Silverphin
Chairman of the 'Owned! Awards' Commitee
Last time, it was the running backs (To re-read my analysis, click here: http://www.finheaven.com/boardvb2/showthread.php?t=142064&highlight=Battles). Now it's the receivers' turn.
Last year, we had two studs at receivers.
Chris Chambers, finally having a QB that was, at least, a legitimate deep threat, busted loose for a Pro-Bowl earning 1,118 yard season.
Marty Booker, on the other hand, didn't seem that impressive on paper until you realize he pretty much made a living killing opposing opponents with yards after catch, being 2nd in the league in that category.
The problem is, it became apparent we were totally screwed if either one of them goes down. At first, it didn't seem like the case. Bryan Gilmore, a former receiver/special teams ace of ours who now plays for the 49ers, showed he had hands against the Raiders, even snagging a touchdown. Unfortunately, his receiving skills disappeared than food at a buffet when I'm in it (:D ).
So, of course, we needed better receivers for the sake of depth. And receivers we received.
First was the signing of Fred Gibson off of our practice squad. At 6'4", he is a potential big time target. However, he has been criticised by many for seemingly not having a brain for the game and for wanting to take a contact. However, it seems he has developed a brain: Fred Gibson teamed up with our SLB Donnie Spragan to lay down a game plan against the Denver Broncos. And obviously, he made some very good progress in his game, being one of the few regulars on our Practice Squad.
Then came the signing of Kelly Campbell. This was a great signing for his familiarity with Culpepper alone. He's also quite fast, a great kick/punt returner, and knows how to work the slot, just like Wes Welker.
Then draft day: We got the quality depth we wanted in Derek Hagan, arguably the best receiver in Pac-10 history, and Devin Aromashodu, now formerly Auburn's #1 receiver.
After the draft, there were a few additions, like Erick Kimble and Fred Murphy. But it seemed like a done deal that the six receiver spots would be down: Chris Chambers, Marty Booker, Wes Welker, Derek Hagan, and Devin Aromashodu, Kelly Campbell, and Fred Gibson. That was, until the signing of Marcus Vick.
But why would a signing of a quarterback be significant? Does the name Antwaan Randle-El rings a bell?
Locks to make the team: Chris Chambers, Marty Booker
Players that will go into battle: Wes Welker, Fred Gibson, Derek Hagan, Devin Aromashodu
Players that will most likely be cut/Practice Squad: Eric Kimble, Fred Murphy
Wes Welker vs. Kelly Campbell vs. Derek Hagan vs. Devin Aromashodu
My analysis: This battle is going to be fierce. How they do on special teams could definitely affect the tide. And the funny thing about the whole thing is, by the end of this battle, two wide receivers could be sharing the #3 spot: One working the slot, the other creating the mismatches. So in away, it could be Wes Welker vs. Kelly Campbell and Derek Hagan vs. Devin Aromashodu.
My predicted winner: I have none...
Winner(s) get(s): 3rd WR spot
Loser(s) get(s): Battle for the 4th WR spot
Losers of battle number one vs. Fred Gibson vs. Cliff Russel vs. Marcus Vick
My analysis: To quote Fin Heaven member Blueprint-
(Link: http://www.finheaven.com/boardvb2/showthread.php?t=117057&highlight=Fred+Gibson)
And he's not that far off. But he has stiff competition. Cliff Russel is speedy as hell, and the losers of the first battle are definitely no slouches. Combine it with Marcus Vick possibly being the next Randle-El, this fight looks grim. But Gibson does have a height advantage. If he has the hands to match, look out!
My projected winner: Again, I have none.
Winner gets: 4th WR spot
Losers get: A battle for the fifth and/or sixth wide receiver spot. And after that, practice squad or free agency.
My overall analysis: If this battle becomes as heated as I think it will be, we some people is going to be waived that not even Saban wants to waive. Oi vey....
Last year, we had two studs at receivers.
Chris Chambers, finally having a QB that was, at least, a legitimate deep threat, busted loose for a Pro-Bowl earning 1,118 yard season.
Marty Booker, on the other hand, didn't seem that impressive on paper until you realize he pretty much made a living killing opposing opponents with yards after catch, being 2nd in the league in that category.
The problem is, it became apparent we were totally screwed if either one of them goes down. At first, it didn't seem like the case. Bryan Gilmore, a former receiver/special teams ace of ours who now plays for the 49ers, showed he had hands against the Raiders, even snagging a touchdown. Unfortunately, his receiving skills disappeared than food at a buffet when I'm in it (:D ).
So, of course, we needed better receivers for the sake of depth. And receivers we received.
First was the signing of Fred Gibson off of our practice squad. At 6'4", he is a potential big time target. However, he has been criticised by many for seemingly not having a brain for the game and for wanting to take a contact. However, it seems he has developed a brain: Fred Gibson teamed up with our SLB Donnie Spragan to lay down a game plan against the Denver Broncos. And obviously, he made some very good progress in his game, being one of the few regulars on our Practice Squad.
Then came the signing of Kelly Campbell. This was a great signing for his familiarity with Culpepper alone. He's also quite fast, a great kick/punt returner, and knows how to work the slot, just like Wes Welker.
Then draft day: We got the quality depth we wanted in Derek Hagan, arguably the best receiver in Pac-10 history, and Devin Aromashodu, now formerly Auburn's #1 receiver.
After the draft, there were a few additions, like Erick Kimble and Fred Murphy. But it seemed like a done deal that the six receiver spots would be down: Chris Chambers, Marty Booker, Wes Welker, Derek Hagan, and Devin Aromashodu, Kelly Campbell, and Fred Gibson. That was, until the signing of Marcus Vick.
But why would a signing of a quarterback be significant? Does the name Antwaan Randle-El rings a bell?
Locks to make the team: Chris Chambers, Marty Booker
Players that will go into battle: Wes Welker, Fred Gibson, Derek Hagan, Devin Aromashodu
Players that will most likely be cut/Practice Squad: Eric Kimble, Fred Murphy
Wes Welker vs. Kelly Campbell vs. Derek Hagan vs. Devin Aromashodu
My analysis: This battle is going to be fierce. How they do on special teams could definitely affect the tide. And the funny thing about the whole thing is, by the end of this battle, two wide receivers could be sharing the #3 spot: One working the slot, the other creating the mismatches. So in away, it could be Wes Welker vs. Kelly Campbell and Derek Hagan vs. Devin Aromashodu.
My predicted winner: I have none...
Winner(s) get(s): 3rd WR spot
Loser(s) get(s): Battle for the 4th WR spot
Losers of battle number one vs. Fred Gibson vs. Cliff Russel vs. Marcus Vick
My analysis: To quote Fin Heaven member Blueprint-
(Link: http://www.finheaven.com/boardvb2/showthread.php?t=117057&highlight=Fred+Gibson)
And he's not that far off. But he has stiff competition. Cliff Russel is speedy as hell, and the losers of the first battle are definitely no slouches. Combine it with Marcus Vick possibly being the next Randle-El, this fight looks grim. But Gibson does have a height advantage. If he has the hands to match, look out!
My projected winner: Again, I have none.
Winner gets: 4th WR spot
Losers get: A battle for the fifth and/or sixth wide receiver spot. And after that, practice squad or free agency.
My overall analysis: If this battle becomes as heated as I think it will be, we some people is going to be waived that not even Saban wants to waive. Oi vey....
