Damian Willis

[*SHRacerX*]

(08-26-2019, 04:08 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: While I do think UDFA's can contribute, there are shades of truth in that posters post. We had Green and Boyd last year then basically terrible WR's. PFF grades for our #3 on WR's was really bad.

On a really good team, Willis doesn't start. He probably takes 2-3 years to develop.

Our lack of talent at WR put him in a nice spot to earn this shot. And he did.

Every year though, posters seem to overrate our WR room. Then guys like Core and Malone don't produce and we get other guys in who people are equally enamored by.

Disagree.  The WRs, like RBs, are only going to be as good as the QB that throws them the ball, the line that blocks for them, and the coach that can design a scheme for them.  There are guys like Willis every year that slip through the eyes of the evaluators for whatever reason and go on to have a solid rookie season.  And WR is one of those positions I feel it takes longer to adjust to the NFL than say, RB.  

I know everyone is down on Ross, and they have good reason to be for a #9 overall pick.  I have faith that he will flourish in this offense and get more chances with jet sweeps, screens, etc to get him matched up one-on-one in space.  A lot of people have been discounting his 7 TDs last year, for whatever reason.  I think he has proven he can get separation quickly, which lends itself to more screens, etc.  I was flat-out amazed that they didn't use him in that way more, especially after losing Green and Eifert.  Those plays draw the secondary up closer, making them vulnerable to the deep shot.  It was pretty obvious that he was only going to run deep routes between the 20s and that takes away all elements of surprise.  I still believe Marv had a real issue with him being drafted and never liked the kid.  He didn't help matters with that immature "healthy scratch" video he posted, but I am very hopeful what he can do with a fresh start and a more offensive, creative mind.  

He is the #3 receiver on this team when AJ is healthy, and really might be the #5 receiving target behind Eifert and Mixon as well.  To have your #5 target have his big-play ability is pretty damn nice.  The others have to stay healthy, and the line has to protect to allow these routes to develop.  It should be a lot of fun to watch compared to year's past where it seemed like Dalton had very tight windows on almost every throw and the plays looked very predictable by formation.