Are their numbers all that different? I guess we will see between Napiers playcalling and Mertz spreading it around. I guess we assume Wilson gets the first looks?
Badger had similar numbers of catches to Pearsall, but lacked similar yardage. And, he did that with not so good of a quarterback. He gets the nod from sportswriters due to his experience and performance on the field.
I saw enough from Wilson last year and O&B game to think he could be the best we've had since Harvin. A real difference maker like Harvin who can make plays from any position and should get minimum 10 catches and 5 runs every game. And lots of other talent on offense, several who could breakout. Speedsters to get in space. With a stout Oline and everyone executing we should surprise. Gonzales' focus on blocking is key. If Dike and Badger fit into the flow from the get go and are truly SEC level then we will shock some people. I'm Expecting a jump from several returnees including Jackson and Boardingham. Even Burke looks ready.
Much of his yardage was yac, just like Wilson last year, because of the qb situation. Nobody is worried about Wilson's yardage.
True, and that's what makes Badger such a weapon. He is known as a receiver who's hard to tackle! I don't know if he will be the number one receiver, but I certainly love having another talented receiver on the field. Personally, I think Wilson has such a high ceiling that his talent trumps experience! What is unique about Wilson and Badger, they catch balls thrown to them! According to one source, Badger has an incredible two-dropped passes in a span of two years. Someone may confirm whether that is correct or not.
He will NOT be taking Wilson's position as a starter over Wilson. But I do think he's good enough to be one of our starters. The best receivers will start.
Durability could be an issue if he has fifteen touches a game. He’s not a big guy and that’s a lot for anyone. I hope we spread the ball around and Wilson is tgat nightmare threat that entire defenses have to scheme around. We may not need him to actually touch the ball that much. I prefer team offense and making them defend the entire field.
I'm anticipating Badger to be the go to guy for the fade into the end zone. The pass wont have to be perfect and he will catch it if its anywhere near him. same with the bomb. we havent had one of those receivers in a long time. Wilson will be Harvin V2. The whole O will be better which will make it tougher for the opposing D to concentrate on Wilson
With the addition of Badger, we are now solid at all levels of the offense. Mertz now has so many tools to work with and playmakers, including the RB's and TE's, that we don't have to force it to anyone. Just let the opposing defense dictate who is going to get the ball. Leaving anyone open is going to be a problem. It should be a thing of beauty.
Yes, we have two receiver's that are exceptionally sure-handed! Maybe someone can tell me more about Dike?
You may be dead on, but I've heard this for well over a decade now. I'm like a Missourian now. They have to show me. I've had 23 precancerous lesions frozen off last week. I'm allergic to sunshine lol...
Dike was a security blanket receiver for Mertz and won't be behind in the system as Mertz has been getting him up to speed. He was very reliable on the routes Mertz favored. I don't remember seeing him in the slot, but he does have speed. His experience likely wins out to make him a starter. I think all 3 of Badger, Wilson and Dike would give the most flexibility for them to run any route and not telegraph the play.