If you assume that we need 8 WR's to rotate, and that we'll typically have two inside and two outside WR's for the majority of plays, what is the ideal mix of kids for those 8 spots?
I'll start the conversation, but don't claim to be completely right.
4 inside guys:
Two have to be able to get separation and catch anything that they can reach with 2 hands…then hold on after the hit. Anything more than that is gravy, and that includes size, speed, yards after catch, blocking ability, etc.
The other two don't have to completely fit the same mold. Obviously they have to be able to catch the ball, but for two of them you could probably trade blocking ability for ability to achieve separation. Maybe not as many good moves & cuts, but some size and definitely more time in the weight room. A TE could potentially fill one of these spots, and then also be available for goal line situations. You could even have a really fast guy in the slot (remember Bumpus?) and hope to get some LB match ups. Those are harder to get now that so many teams play us with a nickel, but a fast guy can probably even beat a safety, especially after the first cut, so it would force teams to try to use three CB's in their nickel.
4 outside guys:
All 4 need to be able to see the ball and catch it with the ball coming in over their shoulder. This sounds simple, but it includes having some acting skills as well as vision ability. This capability is probably the one deal breaker for getting playing time.
At least two have to have at least 4.5 speed in pads and football gear. 4.55 might work if the kid was tall enough, since 6" of height advantage buys a little separation even if the CB is just as fast or faster. The speed imperative is not only related to getting separation with the CB, though clearly that helps. It is also important for minimizing the ability of a center field safety to get into the play on a deep throw, especially one with more loft and less straight line velocity. You could afford to have one little (5'-9" ish) outside WR if he was fast enough…but probably only one.
The other two outside WR's can have a mix of abilities. They can't be slow, but intermediate speed is OK if they bring some other things to the party. That might include being built more like a half back, for blocking and yards after catch benefits. Or it might be height. Or better than intermediate speed. Since really good footwork can help offset not being super fast (if you pick up half a step or a step when you make a cut, that is as good as having better speed for the first 20-25 yards), that is something else that can help an outside guy in particular.
I think if we had 8 guys who fit the above descriptions, we could mix & match them to fit most defenses and ball location on the field. Your thoughts?
I'll start the conversation, but don't claim to be completely right.
4 inside guys:
Two have to be able to get separation and catch anything that they can reach with 2 hands…then hold on after the hit. Anything more than that is gravy, and that includes size, speed, yards after catch, blocking ability, etc.
The other two don't have to completely fit the same mold. Obviously they have to be able to catch the ball, but for two of them you could probably trade blocking ability for ability to achieve separation. Maybe not as many good moves & cuts, but some size and definitely more time in the weight room. A TE could potentially fill one of these spots, and then also be available for goal line situations. You could even have a really fast guy in the slot (remember Bumpus?) and hope to get some LB match ups. Those are harder to get now that so many teams play us with a nickel, but a fast guy can probably even beat a safety, especially after the first cut, so it would force teams to try to use three CB's in their nickel.
4 outside guys:
All 4 need to be able to see the ball and catch it with the ball coming in over their shoulder. This sounds simple, but it includes having some acting skills as well as vision ability. This capability is probably the one deal breaker for getting playing time.
At least two have to have at least 4.5 speed in pads and football gear. 4.55 might work if the kid was tall enough, since 6" of height advantage buys a little separation even if the CB is just as fast or faster. The speed imperative is not only related to getting separation with the CB, though clearly that helps. It is also important for minimizing the ability of a center field safety to get into the play on a deep throw, especially one with more loft and less straight line velocity. You could afford to have one little (5'-9" ish) outside WR if he was fast enough…but probably only one.
The other two outside WR's can have a mix of abilities. They can't be slow, but intermediate speed is OK if they bring some other things to the party. That might include being built more like a half back, for blocking and yards after catch benefits. Or it might be height. Or better than intermediate speed. Since really good footwork can help offset not being super fast (if you pick up half a step or a step when you make a cut, that is as good as having better speed for the first 20-25 yards), that is something else that can help an outside guy in particular.
I think if we had 8 guys who fit the above descriptions, we could mix & match them to fit most defenses and ball location on the field. Your thoughts?