Ramifications
Guest
Because Bailey had a relatively quiet debut (those who were watching may have noticed he made a contribution on ST), only making some noise late starting the last few games, I thought it might be worthwhile revisiting how impressive his resume is. The below was written by a regional reporter covering the Steelers. This was probably the first article I saw Bailey compared to Ward for his toughness and ST prowess, and after a closer look I agreed. After more thinking about comps, he also reminded me of Derrick Mason, another player that lacked prototypical size, had deceptive, sneaky speed, always seemed to be open, had outstanding hands and though being underappreciated by casual NFL watchers, carved out an impressive NFL career with multiple 1,000 yard seasons (TEN drafted Mason on Fisher's watch).
Bailey fun fact - Either as a position coach, OC or HC, West Virginia HC and Air Raid passing attack architect Dana Holgorsen oversaw not only the later development of Bailey and teamate Tavon Austin, but earlier of Michael Crabtree, and even further back, Wes Welker.
* IMO, Bailey is a potential X-factor for us, and now that he has had a chance to show the coaches what he can do by cracking the door of opportunity to a starting role open, his talent is going to break it down and compel/force the coaching staff to keep him on the field. On a team plagued and ravaged all season by inconsistency and drops, he is eminently and consumately RELIABLE (Snead called him QB-friendly during the Senior Bowl interview on the NFL channel). He is the smoothest, most polished, refined and technically accomplished route runner on the team, has the best hands and is already a better combination of developed talent than Givens, Quick or Pettis, and I think has leap frogged them as one of the top WRs on the team with Austin.
http://triblive.com/sports/johnharris/3680790-74/bailey-steelers-austin#axzz2rJFdsdsn
excerpts...
1) “Bailey is the best value pick in the draft, and the best route runner,” said Dave-Te' Thomas, who operates Scouting Services Inc. and provides detailed draft analysis for NFL teams, including the Steelers.
2) Bailey, who left WVU with a year of eligibility remaining, led the country with 25 touchdowns among his 114 receptions in 2012 — the third-highest total in NCAA FBS history — and broke Michael Crabtree's Big 12 record of 22 touchdown grabs in 2007 (Crabtree, too, was coached by Holgorsen in college). No active college player has reached Bailey's 41 career touchdown grabs."
3) "Bailey diversified his game to include not only receiving skills — he was among three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award — but also his willingness to excel in less glamorous roles as a defender and blocker on special teams.
Bailey led West Virginia with 10 special teams tackles last season (seven solo), recording at least one stop in eight games. He also finished third in the Big 12 with 1,781 all-purpose yards.
“All teams want rookies to come in and play special teams. That's saying a lot about his toughness,” said Tony Fleming, Bailey's Florida-based agent.
Hines Ward became respected as much for his blocking as his receiving skills with the Steelers. Bailey is a Ward clone in that regard."
Bailey fun fact - Either as a position coach, OC or HC, West Virginia HC and Air Raid passing attack architect Dana Holgorsen oversaw not only the later development of Bailey and teamate Tavon Austin, but earlier of Michael Crabtree, and even further back, Wes Welker.
* IMO, Bailey is a potential X-factor for us, and now that he has had a chance to show the coaches what he can do by cracking the door of opportunity to a starting role open, his talent is going to break it down and compel/force the coaching staff to keep him on the field. On a team plagued and ravaged all season by inconsistency and drops, he is eminently and consumately RELIABLE (Snead called him QB-friendly during the Senior Bowl interview on the NFL channel). He is the smoothest, most polished, refined and technically accomplished route runner on the team, has the best hands and is already a better combination of developed talent than Givens, Quick or Pettis, and I think has leap frogged them as one of the top WRs on the team with Austin.
http://triblive.com/sports/johnharris/3680790-74/bailey-steelers-austin#axzz2rJFdsdsn
excerpts...
1) “Bailey is the best value pick in the draft, and the best route runner,” said Dave-Te' Thomas, who operates Scouting Services Inc. and provides detailed draft analysis for NFL teams, including the Steelers.
2) Bailey, who left WVU with a year of eligibility remaining, led the country with 25 touchdowns among his 114 receptions in 2012 — the third-highest total in NCAA FBS history — and broke Michael Crabtree's Big 12 record of 22 touchdown grabs in 2007 (Crabtree, too, was coached by Holgorsen in college). No active college player has reached Bailey's 41 career touchdown grabs."
3) "Bailey diversified his game to include not only receiving skills — he was among three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award — but also his willingness to excel in less glamorous roles as a defender and blocker on special teams.
Bailey led West Virginia with 10 special teams tackles last season (seven solo), recording at least one stop in eight games. He also finished third in the Big 12 with 1,781 all-purpose yards.
“All teams want rookies to come in and play special teams. That's saying a lot about his toughness,” said Tony Fleming, Bailey's Florida-based agent.
Hines Ward became respected as much for his blocking as his receiving skills with the Steelers. Bailey is a Ward clone in that regard."