Arroyo is the clear choice!
So I can't say I'm heading the bandwagon for Elijah "The Prophet" Arroyo since JC claimed him first, but I'm fully on board. Yes, he's been hurt a lot, I acknowledge that. But just imagine with me for a moment...
Playaction pass is called; already the opposing defense has to crash the line because of the improved running game we are executing under our new coaching philosophy on offense. Ouzts just erases any inside pressure with a crushing block. Meanwhile, a second linebacker is following Walker as he shoots off into the flat. Kupp and JSN are occupying the secondary with their immaculately ran routes.
Which leaves our 6 foot 5 TE to either beat the third lb or cb in coverage in man to man, (which he will if he has 3 seconds to run the route) or be an easy pitch and catch against zone. If they are putting a safety on him, the either JSN or Kupp has 1 on 1 coverage.
This opens up quite a bit of flexibility. Swap out Kupp for Barner for that heavy set look and make the defense think twice about fully committing to the run in case Arroyo leaks out for a pass. Pull out Ouzts instead and go with the 12 personnel standard look and the defense is put in a bind as both pass and run are major threats.
He's going to help convert a lot of 3rd and short situations, while providing some downfield opportunities from time to time. He also might have the most consistent hands out of all the TEs in the draft this year...oh and he's not a bad blocker either.
I will stay optimistic about his health and gladly stand by Arroyo as my Adopt a Rookie for 2025.
