WR battle... most significant position battle going into TC???

[transplantbillsfan]

I'll say right off the bat that I think our WR corps on opening day in Baltimore is Kelvin Benjamin, Zay Jones, Jeremy Kerley, Rod Streater, Ray Ray Mcleod and Austin Proehl. 

 

(I hope Brandon Reilly finds his way on that list and I think Foster has a really good chance to make the team or at least get on the PS)

 

But truthfully, how much is our WR Corps actually settled right now???

 

Kelvin Benjamin. 

 

That's all we absolutely know, for sure, right?

 

So, we're left with about a dozen other guys battling it out for 4-6 spots, depending on how many McDermott wants to keep.

 

Who makes it?

 

We still have Andre Holmes and signed Jeremy Kerley, but how interested are we really in them?

 

I don't even think Holmes makes the team. Kerley might.

 

But aren't we intrigued by the young guys????

 

Rod Streater is my exception here, he's not young, but looked damn good last offseason. Perhaps he's ready to burst into the league?

 

Kaelin Clay and Quan Bray just seem like journeymen already, don't they?

 

Zay Jones just HAS to be a helluva lotta better than he was last year, right? We traded up for him in the 2nd round last year!!! Not to be taken lightly...

 

Then you're left with...

 

Malachi Dupree (clear team investment)

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/malachi-dupre?id=2558095

Strengths

Has desired size and athletic ability. Experienced at multiple receiver spots. More talented than production would dictate. Tracks the deep throws like an outfielder and can adjust catch positioning without taking his eye off the ball. Consistently solid catch rate throughout his career. Adjusts to low throws and balls behind him to make the catch. Looks to turn it up the field quickly after the catch. Dips low and drives through cornerbacks while stretching for additional yardage. Small sample size during freshman season gave hints of his downfield potential.

Weaknesses

Lacks upfield juice into his routes. Vertical push doesn't appear to threaten cornerbacks. Needs to play faster off the snap. Slow to sink and open on curls. Needs a greater commitment to nuances of route-running in order to improve his separation. Tends to tip his hand early allowing cornerbacks to match his patterns. Stalk-blocker with marginal aggression and sustain after initial contact

 

Robert Foster (played under Dabol)

http://draftanalyst.com/robert-foster

Pos: 

Underrated receiver who was never a big part of the Alabama offense. Fights with his hands to separate from defenders, tracks the pass in the air and works to make receptions away from his frame. Gives effort as a downfield blocker and gets positive results. Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage and immediately gets to top speed.

Neg: 

Does not play to his 40 time or judge deep passes well. Marginally productive.

Analysis: 

Foster has the size and speed to line up as a third receiver but needs work on his overall game. He must learn to play to his 40 time and become much more productive to have a career at the next level.

 

Brandon Reilly (fan favorite and BEAST last preseason)

http://draftanalyst.com/brandon-reilly

Analysis: 

Reilly is a solid athlete with upside but a prospect who must improve his hands and consistency

Pos: 

Marginally productive college receiver with solid size/speed numbers. Displays terrific focus and concentration and fights to come away with the contested pass. Uses his frame to shield defenders, extends his hands to offer the quarterback a target and keeps the play in bounds running after the catch. Effective blocker in the short and long field.

Neg: 

Lacks naturally soft hands and double-catches throws or outright drops them. Lacks deep speed and cannot run to the long throw.

.

Ray Ray Mcleod

http://draftanalyst.com/ray-ray-mccloud

Pos: 

Smallish receiver whose greatest value at the next level may be as a return specialist. Displays quickness, uses the sidelines well and creates yardage when the ball is in his hands. Runs sharp pass routes, fires into breaks and separates from defenders. Extends his hands to make receptions away from his frame, fights to come away with tough receptions and effectively creates yardage after the catch. Easily makes receptions at full speed and looks the ball into his hands.

Neg: 

Lazily comes off the line on occasion. Struggles in battles. Must improve his ball security.

Analysis: 

McCloud is a creative skill player who can be used in the slot, but his bread and butter will be special teams.

 

Austin Proehl

http://draftanalyst.com/austin-proehl

Pos: 

Small but incredibly quick receiver who plays much faster than his 40 time. Fluidly releases off the line of scrimmage, sells routes and can turn it on in a single step. Displays a deep burst, easily makes receptions in stride down the field and displays focus and concentration. Comes back to the ball, adjusts to errant throws and consistently snatches passes away from his frame. Possesses quick, strong hands.

Neg: 

Small and struggles in battles. Lacks true deep speed and a second gear. Marginally productive returning punts.

Analysis: 

Proehl has size limitations but is a natural receiver with outstanding quickness and the ability to separate from defenders. He offers potential as a slot receiver and return specialist if healthy.

 

Cam Phillips

http://draftanalyst.com/cameron-phillips

Analysis: 

Phillips was reliable at the college level but lacks the size, speed and natural pass-catching skill to be anything other than the last man on the depth chart.

Pos: 

Productive receiver with average upside for the next level. Quickly settles into the open spot of the defense, tracks the pass in the air and displays terrific hand-eye coordination. Extends his hands and looks the pass in. Keeps plays in bounds and works to pick up positive yardage. Runs solid routes, stays low out of breaks and separates from defenders.

Neg: 

Not quick releasing off the line of scrimmage, plays to one speed and lacks downfield burst. Does not snatch the ball cleanly away from his frame. Not much of a threat after the catch.

Edited July 7, 2018 by transplantbillsfan

[Seanbillsfan2206]

I really don’t think that anyone is overlooking the WR position. It’s not a secret that it’s definitely a glaring weak spot on the roster

[ehfeuh57]

Brandon Reilly is a lock if he stays out of concussion protocol

[BuffAlone]

Honestly, the Ray Ray and Proehl picks were the only ones that baffled me in The McBeane era thus far. With Reilly, Dupre,etc already on the roster, it seemed like wasted picks IMO. I mean, if you are taking a flier on someone that late, with an already full(albeit unimpressive) position room, you should draft on pure physical ability. Size, speed, elusiveness....drafting two small receivers, with questionable consistency is just confusing. Ray Ray is quick enough but Proehl is not. I'm not sure either make the team, or even the P.S.

Edited July 7, 2018 by BuffAlone

[26CornerBlitz]

Overlooked?  No not in the least bit. 

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

....two new QB's and a holdover who by several accounts has been making great strides in practice.....hell, DOWNFIELD may no longer be "uncharted waters"......not to mention a well rested WR corp that was INACTIVE most Sundays........don't throw in the towel and despair quite yet......

[SoCal Deek]

An NFL roster is like playing Whack A Mole. It seems like just yesterday that the Bills WRs were a budding superstar in Watkins, a solid #2 in Robert Woods, and a highly regarded  TE acquisition in Charles Clay. We were supposed to be good to go for many years. Just get those guys a QB and....

[BringBackOrton]

There's been 1000 topics on the WR group this summer. Glad to see you popped your head out of a Tyrod thread.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

14 minutes ago, SoCal Deek said:

An NFL roster is like playing Whack A Mole. It seems like just yesterday that the Bills WRs were a budding superstar in Watkins, a solid #2 in Robert Woods, and a highly regarded  TE acquisition in Charles Clay. We were supposed to be good to go for many years. Just get those guys a QB and....

 

In this case, Beane and co dug the holes from which those moles are popping out

[DanInUticaTampa]

3 hours ago, BuffAlone said:

Honestly, the Ray Ray and Proehl picks were the only ones that baffled me in The McBeane era thus far. With Reilly, Dupre,etc already on the roster, it seemed like wasted picks IMO. I mean, if you are taking a flier on someone that late, with an already full(albeit unimpressive) position room, you should draft on pure physical ability. Size, speed, elusiveness....drafting two small receivers, with questionable consistency is just confusing. Ray Ray is quick enough but Proehl is not. I'm not sure either make the team, or even the P.S.

 

I agree. It seems like the WR draft picks were at best lateral moves compared to what we already had on the roster. And personally I liked what we had on the roster more than the draft picks, which speaks volumes because what we had is pretty bottom of the barrel already. After Benjamin and Kerley, the talent level is pretty even or at least very close. I hope a decent receiver (not named dez) gets cut in training camp that we can pick up and serve at least as an upgrade over the stuff we have

[3rdand12]

I am fine with the pick ups at WR this year. Lets see what develops.

KB Kerley and Jones are going to start. Someone with speed ( Streater ) is likely IN. and i think they like Dupre.
too early for me  be negative about the players. Let's see if Bills Coaches can run a passing game !
But to Transplants point ?  a lot of competition after 1-3. ain't nuthin wrong with that

[Alphadawg7]

I like Foster to make the roster and I also don't think this is the most overlooked battle, its probably the 2nd most watched battle after QB.

[3rdand12]

3 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

I like Foster to make the roster and I also don't think this is the most overlooked battle, its probably the 2nd most watched battle after QB.

O line ?

 I am more concerned with that honestly than the other two.

[Real McClappy]

Really hope Zay flips the switch this year and steps up into the Robert Woods role as a solid #2 guy.

[Alphadawg7]

1 minute ago, 3rdand12 said:

O line ?

 I am more concerned with that honestly than the other two.

 

Didn't say the most important, he referenced "overlooked" and I was just saying the WR battle is probably the 2nd most talked about battle behind QB, so was just confused by the user of the words "most overlooked"

[Doc Brown]

My prediction is that our #2 WR isn't even on the roster at this point.  Rather through trade, free agency, or signing a cut/practice squad player, we have to upgrade.

[3rdand12]

11 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

Didn't say the most important, he referenced "overlooked" and I was just saying the WR battle is probably the 2nd most talked about battle behind QB, so was just confused by the user of the words "most overlooked"

I apologise for losing context !

 Thanks for the note back.
  on occasion i need a friend to help me correct course in dialogue. ?‍♀️

7 minutes ago, Doc Brown said:

My prediction is that our #2 WR isn't even on the roster at this point.  Rather through trade, free agency, or signing a cut/practice squad player, we have to upgrade.

I don think so Doc Brown.

 Not their style thus far at least.
Maybe next year when they have cash stacked up for FA ? and drafting for Offense as well .

[Augie]

What could Brady do with Proehl? They seem like a match. 

[3rdand12]

8 minutes ago, Augie said:

What could Brady do with Proehl? They seem like a match. 

you might mean ?    what can Daboll do with a guy like Proehl ? wink wink

Edited July 7, 2018 by 3rdand12

[TigerJ]

I'd be curious to see an expert opinion about what weaknesses can be coached up in receivers, and what can't (besides the obvious - speed).

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

53 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

I am fine with the pick ups at WR this year. Lets see what develops.

KB Kerley and Jones are going to start. Someone with speed ( Streater ) is likely IN. and i think they like Dupre.
too early for me  be negative about the players. Let's see if Bills Coaches can run a passing game !
But to Transplants point ?  a lot of competition after 1-3. ain't nuthin wrong with that

 

 

....throw in a little Reilly "for good measure"......we have three QB's who do NOT see DOWNFIELD as the "Forgotten Land"....um, been there done that...............

[Augie]

20 minutes ago, 3rdand12 said:

you might mean ?    what can Daboll do with a guy like Proehl ? wink wink

 

Let us hope, my friend. 

[Estelle Getty]

Why is anybody talking about freakn Rod Streater?  This is his 7th year in the league he is about to turn 30 and has 1750 yards receiving.  Come on guys

[BuffAlone]

1 hour ago, DanInUticaTampa said:

 

I agree. It seems like the WR draft picks were at best lateral moves compared to what we already had on the roster. And personally I liked what we had on the roster more than the draft picks, which speaks volumes because what we had is pretty bottom of the barrel already. After Benjamin and Kerley, the talent level is pretty even or at least very close. I hope a decent receiver (not named dez) gets cut in training camp that we can pick up and serve at least as an upgrade over the stuff we have

That's a very good possibility. But, I'm thinking it's just gonna be what we already have...Benjamin, Jones,Kerley top three. With Reilly,Streater and Holmes as depth. I can see one of Foster, Dupre or Proehl on practice squad, and McCloud being an active 7th on the roster as he can make a little noise returning punts/kickoffs. Any upgrades after final cuts means Foster or Proehl likely lose their spot IMO. But then again, training camp will obviously sort out those final spots

[transplantbillsfan]

8 hours ago, Seanbillsfan2206 said:

I really don’t think that anyone is overlooking the WR position. It’s not a secret that it’s definitely a glaring weak spot on the roster

 

5 hours ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

Overlooked?  No not in the least bit. 

 

Changed the title just for you fellas

[BuffAlone]

22 minutes ago, Estelle Getty said:

Why is anybody talking about freakn Rod Streater?  This is his 7th year in the league he is about to turn 30 and has 1750 yards receiving.  Come on guys

McBeane love vets. And by all accounts he looked great before injury last year

[transplantbillsfan]

4 hours ago, BringBackOrton said:

There's been 1000 topics on the WR group this summer. Glad to see you popped your head out of a Tyrod thread.

 

1000, huh?

 

Give me a link to two. Hell, give me a link to one.

 

I went through the 1st 3 pages of the forum before posting this, as per protocol, and I didn't see a thread topic directly addressing our WR corps.

 

Are you confusing QB and WR?

[BringBackOrton]

8 minutes ago, transplantbillsfan said:

 

1000, huh?

 

Give me a link to two. Hell, give me a link to one.

 

I went through the 1st 3 pages of the forum before posting this, as per protocol, and I didn't see a thread topic directly addressing our WR corps.

 

Are you confusing QB and WR?

 

Definitely "overlooked."  Less Browns QB battle reports and more TBD, please.

Edited July 7, 2018 by BringBackOrton

[richardb1952]

I'm somewhat concerned with overall lack of speed in this group.  Hopefully scheme will overcome general lack of perceived talent.  If the passing game can be at least mediocre enough to keep defenses honest Bills can be competitive.  Definitely ? marks at WR, QB and maybe OL although I believe the OL will be better than expected, even with at least two new starters.  One good aspect of having a questionable WR group is the possibility of one or two of these guys surpassing expectations and suddenly a perceived weakness might become a strength.  I just hope the QB competition sorts itself out fairly early in camp so whoever can start developing a rhythm with these WRs.

[John from Riverside]

I think Reilly and Kerley def make it

 

I think Zay Jones better be ready to come in and impress to show that he is worth the time it will take to develop him......he came out of college with the "I catch everything in my catch radius" press.......but that has not been the case.   I think he WILL rebound and this WR core will not look near as bad as some think that it is much like our secondary did last year.

[reddogblitz]

3 hours ago, Augie said:

What could Brady do with Proehl? They seem like a match. 

 

Tommy would have a field day throwing under inflated footballs to a wide open Proehl sprung loose courtesy of illegal picks set by Hogan and The Gronk.  If any DBs get too close The Gronk would take care of that too.

Edited July 7, 2018 by reddogblitz

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

48 minutes ago, John from Riverside said:

I think Reilly and Kerley def make it

 

I think Zay Jones better be ready to come in and impress to show that he is worth the time it will take to develop him......he came out of college with the "I catch everything in my catch radius" press.......but that has not been the case.   I think he WILL rebound and this WR core will not look near as bad as some think that it is much like our secondary did last year.

 

.....160 catches is 160 despite the level of competition.....prepared to give the lad the benefit of the doubt playing through a torn labrum which I would GUESS inhibits your catch ability while anticipating pain....now the ankle surgery all of which are allegedly behind him....so we into "show me" time IMO.....

[Fadingpain]

No, the most significant positional battle going into training camp is QB, and the rest don't matter in comparison.

 

 

[transplantbillsfan]

1 hour ago, BringBackOrton said:

 

Definitely "overlooked."  Less Browns QB battle reports and more TBD, please.

 

Gee, I see threads that directly address our WR corps where the last posts were May 20th, March 29th, April 29th, and May 25th.

 

Soooooo... you have a basic understanding of when Summer actually is, right?

 

I think the fact that nearly a month and a half separates the last post of those threads and the start of this thread makes your stupid condescending remark unnecessary.

 

You found one thread with its last post on June 21st. That's the first day of Summer, just to let you know. It was over 2 weeks ago.

 

How are threads made about other WRs on other teams directly discussing our WR corps. I see how a thread about Emmanuel Sanders, Demariyus Thomas, Julio Jones, etc. could evolve into a discussion about the state of our own WR corps, but they don't directly address it.

 

You should do yourself a favor and just ignore me because your crusade against me is blinding you.

Edited July 7, 2018 by transplantbillsfan

[BringBackOrton]

2 minutes ago, transplantbillsfan said:

 

Gee, I see threads that directly address our WR corps where the last posts were May 20th, March 29th, April 29th, and May 25th.

 

Soooooo... you have a basic understanding of when Summer actually is, right?

 

I think the fact that nearly a month and a half separates the last post of those threads and the start of this thread makes your stupid condescending remark unnecessary.

 

You found one thread with its last post on June 21st. That's the first day of Summer, just to let you know. It was over 2 weeks ago.

 

How are threads made about other WRs on other teams directly discussing our WR corps.

 

You should do yourself a favor and just ignore me because your crusade against me is blinding you.

Summer starts in May babe.

 

Is it still overlooked?  Notice how 3 other posters also told you how you had blinders on?

 

 

Edited July 7, 2018 by BringBackOrton

[transplantbillsfan]

18 minutes ago, BringBackOrton said:

Summer starts in May babe.

 

Is it still overlooked?  Notice how 3 other posters also told you how you had blinders on?

 

 

 

May????

 

You actually think Summer starts in May????

Edited July 7, 2018 by transplantbillsfan

[brianthomas]

offseasons are SOOO LONNNGGG

But no, the WR battle isnt the most significant. QB is by far. Its the most important position. One in which we've been searching for years to get right. One in which we made a bunch of moves to trade up in the draft to select one at #7.

 

The WR battle surely is important & will be interesting to see how it plays out, but the OL battle should be interesting as well, and no less important.

I suppose I could've just written: NO

 

GO BILLS!

[Chandler#81]

9 hours ago, OldTimeAFLGuy said:

....two new QB's and a holdover who by several accounts has been making great strides in practice.....hell, DOWNFIELD may no longer be "uncharted waters"......not to mention a well rested WR corp that was INACTIVE most Sundays........don't throw in the towel and despair quite yet......

Pretty much my take. We have no idea who’s good/who’s not with our WR’s, and won’t until the QB situation is resolved.

[transplantbillsfan]

9 hours ago, DrDare said:

Brandon Reilly is a lock if he stays out of concussion protocol

 

I would like to see him make the team, but I think we're hearing more good things about Ray Ray and Proehl so far. I fear Reilly might just be another preseason all star for us we somehow let get away who finds success with the Patriots.

[Wily Dog]

I think that we are looking at the WR's that are going to make the team now. I don't think  Beane is going to clutter the landscape with a  short term " veteran receiver ", on the decline  , when he has a bunch of receivers on the  upside of their careers. I think that of course  Benjamin is a lock.  From there on Jones  , if he shows in TC that his ghosts are behind him  .Dupree is a factor in the mix and is liked by  McB.. Proehl is a find for the slot. Rielly, Streater,, Holmes and Kerley  are going to fight it out for roster positions  and special teams will be the deciding factor.

,t