We have made the mistake of drafting pure athletes for a deep threat before. Get some tall, physical receivers who run crisp routes. You can make up for slower 40 times with explosive breaks and good routes and knowledge of the game...both Criner and Sanu bring that to the table.
Binky Alert:
Greg Childs 6'3" 219 Arkansas Wide Receiver
"Hands: Soft, reliable hands. Shows the ability to extend and pluck outside of his frame. Can track the ball over his shoulder, though he likes to turn back to the ball when he can. Excellent concentration and good body control. Good arm length and hand strength to snatch passes high and wide, as well as slightly behind him. Capable of making tough grabs with defenders clinging to him. Good toughness to take a hit and hang on. Appears to possess a strong vertical to go along with his excellent size, though he doesn't often enough use each to his advantage. Has to do a better job of timing his leap and snatching the ball at its highest point against NFL-caliber cornerbacks.
Route running: While Childs lacks elite straight-line speed, he keeps defenders off-balance with savvy route-running. Changes gears and uses head/shoulder fakes to draw defenders. Has a quick burst to sneak downfield, especially if he feels them attempting to jump a short route. Can plant his foot in the ground and show some explosiveness out of his break to create separation. Uses his size and burst to easily gain freedom on slants, crossers and the variety of quick screens in this offense. Not often asked to run deep outs in this offense, but appears to have the balance and quick feet to successfully do so.
After the catch: Attacks the football. Doesn't wait for it to come to him, but rather goes to it, helping him build momentum to generate yardage after the catch. Is a load to bring down. Possesses good size and strength to run through arm tackles. Physical receiver who challenges defensive backs by lowering his shoulder and churning his feet. Some lateral agility to elude, though he's most effective due to his strength and surprising (for his size) acceleration. Long-strider with deceptive speed to sneak downfield for the deep ball. Good vision. Looks for teammates to help him and allows his blocks to set up rather than running past them prematurely. Good body control to tap his feet before going out of bounds.
Blocking: Takes his role as a blocker seriously. Shows good strength and effort blocking downfield, locking up the corner and working to seal his opponent from the action. Often sent in motion so he can provide a crack back block on an unsuspecting defensive end.
Intangibles: Impressed his coaching staff and teammates with his dedication in his rehabilitation from the torn patellar tendon. Refused to wear a knee brace during spring football and caught 13 passes for 210 yards and a 21-yard touchdown during three spring scrimmages. Unfortunately, appeared to be a shadow of his former self during the games that count … Good competitive fire for the position. Understands his role as a blocker in this offense and looks to help his teammates."
--By Rob Rang
I expect the Pats to acquire some later round picks during the draft. Here's a kid that seems to have top notch skills but suffered in 2011 because he came back too soon from a knee injury. Sounds to me like he's got the heart and desire. Pick him up, give him a year to really mend and learn the system on the practice squad... and then who knows, maybe our version of Marquise Colston? And Mallet should be able to provide the real info.
Comments?
