Are we better at third pass catcher than the media thinks?

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WestCoastRam said:
I don't think it's a guarantee but i think there are few lanes that may prove we're more resilient and better than what the media thinks when it comes to the third pass catcher role (I say third cause I'm gonna talk about TE's we'll be using in the slot and out wide).

I do think we can set both Smith and Whittington aside right now. We've had enough time with them to understand exactly what they are. While Smith had the dominate snap share of all the "other" WR's on the field last year, he's an extremely limited WR in terms of route ability and so-so as a blocker. He does have speed but more quick than fast and his timed speed doesn't pop on film like other fast guys.

Mumpfield had some good plays last year and while slight, showed some skill at as a route runner. He seemed to not be a liability as a run blocker but as it stands now he seems below average there. Will a year in an NFL weight program allow him to put on some weight without losing his agility? Can he improve in his route savvy which was already pretty decent?

Fergy will be a year in the system too. He lined up in the slot (a tiny bit out wide) quite a bit last year and was tantalizing on out and ups, crossers, posts, corners though he struggled with contested catches. Can he take the next step and maximize his long speed, size and wingspan?

Klare is really tantalizing as a slot receiver. He can run every route on the route tree (Fergy has some limitations here). While not a speed demon at the spot, the guy has fantastic accelerate and seems like a YAC monster. (Kind of hilarious that if we had just picked Sadiq, all the Rams should have gotten help at pass catcher would have gone away and Klare is being completely overshadowed).

Finally, there's CJ. A player who's had an injury history in college (foot stuff) but has shown great hands and savvy ability in contested catch situations. He doesn't have to be a stud, he just has to offer more than Smith, Whitt and Mump to get on the field. He can play every WR spot on the field too. Seems like a great blocker too.

What do you guys think, is this stuff getting blown out of proportion?
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I hope CJ is the find but I feel we should have traded up for Bernard. That, said, I like Klare and idea of him in this offense
 
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Yes and that is an important distinction.

That said, most people have referenced this in terms of either Adams or Puka getting injured.

But I think our WR depth is better than people think too.
 
Hobgoblin said:
I didn’t know you could go to rehab for his behavior/comments or whatever stupid thing he did that someone got outraged about.

Bizarre times we live in.

When one says rehab, one thinks substance or addiction. Not what he did. Man we are soft now.
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I’m not sure what the exact reason is. Alcohol was an easy assumption.
Possibly dope? I hope not.
But now that you mention it, I’m not sure an “”official” reason was given.

I do know that an attorney will always recommend rehab or treatment, or AA meetings in an effort to get out in front of a legal situation. This whole thing started with some chick claiming he bit her—against her will.

And I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment of society in general. We have indeed become soft.
 
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Puka was never "in" rehab. He was doing a few hours a week "outpatient". Big difference.
The Blacklist Applause GIF by NBC
 
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WestCoastRam said:
I'd like to hammer home a distinction: the importance of WR 3 on this team is less about running 11 personnel and more about having a guy take over WR 1/2 if Puka or Adams goes down with injury next year.
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It’s a good point, well made, but if that is so where did a slot WR like Lemon fit that picture? No, most people, if not you, we’re having a Puka Adams Lemon conversation - as in, get all there on the field together

Now this said, I do agree. It could be a problem, no doubt. I would have taken a WR but do like the Klare pick. Let’s just keep moving those chains and scoring TDs. Was there a WR who could come in and spell straight away? I liked Bernard but outside of him, who is polished, I am not sure who?

I like the WRs we have, including Daniels, in terms of that third WR in 11
 
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TheTackle said:
It’s a good point, well made, but if that is so where did a slot WR like Lemon fit that picture? No, most people, if not you, we’re having a Puka Adams Lemon conversation - as in, get all there on the field together

Now this said, I do agree. It could be a problem, no doubt. I would have taken a WR but do like the Klare pick. Let’s just keep moving those chains and scoring TDs. Was there a WR who could come in and spell straight away? I liked Bernard but outside of him, who is polished, I am not sure who?

I like the WRs we have, including Daniels, in terms of that third WR in 11
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Well, I think that's why Lemon was such a square peg round hole pick at 13. I liked him - partly because I thought he could do a little Z (projecting somewhat) and not just be a slot.*

But again, was he good enough that he would be a difference maker playing in either spot.

*I think we - including me - get too invested in slot/Z (though X is a different animal somewhat) in this offense. We run so much condensed formations with so much motion I don't think you have to worry as much about who's the slot and who's the Z and if it plays to a wide receivers certain strengths in this offense as you do others.
 
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TheTackle said:
It’s a good point, well made, but if that is so where did a slot WR like Lemon fit that picture? No, most people, if not you, we’re having a Puka Adams Lemon conversation - as in, get all there on the field together

Now this said, I do agree. It could be a problem, no doubt. I would have taken a WR but do like the Klare pick. Let’s just keep moving those chains and scoring TDs. Was there a WR who could come in and spell straight away? I liked Bernard but outside of him, who is polished, I am not sure who?

I like the WRs we have, including Daniels, in terms of that third WR in 11
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Well I like Cooper but wtf do I know
 
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WestCoastRam said:
I'd like to hammer home a distinction: the importance of WR 3 on this team is less about running 11 personnel and more about having a guy take over WR 1/2 if Puka or Adams goes down with injury next year.
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Yup. And yes we all love Puka and Adams, but we have to be realistic. Puka plays a style that will get him injured more than most receivers and Adams will be 34 this year. I'm convinced we'll sign or trade for someone. Last thing McVay wants is to be limited in his play calling. Teams will adjust to the extra TEs. He's going to want the flexibility of multiple looks.
 
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