Bengals, Lafell closing in on deal

[Benton]

(03-23-2016, 10:26 AM)Bengalbug Wrote: Also I am not sure Lafell plates the slot.  So would that change draft plans and going after more of a slot guy, or is he kore insurance?

Found this the other day, thought it was a good read.

http://www.patspulpit.com/2014/3/16/5516342/breaking-down-patriots-receiver-brandon-lafell

Quote:Let's start with the numbers. For the past three seasons, LaFell has operated as the Panthers #3 receiving target, behind newly signed Raven wide receiver Steve Smith, and tight end Greg Olsen. Over those three years, he's picked up 217 targets, 129 receptions (59.4%), 1917 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Quarterback Cam Newton has thrown 10 interceptions in his direction.


None of those numbers are too impressive, but this 6'2, 210 lbs receiver is consistent. He's picked up 36-49 receptions, 613-677 yards, and 3-5 touchdowns over the past three seasons.


...
1) Wide receivers aren't the only options in the passing game. In fact, 14 teams feature a tight end in their top 2 for receptions. So it's not too crazy to have your WR2 being the third target on your team. However, why is LaFell being paid if he's probably not higher than WR4?

...

According to Pro Football Focus, LaFell spent 63.0% of his time in the slot. This wasn't a one-time thing, as he spent 65.5% of his time in the slot in 2012. For comparison, former Patriot fling Emmanuel Sanders was in the slot for 67.0% of his 2012 snaps. In 2013, LaFell fell in between Edelman (49.% in the slot) and Amendola (77.4%).



The Panthers loved to use LaFell in motion and even flexed him in-and-out of their backfield. He wasn't so much of a jackknife, as he was a chess piece. They used his size inside as a formidable blocker, and they had him run his routes with a free release.

The bold part refers to his time in Carolina. Not sure if the Pats used him in the slot or in motion, I didn't watch a lot of Pats games. But that sounds like his strong suit.

All in all, sounds like a great fit for the Bengals.