Tag: slot receiver

Touchdown Wire names Seahawks’ Tyler Lockett best slot receiver in NFL

USA TODAY’s Touchdown Wire has named Seattle Seahawks wideout Tyler Lockett the best slot receiver in the National Football League.

Seattle Seahawks fans understand how important wide receiver Tyler Lockett is to the team’s offense and why he has easily commanded the No. 1 spot on the roster.

Lockett isn’t just appreciated in Seattle, however, and has earned the respect of analysts around the league. Ahead of the 2020 season, Doug Farrar of USA TODAY’s Touchdown Wire named Lockett the best slot receiver in the NFL.

“Including the postseason, no slot receiver caught more touchdown passes than Lockett did in the 2019 campaign with six,” Farrar writes. “He also allowed Russell Wilson a 122.9 passer rating when targeting him from the slot. Not that creating supernatural efficiency for his quarterback is a new thing for Lockett — in 2018, he became the first receiver since at least 2018 to take at least 20% of his snaps and still rack up a perfect passer rating overall when targeted.”

“Lockett has become a top-level receiver no matter where he lines up, but he’s a great slot target for the same reasons you’ll find for every receiver on this list – he knows how to create separation with spacing and leverage, he has an extra gear when he needs it, and in Lockett’s case, there are things he’s learned about adjusting the speeds of his routes that make things very difficult for opposing defenders,” Farrar continues.

In addition to the six slot touchdowns, Lockett also hauled in 64 inside passes on 88 targets for a league-high 901 yards last year. Not too shabby.

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Seahawks get projectable slot receiver and returner in Freddie Swain

Swain is a prolific punt returner and oversized slot receiver, but concerns about his route-running could limit his performance in the NFL.

The Seattle Seahawks made their seventh, and for now final, pick in the 2020 NFL draft at the tail end of the sixth round, selecting Florida slot receiver Freddie Swain.

Swain fits what coach Pete Carroll likes in his slot receivers, with exceptional size (six-foot) and length (30 5/8 inch arms) as well as a 4.46 time in the 40-yard dash.

The athleticism is the big selling point here, as the rest of his profile is a bit shaky. Swain has not shown much discipline as a route-runner, often making predictable moves that don’t get him open. He also lacks the physicality to challenge for contested catches, something he will need to improve upon if he wants to be a target for Russell Wilson.

As is usually the case, Swain will also be considered for a role on the special teams – having returned 39 punts for 308 yards and a touchdown during his time with the Gators.

Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf, Phillip Dorsett, David Moore and John Ursua represent Seattle’s receiving corps at the moment, and Swain will have to become a proficient route runner very quickly, or else make himself indispensable as a punt returner to avoid finding himself on the practice squad for the 2020 season.

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WATCH: Texas WR Devin Duvernay’s senior highlight reel

The Longhorns social media department released a highlight reel of Devin Duvernay’s senior season ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Once again, the Texas Longhorns social media department comes in clutch. Continue reading “WATCH: Texas WR Devin Duvernay’s senior highlight reel”

Cowboys News: Jaylon Smith may be designated, big-slot WR may be preferred

Changes to the Cowboys defensive philosophy could see Jaylon Smith rusher the passer more. Ex XFL player Kenny Robinson gets interviewed.

Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones has made it clear that the team is interested in versatile defenders and could use a designated pass rusher position, which sounds ideal for linebacker Jaylon Smith. Safety is a position the team will target in this week’s draft. That could include a former XFL safety, Kenny Robinson.

Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson isn’t as heralded as Jeff Okudah or CJ Henderson but could provide value at the position on Day 2 . With an all-time receiving class entering the league, and a need in the slot, the Cowboys would be wise to add another weapon for Dak Prescott to go with Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. But what if Mike McCarthy is looking for a bigger slot player?

Cowboys changes on defense could use Jaylon Smith more as a pass rusher in 2020:: Blogging The Boys

Changes are coming and new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan may have different plans for Jaylon Smith at linebacker.

Dallas could be NFL’s bubble city in a COVID-19 season; but bubbles pop:: Cowboys Wire

With the NFL exploring every option due to the coronavirus pandemic, Dallas could be a prime location to consider moving the entire league to. The possibilities and pitfalls are many.

17 Real Possibilities For Cowboys No. 17 Pick:: The Mothership

The mothership breaks down what they consider to be the field of possibles for Dallas at No. 17 and it’s all defense and pass catchers. Three corners, three safeties, three defensive tackles, three edge rushers, four wideouts and a pass-rushing linebacker.

The Collective: Cowboys take up 10% of NFL sales’ top spots, Elliott Top 5:: Cowboys Wire

Once again, the Dallas Cowboys earn the title of “America’s Team”. The merchandise sales speak for themselves.

 

2020 NFL Draft: Buying or Selling the Latest Mock Draft Trends:: Bleacher Report

Nothing Cowboys’ specific, but several trends of recent mocks paint a certain picture about the content that will be revealed in the first round on Thursday.

Cowboys Draft: Three Ideal, But Realistic Scenarios For 17th Overall:: Inside The Star 

Kevin Brady breaks three SEC defenders who could hear their name’s called, Florida’s CJ Henderon, LSU’s K’Lavon Chaisson and Alabama’s Xavier McKinney.

Dallas Cowboys 2020 NFL draft scouting report: Utah CB Jaylon Johnson:: Blogging The Boys

The Cowboys have a need at cornerback, and Utah’s Jaylon Johnson could be a day two option if it’s not addressed earlier.

Inside the issues an all-virtual NFL draft present for the Dallas Cowboys and their preparation for them:: Dallas Morning News 

David Moore digs into the complexity of an all-virtual draft for the Cowboys.

Cowboys 2020 draft: Pick 82 in third round might be sweet spot for defensive tackle:: Blogging The Boys

Even though the Cowboys added defensive tackles G, Gerald McCoy, and Dontari Poe, they find a hidden gem in the third round.

Something you may not know about Mike McCarthy could predict 2nd-round pick :: Blogging The Boys

This fanpost from SeekingNumberSix dives into McCarthy’s affinity for big-slot options during his time in Green Bay.

Cowboys Still Waiting for Xavier Woods Breakout; Impact on 2020 Draft:: Inside The Star

Xavier Woods has improved every season he’s been in the that, but without a breakout season the Cowboys could look for another safety early in the draft.

Cowboys 2020 draft: Dallas reportedly interviewed former West Virginia, XFL safety Kenny Robinson:: Blogging The Boys

If the Cowboys don’t land a safety early in the draft former XFL player Kenny Robinson could be an option.

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Texas WR Devin Duvernay’s NFL Draft stock increases

According to ESPN’s Todd McShay, Texas wide receiver Devin Duvernay could be selected as high as the second round in the 2020 NFL Draft.

According to one recent NFL Mock Draft, Texas wide receiver Devin Duvernay’s draft stock has significantly increased. Continue reading “Texas WR Devin Duvernay’s NFL Draft stock increases”

How will WR Randall Cobb fit in with the Texans’ offense?

The Houston Texans added former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys receiver Randall Cobb to their offense. How exactly does he fit in?

The Houston Texans filled their void at receiver due to the DeAndre Hopkins trade by signing Pro Bowler Randall Cobb. Even though the 29-year-old isn’t in the same elite tier as Hopkins, Cobb should provide some relief for two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson.

However, getting Cobb to fit into the Texans’ offense may prove a challenge. As Mark Schofield of the Touchdown Wire notes, Cobb can replace Hopkins in the slot, but he can’t replace the three-time All-Pro out wide.

The Houston Texans tried to address the wide receiver position in the wake of the move, acquiring Randall Cobb in free agency. Cobb is a nice piece, a slot receiver (he saw 90.4 percent of his snaps in the slot last season) who can complement a wide receiver group well. But he cannot be asked to replace Hopkins, who was used primarily on the outside a season ago.

The issue is one the Texans will have to address throughout the course of the offseason. When the Texans go to 12 personnel — one running back and two tight ends — Cobb may come out of the game.

Also, while the Houston Texans used 11 offensive personnel most of the time a year ago (60 percent of their snaps) 12 offensive personnel was their second-most utilized package. The Texans used that two-tight end package 34 percent of the time, behind just the Philadelphia Eagles, the Minnesota Vikings and the Tennessee Titans. How Cobb fits into that grouping will be interesting to watch, given his experience playing out of the slot.

The Texans still have the remainder of free agency along with the NFL Draft to find a replacement, at least in position, for Hopkins on the outside. Cobb more than likely won’t be that receiver, but his slot skills can still be a boon for Houston’s passing offense.