Slot WR vs Passing Receiving "3rd Down" RB

xwalker

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I think a good way to enhance the slot WR depth is by getting a pass receiving RB.

The Duke Johnson type RB would be good to have on the roster. He could used as a slot WR on some snaps depending on matchups and his ability as a receiver out of the backfield could be used to do some of the things a slot WR does.

Beasley was great in his niche role of owning the short area to move the chains; however, his limitations were often a limitation on the offense. He didn't have the deep speed of some smallish WRs to back defenders off and his quickness was negated one longer routes where defenders have more time to react with the ball in the air and can use their size to reach around/over him.

Using a WR with outside WR ability in the slot allows for more creativity on offense; however, the bigger WRs (Cooper is an exception) often don't have the quickness of Beasley. That's where a quick pass receiving RB can be an asset in the slot or from the backfield but running routes in that same short area where Beasley excelled.

I have not looked at these types of RBs in the draft.

Although I'm a big fan of RB Bryce Love, he was not used much as a receiver. I don't know if that was because he was limited or just because they didn't need that from him.

Tavon Austin can be used as a slot WR with elite speed and quickness but he's not an ideal option to use from the backfield because he can't pass block like some of the short but stout RBs. Lance Dunbar was about the same height but was a very good pass blocker. Dunbar probably outweighed Austin by 25 pounds. Obviously injury issues limited Dunbar just like they've limited Austin in his career.


Summary: In the draft I would focus more on a pass receiving RB than a slot WR.
 

CATCH17

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I think a good way to enhance the slot WR depth is by getting a pass receiving RB.

The Duke Johnson type RB would be good to have on the roster. He could used as a slot WR on some snaps depending on matchups and his ability as a receiver out of the backfield could be used to do some of the things a slot WR does.

Beasley was great in his niche role of owning the short area to move the chains; however, his limitations were often a limitation on the offense. He didn't have the deep speed of some smallish WRs to back defenders off and his quickness was negated one longer routes where defenders have more time to react with the ball in the air and can use their size to reach around/over him.

Using a WR with outside WR ability in the slot allows for more creativity on offense; however, the bigger WRs (Cooper is an exception) often don't have the quickness of Beasley. That's where a quick pass receiving RB can be an asset in the slot or from the backfield but running routes in that same short area where Beasley excelled.

I have not looked at these types of RBs in the draft.

Although I'm a big fan of RB Bryce Love, he was not used much as a receiver. I don't know if that was because he was limited or just because they didn't need that from him.

Tavon Austin can be used as a slot WR with elite speed and quickness but he's not an ideal option to use from the backfield because he can't pass block like some of the short but stout RBs. Lance Dunbar was about the same height but was a very good pass blocker. Dunbar probably outweighed Austin by 25 pounds. Obviously injury issues limited Dunbar just like they've limited Austin in his career.


Summary: In the draft I would focus more on a pass receiving RB than a slot WR.

Gotta disagree.

This franchise has absolutely no clue how to use a player like this.

They had all these web back plans with Tavon Austin and we never saw it amount to anything when he played and I doubt if we ever would have because that is just how they are.



Garrett needs a player that fits a box and then he will let them do a few things they do well.

If we go for a RB we just need a good RB. Doesn't matter their skill set. Just get someone of quality.
 

xwalker

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Gotta disagree.

This franchise has absolutely no clue how to use a player like this.

They had all these web back plans with Tavon Austin and we never saw it amount to anything when he played and I doubt if we ever would have because that is just how they are.



Garrett needs a player that fits a box and then he will let them do a few things they do well.

Austin was not going to get snaps in place of Beasley.

Also Austin is not a significant option as a RB because it increases his chances of injury.
 

CATCH17

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Austin was not going to get snaps in place of Beasley.

Also Austin is not a significant option as a RB because it increases his chances of injury.

He's not really good at anything but reverses and punt returns.

I don't understand how Tavon Austin is such a jag and someone like Tyreek Hill is an elite WR with basically the same skill set.
 

xwalker

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If we’re gonna pay Zeke, wed damn sure better not take him off the field, especially on important third downs.

Zeke will not play 100% of the snaps.

Zeke is arguably the best 1st/2nd down RB in the league.

If Zeke is not going to play 100% of the snaps, then the backup either has to play 1st/2nd type downs or 3rd downs.

It's much harder to replace Zeke on 1st/2nd and short yardage than on 3rd downs (intermediate and long yardage 3rd downs).

A very good 1st/2nd short yardage backup RB would have a limited role; whereas an elite pass receiving backup RB would be able to function in many roles.

Also 1st/2nd and short yardage type RBs are more expensive if they're a good player because teams without an elite RB like Zeke will give them snaps in a starter by committee type of function or in the draft teams will think those players can develop into legit starters because they have the size/measurable(s).

Really good pass receiving RBs that are too small to play a lot of snaps running the ball are often available later in the draft.
 

xwalker

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He's not really good at anything but reverses and punt returns.

I don't understand how Tavon Austin is such a jag and someone like Tyreek Hill is an elite WR with basically the same skill set.

Hill is about 5-10, 190.

Austin is about 5-8, 175.
 

HungryLion

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He's not really good at anything but reverses and punt returns.

I don't understand how Tavon Austin is such a jag and someone like Tyreek Hill is an elite WR with basically the same skill set.

Coaching and injuries.

Austin had Jeff Fisher and Garret most of his career.

He only had good offensive coaching for one season with the Rams and Mcvay but he was hurt for most of the season.

I don’t think Austin would be as good as Tyreek Hill. But I can guarantee that Andy reid would get good production out of him
 

HungryLion

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Zeke will not play 100% of the snaps.

Zeke is arguably the best 1st/2nd down RB in the league.

If Zeke is not going to play 100% of the snaps, then the backup either has to play 1st/2nd type downs or 3rd downs.

It's much harder to replace Zeke on 1st/2nd and short yardage than on 3rd downs (intermediate and long yardage 3rd downs).

A very good 1st/2nd short yardage backup RB would have a limited role; whereas an elite pass receiving backup RB would be able to function in many roles.

Also 1st/2nd and short yardage type RBs are more expensive if they're a good player because teams without an elite RB like Zeke will give them snaps in a starter by committee type of function or in the draft teams will think those players can develop into legit starters because they have the size/measurable(s).

Really good pass receiving RBs that are too small to play a lot of snaps running the ball are often available later in the draft.


We need another Lance Dunbar, but that can stay healthy. Lance Dunbar was actually productive for the team when he was healthy. Problem was, he was almost never healthy.
 

xwalker

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We need another Lance Dunbar, but that can stay healthy. Lance Dunbar was actually productive for the team when he was healthy. Problem was, he was almost never healthy.

I totally agree.

If he could have stayed healthy he was an prototype 3rd down RB because in addition to his WR type receiving skills and elite speed, he was a very good pass blocker. Many of these types struggle to pass block but Dunbar was very good at it.
 

Mr_437

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I think a good way to enhance the slot WR depth is by getting a pass receiving RB.

The Duke Johnson type RB would be good to have on the roster. He could used as a slot WR on some snaps depending on matchups and his ability as a receiver out of the backfield could be used to do some of the things a slot WR does.

Beasley was great in his niche role of owning the short area to move the chains; however, his limitations were often a limitation on the offense. He didn't have the deep speed of some smallish WRs to back defenders off and his quickness was negated one longer routes where defenders have more time to react with the ball in the air and can use their size to reach around/over him.

Using a WR with outside WR ability in the slot allows for more creativity on offense; however, the bigger WRs (Cooper is an exception) often don't have the quickness of Beasley. That's where a quick pass receiving RB can be an asset in the slot or from the backfield but running routes in that same short area where Beasley excelled.

I have not looked at these types of RBs in the draft.

Although I'm a big fan of RB Bryce Love, he was not used much as a receiver. I don't know if that was because he was limited or just because they didn't need that from him.

Tavon Austin can be used as a slot WR with elite speed and quickness but he's not an ideal option to use from the backfield because he can't pass block like some of the short but stout RBs. Lance Dunbar was about the same height but was a very good pass blocker. Dunbar probably outweighed Austin by 25 pounds. Obviously injury issues limited Dunbar just like they've limited Austin in his career.


Summary: In the draft I would focus more on a pass receiving RB than a slot WR.
I think Duke being able to give you something out of the slot would help justify his contract and would be a good wrinkle.

It's said by BryBroad that DAL is looking for a RB2 more than a scatback. He mentioned Tavon in that role, but i don't want Austin doing that.

Honestly, I don't see how this team doesn't see they need some real juice in a small RB or slot, but they might skip that type player.
 

TruBluSince1982

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It certainly could work\help with the situation however not sure I'm confident that they can find "that" type. Let's not forget they wanted Pumphrey over Cohen just a few years ago. Was never even reported that Cohen was a blip on their radar even though they were saying at the time that they were looking for that exact type of back. Sad really, Cohen had Superstar written all over him. What an instrumental piece in turning the Bear's offense around quickly.

Also like someone stated, not sure we would no how to employ anyway. Never had the same kind of success the way New Orleans or Philly did with Sproles or Cohen with the Bears. Certain level of creativity has to be involved.
 

Verdict

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I think a good way to enhance the slot WR depth is by getting a pass receiving RB.

The Duke Johnson type RB would be good to have on the roster. He could used as a slot WR on some snaps depending on matchups and his ability as a receiver out of the backfield could be used to do some of the things a slot WR does.

Beasley was great in his niche role of owning the short area to move the chains; however, his limitations were often a limitation on the offense. He didn't have the deep speed of some smallish WRs to back defenders off and his quickness was negated one longer routes where defenders have more time to react with the ball in the air and can use their size to reach around/over him.

Using a WR with outside WR ability in the slot allows for more creativity on offense; however, the bigger WRs (Cooper is an exception) often don't have the quickness of Beasley. That's where a quick pass receiving RB can be an asset in the slot or from the backfield but running routes in that same short area where Beasley excelled.

I have not looked at these types of RBs in the draft.

Although I'm a big fan of RB Bryce Love, he was not used much as a receiver. I don't know if that was because he was limited or just because they didn't need that from him.

Tavon Austin can be used as a slot WR with elite speed and quickness but he's not an ideal option to use from the backfield because he can't pass block like some of the short but stout RBs. Lance Dunbar was about the same height but was a very good pass blocker. Dunbar probably outweighed Austin by 25 pounds. Obviously injury issues limited Dunbar just like they've limited Austin in his career.


Summary: In the draft I would focus more on a pass receiving RB than a slot WR.

I think this is a very good point. Thinking outside the box, some WR can be used as a RB based on build, but RBs are generally going to have more experience blocking than a WR other than against DBs.

Beasley only caught 3 passes per game. Thielen catches many more than that per game. Part of that is how they are used. Hopefully we will use our slot receiver in a more versatile way going forward.
 

Verdict

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Reggie Bush, Alvin Kamara, Hunt, and a few others are the prototypes for what you are looking for on that versatility. They can play RB but they can really hurt you in the passing game.

But you can't line up and use Bush, Kamari, Hunt and similar types like Zeke in a between the tackles kind of way and expect them to hold up every down.

That's one of the reasons Dunbar couldn't stay healthy. We ran him between the tackles far too often when we had to use him as the primary ball carrier for that short period of time.
 

Verdict

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I think Duke being able to give you something out of the slot would help justify his contract and would be a good wrinkle.

It's said by BryBroad that DAL is looking for a RB2 more than a scatback. He mentioned Tavon in that role, but i don't want Austin doing that.

Honestly, I don't see how this team doesn't see they need some real juice in a small RB or slot, but they might skip that type player.

I don't know how much his contact is but he is probably really worth what we paid Lee and Witten together. And he's probably much cheaper than that.
 

Verdict

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Coaching and injuries.

Austin had Jeff Fisher and Garret most of his career.

He only had good offensive coaching for one season with the Rams and Mcvay but he was hurt for most of the season.

I don’t think Austin would be as good as Tyreek Hill. But I can guarantee that Andy reid would get good production out of him

He would be poison to a defense if he played for KC with Mahommes and Hill.
 

Verdict

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If we’re gonna pay Zeke, wed damn sure better not take him off the field, especially on important third downs.

While that's true we can't play him as much as we have been playing him and not expect to get hurt. Tired players are more likely to get injured.
 

Mr_437

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I don't know how much his contact is but he is probably really worth what we paid Lee and Witten together. And he's probably much cheaper than that.
2019 - 3M
2020 - 4M
2021 - 5M
 
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