FlyingGreg":3hdkt4b6 said:
This will be interesting.
I am going with Baldwin, Kearse, Lockett, Richardson and Williams. They only keep 5 WR this year because I think they keep 4 TE, at least initially.
McEvoy and Lawler to the P.S.
Thoughts?
Well, we agree about the first 4 for sure. Obviously, the first 4 you've got listed are virtual locks -- Baldwin, Kearse, Lockett, and Richardson.
I do believe that they go with 5 WR's in the end ... and that it looks like at this point that the 5th spot is a battle between Williams and McEvoy. Besides being able to actually catch the football, get open, and make plays (first and foremost) -- I would say that (given past experience) that Carroll and company look at a few other different factors when considering who that 5th WR is going to be ...
1) Does the guy have something about him that sets him apart from the rest? Does he have an asset that makes him stand out -- something that no one else on the roster has? Speed, height, elusiveness, etc.
2) Can that #5 Guy play special teams? Can he a potential gunner, someone who will fly down on kickoffs and punts and make plays? OR can he be a potential returner. Something like that.
3) Can he block? This is a run first team -- how good of a blocker is he in the run game?
Given those factors, I'm thinking that (if he can potentially shine on Special teams over these next couple of games) ... that Tanner McEvoy could potentially be the guy there for that #5 Spot.
We've mentioned it many times, Pete and John both are always looking for guys who "tilt the field" -- who possess special qualities that set them apart. Well, I believe there's something potentially really attractive about the idea of a WR who's 6'6" and has 4.4 to 4.5 speed. We saw it in Super Bowl XLIX the value of Russell Wilson having a tall receiver to throw to. Were it not for that interception that sealed our doom ... there is an excellent chance that Chris Matthews would have been the MVP. I think that's potentially an asset that they would very much like to have again. So, if he can show well on Special Teams (and continue to make plays in the passing game) ... I believe the 5th spot is McEvoy's. Just makes too much sense.