Expectations For Joe Adams

[KendrickPanther]

I'm really excited about our drafting of Joe Adams. I think he's an instant upgrade at the Punt Return position but we need to establish realistic expectations for this guy.

Everyone is comparing him to Steve Smith. The way I see it there is very little similar about them. Joe is 2 inches taller and 6 lbs lighter. Steve came into this league .16 seconds faster in the 40. Most importantly of all the scouting report on Joe Adams is he needs to be more physical. Steve is one of the most physically dominating receivers in the league. To me, Steve Smith is a Hall of Fame talent that played under some unfortunate circumstances. To expect that from Joe isn't fair.

I think Joe's greatest asset is his ability to return punts. Find the channels, set up blocks, change directions, and make people miss. My concern is that 4.55 speed. Will he be able to break away from NFL special teams units? At the least I expect an 8 yard per return average. Can he get up to 12 ypr with 4.55 speed?

I think his career will be similar to Steve's in terms of starting on special teams and getting chances on offense later. The question is can he take that next step. We had Ryne Robinson a few years ago who could never live up to expectations.

The other thing Steve had that's impossible to replicate is a nasty chip on his shoulder. Steve is one of the most motivated players I've ever seen.

So I hope for the best but I'm going into this open minded.

[4Corners]

He needs to latch himself on to Steve Smith and never let go. Similar type of player and we all know Smith is a great PR.

Adams has been blessed being drafted by this team and having a player like #89 to learn from.

[BeasonBeastingBacks]

If he doesn't have 10 TDs off of returns in the first 3 weeks, he's should be cut immediately.

[xerxes]

I think a lot of people just got really excited we drafted somebody whose name they recognized.

He should be a great PR... beyond that we'll see.

[C47]

Adams plays much faster then his 4.55 40...just watch him play and you'll see that. The least of my concerns with Joe Adams is his speed....

[KBRed]

He reads the field extremely well, and certainly doesn't look like he runs slower than Smitty judging by videos. He outran his SEC counterparts many times. Love what he 'could' bring to this team.

[caatfan]

4.55 isn't his best time. He also had a 4.42. And who cares if he can't outrun every special teamer, as long as he knows how to return punts. He obviously does since he had 4 TD's last year. I think he's a winner on ST. We'll see how he does catching the ball against NFL defenses.

[Dash Global]

I expect some big things from Adams.

Good PR.

Nice scat back.

And even some work in the slot.

[CatofWar]

I expect on opening day, before kickoff, a buc player tells him he aint in college anymore. And boom goes the dynamite.

[rainwater]

Everyone is comparing him to Steve Smith. The way I see it there is very little similar about them. Joe is 2 inches taller and 6 lbs lighter. Steve came into this league .16 seconds faster in the 40. Most importantly of all the scouting report on Joe Adams is he needs to be more physical. Steve is one of the most physically dominating receivers in the league.

So what you are saying is they are almost the same size and according to most reports, they both have fast game speed (not 40 times). Steve Smith wasn't known as a physically dominating receiver when he came into the league either. In fact, he wasn't even known as being much of a receiver at all. No one is saying he will be Steve Smith. But they are extremely similar in where their game was when they entered the league.

[KendrickPanther]

Well that was the thing everyone forgets about Steve. The first time he touched the ball in the NFL he took it to the house! That's a hall of fame moment.

[CPF4LIFE]

How can anybody watch this dudes highlights and seriously think he is slow??

[Dash Global]

How can anybody watch this dudes highlights and seriously think he is slow??

4.55 isnt really slow.

About average for WR

It just isnt elite speed ie 4.3 - 4.4

But he plays faster than his 4.55 time, so i aint worried about that.

[KendrickPanther]

He doesn't look that fast to me. I guess you guys see it different.