Quote:
Originally Posted by sedated
I agree with a lot of what you say and absolutely agree on the Clark deal (I posted shortly after about the fear that it would cost us Jones, who regardless of Clark's play is at a more valuable position).
But Hardman plays WR, the position with the steepest learning curve in the NFL. DeAndre Hopkins, the consensus best WR in the game, had 50 catches and 2 TDs his rookie year. Antonio Brown didn't break 70 catches until his 4th season. Davante Adams was a pedestrian until catching fire halfway through his 3rd year. It takes time.
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Sure it does. And WR is a bitch to learn in this system.
But if you're going with the 'learning curve' approach I'd sure like to see a guy with a more rounded skill-set. Hardman can absolutely still prove me wrong but I don't see a guy who will ever be able to be what Watkins is in this offense and be that physical X style WR who can get over the middle and make tough, contested catches that are so critical in the red zone.
Offense between the 20s is pretty easy these days, especially when you have a wizard calling your plays. But capitalizing on red zone opportunities is more vital than ever. Sometimes that requires having a guy who can just body off someone or battle his way through traffic to make a touch catch. I don't see Hardman being that guy and I think long-term that's a player they need.
There were people on the board when Hardman was chosen who have more potential to be that player. To me, Hardman looks more like a Donnie Avery sort and I think trading up into the 2nd for that kind of player is a poor use of resources.
If he becomes Desean Jackson, it won't be.
We shall see...