The WR competition is one of the biggest headlines heading into the season.
The way these 15-20 minute media viewing sessions have panned out, all we get to see without putting on some binoculars are QBs, tight ends, wide receivers and DBs. Of all the position groups, I've spent the most watching the receivers. Not going to lie, I've been to three of the four practices, and it's kind of like if you press replay each and every time. It's the same drills -- footwork and agility -- topped off by some route running.
Once media gets off the field, offense and defense will work together, but we don't get to see that.
Here's what I've seen from the wide receivers.
Key'Shawn Smith has been the best player in drills and continuously showcases his great hands. Xavier Restrepo is the leader of the group and seems to always be vocal and first in line, but he's had two drops in the practices I've been to. He'll definitely be a key contributor, just not WR1.
Frank Ladson has great size, but hasn't been a standout in drills. He dropped a pass from TVD today. Still early, though. Colbie Young has the best build in the receiver room, but he's going to be a project. He doesn't have great feet yet, but I give him credit for catching everything thrown his way.
Freshman Isaiah Horton has an excellent 6-foot-3 frame and looks good in practice. Still too early to jump ship and say a true freshman receiver is going to play anytime soon.
Brashard Smith is quick and his burst is going to create many exciting plays this season. We saw a glimpse last season, and he's going to be even better. Jacolby George looks poised heading into year two, I could see him racking up plenty of yards this season. Also great to see Romello Brinson active after missing the spring. Mike Redding could be a great possession receiver, still have to see more.
The top three receivers right now are Key'Shawn Smith, Jacolby George and Xavier Restrepo. No reason Key'Shawn and Restrepo shouldn't be top 3, and Jacolby has what it takes. I'm hoping Romello Brinson takes that next step, but it'd be premature for me to go all in given that he didn't play in the spring and we don't see the guys go live in practice.
The way these 15-20 minute media viewing sessions have panned out, all we get to see without putting on some binoculars are QBs, tight ends, wide receivers and DBs. Of all the position groups, I've spent the most watching the receivers. Not going to lie, I've been to three of the four practices, and it's kind of like if you press replay each and every time. It's the same drills -- footwork and agility -- topped off by some route running.
Once media gets off the field, offense and defense will work together, but we don't get to see that.
Here's what I've seen from the wide receivers.
Key'Shawn Smith has been the best player in drills and continuously showcases his great hands. Xavier Restrepo is the leader of the group and seems to always be vocal and first in line, but he's had two drops in the practices I've been to. He'll definitely be a key contributor, just not WR1.
Frank Ladson has great size, but hasn't been a standout in drills. He dropped a pass from TVD today. Still early, though. Colbie Young has the best build in the receiver room, but he's going to be a project. He doesn't have great feet yet, but I give him credit for catching everything thrown his way.
Freshman Isaiah Horton has an excellent 6-foot-3 frame and looks good in practice. Still too early to jump ship and say a true freshman receiver is going to play anytime soon.
Brashard Smith is quick and his burst is going to create many exciting plays this season. We saw a glimpse last season, and he's going to be even better. Jacolby George looks poised heading into year two, I could see him racking up plenty of yards this season. Also great to see Romello Brinson active after missing the spring. Mike Redding could be a great possession receiver, still have to see more.
The top three receivers right now are Key'Shawn Smith, Jacolby George and Xavier Restrepo. No reason Key'Shawn and Restrepo shouldn't be top 3, and Jacolby has what it takes. I'm hoping Romello Brinson takes that next step, but it'd be premature for me to go all in given that he didn't play in the spring and we don't see the guys go live in practice.
