If you go position by position we all know that we have massive OL issues (OT, both OGs) but people are talking it. The other major question marks are CB, LB and Striker. However, if you look at some of the players at these positions, they either have guys with upside (guys who have data points that make you excited or ok about them) or their lack of productivity doesn't hurt the team as much.
Our WR performance gets excused for bad play design, poor blocking and shaky QB play. IMO the biggest problem with our WR room is that the guys who are slated to play a lot are our least talented WRs with limited upside and/or serious downside. They do not create separation consistently which is the biggest driver of consistency. While they have made the occasional big play (create the illusion that they have upside), they consistently make mistakes and can't get open or win on their routes against mediocre competition.
WR:
"The starters" / "vets":
1.
Mike Harley - by all accounts a hard worker and a good guy, he is just is a rotational WR at best. Does not have any strength or wiggle, doesn't break tackles and doesn't create separation outside of the occasional deeper route (even against bad teams). Not a horrible player, but is small and really has just about maxed out his abilities. Has made countless mistakes leading to TOs over the years and loses in almost any 50/50 ball.
2.
Dee Wiggins - People remember the Louisville and FSU games where he was catching long tds creating a false narrative that he has upside and is good. Off memory I can think of at least 3 interceptions (1 weak slant vs FIU, 1 weak 'go' in end zone vs VT, 1 weak out in the end zone vs VT) that were completely his fault for running weak routes, not creating separation. Similar to Harley, just way too easy to cover. Another reason why we weren't scoring points against horrible teams.
3.
Mark Pope - I do think Pope has SOME upside in that he has some cutting ability that can make defenders miss in the open field and help him get open. The problem is that he is way too small, weak and not trustworthy! A bad blocker, has BARELY flashed in his first 2 years which does not to make me confident that he is going to take a big step forward. Consistency seems like a long way off.
The issue with these 3 guys is that they played a ton last year and the guys behind them are extremely young with no experience. I worry that the coaching staff uses this dilemma to
playing the more experienced guys who won't make as many 'mistakes' but will continue to have us struggling to move the ball and get open.
There is definitely some talent in the young WRs but my biggest concern is size, and playing time cus of the group above.
- Payton: most important WR on the roster. Need him to step up immediately considering the positive reviews in practice
- Redding: looks most physically ready to play. Looks strong and decent get off at the line. Will definitely play
- K Smith: Looks good too with cutting ability but extremely skinny so I don't know how much to trust him to play right away
- Restrepo: If you watch his film he has good initial burst and get-off. Wouldn't surprise me to see him make plays but he's so small that it also wouldn't surprise me to see him sit in favor of the older group
- Worsham - if it was based on his junior year I would feel good about him, but his senior year post hip surgery was worrisome and I am not counting on him now
Takeaway: if we don't play the kids we will lose MULTIPLE games because of our WRs inability to get open and make consistent plays.
Other concerns overrated:
CB: like upside of Couch, Williams, Dunson and think Ivey (who sucked last year) has tools to be serviceable if not good. With blades this group should be ok against everyone but top wrs (UNC worries me) and we have the DL who hopefully can manufacture pressure.
Striker: If Frierson plays too much we are in trouble. Slow and bad angles! I love Keonta and think he needs to be the guy who can help improve team speed, tackling and play making
LB: Brooks looked fast late in the year so hopefully he can be at least serviceable. If not we have Huff, and other young LBs. As long as RAGONE doesn't sniff the field and McCloud stays health it shouldn't hurt us too much
