The "four or five guys" according to Strickland article on WRs

[top dawg]

Yeah, and it just so happens to be the drop that cost us a .500 record.

He had 1 touchdown all year, down from 10 the year before. He was supposed to help us in the red zone.

It was a disappointing season for him. There is no way around that.

To your first point, don't try and pin our missing a .500 record on Cotchery. That's just silly (as another well-known Huddler likes to say). To your second point, which kind of leads to the third, Cotchery had so many TDs in 2013 because he was playing third/fourth fiddle on Pittsburgh. The point is Cotchery never should have been relied upon as the number two guy. The only reason that he was is that Gman was trying to get us out of cap Hell. That being said, Cotchery was a stop-gap. In light of the fact that he was being relied upon as our WR2, and not as a WR3 that he probably is in reality and would ostensibly be this year provided that Funchess can develop fast enough, then to call his season disappointing---while calling for his dismissal---are a little shortsighted.

[juliosantos]

i think cotch might have a break out season 

[KB_fan]

Cotch has seemed pretty sharp in camp this year.  (I don't recall how he did last year, i wasn't following closely then.)

I'm quite sure he's a virtual lock, but perhaps his playing time will decrease throughout the season as some of the younger guys catch on.

I *think* it was Greg Olsen (may possibly have been Kalil... I listened to a bunch of radio interviews with players this week) in one of his interviews was talking about WRs and he mentioned KB, "J-Co" (Cotch), Ginn, Corey & Devin - soundlng like they were pretty sure locks.  He very definitely mentioned Cotch near the top of the list.  It was notable for me because at first I didn't realize who he wasy talking about.  Who's "Jake O" I wondered?  Then it hit me he was talking about Cotch...

I'm REALLY amazed Ron seems to be seriously considering 7 WideOuts on the Roster PLUS Joe Webb.  I just can't quite see how we fill 10 spots with QBs and WRs alone.  But, given our depth, it's very exciting.

I've got to think the top 5 (not necessarily in terms of depth chart or position) are KB, Cotch, Funchess, Ginn, Corey Brown.

Then you've got 3 guys who seem to be in the next tier battling it out for #6 and possibly #7.  Boykin, Bersin & Byrd.  For now I'm thinking Bersin & Byrd have the edge, but Boykin has had some good days... can't quite count him out just yet.

[arbnranger]

To your first point, don't try and pin our missing a .500 record on Cotchery. That's just silly (as another well-known Huddler likes to say). To your second point, which kind of leads to the third, Cotchery had so many TDs in 2013 because he was playing third/fourth fiddle on Pittsburgh. The point is Cotchery never should have been relied upon as the number two guy. The only reason that he was is that Gman was trying to get us out of cap Hell. That being said, Cotchery was a stop-gap. In light of the fact that he was being relied upon as our WR2, and not as a WR3 that he probably is in reality and would ostensibly be this year provided that Funchess can develop fast enough, then to call his season disappointing---while calling for his dismissal---are a little shortsighted.

I actually read that allowd, with inflection, pausing at the commas.

- Pie for ostensibly 

[cookinbrak]

For all the talk about how Ginn dropped passes for us in 2013, Jerricho was even less reliable in 2014, and even dropped a game winner in Cincinnati. I don't know if he's "on the bubble" or not, but I don't know that i would call him a lock either. Cotchery will likely only be around one more season anyway, so if it comes down to letting go of a promising younger WR, or Cotchery, I think you can figure out the outcome on your own.

If it came down to Cotchery or Byrd, I'd rather keep Byrd.

[Proudiddy]

Cotchery had a drop. He can't catch them all. Since you are calling him "unreliable", do me a favor and tell me how many drops he had last year. Hint: I've already answered it.

As for Ginn, everyone knows that Gman, Rivera and Ginn weren't letting any dust settle under there feet to get him back in Charlotte. Not only is he likely the best (and perhaps viable) return man that we have, he has also upped his stock in camp as a legitimate WR3/4.

He had more than a "drop."  And let's not forget him completely stopping on a route for no fuging reason that led to an INT.

I liked Cotch for the role he played early in his career, but he is older now, and we don't have the talent at WR to allow him to play his role efficiently.  I think the coaches love him, so he's gonna be here no matter how he performs, as he fills the "savvy vet" quota for the position.  But, I think his contributions in the upcoming season could easily be filled by a younger WR with far greater skill and potential.

[top dawg]

He had more than a "drop."  And let's not forget him completely stopping on a route for no fuging reason that led to an INT.
 

He had ONE drop, P-Diddy. Believe it!

[top dawg]

...his playing time will decrease throughout the season as some of the younger guys catch on.

I think that this almost a certainty.  It's the natural order of things for a mid-thirties receiver.

[arbnranger]

Everyone hears the cliche about a guy having a good "locker room presence". We all hear it but I'm not sure how much stock we put into it . 

But, if you have played before and you really think about it .. That poo is very important. Team chemistry and vibe make the difference in many games throughout the season. 

With some of the recent events that have happened around the league I say to myself  "Self, that probably wouldn't happen on our team this season because of our leadership would it"? 

From a coaching standpoint determining a players value doesn't just rely on his skill level, potential or athletic ability . Being part of a team a coach looks at the whole package, everything that player brings to the proverbial table. I wouldn't be surprised if they had a matrix to input values for different areas ( leadership, intelligence, attitude,etc)  and those areas weighted to come up with overall "Madden Score "

In my best guess, at this point the Coaches likes Cotch's package. Yea I said that . I'm neutral about J-Co Because he isn't expected to be the number 2. I'll feel confident the coaches made the best overall decision for the team . Stay or go . 

[MV%doe]

Can't wait til real game action happens, cause all these position battles will be clearer.

FYI David "the goat" gettis had a great preason and led the panthers in rec yards.... Cut 

[top dawg]

From a coaching standpoint determining a players value doesn't just rely on his skill level, potential or athletic ability . Being part of a team a coach looks at the whole package, everything that player brings to the proverbial table. I wouldn't be surprised if they had a matrix to input values for different areas ( leadership, intelligence, attitude,etc)  and those areas weighted to come up with overall "Madden Score "

In my best guess, at this point the Coaches likes Cotch's package. Yea I said that . I'm neutral about J-Co Because he isn't expected to be the number 2. I'll feel confident the coaches made the best overall decision for the team . Stay or go . 

That's well-said and well-thought out.  

 

People think that I have a dog in the fight. I really don't. I just want a marked improvement from last year. At the end of the day I really don't care about the name on the jersey as much as I care about the productivity and chemistry that he brings to the team.  Honestly, I am neutral about everyone not named Benjamin, Funchess, and (believe it or not) Ginn.  The rest of them can fight it out, and may the best man win.   

[Guest]

It's certainly nice position to be in when you have eight receivers that you can make a case for making the 53-man roster. Compare that to last year and the cupboard was pretty bare. This year we could see a favourite or two be released...

Benji and Funchess are definitely safe.

Ginn should also make the roster because he has good chemistry with Cam, is a speedster, and offers us a decent PR and KR. 

After them I think it becomes difficult to choose who stays and who goes...

Cotchery has some appeal because he's a good veteran to have around the group, and in general he's a solid, dependable receiver. Something we may need because Funchess is unproven in the NFL [he may take it by storm, or he could have a steep learning curve], Ginn has a history of drops and not being reliable as a pass catcher, and the other options are young inexperienced receivers. So with that in mind, Cotchery would be my choice to be the fourth receiver on the team, though at the same time he could end up making way to keep one of those younger prospects on the main roster.

At this point on my depth chart we would have two big targets, a speedster, and a dependable veteran. I think we will need some more speed at this point to stretch the field and to give us something different. So that role should go to Corey as the fifth name on the depth chart. And I'd also keep Bersin who has good size and speed, and solid hands. 

I hear and see a lot of hype for Byrd and Boykin. But sadly I think they miss out, unless this team goes receiver crazy, which would be odd for a run first team. 

[panthers55]

Cotchery will only be the second on most plays if the new guys don't work out. He was brought in to be a mentor to our young receivers. Something he has done very well. If things go right this year he should never be a 1 or 2 but would be a good investment at 3 or 4. He doesn't have to be as good as Brown or even Byrd to be a lock. Because he is still a pretty reliable third down guy who isn't afraid to make the tough catch over the middle. And could be helpful in the redzone like he was for Roethlisberger in 2013

But that is all a bonus as he is already producing tangible results in helping the young guys learn to be veterans. And that is why he is a lock to make the team. So stop with the drop. It doesn't matter.....

[Jeremy Igo]

Strickt is right on the money here. Those 5 have always been the lead dogs with the 6th position up in the air. Right now Bersin is in command of it, but Boykin and Brown are rising. Whoever produces the most in preseason gets the jersey, as it should be.