Why Can't Brandon Williams be our Larry Donnell?

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Similar size, athleticism, and a match-up problem for DBs and LBers. I realize we have Olsen who needs to be on the field at all times... but I'm surprised Williams hasn't really worked his way into the rotation. Dickson hasn't shown a thing and Williams out-performed him in the pre-season against what was likely a bit lesser competition.

Brandon is one of the last to leave practices on a daily basis and is probably the best blocker out of Olsen, Dickson, and himself. Is there something we as fans aren't seeing? Does the coaching staff just prefer the veteran Dickson to be our TE2? Is Williams still trying to grasp the playbook?

Every time a tight end like Donnell and Julius Thomas break-out in a game or season I can't help but think we have a similar guy on our roster that just needs to get on the field before he shows out.

[top dawg]

Short answer: Shula.

[teeray]

I have a question. Can he block well enough, pick up coverages, and is he versatile enough to play some of Tolberts role as lead blocker, pass blocker, and pass catcher out of the back field?

[Cam's New Arm]

Him being out of football for so long, it may just be an actual lack of football knowledge that's keeping him off the field. Like another poster said in a different thread, EVERY down counts a little more for us.

[jayflip]

He'll have his time to shine. Year three. TE is a notoriously difficult position to learn. Look at Ebron this year. Look at ASJ. Vernon Davis was flirting with the bust tag before he finally broke our in year three (I think).

For a UDFA, he's progressing surprisingly well and I just hope it starts to really flash in year three. That's when Dickson's 1 yr deal is done and the BDubs era can begin (as a TE2).

Keep holding out hope brother, just don't expect too much this year.

When you coming back to San Diego? The city misses you!

[Herbert The Love Bug]

Why can't we just teach him routes and make him a WR? The guy is big and makes crazy catches and gets yac. Why make him be a TE because he has large muscles

[top dawg]

I guess two-TE sets are out of the question then,

[BigBoss]

I can't understand why we can't just give him some burn during a real game and see what results are yielded.

[top dawg]

It's not like it is a difficult proposition to send him on a fade route into the end zone.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

I have a question. Can he block well enough, pick up coverages, and is he versatile enough to play some of Tolberts role as lead blocker, pass blocker, and pass catcher out of the back field?

I can't answer any of those questions with any certainty. But I'd like for him to be on the field for a few snaps a game and find out. If yes, we increase his role.

[Ken]

Well Donnell is the Giants #1 TE, so unless something happens to Olsen, he won't be.

 

Plus Donnell has literally come out of nowhere. He didn't even show much in preseason.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

When you coming back to San Diego? The city misses you!

I couldn't tell you the next time I'll be back out there man. I miss it every day but I'm finally settled in NYC for the foreseeable future. Good seeing you at the Charger game and Cards tho! Hoping to get out again sometime... Also wouldn't mind settling down out there if that's how life plays out.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Plus Donnell has literally come out of nowhere. He didn't even show much in preseason.

Which is part of the reason I think Brandon could be a great option in the passing game for us. I'd like to think by mid-season we will see his role and his snaps increase.

[Ken]

Which is part of the reason I think Brandon could be a great option in the passing game for us. I'd like to think by mid-season we will see his role and his snaps increase.

 

The flaw in that thought process is that you are looking at very, very rare outliers. 

 

To me if he was ready to play, he'd be out there.