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Training-camp battles — wide receivers
Duel between Carolina newcomers highlights WR wars
By Michael Blunda
July 10, 2008
The third in a five-part series
Titans — open competition
The problem with the Titans’ receiving corps is not quantity, it’s quality. Outside of Justin Gage and Roydell Williams, Tennessee got practically no production out of its wideouts last season, and only the newly re-signed Gage is a lock for the starting lineup. Williams had the edge for the No. 2 WR spot, but an ankle injury might have allowed Justin McCareins, in his second stint with the Titans, to vault ahead of him. Williams’ absence from offseason activities has given the coaching staff an opportunity to look at rookie Lavelle Hawkins, a fourth-round pick whom the coaches love. Potentially in the mix are second-year receivers Paul Williams, Chris Davis and Biren Ealy and fourth-year men Brandon Jones and Mike Williams, the 10th overall pick in 2005. This depth gives the Titans plenty of options if injuries strike, but it also gives them a headache when trying to divvy up playing time.
Ravens — Mark Clayton vs. Demetrius Williams
Although many receivers tend to break out in their third season, Mark Clayton had other ideas — he regressed. Following a very nice ’06 campaign, Clayton caught just 48 passes for 531 yards and no touchdowns last season. This lack of improvement could mean competition this year in the form of Demetrius Williams, an explosive deep threat, something the Baltimore offense has long been without. Williams has been limited in minicamps with an Achilles’ tendon injury, so that’s something to keep an eye on. As long as he recovers in time for training camp, Williams, a bigger target than Clayton, could push Clayton for the No. 2 WR spot in new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron’s attack.
Broncos — Keary Colbert vs. Darrell Jackson vs. Samie Parker
The three-way battle for the Broncos’ No. 2 WR spot features a trio of newcomers to the team. Coming off a year to forget in San Francisco, Darrell Jackson brings experience to Denver as he looks to regain his 2006 form. If he can avoid two things that have plagued him as a pro — injuries and drops — Jackson could be a nice option opposite Brandon Marshall. Keary Colbert also is in the mix, as he’s hoping to put a string of bad years in Carolina behind him. He never has been able to match his totals from his rookie season, but maybe a change of scenery will get him back on track. Samie Parker is part of the competition, too, but he appears to be more of a long shot. He started quite a few games during his days as a Chief but never showed he deserved a starting gig. Brandon Stokley and rookie Eddie Royal could enter the debate as well, but they’ll more than likely be fighting for the No. 3 job as slot receivers.
Chiefs — Devard Darling vs. Jeff Webb vs. Will Franklin
For years the Chiefs have ignored their need for quality receivers, and that trend continued this offseason when Devard Darling was the only veteran wideout they brought in. Darling flashed some potential during a few nice efforts last season in Baltimore, but he has only started one game in his four-year career and has just 20 catches in total. After Dwayne Bowe, Jeff Webb was Kansas City’s most productive WR in ’07, catching 28 passes for 313 yards. He lacks the speed to be a downfield threat, however, which limits his upside. Will Franklin was the Chiefs’ fourth-round draft choice this year and has impressed in minicamps, but as a rookie receiver he has a lot to learn. This is a very close race, but no matter who comes out of it victorious, it’s unlikely he’ll make much of a fantasy splash playing in K.C.’s stagnant offense.
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Steve Smith (left), Amani Toomer
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Giants — Amani Toomer vs. Steve Smith
Amani Toomer has been entrenched in the Giants’ starting lineup since 1999, but that run might come to an end this season. Approaching 34 years old, Toomer remains a serviceable wideout, but he’s not the dynamic threat New York would love to have opposite Plaxico Burress. After missing most of his rookie season with injuries, Steve Smith emerged during last year’s playoffs as one of the Giants’ best offensive weapons. He had five catches for 50 yards in the Super Bowl, and his speed and quick feet allow him to get open on nearly every down. He has more of a slot receiver’s build, but he’s talented enough to play on the outside. Smith might not start right away, but he very well could take over for Toomer before season’s end.
Bears — open competition
Perhaps no team lacks talented receivers as much as the Bears. Besides Marty Booker, who is an uninspiring No. 1 option, Chicago has a slew of middling wideouts competing for the other starting spot. New arrival Brandon Lloyd has a very loose grip on the job right now, but his two substandard years in Washington don’t bode well for his bounce-back potential. Maybe reuniting with college coach Ron Turner will do him some good. Rookie Earl Bennett surely will get a crack at the spot, as the Bears invested a third-round pick in him and are expecting him to carry his success at Vanderbilt into the NFL. Also in the hunt are Mark Bradley, an athletic but injury-prone big target, and Devin Hester, a Pro Bowl returner who has flashed some big-play ability in his limited time at receiver. With the sad state of Chicago’s offense, picking anyone from its receiving corps is a gamble not worth taking.
Panthers — Muhsin Muhammad vs. D.J. Hackett
Maybe no other receiver battle this summer will be as hotly contested as the one in Carolina. Free-agent acquisitions Muhsin Muhammad and D.J. Hackett, although at different points in their careers, both come to the Panthers hoping for a revival. Muhammad returns to the team after wasting away for three years in the Bears’ offense, where even as the No. 1 option he struggled to get the ball. His 2004 season in Carolina was one for the ages, and he’s hoping to recapture some of that magic this year. Hackett, on the other hand, was plagued by injuries during his four seasons in Seattle, and a change of address should benefit him. He has good speed and also possesses a large frame, making him an ideal red-zone target. Given his youth and superior athleticism, Hackett has the edge here, but keep an eye on this competition, as the winner absolutely will have fantasy value playing opposite Steve Smith.
49ers — Bryant Johnson vs. Arnaz Battle
Talk of position battles would not be complete without a mention of Arnaz Battle. The 49ers’ wideout has been a staple in the starting lineup for the past two seasons, but he’ll have some stiff competition come training camp. San Francisco signed free agent Bryant Johnson this offseason, and he’s expected to fight for a starting spot. Johnson comes in off a string of productive years as Arizona’s No. 3 WR, including an ’06 campaign in which he gained 18.5 yards per catch and hauled in four scores. Battle, meanwhile, quietly has posted two straight seasons of at least 600 yards, scoring nine TDs in that span. He’s more of a possession receiver, though, and the Niners might want a more explosive threat opposite aging Isaac Bruce. Consider Johnson both the front-runner and a great sleeper pick this season with Mike Martz running the offense in S.F.
Friday: Training-camp battles — tight ends
Related Articles:
Training-camp battles — running backs
By Michael Blunda, Wednesday, July 9
Training-camp battles — quarterbacks
By Michael Blunda, Tuesday, July 8
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