Chargers Camp Re-Cap Wide Receivers
By Arnie
Jul 26, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers receiver Eddie Royal (11) runs the ball after a reception during training camp at Chargers Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
I’m back to go more in-depth in the positions battles taking place, based on my observation on day 1& 3 of camp. So i thought it would be fun to fill that time, until i return with more news on Aug 1st. Today I’ll Cover the WR.
Now as a fan I’ve studied this team, and football, to gain a basic understanding of the game. However while I’m not a pundit of football, nor am i some expert analyst, everything i say should be taken with a grain of salt. What you can expect from me, i will not tell you “..Royal looks awesome…”, if he looks like he should be released. cool. onward…
My list of the top five WR;
This may shock you..
#1Eddie Royal: entering his 6th season with, 229 Rec, 2,342 Yds, 10 TD & 241 rushing Eddie looks to be the most versatile WR on the squad, he ran the post and slants with outstanding results. He is consistent at getting separation and making catches. Not to mention he is a weapon in the backfield as well as Kick returner. Now we know what the problem has been. health. if Royal can stay healthy he can be the guy. With changes in the Training staff, the offense, and influx of depth, the pressure is off Royal to be in on every play. At the end of the day, Royal is looking like a 6 year guy, that is worth the money he was paid.
#2 Danario Alexander (DX): entering his 4th year with, 83 Rec, 1,395 Yds, an 10TD, This young man is FOR REAL. so why number two? versatility. While DX has proven he can be the deep threat, and run slants. He can’t do all the things Royal can. Besides as far has health goes, 5 knees surgeries doesn’t put you ahead of the curve against Royal. In my book, they are in the same boat, as far as injuries go. Now I will say this, he will most likely eclipse Royal in REC and that is why it was hard for my to put him at 2. This may change, by the time the season starts, but for now, it’s camp talk. At 24 years of age, his numbers go in one direction. up.
#3 Vincent Brown (VB): entering his 3rd season with 19 Rec, 329 Yds, an 2 TD. looking at those numbers you would think I was insane to place him here. but wait, it’s get’s better. VB has been sidelined by injuries his first two seasons. The first was an ankle sprain and his wrist. Then in your second season a guy falls on your ankle, in pre-season, and snaps it? I’ll give him pass. Nothing you can do to prevent that. It just happens. Now, from what I’ve seen, he can go downtown, get separation, and make BIG TIME catches when called upon. His route running is excellent. More over he does it consistently. So as far as a dynamic WR this is as high as I can put him, because of the numbers.
#4 Malcom Floyd (M80): entering his 8th season with, 233 Rec, 3,384 Yds, and 25 TD Now when I looked at Malcom over the years, he’s mostly used his size and ability to make plays. He usually was a jump ball guy. That’s all they really needed him to do. In camp, he was running more slants and quick out routes than I’m used to seeing him do. Seeing that he was learning a new offense, coupled with using skills that he never needed before and it showed. So why here? Malcom still made the most spectacular catches in camp. While he didn’t get much separation, he managed to pluck the balls off the backs of the DB’s. repeatedly. If it was in reach, most likely Malcom came down with it. If i had to say, Malcom is the second best Red Zone threat the Chargers have. Gates is #1.
#5 Keenan Allen (Mr. hat): Is the rookie. He finished at Cal with 26 Rec, 2,570 Yds, and 17 TD. I can’t be more happier with his progress, from day one, to day three in camp, he looked like a completely different WR. It was clear day one he was still trying to find himself. He looked like a rookie. By the time I got back on day three, separation, catch, slant catch, post, catch, go, catch. the thing that caught my eye the most, how he cut DB’s, not literally, just when he made his cuts, he left DB’s standing on the corner of “WTHeck & Burned”. He’s going to be a star for this team.
Now an honorable mention
Richard Goodman: entering his 3rd season, with 1 Rec, 25Yds, don’t let the numbers fool you. Goodman has been the primary Kick Returner and done it well. In camp, he’s been the “other” player that is versatile, good route runner, gets separation, and good hands. Two things, I had Royal and DX tied for 1st, I thought that would be a cop out, since the coaches have to chose who stays and who goes. Secondly for a third year guy, he looked sharper than the WR I left off the list, (you know who). With that said, My criteria i used was route running, versatility, separation, hands, play making ability and health.
Thanks for indulging me, if you have any opinions or gripes feel, free to chime in.
I’ll get the the”Other WR” in a part two…
peace