DavidSeven":19aek6bk said:
Pandion Haliaetus":19aek6bk said:
Exactly, he's just a slot WR. Can he play flanker? Can he play split-end? Does he provide an awesome value on Special Teams... I could care less if Baldwin is an RFA, that means nothing save for the fact the Seahawks could retain him for another year at a reasonable price... I'm just thinking about the bigger picture of it all. As I said, I think the Seahawks drafted Harper to fill the Obomanu role: A WR who can play all three positions at a solid level, and have above average to elite significance as a blocker, as well as be an awesome special teamer specifically as a Gunner. If Harper can show that he can do all of those roles, then he's easily a lock.
As long as Tate and Harvin stay healthy, you really don't have any need for Baldwin, both Tate and Harvin can switch off in the split-end and slot roles, IF Baldwin sticks he will most likely be reduced 1-2 targets a game for 15-20 catches a year.
At least Williams has the value of backing up Rice, as well as, making him expendable in 2014. I have nothing against Baldwin, he just offers little in versatility as well as future value. However, while I would like the Seahawks to keep him, I just think he'll be the odd man out if they only keep 5 WRs.
Baldwin can play all the WR positions. All of Seattle's WRs are expected to line up everywhere. He just happens to be the best on our team in the slot (pre-Harvin). He also plays Special Teams on kick coverage.
Pete Carroll also said he plans to play Harper on the outside and specifically said he was NOT a slot guy. I seriously doubt Harper could play the slot any better than Baldwin could play the outside, and Baldwin is far more trustworthy as a receiver in general at this point. I think Harper will make the team, but not at the expense of any of the top four WRs. He's a solid bet for WR #5. Williams and maybe Kearse have a shot of either taking Harper's place at #5 or making it on the roster as the WR #6.
We'll see... but I think in the end in terms of keeping 5 WRs... Stephen Williams is more valuable that Doug Baldwin. Chris Harper is more valuable than Doug Baldwin. Of course this is in the scenario, that everyone is competing, and doing what they need to do to make the team. I'm trying to say that its established that Harper and Williams will make the team over Baldwin. I'm not, I'm just saying that if they both show up, work hard, and prove they have what it takes to play and be productive then Doug Baldwin becomes expendable and I already gave you key points:
1) Seahawks are most likely going to replace Sidney Rice after this season, and having both Harper and Williams in the fold, makes that much more comfortable.
2) Seahawks are most likely going to try to retain Golden Tate after this season (which makes point 1 more crucial in the bigger picture). If they do, there is no reason to continue to hang on to Baldwin with Harvin already on the roster.
3) My point about Harper stands, the guy will be a load to handle. I'm not saying he's going to tear it up but you have to realize that the Seahawks drafted him with a 4th round pick over guys like Patton and their 5th round picks Williams, and Simon. They obviously liked his skillset and abilitiy enough to where he was a luxury pick even though we had Rice, Tate, Harvin, and Baldwin. Again why I feel why Harper is a lock, just think of what Ben Obomanu was for this team. Harper is the bigger, faster, more physical, more athletic version of that and provides a solid base of reciveing, blocking, and special teams ability. Whether he can play slot remains to be seen, but Harp is a seemingly smart WR, who possesses the toughness and attitude to go over the middle and make catches in traffic.
4) Again, I'm not hating on Baldwin, he's a cool dude but for the future of this team, he's not an essential player anymore with Harvin making 10+ mill a year. In the end in a perfect world Seahawks will keep 6 WRs.
