(05-28-2018, 03:40 AM)archer56 Wrote: Brooks posted the below article and made some good points on how we will see the position begin to evolve from a manning standpoint. (Last section of the article)

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000...-in-year-1

TLDR he says teams will value speed, reduce the number of big men, offense and defense, and likely begin stashing big quick receivers and quick tackling machines.

This made me think going forward of the consequences in the run game/D line as well as drafting in later rounds.

Quote:Brooks:

...I'm curious to see if special-teams coaches will use more skill players (wide receivers, tight ends and fullbacks) because there will be more one-on-one blocking in the open field, which requires better athletes and players adept at blocking in space. The makeup for returners will also change a bit, with guys expected to cover more ground than before. Coaches will opt for speedy guys with outstanding quickness and tracking skills over the rugged returners (see: Brian Mitchell) who used to occupy some of the KR spots in the past.

On the coverage side, I believe we could see more linebackers and defensive backs on kickoff coverage units due to the elimination of running starts and the need to make more tackles in space. We could also see more wide receivers earn time on those units as the play transitions into more of a punt play, where speed and athleticism are coveted at a premium. Sure, those wide receivers will need to be able to make tackles in space, but their collective speed and quickness will make them more valuable than ever on kicking units.
...
In addition, you could see more teams stash "big" receivers (6-foot-2, 215-plus pounds) on the roster as special-teams standouts/WR4s and WR5s. With teams looking for large, athletic guys capable of blocking in space, the bigger receivers could become hot commodities as bottom-of-the-roster fillers.