than most athletes on the same field. I watch him run and feel the explosion off his strides. He's the
something else every team wants. You can't help but think of Ty Hill. Burst and acceleration are real. He's deadly on overs (Yankee all day), can take it to the house from anywhere and has as much upside as any WR in the class. Perfect situation since we're not looking for a 100 rec a year type.
If they're gone, here are 5 guys that would make an impact and seemingly have a fit with how the WR room is shaping up. We could either trade back for or grab one at 46 or get later ...
Got me thinking (yes, it hurt) A few years ago Shanahan really wanted Deebo for a specific role. Motion-handoffs, yac guy, couple carries/reverse a game, toughness, speed, blocking. Enough speed to contribute a few 20+ rec. Looking around, it sure looks like the Pats could use one of them right about now? We have a few chain movers, guys that can control the MOF, NA to stretch the field. We've shown that we want to use motion, understand it's importance and seen the effects it can have.
Moore (2nd) is a little ball of electricity. Twitchy, powerful, fast, elusive and chess piece. Big time yac, "get the ball in his hands" prospect but has a lot of upside running mesh, crossers ... In breaking stuff. More than enough speed to work outside but it's a work in progress. Young dude that is a beast in the weight room too. His best football is in front of him.
Tutu (3rd-4th) - speed - motion/orbit, screens, Deep threat from the slot off PA. Small and limited but could be a nice 3rd/4th option with big play ability. Get him in off coverage, free release vs bigger bodies.
Amon St Brown (2nd) has lined up everywhere and was asked to do everything. Split, slot, motion, back field/carries, tough blocker. He's been training like and with pro's for years (father is former Mr Universe and World) and approaches this like a pro. He could fit in anywhere to start. Again he's lined up all over the place and would work in 2 WR sets imo (which we could be in a lot) And would be solid depth if anyone gets hurt.
Dwayne Eskridge (3rd-4th) played both CB/WR showing unselfishness, mental toughness and athletic ability. Playmaker with big play ability outside. Needs help with his r/r and hopefully some coaching will allow the game to slow down for him. Once he gets the ball in his hands he can plant, cut, make a guy miss and take off. Played RB and ran track in hs. ST value. He's a nice third-fourth round option
Isaiah McKoy (late-udfa) is a prospect with good size, put on 15+ lbs over the past year I believe. Listed at 180 came into pro day at 200. Play speed is a lot better than his time 4.58-4.62 I heard. Tough, physical guy that is a + run blocker. Knows His role. Knows he has to work harder to really make it. We were at his pro day.
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