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I know it's way early - but there's not a lot else to talk about, so ... I'd like to hear your comments (premature though they may be) on the WR's/TE's/RB's as a receiving corps. Here's my take:
WR's - I thought this was one of our weakest positions coming out of last year, along with OLB and S. As it looks now, I like this group:
1st - I like Norv's philosophy of going with fewer 4 WR sets and keeping a TE in on 3rd and long, with 3 WR's. This is why I think we added TE depth in Lee.
Chambers - he knows pressure is on him to become the star. He needs to get open and make some big plays and Jay needs to be able to hit him deep. I think the hit he took really changed the season for him.
McKnight - if he can only hang on to the ball, he'll be solid. He gets open, has good speed, and can catch, but he just loses concentration. I think some hard work on the ball will help.
Thompson - he was my 4th WR on my fantasy team last year so I saw him in a couple of games and really liked him. He put up some good stats in a WR merry-go-round at Wash - even when he started he would come out a great deal.
Tolver - Right now he looks like the top guy for #4 spot. He could be a steal as a 5th rounder. I hope so. I like his size and love the # of catches he garnered last year. From what everyone has said about his pass catching skills, he should surprise some people in this league. I like his "chip on his shoulder" attitude about not getting picked til the 5th round, as well. That always seems to make a player compete a little harder (see Laverneas Coles).
Baker, Newson, Simmons, C. Rogers, & maybe Chris Jackson (Arena league) - all of these should add some good competition for the # 5 WR spot. Baker probably has the edge given his experience and play in Europe, but the others will be competitive. I've wondered if we'd ever keep 6 WR's, but with the increased use of the TE and more 3 WR sets than 4, it's not likely.
TE:
McMichael - needs to avoid sophomore jinx and the late season disappearing act (though that could be partially from the changes at QB and the resulting inconsistent play from the offense in general). I think once we get into the flow and if everyone remains healthy, he should be a solid big play guy.
Donald Lee - I like the addition of this guy. His blocking should put him in some games in red zone and short yardage situations and I think he'll surprise as a receiver. He should replace Weaver and moreso.
Battaglia - Could be a decent #3 TE, but his PT has been so inconsistent over the past few years. Yet, he does have some skills, so I think this is the deepest TE corps we've had in a while.
Ed Perry - Long snapping skills keep him on the team and that alone should guarantee his status. Decent TE with some blocking skills and will get some PT, but he's really a long-snapper and does a great job of it as well.
RB's (as Receivers):
Konrad - It seems Norv is going to add some more to his playbook for Konrad. He certainly has talent and needs to continue to show it. Did a good job last year and I think he can beat a lot of LB's.
Ricky - Seems he's going to do some more 3rd down work. This is good as it will showcase some under-rated receiving skills. However, I don't want us to wear him down - I think the reason he was so good late in the year is that we rested him early on. But, he will be an added dimension as a receiving threat.
Edwards - did a good job the 1st couple of games then sort of faded out of the picture. Stopped being productive. I look for him to work hard to get some PT and I think he'll be better with last year under his belt. I think he'll push for some PT and get some. As a backup Runner to Ricky, I think he's pretty solid.
Minor - The Ricky deal really hindered his PT, along with Edwards. He has some skills, but hasn't gotten the PT. His special teams tackling has enhanced his roster spot (the bungled KO return last year against the Pats was ridiculous!). I'd like to see more from him, but where does he fit?
Henry - if he can make some plays on ST's and shows some flash as a decent backup RB, I could see us trading Minor or Edwards in camp to someone whose lost a RB. But, that's a BIG IF.
I like what Norv is doing and I think his system will come alive this year. The keys will be Fiedler being able to be accurate on the deep pass and continue to improve on cutting down mistakes, along with the general health of everyone. Remember, what killed the team last year was the injuries - in one week we lost both starting WR's and our starting QB - one was lost for the year and the other two were Never the same when they returned. So, if we stay healthy (which is the key to any contender), I think you'll see marked improvement. The knowledge of Turner's system will make the players better and the ability of Norv to throw in more wrinkles this year will also. The fact that McMichael can ostensibly be a #4 WR on passing downs, really enhances the depth of the WR's. Of course, keeping Ricky healthy will also be key - he can really set up the rest of the passing attack.
WR's - I thought this was one of our weakest positions coming out of last year, along with OLB and S. As it looks now, I like this group:
1st - I like Norv's philosophy of going with fewer 4 WR sets and keeping a TE in on 3rd and long, with 3 WR's. This is why I think we added TE depth in Lee.
Chambers - he knows pressure is on him to become the star. He needs to get open and make some big plays and Jay needs to be able to hit him deep. I think the hit he took really changed the season for him.
McKnight - if he can only hang on to the ball, he'll be solid. He gets open, has good speed, and can catch, but he just loses concentration. I think some hard work on the ball will help.
Thompson - he was my 4th WR on my fantasy team last year so I saw him in a couple of games and really liked him. He put up some good stats in a WR merry-go-round at Wash - even when he started he would come out a great deal.
Tolver - Right now he looks like the top guy for #4 spot. He could be a steal as a 5th rounder. I hope so. I like his size and love the # of catches he garnered last year. From what everyone has said about his pass catching skills, he should surprise some people in this league. I like his "chip on his shoulder" attitude about not getting picked til the 5th round, as well. That always seems to make a player compete a little harder (see Laverneas Coles).
Baker, Newson, Simmons, C. Rogers, & maybe Chris Jackson (Arena league) - all of these should add some good competition for the # 5 WR spot. Baker probably has the edge given his experience and play in Europe, but the others will be competitive. I've wondered if we'd ever keep 6 WR's, but with the increased use of the TE and more 3 WR sets than 4, it's not likely.
TE:
McMichael - needs to avoid sophomore jinx and the late season disappearing act (though that could be partially from the changes at QB and the resulting inconsistent play from the offense in general). I think once we get into the flow and if everyone remains healthy, he should be a solid big play guy.
Donald Lee - I like the addition of this guy. His blocking should put him in some games in red zone and short yardage situations and I think he'll surprise as a receiver. He should replace Weaver and moreso.
Battaglia - Could be a decent #3 TE, but his PT has been so inconsistent over the past few years. Yet, he does have some skills, so I think this is the deepest TE corps we've had in a while.
Ed Perry - Long snapping skills keep him on the team and that alone should guarantee his status. Decent TE with some blocking skills and will get some PT, but he's really a long-snapper and does a great job of it as well.
RB's (as Receivers):
Konrad - It seems Norv is going to add some more to his playbook for Konrad. He certainly has talent and needs to continue to show it. Did a good job last year and I think he can beat a lot of LB's.
Ricky - Seems he's going to do some more 3rd down work. This is good as it will showcase some under-rated receiving skills. However, I don't want us to wear him down - I think the reason he was so good late in the year is that we rested him early on. But, he will be an added dimension as a receiving threat.
Edwards - did a good job the 1st couple of games then sort of faded out of the picture. Stopped being productive. I look for him to work hard to get some PT and I think he'll be better with last year under his belt. I think he'll push for some PT and get some. As a backup Runner to Ricky, I think he's pretty solid.
Minor - The Ricky deal really hindered his PT, along with Edwards. He has some skills, but hasn't gotten the PT. His special teams tackling has enhanced his roster spot (the bungled KO return last year against the Pats was ridiculous!). I'd like to see more from him, but where does he fit?
Henry - if he can make some plays on ST's and shows some flash as a decent backup RB, I could see us trading Minor or Edwards in camp to someone whose lost a RB. But, that's a BIG IF.
I like what Norv is doing and I think his system will come alive this year. The keys will be Fiedler being able to be accurate on the deep pass and continue to improve on cutting down mistakes, along with the general health of everyone. Remember, what killed the team last year was the injuries - in one week we lost both starting WR's and our starting QB - one was lost for the year and the other two were Never the same when they returned. So, if we stay healthy (which is the key to any contender), I think you'll see marked improvement. The knowledge of Turner's system will make the players better and the ability of Norv to throw in more wrinkles this year will also. The fact that McMichael can ostensibly be a #4 WR on passing downs, really enhances the depth of the WR's. Of course, keeping Ricky healthy will also be key - he can really set up the rest of the passing attack.
