Wide Receivers

[GrimCoconut]

YOUTUBE HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

Thanks for sharing. Nice video.

[CapoRocky]

As far as Tandon Doss goes, he had 7 receptions all year, so I don't think he got us out of sticky spots as often as you say he did. The best thing I remember him doing is drawing a PI flag against Denver. Having said that, I think this is the year he does better- simply because the more you play the more comfortable you get. In a limited role you're never going to be that fluid and great.
 
 

There's no doubting Mellette has speed- he ran like a 4.5 at the combine which isn't exactly slow. I just think he was a bit lethargic in some of his routes because he was always gonna get the ball against that competition. He impressed at the Senior Bowl though which should show that he has the potential to be pretty decent against good competition. He's kind of a hard guy to rate at the moment but he has the tools to be good. Just gotta wait and see.

Another small school guy that has an upside and a lot to prove.

[Ravensfan23]

2007 Draft:
Calvin Johnson, Ted Ginn Jr, Dwayne Bowe, Robert Meachem, BEN GRUBBS (RAVENS PICK), Craig Davis, Anthony Gonzalez, Sidney Rice, Dwayne Jarrett, Steve Smith, Jacoby Jones, YAMON FIGURS (RAVENS), Laurent Robinson, Jason Hill, James Jones, Mike Sims-Walker, Paul Williams, Johnnie Lee Higgins. Who did we miss out on here? I put our picks so you guys could see who we didn't get. We had no shot at Megatron, nor really Bowe. 
 
That's one year, but you get the idea. It's not easy to scout WRs. It's one of the positions with the most busts & failures in the NFL. It's so hard to transition the talent & scout the talent. It's not easy.

This is the biggest thing people seem to miss about drafting WRs. It's tough to draft WRs because thats the most difficult position for young players to make a immediate impact. Then you have to understand that for years, even before Cam, the Ravens offense has been so unimaginative and predictable. The reason that's so important from the WR position is because the offense was based on iso routes. If you are a strong route runner you'll succeed and the offense will move.

However generally when you are picking WRs after the top 15, they usually have to develop 1 or more areas of their game. Almost 90% of those guys need to improve on route running because there aren't many pro style offenses with pro style coaching in college football. So WRs come to the NFL almost having to learn the position again, because things are much more precise.

This is why have a OC who does a good job of incorporating all his weapons into a offense is so important. How is your offense designed to get open? What weaknesses of the defense do you look to exploit? How often do you make a defense go into a base formation because you are so multiple that they fear out smarting themselves? These are the things that make teams like the Packers and Saints successful offensively. They're offense and play calling is creative. Imho none of the WRs on those 2 rosters are much better then what the Ravens currently have, from a talent standpoint. Production wise, yes. The reason being because their OCs scheme to get them the ball. The Packers WRs struggle against press man just as much as the Ravens WRs, which is why those guys come up short in the playoffs. They move Randall around to make sure he has favorable matchups. He's not a Fitz, CJ, AJ, Julio, Green type so they don't ask him to be.

Imo we shouldn't have to look any further then the comparison between both Broncos games last year. Yes Caldwell was the OC for both games, but anyone who knows the game of football could see a huge difference in the style of offense. The Broncos really had no answer for the Ravens and without those ST TDs it might had been a blow out. However in the first game the Ravens couldn't create separation at all.

Ozzie seems to take the approach of drafting talented guys and allowing them to develop. However we've never had the a OC who took the approach of allowing the WRs to use their talents to have success early on while developing all they need to be a complete WR. Torrey Smith is the only guy I can think off who was allowed to do this and he was basically forced into the offense. Now that we have a competent OC who underrstands what his QB does well, how to create matchups for his weapons and actually schemes to attack weaknesses in the defense, I feel the WR group will be much better.

[RayForSuperBowl2013]

This kid is gonna be a beast

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBtPTH5U7aY

[Inqui]

Who's likely to declare for next year's draft? Is there anyone likely to be worth snapping up in the late first or second?

 

I quite like the look of Amari Cooper (if he's even eligible to declare next year) and I know a lot of people are really high on Marqise Lee.

[CapoRocky]

I like Torrey and Jacoby as the wide outs.  Let's try to work with what we have until the exhibition season starts then evaluate who becomes available after the camp cuts are made in late August.  Evans has convinced me that another team's discarded veteran may not be better than the guy waiting for the break on your own roster.

[Free Agent]

I like Torrey and Jacoby as the wide outs.  Let's try to work with what we have until the exhibition season starts then evaluate who becomes available after the camp cuts are made in late August.  Evans has convinced me that another team's discarded veteran may not be better than the guy waiting for the break on your own roster.

 

Jacoby's hands cannot be trusted. His feet, yes, but not his hands.

[gabefergy]

I havent made a long-winded post in a while so here goes. Let me preface by saying I am more comfortable with our WR situation than most. I would have liked to take a WR earlier in the draft, but Aaron Mellette was a guy I had graded as a 4th round pick so I think we actually did ok there.

 

Without further ado my take on our WR situation player by player.

 

1. Torrey Smith: Our 2nd round pick in the 2011 draft, Smith has emerged as one of the premier deep threats in the NFL. When he is playing well, it is very difficult to cover him. He has shown stretches of dominant play when he is actually made the focal point of the offense. At this point of his career though, Torrey is not a complete receiver or a true #1. He needs to get better at beating press-man coverage consistently and using his speed to help set up his route-running. Smith still tends to "chop" his feet a bit when making breaks which gives the defender time to break on the ball. If Torrey can perfect his route-running and get more physical with DBs at the LoS his ceiling is through the roof. The athleticism and speed are elite.

 

2. Jacoby Jones: I am not convinced that Jones will really be our #2 WR next year. Harbs has alluded to the fact that he doesnt want to overuse him in this role as it takes away from his game-changing ability as a returner. He needs to stay fresh and avoid injury. Look for him to get 25-40 snaps a game primarily when we are in 3 wide. Jones has been in the league for a while now and has never shown he can be a consistent #2 option, so I see no reason to push the envelope. Jacoby has great speed, but his hands/concentration are inconsistent.

 

3. Tandon Doss: Doss has the 3rd most playing XP of the current WRs on our roster. He has good size and above average speed. He isnt a polished route runner, but he works over the middle of the field well and is capable of making very difficult catches. He does have excellent hands depsite what some folks tend to believe, His issues have been a combination of injuries and lack of opportunity, but I have seen flashes from him that suggest he can step into a bigger role in this offense. He can line up outside as well as in the slot and that versatility will benefit him.

 

4. David Reed: Reed is going into his 4th season and his main purpose up to this point has been in the return game. He really is an electric returner and he showed flashes of play-making ability on a couple of infamous Cam Cameron end-arounds. We all remember the Seattle game where he fumbled twice on returns likely costing us that game, but what many tend to forget is on the second fumble if his knee hadnt given out (ACL tear) he was about to break the return for a TD. He did lead the league in KoR average in 2011.

 

5. Tommy Streeter: Streeter is probably the most physically gifted of any WR on the roster. He has excellent size and speed and received some nice praise from players and coaches in the 2012 preseason. However, he does not contribute on ST and this combined with his raw talent landed him on the IR for a redshirt rookie year. Reports indicate that Tommy has been progressing nicely and I am eager to see how he does in OTAs and TC. Streeter could develop into a very nice complement to Torrey Smith. He needs to work on his hands and route-running, but if these areas improve Tommy could be a potential break-out candidate.

 

6. LaQuan Williams: Williams has been a core ST player, but has not shown much as a WR. Average size and speed, but a hard worker, Williams is going to have to really impress to make this roster IMO.

 

7. Deonte Thompson:  Thompson showed flashes both as a WR and a ST player last year as a rookie. He will have to build on that production to make it this year. He has excellent speed and average size, but his hands were always inconsistent in college. If the hands and route-running can come together with the elite speed, Thompson could be another versatile target. Another potential break-out player.

 

8. Aaron Mellette: Mellette is another WR that has good size to go along with average to above average speed. He caught a lot of balls against lesser competition in college, but he will have to prove he can hang with the big boys. He does catch the ball nicely with his hands and shows good concentration to track balls over his shoulder. Not a huge YAC guy, but he is capable of making his man miss and running with the ball. He actually reminds me a lot of Doss in college.

 

9. Tori Gurley:  I dont know much about Gurley other than the fact that he is big and pretty fast. He will be given a shot to compete, but I think it will be a stretch to see him make the 53.

 

All told, I think we have a lot of talent at WR that has not been give much opportunity in the past. This offseason is going to be the time where the best separate themselves to become consistent players in Caldwell's offense. I think we will carry 6 WRs this year:

 

1. Smith

2. Jones

3. Doss

4. Streeter

5. Reed

6. Thompson/Mellette

[cushrinada1986]

Streeter or Thompson. I got some high hopes for those cats, as Mili would say.

If those two get going, we will have the most dangerous WR tandom in the league.

[GrimCoconut]

1. Smith

2. Jones

3. Doss

4. Streeter

5. Reed

6. Thompson/Mellette

Yeah, I agree with your sentiments. I was reviewing our WR corps today, actually. I honestly think we'll end up giving Mellette an IR/RS year as a rookie. Nothing against him, but there are multiple WR who have a very similar skill-set  Granted, I'm only saying that because he is a rookie & the other guys have been here for a year. He could go gangbusters and beat someone out for a spot. Regardless, I think 6/7 of those guys will be on this roster, with the odd man out placed on IR or something. If I had to guess, I think Thompson & Reed will get a shot to play & make the 53. They both have shown return ability, so if JJ goes down you have a back-up plan. You also have two guys who could replace JJ if he heats up as a #2 (which I also doubt). Reed is only on a two-year deal for cheap, so he could be just simply cut if he is unimpressive. I think Reed sticks, though. 

 

I'm really excited for our WR corps this year. Super excited, honestly. 

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I don't want to sign anyone. I don't see anyone on the market as a dramatic improvement over guys we currently have. These guys have reached their potential, been given opportunities, so you know what you're getting and nothing more. If its even close I'd go with one of our young guys 100% of the time bc they at least have the possibility of improving with reps and experience. Plus I feel we've always held our WR's back for too long to "develop" and they just forget how to play in games. 2 years without playing in meaningful competition is just far too long. We need to start playing guys early and see what we've got. Rotate them and see what they can do. Some guys just don't look sharp in practice but they're gamers... Under the pressure they just shine and make plays. Other guys are practice warriors but fold under the bright lights. We'll never know what we have until they get a prolonged shot at playing in games. I want to see it finally.

And I don't hear anyone pointing to Dickson as the guy to pick up the slack. He's our most proven receiver behind Torrey, Pitta, and Jacoby and I think he's ready to blow up given the opportunity. Heavy on 2 TE sets or split either him or Pitta out wide so they're both on the field a lot. He's been overshadowed and outplayed by pitta up til now but I think thrusting him into the spotlight will be the best thing for him. Don't pull him after he drops the ball and kill his confidence. He's got way too much potential to keep babying along. It's sink or swim time.

[1winningsam]

1.Torrey Smith
2.Jacoby Jones
3.Aaron Mellette
4.Tommy Streeter
5.Tandon Doss
6.David Reed

Practice Squaded WR
Deonte Thompson
Tori Gurley
LaQuan Williams
Gerrard Sheppard

[1/28/01]

1.Torrey Smith
2.Jacoby Jones
3.Aaron Mellette
4.Tommy Streeter
5.Tandon Doss
6.David Reed

Practice Squaded WR
Deonte Thompson
Tori Gurley
LaQuan Williams
Gerrard Sheppard

Hope thats not the order you see them in. Also, you must not know how the PS works ;)

[flynismo]

Hope thats not the order you see them in. Also, you must not know how the PS works ;)

I think he has them ranked from best six pack to worst...definitely cant be sorted by best WR

[Ozzsome]

I actually kind of like Doss a lot, I watched a lot of him while he played for Indiana and that kid really impressed me.
He may not be the fastest or strongest WR we have, but he runs good routes and has great hands
With Smith, Pitta, Jones, Rice and maybe Doss, Dickson and Juice I think we have a solid group of people who can catch the ball
Even Mellette is a very good prospect IMO

[GrimCoconut]

1.Torrey Smith
2.Jacoby Jones
3.Aaron Mellette
4.Tommy Streeter
5.Tandon Doss
6.David Reed

Practice Squaded WR
Deonte Thompson
Tori Gurley
LaQuan Williams
Gerrard Sheppard

With as much as we have been talking up Deonte I would be shocked if he went on the PS.

Mellette is like a Tandon Doss clone but from a smaller school. I think he'll be given a redshirt year this year.

[Tank 92]

Doss will shine this year.  Bank on it.

[GrimCoconut]

Doss will shine this year. Bank on it.

I think he has to shine. I believe he will as well. Coming out of college he was said to have elite ball skills. I know that sounds insane with his drops but I think those had less to do with his hands and more to do with his nerves and mind.

[Tank 92]

I think he has to shine. I believe he will as well. Coming out of college he was said to have elite ball skills. I know that sounds insane with his drops but I think those had less to do with his hands and more to do with his nerves and mind.

 

 

That's my thought. Limited playing time and the shadow of Q may have stifled him mentally.

[GrimCoconut]

That's my thought. Limited playing time and the shadow of Q may have stifled him mentally.

Yeah. Cam Cameron seemed to use only two wide receivers. Doss got very few reps. It's a shame really. I think that and him having his first real game against the Colts at home in the playoffs in his first playoff game IIRC had him nervous. Not making excuses. Just my opinion on him from what I've seen. He does well in preseason. It's got to be mental.

[Tank 92]

Yeah. Cam Cameron seemed to use only two wide receivers. Doss got very few reps. It's a shame really. I think that and him having his first real game against the Colts at home in the playoffs in his first playoff game IIRC had him nervous. Not making excuses. Just my opinion on him from what I've seen. He does well in preseason. It's got to be mental.

 

 

Yes.  I don't think we have a large enough sampling to determine he has board hands.

[Cville-Raven]

I remember Doss' rookie year, he had probably the best hands in camp and displayed them in the pre season. 

[The Raven]

I remember Doss' rookie year, he had probably the best hands in camp and displayed them in the pre season. 

 

His rookie preseason was pretty good if I remember correctly. I was impressed with those grabs.

[Ravenseconbeast]

Doss will shine this year.  Bank on it.

 

i'll wear his jersey loud and proud if he reaches 1000 yards.

[ravensdan]

In fairness we've only picked 2 receivers in the first 3 rounds in the past 6 years which is a bit concerning considering only one of our receiver picks has actually (so far) worked out. Maybe we're just more confident picking a trenches player because they're much safer picks.

Not safer, more important. Wide receiver is the least important position when building and sustaining a championship team. The smart franchises you see contending year after year do not take skill position players high. Also you need to take the key players for your oline and front 7 on defense from the big sec Ohio state USC etc schools early on. You are more likely to find fast Gus like wideouts and corners at smaller schools like a Maryland or a Nichols state.

[GrimCoconut]

Not safer, more important. Wide receiver is the least important position when building and sustaining a championship team. The smart franchises you see contending year after year do not take skill position players high. Also you need to take the key players for your oline and front 7 on defense from the big sec Ohio state USC etc schools early on. You are more likely to find fast Gus like wideouts and corners at smaller schools like a Maryland or a Nichols state.

Funny you say this. Very funny. I've noticed that over the years, wide receiver is a very interesting position in terms of the draft. 

 

2001: Reggie Wayne (THE U, 1), Chad Johnson (Oregon State, 2), Chris Chambers (Wisconsin, 2), Steve Smith (Utah, 3), TJ Houshmandzadeh (Oregon State, 7)

2002: Donte Stallworth (Tennesse, 1), Deion Branch (Louisville, 2)

2003: Andre Johnson (The U, 1), Anquan Boldin (FSU, 2), Brandon Lloyd (Illinois, 4), David Tyree (Syracuse, 6)

2004: Larry Fitzgerald (Pittsburgh, 1), Roy Williams (Texas, 1), Wes Welker (Texas Tech, UDFA)

2005: Roddy White (UAB, 1), Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado, 2), Nate Washington (Tiffin, UDFA)

2006: Santonio Holmes (Ohio State, 1), Greg Jennings (Western Michigan, 2), Brandon Marshall (UCF, 4), Marques Colston (Colorado State, 7th COMP), Miles Austin (Monmouth, UDFA)

2007: Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech, 1), Dwayne Bowe (LSU, 1), Sidney Rice (South Carolina, 2), Steve Smith (USC), Jacoby Jones (Lane, 3), James Jones (San Jose State, 3)

2008: Jordy Nelson (Kansas State, 2), Desean Jackson (California, 2), Pierre Garcon (Mount Union, 6), Danny Amendola (Texas Tech, UDFA)

2009: Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech, 1), Jeremy Maclin (Missouri, 1), Percy Harvin (Florida, 1), Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina, 1), Kenny Britt (Rutgers, 1), Mike Wallace (Ole Miss, 3)

2010: Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech, 1), Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State, 1), Emmanuel Sanders (SMU, 3), Eric Decker (Minnesota, 3), Mike Williams (Syracuse, 4), Antonio Brown (Central Michigan, 6), Victor Cruz (UMass, UDFA), Danario Alexander (Missouri, UDFA). 

2011: AJ Green (Georgia, 1), Julio Jones (Alabama, 1), Torrey Smith (Maryland, 2), Randall Cobb (Kentucky, 2), Vincent Brown (San Diego State, 3), Cecil Shorts (Mount Union, 4), Denarius Moore (Tennessee, 5)

 

I didn't include 2012, but you can see from this list there are a few schools that keep repeating, and those schools haven't had prospects go in the first round. 

 

PS I mainly included Pro Bowl players, popular players, or players who are frequently discussed around here. I didn't include less popular players. I did it because not all of those players have had the same level of impact as these players have. I might have missed some guys. I'm not perfect. But it's just a list to give you an idea that a wide receiver doesn't need to come from the SEC or be taken in the 1st to be successful.

[gabefergy]

Funny you say this. Very funny. I've noticed that over the years, wide receiver is a very interesting position in terms of the draft.

2001: Reggie Wayne (THE U, 1), Chad Johnson (Oregon State, 2), Chris Chambers (Wisconsin, 2), Steve Smith (Utah, 3), TJ Houshmandzadeh (Oregon State, 7)
2002: Donte Stallworth (Tennesse, 1), Deion Branch (Louisville, 2)
2003: Andre Johnson (The U, 1), Anquan Boldin (FSU, 2), Brandon Lloyd (Illinois, 4), David Tyree (Syracuse, 6)
2004: Larry Fitzgerald (Pittsburgh, 1), Roy Williams (Texas, 1), Wes Welker (Texas Tech, UDFA)
2005: Roddy White (UAB, 1), Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado, 2), Nate Washington (Tiffin, UDFA)
2006: Santonio Holmes (Ohio State, 1), Greg Jennings (Western Michigan, 2), Brandon Marshall (UCF, 4), Marques Colston (Colorado State, 7th COMP), Miles Austin (Monmouth, UDFA)
2007: Calvin Johnson (Georgia Tech, 1), Dwayne Bowe (LSU, 1), Sidney Rice (South Carolina, 2), Steve Smith (USC), Jacoby Jones (Lane, 3), James Jones (San Jose State, 3)
2008: Jordy Nelson (Kansas State, 2), Desean Jackson (California, 2), Pierre Garcon (Mount Union, 6), Danny Amendola (Texas Tech, UDFA)
2009: Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech, 1), Jeremy Maclin (Missouri, 1), Percy Harvin (Florida, 1), Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina, 1), Kenny Britt (Rutgers, 1), Mike Wallace (Ole Miss, 3)
2010: Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech, 1), Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State, 1), Emmanuel Sanders (SMU, 3), Eric Decker (Minnesota, 3), Mike Williams (Syracuse, 4), Antonio Brown (Central Michigan, 6), Victor Cruz (UMass, UDFA), Danario Alexander (Missouri, UDFA).
2011: AJ Green (Georgia, 1), Julio Jones (Alabama, 1), Torrey Smith (Maryland, 2), Randall Cobb (Kentucky, 2), Vincent Brown (San Diego State, 3), Cecil Shorts (Mount Union, 4), Denarius Moore (Tennessee, 5)

I didn't include 2012, but you can see from this list there are a few schools that keep repeating, and those schools haven't had prospects go in the first round.

PS I mainly included Pro Bowl players, popular players, or players who are frequently discussed around here. I didn't include less popular players. I did it because not all of those players have had the same level of impact as these players have. I might have missed some guys. I'm not perfect. But it's just a list to give you an idea that a wide receiver doesn't need to come from the SEC or be taken in the 1st to be successful.

More than anything, I noticed that teams are doing a better job of evaluating talent. There are still some misses, but players don't seem to slip through the cracks like they used to.

[GrimCoconut]

More than anything, I noticed that teams are doing a better job of evaluating talent. There are still some misses, but players don't seem to slip through the cracks like they used to.

That's completely true. Teams have caught on to the idea that wide receivers don't need to come from certain colleges. The small schools are getting respected. There's still wild draft stock, so you can find talented players anywhere. But I just found that list very interesting. You know, the schools & the change in draft position, etc. 

 

Syracuse & Mount Union had some nice representation. As did the U, though their wide receivers haven't been up to par in recent years. Same goes for Texas Tech & Tennessee. 

[ravensdan]

Thank you grim, your post has illustrated my point exactly. I'm pretty sure if you were to then make a list of the best o-line and font 7 defenders you would see much more of a trend toward the bigger schools.

[GrimCoconut]

Thank you grim, your post has illustrated my point exactly. I'm pretty sure if you were to then make a list of the best o-line and font 7 defenders you would see much more of a trend toward the bigger schools.

When I have more time, I will. I'm interested in seeing the success there. 

 

FWIW, it seems from a first glance that CBs & WRs are actually more successful outside of the SEC. After all, Revis played for Pittsburgh. We all know where Webb attended.