Nublar7 said:
I was thinking about this very topic last night, good thread.
Usually from past teams, we keep 5 WRs. However, I wouldn't be suprised to see Saban keep 6 this year just because of the quality players we have for depth. This is what I see:
WR1: Chris Chambers
WR2: Marty Booker
WR3: David Boston
WR4: Derrius Thompson
WR5: Wes Welker
WR6: Bryan Gilmore(If we keep 6 he stays, otherwise he gets cut)
They seem to be trying to include Wes in the passing game more then just having him as a Kick/Punt Returner. It will be very interesting to see what happens.
Well, in the past we used alot more dual back sets. This offense will really utilize spread formations. We'll go to 4 and sometimes 5 wide sets. We're going to need 7 wr's. Yes, you heard it here first. We'll only keep one true fullback in evans and Sammy Morris will be able to play both Halfback and Fullback. This offense uses h-backs as well so don't be shocked if we only keep 2 TE's and Perry for long snapping.
As far as Welker, Saban has said time and time again that he doesnt keep players STRICTLY for special teams (as opposed to Wanny who freaking DRAFTED strictly for special teams, so long Eddie Moore) so IF Welker is going to be our KR/PR then he is going to HAVE to be able to be the 6th or 7th Wide Receiver.
Frankly, I'm more excited about our two new young WR's, Evans and I forget the other one, than I am of Gilmore and Thompson. We'll know a lot more once the hitting begins in pre-season, but I'd be thrilled if we got ANY of the following:
1) David Boston back to a SERVICEABLE form. Right now he's not running like a speed guy and while he's made a few catches, he's made a few drops as well.
2) Marty Booker playing like at his former Pro Bowl level. He is genuinely not happy here and his effort reflects that. Stop whining and get the damn job done.
3) Derrius Thompson and Brian Gilmore, get to the next level of your development or get out of the way for speed, youth and exhuberance. Both of these guys don't do enough things right to be called reliable, and yet do just enough to be better than the rest. Personally, I believe that potential gets coaches fired. If they don't take the next level in this wide open offense, they never will. Evans and the other new guy are tearing up camp. Give them a chance if it's more of the same from Thompson and Gilmore.
4) Chambers lives up to his potential. The man's a great receiver... sometimes. There are plays where he seems destined for Canton and entire games where his game just doesn't cut it. He needs consistancy.
Those are my thoughts.
GO PHINS!!!!!!