Quote:
Originally Posted by SmootSmack
I think if Roydell Williams makes the team, it will be as a #2 or #3 receiver. I just don't see him as the type of guy to fit the #5 role that Thrash could. To me, the #5 WR isn't about being the worst or least experienced WR on the team. It's about a guy who you know can step in at a moment's notice at WR if needed, but most of his value is going to be on special teams. And not just as a returner, but as an all-around performer (blocking, tackling).
I've never thought of Roydell Williams as a special teams guy, maybe he is, I just haven't seen it. And we need to remember that with Khary Campbell and now Thrash we've lost arguably our two best special teamers. I'm more concerned about replacing those two guys in that capacity than at LB or WR.
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My perception of Williams is not much different than yours. But, I think the 4 WR stuff that Zorn wants to run, to an extent, will require a player like Williams to run. Right now, the predominant theory is that our 4 WR sets will include 1) Moss, 2) Randle El, 3) Thomas, 4) Kelly, and 5) Cooley. But, I have to wonder if that's the best use of our personnel. These are pretty much all third or fourth down and 6+ yard situations, so maybe in this case, ARE should come off the field for a more reliable hands guy like Williams who has made a career of moving the chains.
Additionally, what if someone is injured, and/or our young guys still can't lineup in the right place? There's nothing wrong with the four aforementioned players making our 4 WR set, but perhaps we should have a contingency plan in case one of them becomes injured or a weak link. Williams, could catch 20-25 balls for us as a *4th WR.
Plus, since there are 10-12 in-season roster transactions for any team, he could be a guy who gets released if the guys in front of him all exceed expectations. No harm there.
Again, I don't think we'd be rostering him instead of a special teams player. Last year, we went with 4 RB most of the season, with Shaun Alexander. This year, I think we'll go with 6 WRs instead.
Of course, San Diego might be willing to trade Kassim Osgood for a late round pick. We've thrown picks at lesser needs before, so I'd only be moderately surprised if we did that.