05-31-2017, 09:42 PM
(05-31-2017, 03:34 PM)ochocincos Wrote: Fair enough. It was presumptive on my part that Erickson was capped out as a WR already.
And you're right, statistically Erickson was more productive in terms of yardage than Core, but they were in different situations in college. Erickson was the top option at Wisconsin whereas Core was playing second fiddle to Treadwell and was much more of a deep threat. Core's YPC is much greater than Erickson's, and he also had almost double the TDs that Erickson had.
Maybe Erickson was the exception and is that much better at returner than the other options on the roster. But just like Erickson in the preseason last year, I want to see if anyone can at least come close to or be better than the incumbent.
Clearly, I think the Bengals didn't feel very strong about their stable of WRs (including those from last year's PS) since they re-signed LaFell and then went out and drafted one in the 1st and another in the 4th. I can only imagine the purpose of keeping 7 this year is to retain all of Malone, Erickson, and Core, then cut LaFell next year and go back down to six if the WRs show improvement.
I'm just having a hard time seeing what other position can sacrifice going light, and I personally feel Erickson is more expendable than Core, so we clearly differ our opinions on that. With the questions at OL, it's hard to think they'd go light there. Could they go light at DL given their lack of pass rush behind Dunlap and Atkins? I would be surprised. I can't see how they go light at LB unless they risk Evans to the PS.
Maybe the Bengals decide to give Hewitt the boot in favor of 7 WRs given his continued lack of usage over the past couple of years.
I have no issue if the Bengals cut bait with Erickson if someone beats him out for primary return duties. However, I don't want to give the return job to a lesser player to keep Core. I also don't see it as being terribly likely that Erickson loses the job.
I think they would like to keep 7 WR's, but I'm also not seeing where they save a spot. The most likely spot I can see is RB, if Gio is ready to roll. Maybe CB, but the 6th CB is probably going to be better than the 6th WR.