There's no doubt Sammy doesn't play in a conventional pro style offense, and a lot of what he is asked to do is play in space with quick outs. But the offense Chad Morris runs in Clemson is very similar to what Jed Fisch runs here and Chip Kelly runs in Philly. He'll be just fine. Depending on who drafts him, he could be a very effective receiver immediately. Teams haven't jammed him at Clemson because they simply couldn't do it and he was beating the man coverage for TDs. He can beat DBs at the next level, I don't think there's any question about that. The only question mark for Sammy is can he run polished NFL routes

---

10 years ago we had Bob Hope, Johnny Cash, and Steve Jobs..... Please don't die, Kevin Bacon.

There's no doubt Sammy doesn't play in a conventional pro style offense, and a lot of what he is asked to do is play in space with quick outs. But the offense Chad Morris runs in Clemson is very similar to what Jed Fisch runs here and Chip Kelly runs in Philly. He'll be just fine. Depending on who drafts him, he could be a very effective receiver immediately. Teams haven't jammed him at Clemson because they simply couldn't do it and he was beating the man coverage for TDs. He can beat DBs at the next level, I don't think there's any question about that. The only question mark for Sammy is can he run polished NFL routes

Winner winner chicken dinner

---

There's no doubt Sammy doesn't play in a conventional pro style offense, and a lot of what he is asked to do is play in space with quick outs. But the offense Chad Morris runs in Clemson is very similar to what Jed Fisch runs here and Chip Kelly runs in Philly. He'll be just fine. Depending on who drafts him, he could be a very effective receiver immediately. Teams haven't jammed him at Clemson because they simply couldn't do it and he was beating the man coverage for TDs. He can beat DBs at the next level, I don't think there's any question about that. The only question mark for Sammy is can he run polished NFL routes

 

Pretty much this.

 

There is going to need to be an adjustment for Sammy at the next level.  I think people can expect a Tavon Austin or Cordarelle Patterson like rookie year from him.  I think a player like Evans or Abbrederis and a few others are more ready to contribute as rookies, as far as more playing time.  Sammy will have packages and will be eased into things in my opinion.

---

I don't care what the article said. I dare you to watch the bowl game and tell me he ran a normal distribution of routes. His touchdown was a 9 route.


I'll break it down for you... Even though the game tape is easily available on the internet and you just refuse to believe me...


1st Quarter:

15:00 - Lines up in backfield and takes handoff.

14:18 - Lines up middle trips left and runs a 9.

05:44 - Runs a 0.

05:29 - Runs a 0.

05:03 - Runs a 9 for a touchdown.

00:51 - Lines up in backfield and swings left.

2nd Quarter:

13:27 - Runs a 0.

11:16 - Runs a 2. Intercepted.

08:51 - Motions from left to right into backfield and takes the flipped pass. Essentially an end around that counts as a reception.

08:22 - Runs a 0.

07:13 - Runs a 0.

01:45 - Runs a 0.

01:21 - Swings left from the backfield.

3rd Quarter:

12:05 - Runs a 0.

05:45 - Motions right to left for the same end around that counts as a reception.

04:57 - Runs a 0.

03:13 - Swings right from backfield.

02:56 - Runs a 9 for his second touchdown.

01:57 - Runs a 0.

4th Quarter:

11:35 - Runs a 0.

10:25 - Runs a 0.

09:22 - Swings left from backfield.

08:02 - Swings left from backfield.

06:16 - Lines up slot and does an end around to a WR option pass.

02:24 - Motions from left to right and takes another end around for a reception.


That was every play he was involved in during the Orange Bowl. Tell me where you see NFL routes there. I'm not hating on the guy, but you guys are delusional if you refuse to accept that he plays in a system that specifically schemes him the ball without having him run routes.

Lol jeez. I said I "think" and added a question mark. I wasn't positive on one of tds in the bowl game. Just remember he caught the ball towards the middle so I'm guessing he was in the slot.


Dares me to watch the game and in the same comment says I refuse to watch. Ok?


He has run more routes. Just because he didn't do it in one game doesn't mean he hasn't before. And I really don't think learning to run routes is all that difficult.

---

Wr's are not QB's.


They don't need to play in nfl type offenses.


If the wide receiver has all the tools--ball skills, athleticism, speed, footwork, and yes even instinct- he can get separation and make plays consistently in the nfl.


I can think of a bunch of receivers that did not play in nfl offenses that are like this:


Deandre Hopkins

Michael Crabtree

Dez Bryant

Justin Blackmon


All posses the explosive traits that make for easy transition.


Watkins also possesses these traits.



If he has even the slightest bit of work ethic, you can teach him to run precise routes.


It's not like a QB who may have all the physical tools but is actually hindered by the type of offense he plays in college.

---

Lol jeez. I said I "think" and added a question mark. I wasn't positive on one of tds in the bowl game. Just remember he caught the ball towards the middle so I'm guessing he was in the slot.


Dares me to watch the game and in the same comment says I refuse to watch. Ok?


He has run more routes. Just because he didn't do it in one game doesn't mean he hasn't before. And I really don't think learning to run routes is all that difficult.

Yes, he has run routes before. Yes, he normally runs more routes than the Orange Bowl. I'm not saying that he's a terrible route runner, but he has to adapt to running routes to get open. He has to learn how to go across the middle. He has to learn how to sit down and find creases in a zone. These are all things he does less in college than the typical top 10 receiver.


Route running is like shooting a gun. If you shoot dead center of the 5 ring 9 out of 10 times, you're not a good shot. Inconsistent route running by Reuben Randle directly led to like 5 or 6 of Eli Mannings interceptions this year. Summarily, no, route running is not easy.

---

Wr's are not QB's.


They don't need to play in nfl type offenses.


If the wide receiver has all the tools--ball skills, athleticism, speed, footwork, and yes even instinct- he can get separation and make plays consistently in the nfl.


I can think of a bunch of receivers that did not play in nfl offenses that are like this:


Deandre Hopkins

Michael Crabtree

Dez Bryant

Justin Blackmon


All posses the explosive traits that make for easy transition.


Watkins also possesses these traits.



If he has even the slightest bit of work ethic, you can teach him to run precise routes.


It's not like a QB who may have all the physical tools but is actually hindered by the type of offense he plays in college.

Again, I'm not saying he doesn't possess these traits. He does. I'm saying he needs time to develop, and that there is a chance that he doesn't develop. It's a legitimate concern on him.


I disagree with your statement on the 4 receivers mentioned. Crabtree played in the furthest from an NFL offense, but he ran a variety of routes. Blackmon and Bryant played in a spread not all that dissimilar from modern NFL spread offenses. Hopkins ran routes at Clemson; it's mostly Watson that is used in an offensive weapon role, similar to Harvin at Florida.

---

Again, I'm not saying he doesn't possess these traits. He does. I'm saying he needs time to develop, and that there is a chance that he doesn't develop. It's a legitimate concern on him.


I disagree with your statement on the 4 receivers mentioned. Crabtree played in the furthest from an NFL offense, but he ran a variety of routes. Blackmon and Bryant played in a spread not all that dissimilar from modern NFL spread offenses. Hopkins ran routes at Clemson; it's mostly Watson that is used in an offensive weapon role, similar to Harvin at Florida.

I hear what your saying, and I agree with the fact the each of those receivers varies as far as exposure to certain routes and understanding of defensive coverage principles.


But one thing they they have in common is that they weren't called upon to run consistently good routes in college, largely because of scheme.


I agree with you that the amount each knew going in varied. But I know following the transition of a few of them and reading articles in their rookie years that route running was the thing that they had to adjust to the most. Simply because they had more freedom in their spread offenses and DBS in the nfl were too good to neglect the importance.


Their are other wrs in spread offenses that don't make the transition as well, a lot of these receivers lack the explosiveness and purely benefit from the scheme they played in.


Watkins did have a. Unique role, and he will undoubtedly have to work on his route running at this level. But for an athlete of his caliber, I dont think it's going to be quite the problem that you make it out to be.... Especially in today's nfl where you are much more spread oriented, and can find a role for just about anyone.


What changes that is if he has a [BLEEP] work ethic, doesn't care about being great, and lacks the ability and desire to attack the ball, the latter part of that he has, the first part I suppose is what you maybe questioning?

---

Ignore

---

Ignore repeat post

---

I hear what your saying, and I agree with the fact the each of those receivers varies as far as exposure to certain routes and understanding of defensive coverage principles.


But one thing they they have in common is that they weren't called upon to run consistently good routes in college, largely because of scheme.


I agree with you that the amount each knew going in varied. But I know following the transition of a few of them and reading articles in their rookie years that route running was the thing that they had to adjust to the most. Simply because they had more freedom in their spread offenses and DBS in the nfl were too good to neglect the importance.


Their are other wrs in spread offenses that don't make the transition as well, a lot of these receivers lack the explosiveness and purely benefit from the scheme they played in.


Watkins did have a. Unique role, and he will undoubtedly have to work on his route running at this level. But for an athlete of his caliber, I dont think it's going to be quite the problem that you make it out to be.... Especially in today's nfl where you are much more spread oriented, and can find a role for just about anyone.


What changes that is if he has a [BAD WORD REMOVED] work ethic, doesn't care about being great, and lacks the ability and desire to attack the ball, the latter part of that he has, the first part I suppose is what you maybe questioning?

 

No, I'm not questioning his work ethic at all.  But just because you have talent and a good work ethic doesn't mean you'll evolve and be productive.  Look at Blaine Gabbert.  If you want to look at a receiver with equal or more talent and equal or more work ethic, look at Ted Ginn.

 

I'm really not making this out to be a big problem, I'm just saying its a question mark going into the process and it's the reason he's not an elite level prospect some are saying that he is.  I wouldn't take him at #3 with that large of a question mark on him.  First round? Definitely on talent alone.

---

No, I'm not questioning his work ethic at all. But just because you have talent and a good work ethic doesn't mean you'll evolve and be productive. Look at Blaine Gabbert. If you want to look at a receiver with equal or more talent and equal or more work ethic, look at Ted Ginn.


I'm really not making this out to be a big problem, I'm just saying its a question mark going into the process and it's the reason he's not an elite level prospect some are saying that he is. I wouldn't take him at #3 with that large of a question mark on him. First round? Definitely on talent alone.

I think the QB position is different, but yes you are right, I personally wouldn't take him at three. Not so much because I don't think he won't be an impact player, but because of talent at other positions added with the amount of holes that we have on our team.


Now would it make more sense for a team like Oakland, or St. Louis, or even Cleveland... Pending on which QB is available.. I would make that argument. But makes no sense for a team as as bad as us to pick a wr at three with the talent at QB and Leo available.

---