Winning the Super Bowl:
The Wide Receiver Difference
Laddie Morse and John Cooney
In Kansas City, most fans know that the Chiefs offensive line must be addressed this offseason. Especially the interior at the Guard positions. The protection that Tom Brady received from his offensive line in the second half of last night’s Super Bowl was one big difference in the game. Another group that had a huge effect on the outcome of the game was the defensive linemen and their ability to put pressure on the other team’s QB. However, in a game that featured 61 passes and 3 touchdown by air, it was the depth of two excellent wide receiving corps that probably made the biggest difference of all.
So, let’s take a look at a couple of the wide receivers in the 2017 NFL draft who might make a difference for the Chiefs. Following is a breakdown of two receivers in this year’s draft by John Cooney from PASS2Win.com
WR Mike Williams, Clemson
“Though he is coming to the NFL early, Williams looks like the best WR in this draft class. For one, he’s a Clemson wideout, which has been a WR factory for a number of years. At 6’3-225 and sporting 4.5 wheels, Williams is a physical presence with skilled WR tools. Williams displays keen concentration, air to hands. He is unstoppable on back shoulder fades. He catches the ball smoothly with consistent hands extended, high points aggressively and fights for the ball in the air. Williams is an average route runner, somewhat soft breaking off stems and rounding off cuts. Long wideouts will often fall into this route flaw, failing to sink their hips when breaking. Surprisingly Williams doesn’t often create great separation. He uses his length effectively defeating tight coverage. Williams has the tendency to push off defenders to separate and will draw NFL laundry if it is not corrected. Mike Williams is true NFL star potential. He has day-one skills and can be a big contributor to an NFL early, but there are a few gaps that need closing before he truly takes off as a pro. Make no mistake, Williams will shine in the NFL.” ~John Cooney
Mike Williams is ranked as the best wide receiver in this draft by CBS Sports and they rank him the 8th best overall talent. DraftTek ranks Williams asthe#7 best talent. With 98 receptions in 2016 Williams projects to the top ten and I’ll be surprised if he’s not gone by the time the Titans (#5), the Rams (#7) or the Bills (#10) have drafted. Here’s game tape of his first game of the year against Auburn when he had 9 receptions for 174 yards.
Here’s a highlight reel of Mike Williams. Please excuse the soundtrack and turn it off.
Now, let’s take a look at Isaiah Ford from Virginia Tech who could be had late in the second round.
WR Isaiah Ford, Virginia Tech
“In a nutshell, Isaiah Ford is a fine athlete with an inconsistent game. He brings good WR dimensions at 6’1-190, and he may post a forty dash under 4.5. But the fleet VaTech wideout plays with iffy hands as passes often slip through or deflect off, hanging perilously in the air for potential picks. Ford gets his hands extended and in position when in the clear, but at times fails to latch on to catchable throws. Tightly guarded, Ford tends to shirt-arm passes, Allowing DBs to defend. We need a hand size check at the Combine here. Ford has a tough time beating press at the line when taking an outside path. He does win his routes in inside slants and appears more comfy working between the numbers. Route tree is mostly linear, running go patterns and slants. He is a willing blocker and usually sticks his assignment to completion. Isaiah Ford has to learn to win the contested throw to thrive at the next level. That starts with attacking the football in the air, getting off the line versus press successfully and playing with more confidence outside the numbers.” ~John Cooney
Isaiah Ford is ranked #65 by CBS Sports and #69 by DraftTek. Here’s some game tape on Ford. This is his 10-catch, 143-yards with 1-TD game against Pitt.
Here’s a highlight tape on Isaiah Ford.
I’m sure you’ve already noticed that both of these wide receivers are 6-foot-1 or taller. The Chiefs could use another playmaker who can stretch the field and make big catches… which was one thing that separated the two teams in the Super Bowl. Although, it might have had something to do with one of the quarterbacks.
Do either of these prospects interest you?
