WR corps

[Dantés]

MVS continues to catch like that and go get that ball like he did last game, I don't care who the competition is. He's fast enough he's going to be effective by producing or opening things for others. He just looked way more confident and in control. Fleeting moment or sign of things to come? I hope for the latter, he seems to have worked hard enough to deserve it. Man, would that really open things up.

The Lions were starting scrubs at corner which was probably a confidence boost for him. I’m looking for it to carry over to more legitimate opposition.

 

[sschind]

Yup, mistake made there.

Just how the heck am I ever going to be able to take anything you post seriously seriously now?

 

[longtimefan]

but he can't even beat boyle to be our number two Bill, so he's obviously ****

Hello?

Are you here?

 

[tynimiller]

Doubs - On 720 snaps he has produced at a rate of .79 yards per snap this year
Reed - On 519 snaps he has produced at a rate of 1.37 yards per snap this year (includes his rushing yards)
Wicks - On 389 snaps he has produced at a rate of 1.26 yards per snap this year (includes his one yard rushing)
Watson - On 446 snaps he has produced at a rate of .97 yards per snap this year (includes his 11 yards rushing)


It's crazy how efficient Reed and Wicks are but to be fair, the more snaps you get the lower that number typically gets - which is why Reed's is even more impressive IMO.

Yards per receptions are
15.8 Wicks
15.1 Watson
11.0 Reed
10.9 Doubs

 

[El Guapo]

Doubs disappears at times. It will be interesting to see how he rebounds in Year 3

 

[Heyjoe4]

Doubs disappears at times. It will be interesting to see how he rebounds in Year 3

Good observation. I really expected him to take charge this year. You're right though - he just kinda disappears, which is strange as I think he's a solid route runner.

It may be that Reed and Wicks are simply running better routes, and that's a nice problem to have. The top three WRs are some combination of these three guys, although Reed stands out.

Not sure what to make of Watson. His injury problems are getting old. He seems to have two uses - go routes where he outruns the corner, or jet sweeps. I haven't seen him run routes like Reed and Wicks.

He'll get another year, but he keeps falling behind while other guys are stepping up. As Love gets better at his reads, he's gonna be looking for Reed, Wicks, Doubs, Musgrave/Kraft, and Watson - in that order. Watson needs a big year three if he wants to stay in the NFL. How he gets Love's attention is another matter.

 

[gopkrs]

To me, Watson has looked very good. Stop running him on the sweeps.

 

[tynimiller]

@El Guapo @Heyjoe4 he doesn't disappear. Doubs is still arguably the highest floor type guy in our WR room and has the purest knowledge of the routes and book. What he isn't is a massive big play walking type guy...and truthfully is more a possession type WR anyways - who often times unless the opposition has a really good inside shifty nickel back is seeing the opposing teams better CBs.

Doubs still leads this team in targets, is only 2 receptions behind the leader in receptions, less than 30 yards from the lead in yards and is leading the team with 7 TD receptions.

He also leads the team in first down receptions.

Doubs is that guy that will be the odd man out in two years if Wicks and Reed are HIM like it seems and Watson gets healthy...but trust me if Watson doesn't stay healthy...Doubs at MINIMUM will give you that 750 yard years and at times be a team's 100% WR1 when needed.

Truth is Doubs / Watson / Wicks and Reed all operate in just enough of different ways I am not sure you could have a better more complete complement of receiver types (YOU TROLLS DON'T MISREAD THAT) in a room and if they all progress watch out 2024 and 2025 because that's how long we have them all under contract.

 

[Heyjoe4]

@El Guapo @Heyjoe4 he doesn't disappear. Doubs is still arguably the highest floor type guy in our WR room and has the purest knowledge of the routes and book. What he isn't is a massive big play walking type guy...and truthfully is more a possession type WR anyways - who often times unless the opposition has a really good inside shifty nickel back is seeing the opposing teams better CBs.

Doubs still leads this team in targets, is only 2 receptions behind the leader in receptions, less than 30 yards from the lead in yards and is leading the team with 7 TD receptions.

He also leads the team in first down receptions.

Doubs is that guy that will be the odd man out in two years if Wicks and Reed are HIM like it seems and Watson gets healthy...but trust me if Watson doesn't stay healthy...Doubs at MINIMUM will give you that 750 yard years and at times be a team's 100% WR1 when needed.

Truth is Doubs / Watson / Wicks and Reed all operate in just enough of different ways I am not sure you could have a better more complete complement of receiver types (YOU TROLLS DON'T MISREAD THAT) in a room and if they all progress watch out 2024 and 2025 because that's how long we have them all under contract.

All good points and interesting stats. Doubs isn't so invisible after all!

And I agree that these young guys are destined for some very good things. Overall, Love is playing better and I'm really happy with the rookie seasons of Reed and Wicks. Really need Watson to get healthy and get some reps because he has the physical traits to be a #1 WR. But he has to play and hamstring injuries are notoriously hard to shake.

 

[tynimiller]

Here's another crazy projection or claim by me...had Watson not been able to play at all this year, not only would Reed be on pace to break Sterling Sharpe's rookie reception number of 55 - Wicks would have also.

*Musgrave was on pace too if he'd not lacerated his kidney.....


It is early, not even one year in...but Gute very well might have just hit a grand slam of offensive weapons in this past draft with Reed / Musgrave / Kraft / Wicks

 

[Heyjoe4]

Here's another crazy projection or claim by me...had Watson not been able to play at all this year, not only would Reed be on pace to break Sterling Sharpe's rookie reception number of 55 - Wicks would have also.

*Musgrave was on pace too if he'd not lacerated his kidney.....


It is early, not even one year in...but Gute very well might have just hit a grand slam of offensive weapons in this past draft with Reed / Musgrave / Kraft / Wicks

Yeah I gotta give Gluten and maybe MLF credit for going all in on youth and letting the old guys go. It was just serendipitous that Cobb and Lazard wanted to follow Rodgers to NYC.

I did want them to keep Marcedes Lewis, but he was a blocking TE anyway. It sure seems to be paying off.

I've really been impressed with Kraft. Nasty injury to Musgrave gave Kraft a chance to play more. They'll both be around for a while. And unless they want to keep him as an HBack/blocking TE hybrid, I expect this is DeGuarra's last year, and only because it doesn't seem like he fits.

 

[OldSchool101]

All really good thoughts.
Kraft was my favorite selection. I had him teetering in back of Round2 from everything I read (and watched) about him. I considered he might be our Rd2 selection last year
Krafts biggest ? was similar to Watson.. would their ability translate at this level of competition?. I think we have a small sample, but so far it’s a resounding YES

I rewatched a few recent games condensed. I believe Musgrave was just opening the throttle when he was injured. He had a few catches where he tore across the field like a 6’ WR. His athleticism jumped off the page so to speak and I wasn’t looking his way, but it’s hard not to see Jimmy Graham 2.0.
I believe he’s a TE that if used properly could put up 1000+ in a season. I don’t say that lightly. It was a really good TE draft as we can see what La Porta is doing with a good QB.

Anyway, back to Kraft. The 3rd Round curse has been lifted imo.

 

[AKCheese]

bunch of guys moving into their sophmore (slump) year. We need to bring in a WR2/3 guy in FA to solidify the group and give Love some insurance. We could have really used such a guy THIS year!

 

[OldSchool101]

Another point is there is a huge number of talented WR this year. I looked across draft positions (by consensus grades) and wrote them down by Round. WR is by far the thickest group of talent across 4 Rounds.
That said, we likely have 7 selections in the first 4-Rounds. When a commodity is in large surplus in a sector, the market dictates an increase in value as it pushes that player down the line, by default.


What I have learned in hundreds of my Mocks specifically in the 2024 draft? I wouldn’t get jumpy at 3 positions early in. iDL or WR or RB have clumps of good players in that Round3-4 area (where we have 4 selections). Whenever I drafted one earlier? I often had to pass on a relatively equal talent a Round or 2 later. “I should’ve waited” has been my lesson learned. Treat WR, RB and iDL like the Officers successfully ordered at Bunker Hill. Don’t get impatient!! Wait to draft one a little later.. “Draft one when their value jumps out at you like the whites of their eyes”. I’m about 90% positive there will be a 2nd Round grade at WR (call it top 50-60) all the way at the back of Round3 to front of Rd4.

I personally like OT and Safety options in that Top 50.

 

[tynimiller]

bunch of guys moving into their sophmore (slump) year. We need to bring in a WR2/3 guy in FA to solidify the group and give Love some insurance. We could have really used such a guy THIS year!

I was in this camp for this year as many remember not doubt, but now I strongly disagree. With the surge of Wicks proving to be a true weapon, Reed quickly becoming the biggest weapon in our quiver, the oober reliable Doubs ever present....then Watson that when in is our homerun dude....ALL PROGRESSING. Next year is the worst time to bring in a veteran at WR unless it is a guy that knows coming in he is at highest a WR4/5 type guy snap wise and is here purely to help growth of others.

Shoot Malik Heath has quickly showed he can be a WR5 even right now and has been excelling in his WR4 role with Watson out.

If we are going to add a veteran skill position I think it has to be a complimentary TE that will be that 2/3 type guy or a RB. Wide Receiver barring any of the five I listed getting hurt really should only be a draft or UDFA type addition IMO

 

[Poppa San]

If we are going to add a veteran skill position I think it has to be a complimentary TE that will be that 2/3 type guy or a RB. Wide Receiver barring any of the five I listed getting hurt really should only be a draft or UDFA type addition IMO

Could you foresee not drafting ANY WR next time like we didn't draft any OL last time?

 

[tynimiller]

Could you foresee not drafting ANY WR next time like we didn't draft any OL last time?

Man I think there is going to be some "falling" WRs that may tempt Gute. Truthfully ignoring WR early I think could be tough to do, but I also hope that sets up a few good trades perhaps where Gute can move around with teams desperate to hit a WR. Imagine KC wanting to move from the back likely 6 picks or so in the first for us in the teens because maybe Odunze or Lagette or Nabers is still there...or whomever. You're looking at fleecing them of this year or HIGH equity next year paired with likely their this year first and a fourth or worst along with it.

Truthfully I foresee about ten WRs that I truly think if you added them to our roster you'd be hard pressed to not say they are WR3 or so MAYBE...WR4 at worst.

 

[tynimiller]

Could you foresee not drafting ANY WR next time like we didn't draft any OL last time?

Truthfully, I could see us drafting a QB before a WR this next draft. A long experienced guy in the fourth or fifth again to sit and learn and battle for QB2 while we have still a young Love. Imagine a guy like Sam Hartman type or so.

 

[gopkrs]

I was in this camp for this year as many remember not doubt, but now I strongly disagree. With the surge of Wicks proving to be a true weapon, Reed quickly becoming the biggest weapon in our quiver, the oober reliable Doubs ever present....then Watson that when in is our homerun dude....ALL PROGRESSING. Next year is the worst time to bring in a veteran at WR unless it is a guy that knows coming in he is at highest a WR4/5 type guy snap wise and is here purely to help growth of others.

Shoot Malik Heath has quickly showed he can be a WR5 even right now and has been excelling in his WR4 role with Watson out.

If we are going to add a veteran skill position I think it has to be a complimentary TE that will be that 2/3 type guy or a RB. Wide Receiver barring any of the five I listed getting hurt really should only be a draft or UDFA type addition IMO

I don't think we need wide outs. I believe that agrees with you. All these guys are good.

 

[PackerDNA]

Love, his receivers and tight ends are the brightest spot on this team. The rest is anywhere from meh to bad.

 

[OldSchool101]

I will say that Musgrave is going to be like a Big WR.. and a good one. I’d still keep my eyes on a WR specialist, such as a formidable YAC or RAC guy. Malachi Corley is my man if he’s there in Rd3 area.
My honorable mention favorites in Day2 are Johnny Wilson or riser, Ricky Pearsall in early Day3. Pearsall is great at contested catches and also has value as a Run blocker, which GB stresses importance.

 

[Dieseljunkie12]

Kind of off subject but on subject in a way. Had this argument with a fellow level headed and very smart fan. Would never happen but the choice is draft Harrison and drop Watson and keep everyone else or draft player b who is good but not "going to be great" and keep Watson but we have to lose Wicks/doubs/reed/Musgrave/kraft etc.

Pretty much my argument was ability is availability.

What's your pick?
Mine is lose Watson and his pick was player b and keeWatson but lose one of ours currently

 

[OldSchool101]

Kind of off subject but on subject in a way. Had this argument with a fellow level headed and very smart fan. Would never happen but the choice is draft Harrison and drop Watson and keep everyone else or draft player b who is good but not "going to be great" and keep Watson but we have to lose Wicks/doubs/reed/Musgrave/kraft etc.

Pretty much my argument was ability is availability.

What's your pick?
Mine is lose Watson and his pick was player b and keeWatson but lose one of ours currently

First of all the chances of us getting Harrison is about 1%. He’s going to be the 1st WR off the board and he’s not making it past Chicagos 2nd selection at #5 overall.

So are you suggesting GB not only breaks protocol at WR in Day 1, but also trades up aggressively?

 

[Dieseljunkie12]

First of all the chances of us getting Harrison is about 1%. He’s going to be the 1st WR off the board and he’s not making it past Chicagos 2nd selection at #5 overall.

So are you suggesting GB not only breaks protocol at WR in Day 1, but also trades up aggressively?

I just said Harrison because my guy is an Ohio state fan and just an example. So I guess how about the third or 4th best receiver? A "shouldn't miss prospect" in my question. Would you rather have top 5 instead of Watson and keep what we have or keep Watson and draft a 2nd or 3rd rounder but lose wicks/doubs/Reed etc

 

[OldSchool101]

I just said Harrison because my guy is an Ohio state fan and just an example. So I guess how about the third or 4th best receiver? A "shouldn't miss prospect" in my question. Would you rather have top 5 instead of Watson and keep what we have or keep Watson and draft a 2nd or 3rd rounder but lose wicks/doubs/Reed etc

At most I’d grab 1 more WR. It’s a position group we often keep 5-7 players on the 53, plus 1 more on the PS.

All that said I’m in the camp of waiting. If there’s a really good top WR that slips hard (Think Metcalf scenario, here’s a guy that is the 9th WR selected in 2019!) and he’s averaging over 1,000 per season across 5 seasons. I’m not scared to step up as early as Day2 to get the next DK Metcalf if I think that prospect is legit. I’d always be looking to get exceptional talent. Lots can happen. We can nurture one short term and if someone gets hurt earlier in the season? Ok we’re stockpiled. Look at Watson.. how much time has he missed already? Would’ve been nice to have the 2023!version of Johnny Wilson to step into that role as a Rookie.

We have to be realistic that a WR gets injured. Jordy, Cobb, etc. it seems like every other season that happens early in. If not? That’s what trade deadline is for. Use that WR to acquire a comparable asset at another position group that’s banged up. This year we could’ve really used help at CB or Safety. We can’t “wing it” next year though.

Never say never is my thought. I like having a draft plan, but I like getting a superb deal even better.