WR Depth Chart?

[Marguide]

There has been a lot of discussion lately about our wide receiver depth chart. The debate is strongest at the #3 spot. Should it be Murphy? Pilares as a slot guy? Gettis when he is healthy? Maybe Ajirotutu rebounds to win it? Well, based on Ron Rivera's latest comments, it might not matter.

When asked who is standing out in the #3 battle, Ron emphasized that each of the candidates bring certain skills to the position, and they are likely to be used in different packages. Most of us tend to think in a classic linear fashion, where there is a definite pecking order, and that is what we saw last year, with Smith, Naanee and LaFell being used almost exclusively in all 3 receiver sets. It sounds like Chud and Ron have other ideas for this season, and will be a bit more creative about using all our potential weapons.

So perhaps we should forget the question of who our #3 is. Maybe Murphy, Pilares, Ajirotutu and hopefully Gettis (when healthy) all see significant playing time, utilizing each one's strength in various packages. And of course, Joe Adams is always a possibility depending on how quickly he develops.

The only limiting factor in this plan is how we want to allocate our game day active roster. That may vary widely depending on the opponent and the overall health and depth at other key positions. It seems clear, though, that we will probably utilize more than just 3 guys as we start the season.

One final point...there is still considerable controversy over which receivers will make the final roster. By calling out the specific receivers above, I am not making a case for any of them making the team or not making the team. This is about scheme, nothing more.

Thoughts?

[jtnc]

Pilares as a slot guy imo, Murphy doesn't seem like he's grasping the playbook all that well.

[ncsu12engr]

I like the idea of having Murphy, Gettis (when healthy), and Pilares seeing time as the 3rd WR situationally. I personally don't think Ajirotutu makes the roster unless we put Gettis on the IR (I hope not). Receivers would be Smith, Lafell, Murphy, Gettis, Pilares, and Adams. Don't think we can justify keeping more than 6.

[Ivan The Awesome]

Pilares as a slot guy imo, Murphy doesn't seem like he's grasping the playbook all that well.

For a guy that's not grasping the playbook, he sure is making plays.

[panther4life]

There has been a lot of discussion lately about our wide receiver depth chart. The debate is strongest at the #3 spot. Should it be Murphy? Pilares as a slot guy? Gettis when he is healthy? Maybe Ajirotutu rebounds to win it? Well, based on Ron Rivera's latest comments, it might not matter.

When asked who is standing out in the #3 battle, Ron emphasized that each of the candidates bring certain skills to the position, and they are likely to be used in different packages. Most of us tend to think in a classic linear fashion, where there is a definite pecking order, and that is what we saw last year, with Smith, Naanee and LaFell being used almost exclusively in all 3 receiver sets. It sounds like Chud and Ron have other ideas for this season, and will be a bit more creative about using all our potential weapons.

So perhaps we should forget the question of who our #3 is. Maybe Murphy, Pilares, Ajirotutu and hopefully Gettis (when healthy) all see significant playing time, utilizing each one's strength in various packages. And of course, Joe Adams is always a possibility depending on how quickly he develops.

The only limiting factor in this plan is how we want to allocate our game day active roster. That may vary widely depending on the opponent and the overall health and depth at other key positions. It seems clear, though, that we will probably utilize more than just 3 guys as we start the season.

One final point...there is still considerable controversy over which receivers will make the final roster. By calling out the specific receivers above, I am not making a case for any of them making the team or not making the team. This is about scheme, nothing more.

Thoughts?

In terms of talent I think it goes

1.Smith

2.Lafell

3.Murphy/Gettis....havent seen enough to distinguish which is better when healthy

Let me stop right there because these 4 should see the most snaps because of talent alone.

Then as far was the rest I think it will be in situational packages that we unleash the rest.

Also as you mentioned with only being able to dress 46 each week, no way we dress more than 5, maybe 6 receivers. That then leaves the 5th one being Adams for PR and 6 would go to Pilares if he retains the KO duty job imo.(All of this of course subject to who's healthy enough to play).

[ncsu12engr]

Also as you mentioned with only being able to dress 46 each week, no way we dress more than 5, maybe 6 receivers. That then leaves the 5th one being Adams for PR and 6 would go to Pilares if he retains the KO duty job imo.(All of this of course subject to who's healthy enough to play).

Where did the 46 come from? I thought it was 53 dressed for gamedays?

[panther4life]

Where did the 46 come from? I thought it was 53 dressed for gamedays?

nope 53, is your active roster. They can only are allowed to dress 46 of them on gamedays.

Also fyi, practice squad are 8 and do not count against your active 53, but can't dress unless activated.

Don't you remember seeing Jimmy standing on the sideline in shorts last year? He wasn't injured, just not part of the active game day 46...just went back and looked and he wasn't activated 1 game.

[DawgzLife]

No they have to keep some inactive (dumb rule, but it is not new).

I think it will be: Smitty, LaFell, Murphy, Gettis, Pilares, Adams.

Can't underestimate how valuable the multi-dimensional aspects of Pilares & Adams are to them be desginated as part of the WR rotation.

Strange to me they have not worked Admas much there yet. Time will tell, but I really think they are 'shielding' Green from much pre-season action so they can stash him on the practice squad.

[ed bell]

I agree that naming a #3 seems to have been deemed a moot point moving into opening day. Looks like it's simply coming down to who makes the roster at WR and what each will be utilized for. I think Joe Adams will be the week 1 PR and Pilares will be the KR. Gettis will be on the roster if healthy and will slowly work into some snaps if he can stay healthy. While LaFell seems to be the #2 choice for now, he might need to continue to improve to stay there. I think the ones behind him are hungry for chances, and Murphy hasn't had the acclimation time yet to show his potential.

[Herbert The Love Bug]

yeah the 1 and 2 will be Smith and LaFell. 3rd will be a rotation of Gettis, Pilares, and Murphy. Our 6th guy will be J. Adams. He won't see too much time lined up at receiver though.

[Marguide]

While LaFell seems to be the #2 choice for now, he might need to continue to improve to stay there. I think the ones behind him are hungry for chances, and Murphy hasn't had the acclimation time yet to show his potential.

I think you are right about LaFell being pushed. While Brandon has a knack for big catches in big moments, last year there were long stretches of games when he would disappear. Murphy looks like a nice fit in this offense, and Pilares should be a really good YAC receiver.

Gettis will remain a mystery until he gets some actual on-the-field action.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

I know Gettis is a board favorite based on flashes in 2010 but he has not played in, well, a long long time. Perspective: Armanti Edwards, Gettis and I had the same number of receptions last year. That said he has potential but I don't want to artificially inflate expectations.

[Jackofalltrades]

I'd like to see a rotation to exploit match ups.

[Jackofalltrades]

I'd like to see a rotation to exploit match ups.