FanPost

So, we now need to draft a WR, right?




Having spent much of the offseason bemoaning the state of the defense and proposing our own fixes while waiting on the team's official action, I'd like to take a minute and look at the other side of the ball. The departure of James Jones leaves a hole of indeterminate size on offense; he was never a #1 starter, and until he plays with someone else and someone else tries to replace him, it will be hard to say how much he'll be missed.

Jarret Boykin filled in admirably at various points a year ago, and there are late round choices from a season ago who have hopefully picked up seasoning on the practice squad. But the track record of Ted Thompson with this team has been to use either a second or third round pick on receivers who will be regularly seeing the field (Jennings, Nelson, and Cobb were all 2nds, Jones a 3rd). And in this offense, the #3 receiver is essentially a starter. So, it is my belief that in addition to the needs at inside (vaultsuit!) linebacker and safety that top nearly everyone's wishlist, wide receiver will be addressed early as well. (As an aside, do we think Thompson even regards inside linebacker as a serious weakness? Jones and Hawk are both being paid.)

So, I have been taking cursory looks at early 2nd day wideouts. I think Boykin is regarded as Cobb's backup in the slot/short passing game, while someone bigger will be the desired complement on the outside. I also think Thompson is likely to look at polished route runners, as opposed to athletic marvels. I'll admit, I don't watch much college football and have always preferred the pro game, so I'm not sure entirely who fits the bill. Davante Adams? Martavius Bryant? I trust Ted more than myself, but I want to see how well I know him this year. Predictions?

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