Quote:
Originally Posted by freddyg12
I agree for the most part, though I will point out that any good return man gets it going north-south asap & Rock does that. He's not a guy that will make much happen if the blocks aren't there & he certainly lacks breakaway speed & moves. The return team blocks well & he's done an adequate job of "finding the crease" as Matty said.
Rock's problem is that there are so many rb's that can do better at returns & especially at rb. It's a position that can be easily filled in the 4th-7th rounds w/more athletic players than Rock. Remember, this dude was a fullback as a rookie.
I think Rock's real value is in special teams coverage & attitude. He brings that fire that's needed on any special teams unit & leads by example. Even if you have 11 great athletes on a spec. teams unit, you need someone to step up & get the whole unit fired up. Rock seems to do that. His recovery of Thrash's (another great teams guy) fumbled punt return v. Detroit kinda summarized his value to the Skins.
I would love to see him back for a 3-4 yr. deal, 1 mil in guarantees/bonuses, maybe a no. of incentives. I think that's realistic.
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And I think that is what I was originally aiming at, but I was too lazy to elaborate. I don't think Rock is especially great, because we can find others like him. And I realize knowing when to go N-S is important for a returnman but is not natural gifted talent which deserves extra compensation.
I do agree, however, his energy and impact on special teams are important X-factors but as many of you have said being a locker room presence should not play a huge role in determining salary.