JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/]Redskins Insider[/url]

While commenting on the Redskins' receiving corps this offseason, Vinny Cerrato, Washington's executive vice president of football operations, often mentions his excitement about the potential of wide receiver Anthony Mix. "I like him," Cerrato said. "We're going to give him a chance to show us what he can do."
Mix, a college teammate of quarterback Jason Campbell at Auburn who was signed from the New York Giants' practice squad on Nov. 20, performed well while playing on special teams in six games last season. Now, the Redskins are eager to learn more about Mix's receiving skills. At 6 feet 5 and 235 pounds, Mix could fill the Redskins' need for a big wide receiver, and he welcomes the opportunity to try.

"It makes me feel great that they've identified me as being someone who has the talent, so that they want to give me a chance," Mix said after workouts today at Redskins Park. "All anybody can ask for is an opportunity, that's what this is all about, and my window of opportunity is here. I'm going to work hard this offseason to take advantage of it."

Mix, 25, went undrafted in 2006 and signed with the Giants as a free agent. He is raw (Mix has only three receptions for 39 yards in nine NFL games), but with the team switching to a West Coast offense for next season, the Redskins believe Campbell could benefit from having a big target.

The Redskins pursued former free agent wide receiver D.J. Hackett (they offered Hackett a minimum contract), who signed with the Carolina Panthers. Although the team is expected to draft at least one wide receiver, Mix has the inside track at joining starting wide receivers Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El as a key member of the Redskins' new-look offense.

"They didn't sign any big names in free agency, and that makes me feel kind of good," Mix said. "That's showing confidence in me. That's showing that they see something in me.

"I think they're looking to see big things out of me, which is good for me. I'm not nervous at all about it. I'm excited about it. A lot of people wait for that big break; this might be my big break."

Campbell acknowledged he encouraged Redskins officials to consider signing Mix because "I thought he was someone who could help the team." Mix appreciates his friend's support and looks forward to reconnecting with Campbell on the field when minicamp begins May 2.

"I played with Jason for three years at Auburn, I know how he works, so it should" help him, Mix said. "I have to get used to his ball again because I haven't played with him in awhile. It's not like you just jump back out there and the timing is down like it used to be, you have to work at it, but we'll see what we can do once we get started again. I'm ready."

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

In this age of overexposure, I guess this stuff is to be expected, but there sure is a lot of hype around this guy just for being tall. In all likelihood, we'll be saying "who was Anthony Mix?" by the end of the season.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

i think a lot of ppl here are jumping the gun on mix, dont get me wrong id love to see him thrive with us and become a solid contributer, but im not ready to reserve a spot in hawaii for him quite yet. lets see him on offense in pre-season at least. im glad that jlc has done this article though. that being said i dont think we can go in with just ARE and moss as our only proven receivers, we are going to need to draft at least 1 fairly high up, hopefully 3rd round or something. lets just hope the draft pick doesnt turn out to be another cliff russell

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[QUOTE=Big C;434632]i think a lot of ppl here are jumping the gun on mix, dont get me wrong id love to see him thrive with us and become a solid contributer, but im not ready to reserve a spot in hawaii for him quite yet. lets see him on offense in pre-season at least. im glad that jlc has done this article though. that being said i dont think we can go in with just ARE and moss as our only proven receivers, we are going to need to draft at least 1 fairly high up, hopefully 3rd round or something. lets just hope the draft pick doesnt turn out to be another cliff russell[/QUOTE]

I agree that we should take a receiver in the second or third round. But, at the very least, we should see what Mix can do. He's proven himself on special teams. He knows Jason from their days at Auburn. Who knows? He could be that diamond in the rough. But, you are right in that we do have some numbers issues at WR.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

I am a minority on this I know, but I am going to throw my opion out there anyway and this seems like the thread to do it in.

Despite everyones opinion (including anyone on the personnell staff) forego taking any WR's in the draft this year. Build up the needs and depth at the other positions on our roster CB, OL, DL, and QB. Let Mix get a shot at the #2 WR spot. If he doesn't pan out then we can address the WR high (not #1) in next years draft. Sure, we allow UFA's into camp to compete. But this will allow us to take care of the rest of the needs on the team.

We already know what Moss and ARE are truly capable of despite last years performances, and Cooley is a lock at TE. This is a new offense. Lets see what it looks like before we say we need something.

In essense I am saying lets build up depth and watch the team perform before we decide we need another offensive weapon. The defense is set with a question at DB. Everywhere else we need depth. Lets build it.

I realize that ARE is moving into the slot.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[QUOTE=angryssg;434634]I am a minority on this I know, but I am going to throw my opion out there anyway and this seems like the thread to do it in.

Despite everyones opinion (including anyone on the personnell staff) forego taking any WR's in the draft this year. Build up the needs and depth at the other positions on our roster CB, OL, DL, and QB. Let Mix get a shot at the #2 WR spot. If he doesn't pan out then we can address the WR high (not #1) in next years draft. Sure, we allow UFA's into camp to compete. But this will allow us to take care of the rest of the needs on the team.

We already know what Moss and ARE are truly capable of despite last years performances, and Cooley is a lock at TE. This is a new offense. Lets see what it looks like before we say we need something.

In essense I am saying lets build up depth and watch the team perform before we decide we need another offensive weapon. The defense is set with a question at DB. Everywhere else we need depth. Lets build it.

I realize that ARE is moving into the slot.[/QUOTE]

I hear what you're saying. We need to focus more on the lines instead of the skill positions. You're right. Having said that, I don't think it would hurt to get some depth at receiver, only because Moss, Randle El and Thrash each had injuries last season which forced them to miss games. And let's not forget about the Brandon Lloyd debacle.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=KB24;434635]I hear what you're saying. We need to focus more on the lines instead of the skill positions. You're right. Having said that, I don't think it would hurt to get some depth at receiver, only because Moss, Randle El and Thrash each had injuries last season which forced them to miss games. And let's not forget about the Brandon Lloyd debacle.[/quote]

If we are set on taking a WR, I would rather see him taken later (6th or 7th) rather than sooner. And only 1.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=angryssg;434634]I am a minority on this I know, but I am going to throw my opion out there anyway and this seems like the thread to do it in.

Despite everyones opinion (including anyone on the personnell staff) forego taking any WR's in the draft this year. Build up the needs and depth at the other positions on our roster CB, OL, DL, and QB. Let Mix get a shot at the #2 WR spot. If he doesn't pan out then we can address the WR high (not #1) in next years draft. Sure, we allow UFA's into camp to compete. But this will allow us to take care of the rest of the needs on the team.

We already know what Moss and ARE are truly capable of despite last years performances, and Cooley is a lock at TE. This is a new offense. Lets see what it looks like before we say we need something.

In essense I am saying lets build up depth and watch the team perform before we decide we need another offensive weapon. The defense is set with a question at DB. Everywhere else we need depth. Lets build it.

I realize that ARE is moving into the slot.[/quote]

Sound logic, plus Roy Williams might be available next year as a free agent. If Mix actually pans out & wins a starting spot, our wr corp would be in decent shape, we'd only need a #5 behind Thrash.

I still think this is a good time to draft a wr, since in 2-3 years he might start producing. With the vets on this team I think next year (09) will be the best to make a push for the super bowl. Zorn's first year will be a good year for the offense to come together, but I don't expect great success until his 2nd year. If we draft a wr this year he'll be ready to produce at the same time that the rest of the team starts to gell.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=freddyg12;434638]Sound logic, plus Roy Williams might be available next year as a free agent. If Mix actually pans out & wins a starting spot, our wr corp would be in decent shape, we'd only need a #5 behind Thrash.

I still think this is a good time to draft a wr, since in 2-3 years he might start producing. With the vets on this team I think next year (09) will be the best to make a push for the super bowl. Zorn's first year will be a good year for the offense to come together, but I don't expect great success until his 2nd year. If we draft a wr this year he'll be ready to produce at the same time that the rest of the team starts to gell.[/quote]

The rest of our playmakers aren't getting any younger though.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

I wonder how much truth there is to this article. As others have alluded to lately the fans voice now plays a bigger part in the direction any NFL team takes, and few groups of fans are as loud as our fan base. Ironically it's our fan base which possibly played a part in the team not hiring Jim Fassel. Now I doubt that we were the sole reason but still, we did have a part in the decision to not hire Fassel.

However what I want to know is if this article is a form of fan service on Vinny Cerato's part. JLC in this case can only report what he was told. Throughout this offseason. As a lot of you have noticed Mix has developed almost a cult like following this offseason, and that would be fine, if I could believe that the following wasn't based soley on the guys measureables or his performance in fans Madden Franchise's.

If the guy proves himself in training camp and during the preseason then awesome. However I refuse to annoint a guy as the solution to a problem on the sole basis of him being tall and relatively fast. And ironically I bet that Mix wouldn't be to proud of getting a shot soley on his measureables.

However for me Mix mania came way to early. If it had started during training camp or during the preseason then I could easily have gotten on board, but for now all we have is a guy thats tall enough to play 2 guard in the NBA and who's experience with Campbell only netted him ~200 yards when the two played together. With that said I might join the Mix bandwagon one day, but it won't be a day before training camp starts.

At this point I'm convinced that the Redskins will take a Reciever in rounds 2 or 3 given that Cerrato has voiced his opinion that no Recievers are worth a 1st round grade (or a top 20 grade according to Smootsmack :D). And with that said the only quality guy I can see going in round 2 or 3 is Jordy Nelson, who won't be avaiable when we pick in round 3.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[QUOTE=angryssg;434639]The rest of our playmakers aren't getting any younger though.[/QUOTE]

Santana Moss and ARE are both 28 and Cooley is only 25, and Clinton Portis is 26 they all many years of solid production in front of them.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

I certainly think that we could use an upgrade at wide receiver, but I don't think we should use a high draft pick on a wideout. If Jason Campbell can't "get it done" with Moss, ARE, Cooley, Betts and Portis at the skill positions then we are in trouble regardless of whether we add another good wideout. Pro Bowl appearances are over-hyped, but I think it's somewhat meaningful that we have a Pro Bowl RB, TE and WR on our roster. We don't have as much talent at the skill positions as Indy, but we've got enough talent to field a very effective offense.

We need to start finding our new Hogs/Dirtbags. I forsee serious problems along the O-line in the coming years if we don't starting working in new blood immediately.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;434672]I certainly think that we could use an upgrade at wide receiver, but I don't think we should use a high draft pick on a wideout. If Jason Campbell can't "get it done" with Moss, ARE, Cooley, Betts and Portis at the skill positions then we are in trouble regardless of whether we add another good wideout. Pro Bowl appearances are over-hyped, but I think it's somewhat meaningful that we have a Pro Bowl RB, TE and WR on our roster. We don't have as much talent at the skill positions as Indy, but we've got enough talent to field a very effective offense.

We need to start finding our new Hogs/Dirtbags. I forsee serious problems along the O-line in the coming years if we don't starting working in new blood immediately.[/quote]

but but but Olineman are fat....and and and they dont score ta ta touchdowns. the pats had da best recieving core last yer n won da supar bowl.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

Hey guys / gals,

My $.02 on Mix:

I think you guys will have a winner with this guy. Physically, there is no denying that he has all the tools needed to be very effective, and if you have ever seen him interviewed, you know that he is a mentally sharp guy as well.

However, my "gut feeling" is not so optimistic, based on Mix's performance in college. (and because of his limited play at WR in the NFL, that is really all we have to go on) You would think that a guy with his physical stature in college would absolutely dominate at that level........... but he really didn't. Sure, he made his share of big plays at crucial times, but he was never really the "go to" guy in clutch situations. Perhaps that had to do with two things:
1. Courtney Taylor, Ben Obomanu, and Devin Aromoshadu all played for Auburn at the same time. All of these guys play WR in the NFL now. Perhaps he was overshadowed a little, or the ball was spread around very well.
2. While he was there, Auburn was a "run first" type of offense. (we had Caddy, Ronnie Brown, and Brandon Jacobs at that time too) The WR's were never really asked to be the main attraction during his tenure.

Whatever happens, I really hope this is his big break and I will be pulling for him every time he laces them up!


WAR EAGLE!!
GO SKINS!

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;434672]I certainly think that we could use an upgrade at wide receiver, but I don't think we should use a high draft pick on a wideout. [B]If Jason Campbell can't "get it done" with Moss, ARE, Cooley, Betts and Portis at the skill positions then we are in trouble regardless of whether we add another good wideout.[/B] Pro Bowl appearances are over-hyped, but I think it's somewhat meaningful that we have a Pro Bowl RB, TE and WR on our roster. We don't have as much talent at the skill positions as Indy, but we've got enough talent to field a very effective offense.[/quote]And that my friends, sums up in one statement, what I would have (and still will be) using 30 posts to say.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=Dirtbag359;434676]but but but Olineman are fat....and and and they dont score ta ta touchdowns. [B]the pats had da best recieving core last yer n won da supar bowl.[/B][/quote]

Uh Giants won the super bowl not Patriots?

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[QUOTE=GridIron26;434690]Uh Giants won the super bowl not Patriots?[/QUOTE]

Dirtbag is still learning the fine art of sarcasm, forgive him

Dirtbag-I can't keep doing this for you :)

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

I definitely agree with folks that believe Mix should be given a chance. Plus, it's not like we want hiim for the #1 WR spot...he will be #3 WR behind Moss and ARE. For depth, we should draft anothe WR in the later rounds though, but we should not take a WR in the first round. There other areas that need to be addressed besides the WR position.

And if Mix doesn't work out...well then he is an Undrafted Free Agent... so oh well. If he does, then great our offense gets better.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

So I haven't posted much this off-season, mostly because we have been rather quiet in FA, and all that. But early in the off season when CJ's name first came up I said along with a few others that WR is in no way a primary need for this team going into next year. I am glad I stayed out of the several WR FA discussions for the most part, considering that we are right where we began, and are no way in trouble at the position.

We have two excellent, quick, shifty, play maker starting WR's in SM and ARE, and Caldwell and McCardell were two solid secondary receivers. On top of that we have some young talent with potential in Mix. From that standpoint it seemed obvious to me that the lines were our biggest need, and WR was not much of a concern. Certainly an upgrade or an influx of young talent will be needed at the position in the next few years, but the need is by no means imminent.

Now I know Caldwell is gone, but what about McCardell, noone has said anything about him and he had a pretty good year for us last year, is he still around? If he is I think he deserves to be recognized as at least our #5, if not #3 WR at this point. Mix is not proven, and I think he had better production then Thrash (but I could easily be mistaken).

Mix's potential with his size and speed and his connection with JC are certainly very enticing, but there is no way we can consider him capable of being one of our top 3 WR's until we actually see him play. But I dont think he needs to be. We have a solid WR corps. If he steps up that will make a huge difference to this team, if not I think we can survive a year or two with the status quo while we concentrate on areas of greater immediate need.

All that said, I am officially on the Mix bandwagon!!

He'll eclipse Moss by week two. ;)

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=Ruhskins;434704]I definitely agree with folks that believe Mix should be given a chance. Plus, it's not like we want hiim for the #1 WR spot...[B]he will be #3 WR behind Moss and ARE[/B]. For depth, we should draft anothe WR in the later rounds though, but we should not take a WR in the first round. There other areas that need to be addressed besides the WR position.

And if Mix doesn't work out...well then he is an Undrafted Free Agent... so oh well. If he does, then great our offense gets better.[/quote]

Close but not quite. Mix would be the #2 because ARE is moving to the slot. Please try and keep up.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=angryssg;434715]Close but not quite. Mix would be the #2 because ARE is moving to the slot. Please try and keep up.[/quote]

Maybe not. When they were talking about bringing in DJ Hackett the plan was to still keep ARE at the #2 in most packages.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;434672]I certainly think that we could use an upgrade at wide receiver, but I don't think we should use a high draft pick on a wideout. If Jason Campbell can't "get it done" with Moss, ARE, Cooley, Betts and Portis at the skill positions then we are in trouble regardless of whether we add another good wideout. Pro Bowl appearances are over-hyped, but I think it's somewhat meaningful that we have a Pro Bowl RB, TE and WR on our roster. We don't have as much talent at the skill positions as Indy, but we've got enough talent to field a very effective offense.

We need to start finding our new Hogs/Dirtbags. I forsee serious problems along the O-line in the coming years if we don't starting working in new blood immediately.[/quote]

Are you kidding me? What has Moss and ARE done the last two years? We need someone that can take over a game. Moss and ARE and nice 2nd and 3rd NFL wr's. Nothing more and nothing less.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

Anthony Mix. Really? I've never seen so much hype over a guy who wasn't drafted, has been in the league three years yet has never started a game, and has 3 catches EVER. THREE! At this point he's a been a practice squad to #5 caliber player.

Sure he's tall, but if this guy was a hidden gem, wouldn't he have shown something, anything at this point? I've read that he is a poor route runner and has just average speed for a WR. And people around here are talking about him playing his way into a #2 or #3? Based on what?

This article to me is total hogwash. JLC has nothing else to write about. We tried to get Hackett, and we didn't. We tried to re-sign Caldwell and he went to St. Louis instead. So when asked about Mix, Zorn said, "I like him." What's he supposed to say, "the guy is a bum and I don't like him" ?? Had Hackett or Caldwell been signed and Thrash makes the roster, Mix would be a 4 or 5 at best.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see the guy emerge as a playmaker. But I see the chances of that happening as remote. 2009's WR class in the draft isn't exactly loaded, and unless we totally suck and end up with a top 5 pick, Michael Crabtree will be gone. Not drafting a WR this year would be a bad idea. Holding out with the hope of signing Roy Williams for '09 isn't a sound strategy either. I'd like to see a list of what WR's will be FA's next season.

Moss and ARE have constantly battled nagging injuries since signing with the team (except for Santana's 2005 campaign). No reason to think that will change. Mix can't be relied upon to fill in when one or both of them misses a game or two with the usual hamstring pull. IMO there is no rational justification for not drafting/trading for a WR. To do neither and hold out hope that Mix emerges is an awful move.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

2009 Free Agent WRs: Off the top of my head Marques Colston, TJ Housh..., Roy Williams, Bobby Engram, and Taylor Jacobs

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=SmootSmack;434777]2009 Free Agent WRs: Off the top of my head Marques Colston, TJ Housh..., Roy Williams, Bobby Engram, and Taylor Jacobs[/quote]

Oh, Colston would be awesome in B&G. But I'd be surprised if he doesn't get a nice extension from the Saints during the season this year. They drafted Meachem last year and he's been a flop thus far. Housh or Roy W would of course be great, but I just don't agree with not trying to upgrade through the draft (especially since we have a bunch of picks) with the hope we'll be able to sign one of these guys. Given the Chad Johnson situation I think Cincy would be dumb not to give Housh an extension.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[QUOTE=GMScud;434765]Anthony Mix. Really? I've never seen so much hype over a guy who wasn't drafted, has been in the league three years yet has never started a game, and has 3 catches EVER. THREE! At this point he's a been a practice squad to #5 caliber player.

Sure he's tall, but if this guy was a hidden gem, wouldn't he have shown something, anything at this point? I've read that he is a poor route runner and has just average speed for a WR. And people around here are talking about him playing his way into a #2 or #3? Based on what?

This article to me is total hogwash. JLC has nothing else to write about. We tried to get Hackett, and we didn't. We tried to re-sign Caldwell and he went to St. Louis instead. So when asked about Mix, Zorn said, "I like him." What's he supposed to say, "the guy is a bum and I don't like him" ?? Had Hackett or Caldwell been signed and Thrash makes the roster, Mix would be a 4 or 5 at best.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see the guy emerge as a playmaker. But I see the chances of that happening as remote. 2009's WR class in the draft isn't exactly loaded, and unless we totally suck and end up with a top 5 pick, Michael Crabtree will be gone. Not drafting a WR this year would be a bad idea. Holding out with the hope of signing Roy Williams for '09 isn't a sound strategy either. I'd like to see a list of what WR's will be FA's next season.

Moss and ARE have constantly battled nagging injuries since signing with the team (except for Santana's 2005 campaign). No reason to think that will change. Mix can't be relied upon to fill in when one or both of them misses a game or two with the usual hamstring pull. IMO there is no rational justification for not drafting/trading for a WR. To do neither and hold out hope that Mix emerges is an awful move.[/QUOTE]

I understand what you are saying but reality is we never used the West Coast Offense with this personnel we have now. Mix probably can be a totally new WR in this system I trust Zorn if he is excited I am too. I believe Mix can be our Marques Colston diamond in the rough.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;434777]2009 Free Agent WRs: Off the top of my head Marques Colston, TJ Housh..., Roy Williams, Bobby Engram, and [B]Taylor Jacobs[/B][/QUOTE]

We all no Jacobs is the best on that list lol!!!!

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=Redskin Warrior;434784]I understand what you are saying but reality is we never used the West Coast Offense with this personnel we have now. Mix probably can be a totally new WR in this system I trust Zorn if he is excited I am too. I believe Mix can be our Marques Colston diamond in the rough.[/quote]

My point is, Mix didn't do much in college, and hasn't done much in the pros. To stand pat at WR with the baseless hope he emerges as a playmaker isn't smart. Upgrade through the draft and still give Mix his shot. That's my opinion anyway. Guys like Marques Colston (6th or 7th round pick turned immediate stud) happen once a decade. And Colston was a beast in college, Mix was not.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

I think we'll still look to the draft for a WR. I wouldn't take this Mix article as an indication that the team feels they are completely set at WR.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=skinsfan69;434744]Are you kidding me? What has Moss and ARE done the last two years? [B]We need someone that can take over a game.[/B] Moss and ARE and nice 2nd and 3rd NFL wr's. Nothing more and nothing less.[/quote][url=http://www.nfl.com/players/chriscooley/profile?id=COO376642]Chris Cooley[/url]

Glad that one's settled.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=GTripp0012;434793][URL="http://www.nfl.com/players/chriscooley/profile?id=COO376642"]Chris Cooley[/URL]

Glad that one's settled.[/quote]

Gotta love his hair :)

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=GTripp0012;434793][URL="http://www.nfl.com/players/chriscooley/profile?id=COO376642"]Chris Cooley[/URL]

Glad that one's settled.[/quote]

Cooley does not play the WR position. We need someone on the outside that is a game breaker. As much we all love Cooley he's not a game breaker. He doesn't take over games. He can't carry an offense if needed. Remember what TO and Plax did against us this year? Remember what Plax did to GB in the playoffs? We need a Wr that is capable of catching 85-100 balls, 1,200 to 1,400 yards and double digit TD's. Outside of Moss' year in 05 we just haven't had anyone.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=skinsfan69;434810]Cooley does not play the WR position. We need someone on the outside that is a game breaker. As much we all love Cooley he's not a game breaker. He doesn't take over games. He can't carry an offense if needed. Remember what TO and Plax did against us this year? Remember what Plax did to GB in the playoffs? Outside of Moss' year in 05 we just haven't had anyone.[/quote]In his career he has taken over plenty of games. Think of San Francisco his rookie year, Dallas in '05, or Carolina in '06. I'm not sure what the definition of a gamebreaker is, but Cooley seems to fit all reasonable definitions.

The reason he can't carry an offense is that he doesn't play QB or RB. No WR draft pick is going to carry an offense.

I do remember what Plax did in the playoffs, but if we're being objective, I would say that over their careers, Santana is a better receiver (and certainly more of a gamebreaker than Plax is). I mean, Burress had been a disappointment until this year, and was best known for being a malcontent. I doubt he will ever have this sort of success again. T.O. is different, but how are we going to acquire the next T.O.? Guys like him don't exactly grow on trees. It's not like we need him anyway, I mean he wasn't very good in Dallas before he got Romo in there to throw to him.

If we got that guy that would be good for 1,200-1,400 yards a season, we'd have fewer balls to be thrown to potentially more explosive players. While we definately HAVE to add some depth, you have to like where we are now with Moss, Randle El, Cooley, and no Brandon Lloyd. Those guys should be able to catch all the balls Campbell is able to get to them.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=GMScud;434765]Anthony Mix. Really? I've never seen so much hype over a guy who wasn't drafted, has been in the league three years yet has never started a game, and has 3 catches EVER. THREE! At this point he's a been a practice squad to #5 caliber player.

Sure he's tall, but if this guy was a hidden gem, wouldn't he have shown something, anything at this point? I've read that he is a poor route runner and has just average speed for a WR. And people around here are talking about him playing his way into a #2 or #3? Based on what?

This article to me is total hogwash. JLC has nothing else to write about. We tried to get Hackett, and we didn't. We tried to re-sign Caldwell and he went to St. Louis instead. So when asked about Mix, Zorn said, "I like him." What's he supposed to say, "the guy is a bum and I don't like him" ?? Had Hackett or Caldwell been signed and Thrash makes the roster, Mix would be a 4 or 5 at best.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see the guy emerge as a playmaker. But I see the chances of that happening as remote. 2009's WR class in the draft isn't exactly loaded, and unless we totally suck and end up with a top 5 pick, Michael Crabtree will be gone. Not drafting a WR this year would be a bad idea. Holding out with the hope of signing Roy Williams for '09 isn't a sound strategy either. I'd like to see a list of what WR's will be FA's next season.

Moss and ARE have constantly battled nagging injuries since signing with the team (except for Santana's 2005 campaign). No reason to think that will change. Mix can't be relied upon to fill in when one or both of them misses a game or two with the usual hamstring pull. IMO there is no rational justification for not drafting/trading for a WR. To do neither and hold out hope that Mix emerges is an awful move.[/quote]

it's hard to judge "hype" on the warpath. Since this is a pg. devoted to chatting anything skins, of course a guy like Mix is to be talked about. I don't think anyone has said he's a future pro bowler, but like other names on the all man-crush squad, he's a guy we all have high hopes for. True he hasn't proven anything as a wr, but his play on special teams shows that he has some passion for the game.

WR's often take a few years to adapt to the nfl, so maybe he's at the point where he's maturing & feeling confident. Let's hope so. If Mix caught 30 passes this year I think that would be a major success provided he didn't have a bunch of big drops.

I think you're right about the injuries, but not w/ARE. He's been very durable, I believe he missed the first game of his career last year w/his hamstring injury. I agree that we should draft a wr, but that doesn't preclude Mix getting some pt.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[QUOTE=angryssg;434715]Close but not quite. Mix would be the #2 because ARE is moving to the slot. Please try and keep up.[/QUOTE]

You're right, Zorn did say he wants to put ARE back in the slot...but my point is that Mix is not competing for the #1 spot. I was speaking more in terms of talent and experience: Moss, ARE, and then Mix (well we have Thrash too, I guess)

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=GTripp0012;434814]In his career he has taken over plenty of games. Think of San Francisco his rookie year, Dallas in '05, or Carolina in '06. I'm not sure what the definition of a gamebreaker is, but Cooley seems to fit all reasonable definitions.[/quote]

Or how about the Green Bay game last year (9-105-1) or the first Dallas game (8-89-1) or vs. Tampa (6-96-1).

He's had his share of big games for us.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;434825]Or how about the Green Bay game last year (9-105-1) or the first Dallas game (8-89-1) or vs. Tampa (6-96-1).

He's had his share of big games for us.[/QUOTE]

You make great points about Cooley. But, we need another receiving weapon. Teams know that, for the most part, if you take Moss and Cooley away, the offense tends to become stagnant. Also, there were times where because the offensive line was struggling with injuries and personnel issues, Cooley had to stay in to help block (Last season's Green Bay game, for example). You add another consistent receiving threat to compliment Moss, you can exploit mismatches.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[quote=GTripp0012;434814]In his career he has taken over plenty of games. Think of San Francisco his rookie year, Dallas in '05, or Carolina in '06. I'm not sure what the definition of a gamebreaker is, but Cooley seems to fit all reasonable definitions.

The reason he can't carry an offense is that he doesn't play QB or RB. No WR draft pick is going to carry an offense.

I do remember what Plax did in the playoffs, but if we're being objective, I would say that over their careers, Santana is a better receiver (and certainly more of a gamebreaker than Plax is). I mean, Burress had been a disappointment until this year, and was best known for being a malcontent. I doubt he will ever have this sort of success again. T.O. is different, but how are we going to acquire the next T.O.? Guys like him don't exactly grow on trees. It's not like we need him anyway, I mean he wasn't very good in Dallas before he got Romo in there to throw to him.

If we got that guy that would be good for 1,200-1,400 yards a season, we'd have fewer balls to be thrown to potentially more explosive players. While we definately HAVE to add some depth, you have to like where we are now with Moss, Randle El, Cooley, and no Brandon Lloyd. Those guys should be able to catch all the balls Campbell is able to get to them.[/quote]

The bottom line is we're still not getting enough production and TD's out of the WR position. And not having Lloyd really doesn't make a difference cause he wasn't even on the field to begin with. Moss and ARE are not top tier NFL wr's on a year to year basis and the production backs it up. Are they good enough to win with and be a playoff contender? Yes. But is that the goal? If we're going to be a Super Bowl contending team we need a WR that can make a difference in the red zone. It's probably not going to happen this year because we have too many other needs. I'll throw out more names. CJ, TJ, Roy Williams, Boldin, Fitzgerald, Edwards, Andre Johnson, Colston. There are a few more I could name. If we added someone with this type of potential it would open up the whole offense for everyone.

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[QUOTE=KB24;434826]Also, there were times where because the offensive line was struggling with injuries and personnel issues, Cooley had to stay in to help block [/QUOTE]

Exactly....this is why OLine depth may make as much of a positive impact on our passing game as a new WR.

Mix is just another Espy that everyone wants to drool over.

Pick a WR, mid round or trade for a stud...but for heaven's sake...draft some line depth!

Re: JLC: Evaluating Anthony Mix
 

[QUOTE=skinsfan69;434744]Are you kidding me? What has Moss and ARE done the last two years? We need someone that can take over a game. Moss and ARE and nice 2nd and 3rd NFL wr's. Nothing more and nothing less.[/QUOTE]

I see you didn't mention Cooley, Portis or Betts. As for the wideouts, ARE had a damn fine year for a #2. Moss is undeniably capable of being dominant when healthy (yes, yes he's been hurt an awful lot). Moreover, we've been fielding a run-heavy offense these past few years so it doesn't surprise me that our wideouts aren't catching 300 balls a year for 3,500 yards.

In any case, I would LOVE to have a dominant wideout. I simply believe that we have more pressing needs elsewhere. Three-fifths of our offensive line is going to have be replaced within the next 2 years or so. Wideouts don't do much good when the QB is laying flat on his back. Half of our defensive line is going to be replaced within the next year or two. Springs and Fletcher will likely need to be replaced within the next year. That's all I'm saying.