FanPost

AFC South Position Group Comparisons: WRs

Earlier this month or whenever I wasn't being lazy I began a series on comparing the respective position groups for the AFC South. Today (well, technically tonight, because I'm writing this at night, yet again) I will be writing up about the WRs that call the AFC South home.

Previous entries:

RBs

TEs

QBs

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Team: Indianapolis Colts

Players: Aaron Burks, T.Y. Hilton, Ryan Lankford, Josh Lenz, Donte Moncrief, Greg Moore, Hakeem Nicks, Da'Rick Rogers, Eric Thomas, Tony Washington, Reggie Wayne, Griff Whalen

Analysis: Indianapolis upgraded their shaky WR corps from a year ago by adding Hakeem Nicks, albeit on a 1 year contract. Hakeem Nicks would upgrade any WR group in the NFL, and if he's got his head cleared and is focused on football 100%, he could really boost the Colts passing game. Reggie Wayne is coming off a torn ACL, and with him being up there in age, it wouldn't be blasphemous to say he probably won't produce as well as he has in the past. But with the Nicks addition, it does take some of the pressure off of Wayne. T.Y. Hilton is probably Indy's top big-play threat with his speed and ability to stretch the field. He has inconsistent hands at times, but will probably continue to get better. Da'Rick Rogers was added to the Colts 53 man roster towards the latter portion of the season for the Colts, and he made a few big plays in his time (2 TD's against the Cincinnati Bengals). With Rogers being a former University of Tennessee and Tennessee Tech University player, I can say I've seen him play quite often. He definitely has the ability to be a really good NFL WR, but he is prone to judgmental and behavioral lapses, as seen by his dismissal from UT, going undrafted, and not making the Buffalo Bills roster. Indy stashed him away on the practice squad and gave him a chance. Another screw up likely ruins his NFL chances, so he'll probably be on his best behavior. I don't know much about any of these other WRs other than Griff Whalen's name being familiar. The Colts recently released suspended WR LaVon Brazill, so it looks a spot (or 2, if they elect to keep 6) is up for grabs for these guys.

DD's Projected Opening Day Depth Chart: Reggie Wayne (#1), Hakeem Nicks (#2), T.Y. Hilton (#3), Da'Rick Rogers (#4), Griff Whalen (#5)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Team: Jacksonville Jaguars

Players: Mike Brown, Chad Bumphis, Justin Blackmon (currently suspended), Damian Copeland, Tandon Doss, Allen Hurns, Marqise Lee, Allen Robinson, Denard Robinson, Cecil Shorts III, Nathan Slaughter, Kerry Taylor, Lamaar Thomas, Ace Sanders

Analysis: Interesting note about the Jaguars WRs: Only 2 of the WRs on this roster will be going into their 4th year of NFL experience, that being Doss and Shorts. Everyone else is in their rookie season, or has 1 to 2 years of NFL experience. That easily gives Jacksonville one of the youngest WR groups in the league, possibly even the youngest (haven't done the research). The group improves significantly, talent wise, if Blackmon is not under suspension. There is no denying he has the ability to be a very good NFL WR, but, much like Browns WR Josh Gordon and former Titans WR Kenny Britt, personal life mistakes have greatly squandered and overshadowed the talent they possess. Jacksonville has said they aren't counting on having Blackmon play, so I am going to assume the same until it's otherwise stated. Minus Blackmon, the Jaguars best WR is easily Cecil Shorts III, who has developed quite nicely in his 3 NFL seasons. Although he has not played a full 16 game season to date, he would be Jacksonville's go-to guy. Behind him is a smorgasbord of youth and potential, starting with rookies Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson. Both players are gifted athletes, but it is sometimes tough for rookie WRs to make an instant impact in the NFL. Both, however, will be given every opportunity to showcase their skills, because Jacksonville's group is so shallow on experience as it is. I expect these two rookies to be depended on heavily this season. Behind them is anyone's guess really. You have Denard Robinson, who is a really really really really poor man's Danny Woodhead / Dexter McCluster, probably getting a carry or two as a RB and some passes thrown his way as a WR. Ace Sanders was listed as WR/PR, so my guess is his primary job is returnman. No clue who any of the others are but I have heard of Tandon Doss before, so there's that. Jacksonville is going to be depending on so many young guys, because the whole group is just young'ins. As a result, you'll see games where they all show their potential, and you'll see games where they really struggle. As said before, Blackmon playing really gives them a boost that they desperately need, but it seems unlikely Blackmon will be available right now.

DD's Projected Opening Day Depth Chart: Cecil Shorts III (#1), Marqise Lee (#2), Allen Robinson (#3), Tandon Doss (#4), Denard Robinson (#5), Ace Sanders (#6)

[Disclaimer: I'm not even gonna act like I know how this group will shake out, other than the obvious guys]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Team: Houston Texans

Players: Lacoltan Bester, Alan Bonner, DeAndre Hopkins, Kofi Hughes, Andre Johnson, Travis Labhart, Alec Lemon, Keshawn Martin, Anthony McClung, Uzoma Nwachukwu, DeVier Posey, Mike Thomas

Analysis: Andre Johnson ain't walking through that door. Well, he probably will when he realizes Houston won't trade him, but it would be awesome if he just decided to retire or sit the season out. I really do not understand Johnson's beef with the Texans right now. It is true that he has gone through many years of torture as a Texan, constantly dealing with bad teams in rebuilding mode. It's understandable that he doesn't want to go through it again, but Houston is in far better shape now than when they were in his previous stints on a bad Texans team. If they find a franchise QB within a few years, they could easily become contenders once again. Alas, Johnson knows why he's pissed at the Texans, and I do not, nor do I care that much. He'll be playing and he'll be the same productive Andre Johnson, as long as he stays healthy. Behind Andre is another Andre, that is, DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins had a pretty solid rookie year, including the game winner for the Texans over our Titans in Week 2 to seal Houston's final win on the year. I believe Hopkins will be a really solid WR for the Texans, and will make a big jump in production in year 2. Outside of the brothers Andre, you have a hodgepodge of various talent. Keshawn Martin has never been overly productive, but will likely get his chance this season. DeVier Posey is an intriguing guy. I believe he was injured some last year, but he was a solid WR at Ohio State and could get a chance to showcase his skills this season. Mike Thomas is a familiar name (mostly from his Jaguars days) and is a decent WR. The others are a crapshoot and outside of some extremely exotic names, I know nothing about them.

DD's Projected Opening Day Depth Chart: Andre Johnson (#1), DeAndre Hopkins (#2), Mike Thomas (#3), Keshawn Martin (#4), DeVier Posey (#5)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Team: Tennessee Titans

Players: Derek Hagan, Julian Horton, Justin Hunter, Marc Mariani, Michael Preston (aka SUPERBOWLZ), Jaz Reynolds, Rico Richardson, Brian Robiskie, Derel Walker, Nate Washington, Isaiah Williams, Kendall Wright

Analysis: It's common knowledge that the Titans top 3 WRs are already established. Kendall Wright, Justin Hunter, and Nate Washington are firmly on the roster. Kendall Wright experienced a 1,000 yard campaign last season, but had low touchdown numbers. This year, expect Wright to have another season of 1,000 yards, and look for his touchdowns and big plays to jump this year. He is by far the Titans best WR, and I don't think it's even debatable at this point. Nate Washington is a savvy veteran who is one of the NFL's more under rated receivers. He has really made strides since being a WR known more for the dropsies than anything else. He plays with a lot of heart and is probably the Titans most dependable and consistent WR. Justin Hunter oozes with potential and talent. He's drawn comparisons to Randy Moss, and while I think that's a bit premature, it shows that others can see that he has immense potential as well. He had an up and down rookie campaign, showing flashes of brilliance. His first two NFL catches were TDs, and he made several big plays against other teams, such as against the Broncos and Raiders. However, there were also games where Hunter was a complete non-factor for one reason or another. He will be counted on this season to make the leap to a productive NFL player, so hopefully we see more of the good than the bad. Behind these 3 guys is Michael Preston, who should be safely on this roster as the 4th WR as long as he doesn't completely suck in training camp and preseason. Each time he's been tabbed to make a play, he's made a play. He caught 2 TDs against the Cardinals and, although he does not possess the frame of Justin Hunter or the speed of Kendall Wright, he's still a solid WR and I would be very disappointed if he did not make the roster. However, I think he's safe. Then you have a battle for the 5th WR spot between fan favorite Marc Mariani, and some relative unknowns in Derek Hagan, Brian Robiskie, among others. I would give the nod to Mariani since he adds special teams value, but if we're depending on Mariani to play a lot of offensive snaps, I don't think that will turn out too well. In addition to these guys, I'll give a shoutout to that one Chiefs fan I argued with on twitter a few weeks ago who vehemently denied Dexter McCluster was a RB, despite being listed as a RB, and that he was a WR. So, Mr. Chiefs Fan, here is your tribute. Dexter McCluster will catch some passes lined up at WR this year. There ya go sir.

DD's Projected Opening Day Depth Chart: Kendall Wright (#1), Nate Washington (#2), Justin Hunter (#3), Michael Preston (#4), Marc Mariani (#5)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As far as ranking the groups go, I honestly am really struggling with it.

The worst in this division is easily the Jaguars, even with Justin Blackmon IMO. Since they'll most likely go without him, it's a no-brainer to put them 4th. Cecil Shorts is the most experienced, and while he's pretty good, he's not #1 WR material. They will be heavily dependent on two rookies, and that is never a good thing.

I honestly don't think you could wrong ranking the other teams 1-3 in any order you feel like. The Titans boast a still-improving 1,000 yard speed demon Kendall Wright, savvy vet Nate Washington, and superstar potential in Justin Hunter. Add Michael Preston to that, and you've got a really good WR group. The Colts have Reggie Wayne coming back, and despite being older and coming off a torn ACL, he'll still be a solid WR. Hakeem Nicks is essentially playing for a big money contract so he'll be motivated to do well. When he's good, he's good. T.Y. Hilton offers explosive play potential, and Da'Rick Rogers has potential as well. Another solid group. The Texans have the best WR in the division in Andre Johnson, and I think DeAndre Hopkins will be a stud.

I don't think anyone but Titans fans would put us at #1. I think most would go Indy or Houston. I think Houston's top 2 beats Indy's top 4 and probably beats our top 3. I personally prefer our top 3 over Indy's top 4. So personally, I'd probably go 4) Jaguars, 3) Colts, 2) Titans, 1) Texans. But I could see an argument for any order of 1-3 as long as you don't say Jaguars.

So there you have it. Sorry for waiting so long to write the next one. I've been busy and also lazy when I've not been busy. I like to read things that actual good writers write, like R. Kyle Harris, Jordan L. Churchill, Daniel R., and SuperHorn. You should too.

Thanks for reading, next time we'll take a look at the OL groups.