Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut
I just can't find enough video of the guy actually running routes. They all focus on the QB and suddenly the ball's being thrown to him.
When I do see a route, it's usually a single cut and then he just relies on being really damn fast to find space.
It looks like he's pretty good at the deep hook route, but mostly because DBs have had to respect his deep speed; I'm not sure they'd have to give him as much respect at the next level as more DBs have catchup speed or good coverage safeties over the top. He'd probably be pretty handy in either the 1 or 2 spots on a smash route - you could have him handle the hitch and use his size to screen guys off/speed to pick up YAC or run him on the the corner and use his speed to pull away while the underneath hit draws coverage and singles him up. In either situation, the smash concept could help him find the room to work he'll need.
I'm not so sure he has quick enough feet for double moves and I do think he may need to be schemed into space more than just making it for himself off the snap.
Reid was able to make some space for people last year with pretty much nothing in terms of athleticism. He'll be able to find room for this guy to work as well. The attention that Maclin and Kelce draw will do wonders for Conley, IMO. Ultimately though, until I see more footwork from him, he's going to be a little limited in what he can do. I think I had it right a couple days ago - slower Mike Wallace with a better attitude.
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He's a college player with college coaches, of course he isn't a finished product. Dorsey talked in his post-draft press conference about how the majority of college receivers have room to improve with their route running. Obviously if he was a more polished product he would have gone earlier. Sure he's "limited" now as you said. That's why we have coaches to coach him up. If he had the route running of a Lockett or Agholor he would have been a first round pick. Likewise, if those guys had his body/speed/athleticism they would have been first round picks.