WR questions...

[TNBT]

I've seen two Niners articles in the WireTap section lately, and both were regarding our WR's. First we hear Crabtree is being investigated for alleged sexual assault, and also we're hoping that Moss comes back again. I'm interested to see what you guys think about these situations, and how this will effect our WR group next year? Will Crabtree be cleared? Will Moss return? How about Manningham and the others?

[and1GS]

At this point in his career, Moss is a decoy. A good one because when teams don't gameplan for him he can still make catches, but he's not integral to what we do. What he physically is though, a fast and tall receiver, is what we've been missing for years. Like, since T.O.

Manningham is big for us as well, but we need a tall receiver for goalline situations. Someone like Dwyane Bowe would be ideal.

[TNBT]

I share similar views on Moss. He had so much talent and was such a dangerous WR, but he is merely a role player at this point in his career. However, as you pointed out, he is still a dangerous role player who the defense must account for. Manningham will (hopefully) be back healthy as well.

[TNBT]

I am curious though to see what you guys think of A.J. Jenkins? I know the team must have seen a lot of potential in him to draft him where they did, but from what I have heard, he hasn't shown much this year. I only get to see a handful of games each season on TV over here, so I'm hoping that you guys who get to see more of the action can tell me a bit more about him.

[and1GS]

He's a burner. Fast and undisciplined route runner, I think he takes over for Manningham once his contract ends, or just slots into Ginn's vacated WR3 role.

[Wolfay]

At this point in his career, Moss is a decoy. A good one because when teams don't gameplan for him he can still make catches, but he's not integral to what we do. What he physically is though, a fast and tall receiver, is what we've been missing for years. Like, since T.O.

Manningham is big for us as well, but we need a tall receiver for goalline situations. Someone like Dwyane Bowe would be ideal.

I think he's also a mentor. He provides a ****load of experience, and I don't think Crabtree's emergence the same season we signed Moss is a coincidence.

[and1GS]

Yup, he's been big in that respect.

[Blkbrd671]

Greeting from the lions board,


Whats up with AJ Jenkins? he was a first round pick, typically those guys are NFL ready, but it seems as if jenkins can barely make the roster.

[and1GS]

He had a hard time grasping the playbook. Then had a hard time grasping the football.

If he doesn't improve markedly this season I think he'll be gone.

[Blkbrd671]

He had a hard time grasping the playbook. Then had a hard time grasping the football.

If he doesn't improve markedly this season I think he'll be gone.

WOW! how through all the evals does this get overlooked? i mean all teams had him in the first round

[and1GS]

I chalk the former up to having a tough transition to the NFL. I chalk the latter up to being a rookie with limited PT.

I think he'll be fine, but probably won't see the field much this year either and I'm afraid we're going to slowly squeeze him out of the picture unless he can convincingly beat out Kyle Williams (our WR4) for a back-up spot. If Mario misses time he might have a huge opportunity to shine as well. Personally, I like him and think he can be a very strong slot receiver who specializes in stretching defenses.

[Blkbrd671]

I chalk the former up to having a tough transition to the NFL. I chalk the latter up to being a rookie with limited PT.

I think he'll be fine, but probably won't see the field much this year either and I'm afraid we're going to slowly squeeze him out of the picture unless he can convincingly beat out Kyle Williams (our WR4) for a back-up spot. If Mario misses time he might have a huge opportunity to shine as well. Personally, I like him and think he can be a very strong slot receiver who specializes in stretching defenses.

that's jsut crazy,how in the hell in a day in age where 1st round picks are highly coveted to draft a player that doesn't even see the field. i understand SF stacked but if there intention was sit this kid, why not trade the pick for upgrades.

[and1GS]

He is supposed to be the eventual upgrade

Draft is a bit of a crapshoot, lot of people whiff.

[RIPskaterdude]

And to be fair, he was a bit of a reach for the Niners imo. Most mocks had him in the 2nd round, but then again, Aldon Smith was also a "reach".

[thesack12]

Greeting from the lions board,


Whats up with AJ Jenkins? he was a first round pick, typically those guys are NFL ready, but it seems as if jenkins can barely make the roster.

Jenkins was a terrible pick, arguably the worst of the entire draft.

Reports out of OTA's and mini camp were that he was not looking good, and it never got any better all year. A teammate was quoted as saying that he had no idea how to run basic routes as late as the third preseason game, and had trouble remembering plays as late as playoff practices.

At the end of the season this team was seriously WR starved, like almost desperate, and the guy couldn't even get on the field. He was a healthy inactive for like 10 games, and saw something like 30 snaps total all season. He had zero catches, and I think he only had one target. Hell, a practice squad guy was promoted and played ahead of him in the playoffs. That is VERY telling, of where he is.

Either AJ doesn't give a damn, or just isnt good enough. Its too early to completely write him off, but at this point I'm going forward with the mindset that he isn't even on the team. That way I don't expect anything out of him. I have absolutely zero confidence in that guy right now.

[Blkbrd671]

Damn, well i hope he works out for you, us lion fans know what its like to whiff on first round talent. especially WR, like 3 years in a row! haha

[gswhoops]

Greeting from the lions board,


Whats up with AJ Jenkins? he was a first round pick, typically those guys are NFL ready, but it seems as if jenkins can barely make the roster.

Pretty substantial reach, limited understanding of the playbook/concepts, came into camp out of shape.

I hope he can come back this year and prove us wrong (hopefully everyone in the media calling him useless will light a fire under his butt) but I'm not counting on anything.