Don't believe that this is a weak WR class!

[top dawg]

I have read several articles from analysts saying that this is a good class of wide receivers, so I'm not exactly sure where some Huddlers' notions that it's weak began, but it's not necessarily true.

 

"This is the best wideout draft class since the epic 2014 group that featured new Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr., his teammate Jarvis Landry, Mike Evans, Davante Adams, Brandin Cooks, Sammy Watkins and a handful of other valuable pass catchers."

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2019-nfl-draft-whos-like-juju-smith-schuster-mike-evans-and-other-wide-receiver-comparisons/

 

"This could end up being the best wideout draft class since 2014."

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2817756-ranking-every-position-in-the-2019-nfl-draft

 

Even Lance Zierlein ranked the position 6 out of 12 (which is not "weak" to me), but he also said:

There aren't any "can't-miss" prospects in this group, but there is an interesting mixture of "solid" and "speculative" once you get into Rounds 2-4...This is a markedly better and deeper group than last year's class."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001024108/article/2019-nfl-draft-ranking-position-groups-strongest-to-weakest

Bucky Brooks:

"This group's loaded with big-bodied pass catchers possessing spectacular ball skills."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001022213/article/bucky-brooks-top-5-2019-nfl-draft-prospects-by-position-20

 

And herecs another guy saying that people need to get the notion that this is a weak draft class out of their heads:

"If you aren't impressed with this receiver class, I'm not impressed with you. A smorgasbord of traits, talents, and roles should be Christmas Day to NFL front offices..."

https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/debunking-the-myth-of-the-weak-2019-wr-class

 

Now I'm not saying that we should draft a receiver in the first because there is likely better value at another position, but there are likely excellent values on day 2 (and if we're lucky, day 3).

[bobcat91]

If we take a WR in the first 4 rounds everyone involved needs to be fired. Our OL is patchwork and we literally have a bottom 5 DL at this point. We cant afford luxury items.

[top dawg]

2 minutes ago, bobcat91 said:

If we take a WR in the first 4 rounds everyone involved needs to be fired. Our OL is patchwork and we literally have a bottom 5 DL at this point. We cant afford luxury items.

The notion that WR is a luxury item is just a product of living in Lalaland.

[top dawg]

I get that people look at the last few drafts and think we've invested too much at the offensive skill positions and not enough in the trenches. It's very much debatable, especially when you look at the money spent in FA and contracts on the defense. But, let's remember that this is Hurney and Norv's second draft together. They may want to get receivers that they feel better fits Norv's offense. Furthermore, do you actually feel that it's realistic to let Funchess go and not upgrade him? I seriously don't think they're going to let his departure (one they were obviously comfortable with) end in us having an unfilled void. I cringe at the thought of going into the season as-is. We're getting another playmaker at the position. Watch what I'm saying. I don't know what day it will be on, but I'd be surprised if it isn't by the 4th round. 

And, lastly, the age old debate of drafting based upon need vs the BPA is still alive and well. Being that this is a solid class of receiver, I don't think that you can say "Let's take [an inferior ____] as opposed to this playmaking receiver based solely on need. That never works, people. It doesn't. 

[LinvilleGorge]

Based on our visit list, it looks like we're looking to add a WR in the middle to late rounds. Based on our other needs (and with CMC being a top receiving threat as well as Olsen returning and Ian Thomas showing major promise), I agree with that approach. I'm fine with Moore, Samuel, and Wright as our top three and I would've already let Torrey Smith walk.

[top dawg]

2 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

Based on our visit list, it looks like we're looking to add a WR in the middle to late rounds. Based on our other needs (and with CMC being a top receiving threat as well as Olsen returning and Ian Thomas showing major promise), I agree with that approach. I'm fine with Moore, Samuel, and Wright as our top three and I would've already let Torrey Smith walk.

Ha ha! I was just looking at your same assumption in the draft-visit thread.

Speculate on!

As for me, no way I'm secure. I'm hopeful, sure, but I haven't seen enough out of Moore or Samuel, and Wright---Wright---he is a straight up WR4 or 5 (and I believe that Norv believes this as well, and he should know). Only Panthers fans---probably due to low expectations arising from some form of post traumatic stress---would think that Wright is a true WR3 when everything about his career (even last season) says otherwise. 

[t96]

I’m not expecting to see a WR picked either of the first two days. Probably day three but I get the sense we’re happy with our wideouts and will target defensive players or OL in the first three rounds.

[LinvilleGorge]

13 minutes ago, top dawg said:

Ha ha! I was just looking at your same assumption in the draft-visit thread.

Speculate on!

As for me, no way I'm secure. I'm hopeful, sure, but I haven't seen enough out of Moore or Samuel, and Wright---Wright---he is a straight up WR4 or 5 (and I believe that Norv believes this as well, and he should know). Only Panthers fans---probably due to low expectations arising from some form of post traumatic stress---would think that Wright is a true WR3 when everything about his career (even last season) says otherwise. 

I also know that we went 15-1 and went to the SB (with the #1 offense in the NFL) with Ted Ginn and a washed up Jericho Cotchery starting at WR.

Address the OL and pass rush and we have plenty at WR.

[top dawg]

1 minute ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I also know that we went 15-1 and went to the SB (with the #1 offense in the NFL) with Ted Ginn and a washed up Jericho Cotchery starting at WR.

Address the OL and pass rush and we have plenty at WR.

Doesn't matter when you can't finish the job. Team building is about the regular season for sure, but you have to keep the postseason at the forefront of your mind.

If we had had a legit WR1, I still think we'd have won, I'm spite of it all. Our line was top top 5 or so that season. I think we'll have a similar one this season if the injury bug stays away.

[MHS831]

We need a #5 WR---we need a starting Edge rusher, a Free Safety, and a Left Guard.   We need a nickel. CB and a backup QB and an OT who might have to  play in 2019.

The good news?  There  is talent at the bottom of the  well.  We can find a player who can stick in round 6--

[LinvilleGorge]

6 minutes ago, top dawg said:

Doesn't matter when you can't finish the job. Team building is about the regular season for sure, but you have to keep the postseason at the forefront of your mind.

If we had had a legit WR1, I still think we'd have won, I'm spite of it all. Our line was top top 5 or so that season. I think we'll have a similar one this season if the injury bug stays away.

If we had an OC who realized he couldn't go into the Super Bowl without tweaking anything with his game plan and who realized that his RT who struggled against speed rushers would require help against the best speed rusher in the game then we would have won. It would've also helped had the NFL actually thrown flags for the numerous blatant helmet to helmet hits on Cam in the pocket.

[LinvilleGorge]

1 minute ago, MHS831 said:

We need a #5 WR---we need a starting Edge rusher, a Free Safety, and a Left Guard.   We need a nickel. CB and a backup QB and an OT who might have to  play in 2019.

The good news?  There  is talent at the bottom of the  well.  We can find a player who can stick in round 6--

I'd like to see Smith get bounced, so I think we need a #4 WR. But, the reality is that our #3 WR is probably our 5th or 6th option in the passing game so it's not like a #4 WR is a huge priority for us.

[top dawg]

2 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

If we had an OC who realized he couldn't go into the Super Bowl without tweaking anything with his game plan and who realized that his RT who struggled against speed rushers would require help against the best speed rusher in the game then we would have won. It would've also helped had the NFL actually thrown flags for the numerous blatant helmet to helmet hits on Cam in the pocket.

Yep, I can get with that (and I'd like to include an uncharacteristic fumble by Stew), but a WR1 would have made all the difference in the world. I believe that.

 

[MHS831]

1 minute ago, LinvilleGorge said:

I'd like to see Smith get bounced, so I think we need a #4 WR. But, the reality is that our #3 WR is probably our 5th or 6th option in the passing game so it's not like a #4 WR is a huge priority for us.

I still say (if  we keep Smith) he will be improved in 19.  He is a deep ball threat, and when the QB can't throw it past the LBs, it takes a lot away from the cushion and the deep fear factor.   Notice that when Cam started showing signs of his injury, Smith went to the bench.