Potential Landing Spots for Patrick Crayton

[CATCH17]

That depends on where he goes. Crayton is a good player he is not that good that is going to beat out others already established on teams. Pat are not hurting for a WR and I don't think it is a given if he were to end up in NE that is role would be much different than it is now about 30 something catches a year I think Crayton is hoping for more than that. I just think St. Louis who is fairly thin at WR would give Crayton the oppertunity for that bigger role

There isn't a whole lot of teams with 2 receivers better than Crayton. Much less 3.

 

[Doomsday101]

There isn't a whole lot of teams with 2 receivers better than Crayton. Much less 3.

Well I think you are over valuing him then. Crayton is a good player not a great player

 

[jterrell]

I'm a bit surprised that Todd Haley's Chiefs weren't mentioned as a candidate.

I think the Bengals would make a good trading partner as they have several center candidates (while we currently do not) but I'm not sure if they're still looking for receivers.

That is where I think he goes.

Todd Haley coached him here and while Todd and T.O. hate each other's guts I didn't hear Crayton pulled into the drama until after Todd left. The Chiefs need a guy who can catch and be dependable.

I have heard plenty of talk that he stays but I just generally disregard it as nonsense beyond Dallas hoping they can convince other teams of this fact and force someone to offer up a trade.

Dallas doesn't seem to want him and he doesn't want to be here.

All that consummate professional stuff is correct as it was for Greg Ellis... these guys both see the team growing at their positions and they want to go elsewhere to have a chance to be the guy one last time.

My odds:

KC 3-1 --- Bad WR corps who needs some veterans. Coach who knows Crayton and respects toughness such as blocking.
Dolphins 5-1 --- Another crew that knows Crayton and has a fairly weak WR corps after Marshall.
Titans 6-1 --- Bad Corps and needs blockers first. Appreciate ST and blocking.
Cowboys 7-1 --- If Crayton were not already here he'd be a million and 1.
Rams 8-1 --- Really Bad WR corps, all young guys. Can use a punt returner.
Panthers 9-1 --- This team could really use a solid #2 guy to move chains.

 

[jterrell]

It's hard to see anyone giving anything up for Crayton, just based off the fact that guys like Laveranues Coles, TO and Kevin Curtis are still out there.

If you guys release him, I think the Patriots (as someone else mentioned) and the Dolphins would be good matches.

He'd probably play more in Miami, though, given that NE just signed Holt not too long ago.

The Commanders will definitely not sign him lol... the author doesn't have to worry about that heartbreak

I fully expect him to simply be released.
He doesn't have attitude or injury concerns so he will sign somewhere but not for a big contract and only once he is released imho.

I think you are reading this correctly.

A handful of teams would be interested in him as a free agent.

*as a note however NE is not a strong contender.
not with Moss, Welker and Holt there.

 

[jterrell]

Well I think you are over valuing him then. Crayton is a good player not a great player

He is not even good really.
He is an average NFL WR.

He has some very usable skills while also having some very real limitations.

He has good hands and is a good blocker for his size.
He isn't overly physical or speedy.

Just about every team in the NFL has 2 guys they like more than Patrick Crayton. He may have better production in the cases of some of the young guys but he isn't more highly valued. Outside of 2 or 3 cities, no team would swap Crayton for their #2.

It is widely reported he is available and we haven't heard a single trade offer.

 

[Doomsday101]

He is not even good really.
He is an average NFL WR.

He has some very usable skills while also having some very real limitations.

He has good hands and is a good blocker for his size.
He isn't overly physical or speedy.

Just about every team in the NFL has 2 guys they like more than Patrick Crayton. He may have better production in the cases of some of the young guys but he isn't more highly valued. Outside of 2 or 3 cities, no team would swap Crayton for their #2.

It is widely reported he is available and we haven't heard a single trade offer.

We pretty much agree however my version of good is an avg player in the NFL, to be in the NFL you got to be pretty good.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

KC 3-1 --- Bad WR corps who needs some veterans. Coach who knows Crayton and respects toughness such as blocking.
Dolphins 5-1 --- Another crew that knows Crayton and has a fairly weak WR corps after Marshall.
Titans 6-1 --- Bad Corps and needs blockers first. Appreciate ST and blocking.
Cowboys 7-1 --- If Crayton were not already here he'd be a million and 1.
Rams 8-1 --- Really Bad WR corps, all young guys. Can use a punt returner.
Panthers 9-1 --- This team could really use a solid #2 guy to move chains.

My first thought is New England. But they like those quicker Welker type players. Dolphins i could see and even KC. But if Danny Amendola can start in the NFL for the Rams...Crayton certainly can.

 

[Washington Redskin]

I fully expect him to simply be released.
He doesn't have attitude or injury concerns so he will sign somewhere but not for a big contract and only once he is released imho.

I think you are reading this correctly.

A handful of teams would be interested in him as a free agent.

*as a note however NE is not a strong contender.
not with Moss, Welker and Holt there.

You're probably right... I actually heard that Welker was almost up to full speed already, which is ridiculous.

I'm banking on Holt fizzling out though.... then again, he hasn't had a competent QB since Bulger circa-'05. Even then, everyone being 5 years younger had something to do with that success.

I'll stick with the Dolphins.

Marshall-Crayton-Bess-Hartline would be a nice little corps.

The coaching familiarity would help too.

 

[theebs]

You're probably right... I actually heard that Welker was almost up to full speed already, which is ridiculous.

I'm banking on Holt fizzling out though.... then again, he hasn't had a competent QB since Bulger circa-'05. Even then, everyone being 5 years younger had something to do with that success.

I'll stick with the Dolphins.

Marshall-Crayton-Bess-Hartline would be a nice little corps.

The coaching familiarity would help too.

kansas city makes more sense.

They even released bobby wade, crayton could slip into that role.

 

[Arch Stanton]

I wouldn't be surprised to see him returning punts by week 4.

 

[joseephuss]

That is where I think he goes.

Todd Haley coached him here and while Todd and T.O. hate each other's guts I didn't hear Crayton pulled into the drama until after Todd left. The Chiefs need a guy who can catch and be dependable.

I have heard plenty of talk that he stays but I just generally disregard it as nonsense beyond Dallas hoping they can convince other teams of this fact and force someone to offer up a trade.

Dallas doesn't seem to want him and he doesn't want to be here.

All that consummate professional stuff is correct as it was for Greg Ellis... these guys both see the team growing at their positions and they want to go elsewhere to have a chance to be the guy one last time.

My odds:

KC 3-1 --- Bad WR corps who needs some veterans. Coach who knows Crayton and respects toughness such as blocking.
Dolphins 5-1 --- Another crew that knows Crayton and has a fairly weak WR corps after Marshall.
Titans 6-1 --- Bad Corps and needs blockers first. Appreciate ST and blocking.
Cowboys 7-1 --- If Crayton were not already here he'd be a million and 1.
Rams 8-1 --- Really Bad WR corps, all young guys. Can use a punt returner.
Panthers 9-1 --- This team could really use a solid #2 guy to move chains.

The Rams don't need Crayton. They have Danny Amendola.

 

[superpunk]

I don't understand why he has to go anywhere. I'd certainly be comfortable with Dez doing nothing more than returning punts for half the season.

YEAH I SAID IT.

 

[Doomsday101]

I don't understand why he has to go anywhere. I'd certainly be comfortable with Dez doing nothing more than returning punts for half the season.

YEAH I SAID IT.

If he is willing to accept a lesser role then great. The fact he wants to be traded is enough for me to hope he gets what he is asking for instead of staying and not wanting to be here.

 

[craig71]

I don't understand why he has to go anywhere. I'd certainly be comfortable with Dez doing nothing more than returning punts for half the season.

YEAH I SAID IT.

I think it is going to come down to value. If Crayton is to be on the roster fine, but don't keep him just for old times sake. The way I see it he will be the #4 man at best, that #4 man better have some special teams ability. Does Crayton? I don't think so but others do.

Anyway, I think that Crayton will have to have a good camp both on and off the field in order to be here in 2010. Now keep in mind that injuries could effect who makes the cut. Another thing to consider is that Crayton could get caught in a numbers game. Even though Crayton might be impressive in camp, the organization might decide to go heavy at another position which could further diminsh Craytons chances of being here. Even Buehler might play into the decision, depending upon how he performs as a FG kicker. Just too many variables at this time to account for, neither side (pro Crayton/ anti Crayton) can say what will finally transpire.

Craig

 

[jterrell]

We pretty much agree however my version of good is an avg player in the NFL, to be in the NFL you got to be pretty good.

No argument there
And I don't mean to totally disrespect the guy as he has been a good Cowboy.

And he's a local kid.

I just don't get all the fussiness and weird day rueing over it.

As awful as RW11 was last year he had similar overall numbers to Crayton. He had 2 more receiving TDs in more attempts but virtually the same yards per catch, broken tackles and assorted other stats including total yards. And while it is easy to say Crayton was actually better because he had key metrics such as success percentage and drops that were better, it is also clear RW11 drew a heck of a lot more coverage last season than Patrick Crayton did.


Crayton had 1 100 yard game and that came in week 1. He had 5 receiving TDs. He was targeted a fair amount with 72 targets and he only broke 7 tackles on receptions.

All in all ~40 catches, 5 TDs and 600 yards receiving isn't that hard too fill. It would be fairly even-handed to expect that of Dez Bryant next year.

In 2009
Harvin 60 catches, 790 yards, 6 rec TDs and 17 broken tackles!!!
Hakeem Nicks 47 catches, 790 yards, 6 rec TDs and 9 broken tackles.
Jeremy Maclin 55 catches, 752 yards receiving, 4 rec Tds, 2 broken tackles.
Mike Wallace 39 catches, 756 yards, 6 rec TDs and only 2 missed tackles.

All in all, Crayton just isn't a really hard guy to replace and he doesn't offer the explosive element of guys who can get deep or break tackles.

It would not shock me to see Dez break 17 tackles next year as Harvin did. They are both very strong players who were high first round grade athletes that fell due to off field concerns.

 

[Doomsday101]

No argument there
And I don't mean to totally disrespect the guy as he has been a good Cowboy.

And he's a local kid.

I just don't get all the fussiness and weird day rueing over it.

As awful as RW11 was last year he had similar overall numbers to Crayton. He had 2 more receiving TDs in more attempts but virtually the same yards per catch, broken tackles and assorted other stats including total yards. And while it is easy to say Crayton was actually better because he had key metrics such as success percentage and drops that were better, it is also clear RW11 drew a heck of a lot more coverage last season than Patrick Crayton did.


Crayton had 1 100 yard game and that came in week 1. He had 5 receiving TDs. He was targeted a fair amount with 72 targets and he only broke 7 tackles on receptions.

All in all ~40 catches, 5 TDs and 600 yards receiving isn't that hard too fill. It would be fairly even-handed to expect that of Dez Bryant next year.

In 2009
Harvin 60 catches, 790 yards, 6 rec TDs and 17 broken tackles!!!
Hakeem Nicks 47 catches, 790 yards, 6 rec TDs and 9 broken tackles.
Jeremy Maclin 55 catches, 752 yards receiving, 4 rec Tds, 2 broken tackles.
Mike Wallace 39 catches, 756 yards, 6 rec TDs and only 2 missed tackles.

All in all, Crayton just isn't a really hard guy to replace and he doesn't offer the explosive element of guys who can get deep or break tackles.

It would not shock me to see Dez break 17 tackles next year as Harvin did. They are both very strong players who were high first round grade athletes that fell due to off field concerns.

Some may not like to hear it but frankly I think Hurd has greater value and the reason is he is a good player on the coverage units. Crayton's work on special team is as a return man yet with Dez coming in and AOA and their abilities as return men Crayton sole job falls to WR and your not going to keep a 4th or 5th WR who can't contribute in other areas.

I think it would be better for Crayton and the Cowboys to move on

 

[jterrell]

I don't understand why he has to go anywhere. I'd certainly be comfortable with Dez doing nothing more than returning punts for half the season.

YEAH I SAID IT.

rofl....

These types questions are easy to answer.

He has to go because there is no where for him on the roster.

WR1: Austin clearly --- his special teams days are done
WR2a: RW11 --- does zip on ST and is not going anywhere this year.
WR2b: Dez --- Returns punts day 1 and is our biggest threat other than MA.
WR4: Crayton --- but lost his punt return job and doesn't cover kicks.
WR5: Ogletree --- can return kick offs but not a coverage guy.
WR6: Hurd --- very good special teamer, coverage guru.
WR7: Holley --- Hurd-alike with limited speed but good overall ability.
WR8: Manny Johnson --- Who knows... shows good speed. Ogletree-lite?
WR9: Titus Ryan --- Elite speed prospect, can return kicks.

Bottom line is the team can't carry Crayton and RW11 AND not have Miles on special teams. Crayton is low man on that totem pole so they will give up a drop off at WR4 in order to have better special team play there. They also probably value Ogletree more highly as a very cheap guy with huge upside.

Even at that we'll be cutting 2 or 3 other WRs teams will take a long look at.

My hypothetical 6 Deep.

WR1: MA
WR2: Dez --- he'll end up with more targets than RW11 imho.
WR3: RW11 --- designated goalline guy and depending upon coverage.
WR4: Ogletree --- Team will run designed bubble screens and some old Terry Glenn type short out stuff for him imho.
WR5: Holley --- cheaper version of Hurd if he can cover in pre-season. ST only.
WR6: Ryan --- kick returner who may shuffle between active and inactive. Also runs as backup for Ogletree's package.

cut Crayton, Hurd
try to sign Manny to PS one more year.

 

[THUMPER]

He is not even good really.
He is an average NFL WR.

He has some very usable skills while also having some very real limitations.

He has good hands and is a good blocker for his size.
He isn't overly physical or speedy.

Just about every team in the NFL has 2 guys they like more than Patrick Crayton. He may have better production in the cases of some of the young guys but he isn't more highly valued. Outside of 2 or 3 cities, no team would swap Crayton for their #2.

It is widely reported he is available and we haven't heard a single trade offer.

You are exactly right:

Crayton ranked 69th last season in receptions with 37 (Roy Williams was tied for 66th with 38). That means that on average every team could have 2 WRs ahead of him.

Based on last year's teams only the Raiders & Browns had no WRs ranked ahead of Crayton and the Lions, Bucs, Jets, Ravens, & Chiefs had but one.

13 teams had 3 WRs with more receptions than Crayton! 11 teams had 2 each.

The idea that Patrick Crayton is some kind of valuable commodity is simply the figment of some deluded Cowboys fans' imaginations.

 

[jterrell]

Some may not like to hear it but frankly I think Hurd has greater value and the reason is he is a good player on the coverage units. Crayton's work on special team is as a return man yet with Dez coming in and AOA and their abilities as return men Crayton sole job falls to WR and your not going to keep a 4th or 5th WR who can't contribute in other areas.

I think it would be better for Crayton and the Cowboys to move on

I do believe Hurd is the much tougher call. He is a lot like old Billy Davis. He is dependable as a WR when healthy but has more value as a ST guy when healthy. ST is a hard knock life though and he has struggled to stay healthy. Even at minimums his salary is fairly high because of years accrued. If Dallas can get cheaper and less injury prone I think they may well do so as my projections above show.

But it just goes to show how really difficult it will be to make this team at WR this year. That happens when you add a 1st round pick and have everyone returning including 2 guys on the PS.

 

[Doomsday101]

I do believe Hurd is the much tougher call. He is a lot like old Billy Davis. He is dependable as a WR when healthy but has more value as a ST guy when healthy. ST is a hard knock life though and he has struggled to stay healthy. Even at minimums his salary is fairly high because of years accrued. If Dallas can get cheaper and less injury prone I think they may well do so as my projections above show.

But it just goes to show how really difficult it will be to make this team at WR this year. That happens when you add a 1st round pick and have everyone returning including 2 guys on the PS.

True. I think the 4th and 5th spots could be up from grabs. I highly doubt we will go 6 WR on the 53 man roster