I know how seemingly everyone will answer this question--some will even have their "LSU glasses" on when they do it, but I just wanted to see what are everyone's thoughts nonetheless. I know Skyler's stats have dropped this season, but I've never looked at Skyler as THE "go-to" receiver--he's just never had the height/ body to be able to battle for a ball in traffic, or out-jump a defender or two in the corner of the endzone--but that doesn't mean I don't think he's a good receiver. Miles' likes big-bodied receivers--he had some at OSU (Reshaud Woods) and that's just his preference and to a degree, you can't fault him for going to the "type" he likes (because that means DBowe, Craig Davis and to some extent Early Doucet). Skyler's explosive, yes. And I understand the notion of "get the ball in the hands of your play-makers", but Skyler isn't going to out-muscle a bigger DB every play so he's got to be given the ball on bubble screens, or quick slants--things that allow him to use his "shiftiness" after the catch. Unfortunately, after watching him do those things for 3 seasons, most defenses are actually playing to stop those "Skyler-type plays". I think Skyler's biggest asset to pro football will be in the return game. After all, he has been an All-American returner, NOT receiver. Needless to say, I believe Skyler will be drafted, but it's SO hard to say where. I don't see him being a 1st or 2nd rounder--there are too many bigger recievers out there and though bigger isn't always better, it's just my guess that he'll be a later selection--possibly rounds 4th-6th--but I wouldn't nec. be surprised to see him go in say, the 2nd or 3rd. There are two players that Skyler looks to be a "clone" of: Donte Hall 5'8" 187 lbs. and Deion Branch 5'9" 193 lbs. (Skyler is actually listed as 5'10" 185 lbs. but I believe he's acutally 5'8-5'9"). ..and I won't compare him to Steve Smith just yet--Smith is in a league of his own! I think it's safe to say that Skyler's production at the next level will certainly be determined by WHERE he goes. If he goes to a team with an unproven QB--(Saints, Jags, Texans, Bucs, etc.)--forget Deion Branch type numbers from Skyler as a receiver. If Skyler is going to be as productive as Branch (which I think he CAN be), he needs to go to a team like the Colts, Panthers, Patriots or Chargers--teams that have QB's that are either deadly accurate or have very cerebral QB's. Deion Branch goes over the middle a WHOLE lot, and what keeps him from getting killed is the fact that Brady will put the ball where only Branch can get it--and in a place where Branch won't get hurt TRYING to get it. Brady never leaves Branch "out-to-dry". If Skyler goes to a team with unsettled QB issues (Chicago, Cleveland, etc.) then he'll have to be more like Donte' Hall--survive as a return man. I don't have a lot of vested interest in the Carolina Panthers, but that's actually the team that I hope Skyler lands on. Delhomme is a "cerebral" QB and has proven to work well with smaller receivers (Steve Smith, etc.) much the same way Brady has worked with Branch. And an NFL team can survive with small WR's in case you think that Smith AND Skyler (both 5'9"-ish), then you have to look no farther than the Patriots--they don't have a starting WR over 6-feet. My 2nd choice for Skyler would be San Diego. I think Brees "gets it" as a QB and is turning into an accurate passer....
Returner... decent #3... throw him some quick screens... You wont see him on the line of scrimmage.. too small.. he will get jammed up too much. If Michael Lewis can come in for the Saints and get open, SG can.
Do you feel he can be a solid #3 for anyone or for particular teams like I suggested? Just curious....
I think its a given that he will go to one of those teams that can utilize him the best.. he will be a situational pick... a team who is looking for a #2 will look right past him, a team who likes to throw to the #3 and is good at it (like Indy) will end up taking him. How many teams run this type of offense? I dunno, but I think the # of teams that will even give him a look are limited. Those teams will be the teams that dont have a good #3 or 4 or teams that utilize a 3rd WR in the passing game more than a tightend. Indy was like this the last few years, but are starting to go to the TE more, so Stokley's numbers have dropped off significantly.
Good take. I think San Diego would be the first team to have a shot at drafting him. With LT and Gates drawing most of the double-coverage and focus, and McCardell and Caldwell are good enough, but not great....
He'll never be anyone's go-to receiver, but he can definitely be an NFL receiver for any team that has a good offense and a good QB. I do hope that he gets drafted to a team where he can have a chance to succeed and play in his rookie year.
The best place to be a number 3 is somewhere that has one great WR.. someone who is going to draw double teams... if the #1 draws a double team that means the #3 is going to be covered by a nickelback (who is generally smaller, or slower (or both) than a starting CB) or a safety.. either way, this creates a great matchup. Going back to Indy, Harrison gets doubled alot... this puts Stokley one-on-one with an NB or S, both of whom he can beat...
Let us see, LSU site, I also went to TTU, common denominator, Saban's Dolphins. A player about Skyler's size, successful first year as a pro, hey, I got it!!! Green is like Wes Welker. He will be a good pro. (In 2004 Wes averaged 52.7 yards per kickoff return, only 3 returns) http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player?statsId=7027 WR COMPARISONS ReceptRec YdsRec Tds Welker 414League Average 419.3League Leader 1432 http://www.miamidolphins.com/lockerroom/teamroster/playerBio.asp?docid=15849 [FONT=Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Name: Wes Welker Height/Weight: 5-9, 185 Position: WR Born: 5/1/81 College: Texas Tech '04 Acquired: FA, '04 NFL: Second Season Dolphins: Second Season [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]FINS FACT Following his career as a player, Wes would like to get into coaching. For as long as he can remember, football has been his passion. “I enjoy being outside and just like being around the game,” Wes says. “I can’t see myself doing anything else.” CAREER TRANSACTIONS Went to camp with San Diego as an undrafted college free agent in 2004 ... Was waived by the Chargers on September 15, 2004 before signing with the Dolphins as a free agent on September 21. PRO 2005 - For the season has 27 catches for 414 yards and one rush for five yards ... Also has 41 punt returns for 372 yards (an average of 9.1 yards per return) and 58 kickoff returns for 1313 yards (an average of 22.6 yards per return) ... Ranks fifth in the AFC and tenth in the NFL in punt returns ... Has led the Dolphins in receiving yardage once ... Has started once (on Nov. 27th at Oakland when the Dolphins opened with three wide receivers) and played in a reserve role 14 games this season ... For the preseason had three catches for 76 yards and one touchdown, 12 punt returns for 131 yards, an average of 10.9 yards per return, and eight kickoff returns for 183 yards, an average of 22.9 yards per return. [/SIZE][/FONT]
The comparison with Welker seems right to me. Welker is a solid NFL player because of quickness and great field vision.
Green is a better athlete than Welker. I really like both. I think Skyler will start off as a PR/KR specialist and eventually find a niche as a 2nd or 3rd reciever. It depends a lot on who gets him. He could be ridiculously good if he went to the Colts.
