The Battle For The 5th WR Position

[SkinsFreak]

One of the most interesting position battles heading into training camp will be the competition for the 5th WR position. Zorn may decide to carry six WR's on the 53-man roster, but for the purposes of this discussion and poll, we'll look primarily at the 5th spot.


Here is a brief overview of the competitors:

Roydell Williams; 6'0 - 187 lbs: Williams is a former 4th round selection and is a four year veteran having played in 40 games. His career totals include 84 catches for 1,139 yards and six touchdowns. He suffered a foot injury in January 2008 and the injury ultimately led to his release from the team in September 2008. Williams ran a 4.48 40-yard dash in pre-draft workouts.

Marko Mitchell; 6'4 - 218 lbs: Mitchell was the Redskins 7th round selection out of Nevada and has impressed coaches and teammates alike during the teams OTA's and mini-camp. In three years at Nevada, Mitchell developed into one of college football’s most feared big-play threats. He finished his college career with 153 receptions for 2,763 yards and 22 touchdowns and averaged a whopping 21.3 yards per catch, the second-best average in the nation. Vinny Cerrato stated in a post-draft news conference that Mitchell posted a 4.36 40-yard dash at the pre-draft workouts in Indy.

Keith Eloi; 5'10 - 190 lbs: Eloi was signed by the Redskins as an undrafted rookie free agent after impressing coaches during the teams mini-camp. For his career at Nebraska-Omaha, Eloi registered 57 catches for 749 yards and five touchdowns. He also returned 25 kickoffs for 663 yards (26.5 avg.) and one touchdown. While an official 40-yard dash time is not found, it has been reported that Eloi can run a between a 4.34 and 4.40, has a 41 inch vertical and likes jumping into Ford F150 truck beds.

Jaison Williams; 6'5 - 237 lbs: Williams was signed by the Redskins as an undrafted rookie free agent. He was a three-year starter at Oregon, where he logged 174 catches for 2,546 yards and 21 touchdowns. Williams was Oregon’s third-leading receiver, only seven receptions shy of equaling the school’s career record and also stands second all time with 10 100-yard receiving efforts and is tied for fourth in career TD receptions (20). Williams recorded an official 40 time of 4.64 at the combine, however youtube videos lends evidence that he plays much faster on the football field. It's worth noting that Williams displays impressive strength for a WR. One of the program’s strongest pass catchers ever, Williams boasts of a share of Oregon’s school record in the back squat (375 lbs., 2007-2008), the top power clean mark of all-time (352 lbs., 2007) and the third-best bench press ever (340 lbs., 2007) among wide receivers.

Trent Shelton; 6'0 - 202 lbs: Signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted rookie free agent in May 2007 and was subsequently signed by the Redskins as an unrestricted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Baylor and set a school record by recording at least one catch in 45 consecutive games. He caught 155 passes for 1,978 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Marques Hagans; 5'10 - 205 lbs: Hagans was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fifth round of the 2006 draft. Hagans has played in six career NFL games with the St. Louis Rams (four games in 2007) and Kansas City Chiefs (two games in 2008), totaling nine receptions for 108 yards. He spent the majority of the 2008 season with the Chiefs’ practice squad. At the University of Virginia, he played quarterback, wide receiver and kick returner.



The position competition should heat up during training camp and further intensify during preseason. This has the making of being a prime position battle and should be fun to watch. This could emerge as a difficult decision for the coaching staff and their play during preseason will be closely watched. R. Williams brings real game experience, Marko Mitchell brings a desired combination of size and speed, J. Williams brings a combination of size and strength, Eloi brings speed and vertical abilities and all four of these players bring big-play, game breaking ability.

So who do you favor and who do you speculate will win the battle?

[Jeff Rhodes]

Williams has the best NFL pedigree and seems to intrigue the coaches and his fellow players. On the other hand, you can't discount Mitchell's athleticism and the fact that the Redskins -- like most NFL teams -- are predisposed to keep their own draft picks rather than journeymen free agents signed off the scrap heap.

On paper, you'd figure Williams might have the edge with Mitchell and candidate for the practice squad. But there are two factors to weigh here. First, your fifth or sixth WR is definitely going to be expected to contribute primarily on special teams. Whatever Mitchell and Williams offer as receivers ultimately might not matter much if they can't tackle on the punt coverage team.

Also, the decision will be significantly affected by two names not on your list -- Devin Thomas and Malcom Kelly. I'm not saying either of those two would be cut, because they won't. But if one (or both) suffers an injury setback or simply looks like they're still not ready to contribute as a receiver, you might be forced to keep as a backup the player -- probably Williams -- you figure has the best chance to make a difference on offense in the short term. Whereas if Thomas and Kelly step up in training camp and look like the players they're supposed to be, you have the luxury of developing Mitchell as a receiver while he breaks in as a special teamer.

[VetSkinsFan]

Great breakdown. I don't keep up with college so I've never seen most of these guys play. I will pay attention to the pre-season and go from there, though. Jiason and Marko do sound like great back-ups with their size.

[SkinsFreak]

Jiason and Marko do sound like great back-ups with their size.

While I'm sure the coaches like Roydell Williams' playing experience, I believe Jaison and Marko are the most intriguing. Both are big, physical players with big-play ability. Their size alone would make them a nightmarish match-up for defenders, especially in the red zone. With the current rules favoring receivers by not allowing defenders to be physical with receivers beyond 5 yards from the line of scrimmage, their size becomes a huge advantage. Their broad wingspan can also be a friend to the QB.

[Countertrey]

With the current rules favoring receivers by not allowing defenders to be physical with receivers beyond 5 yards from the line of scrimmage, their size becomes a huge advantage. Their broad wingspan can also be a friend to the QB.

Beyond that, big, physical receivers can be a huge asset in the running game, and as downfield blockers covering for anyone who might be carrying the ball...

[yupchagee]

My guess is Mitchell. J. Williams has the size to be a good ST guy & R. Williams has NFL experience, but I think Mitchell has the most upside as a receiver.

[VetSkinsFan]

6'5" 237# is almost a freakin TE. The more I think about it, the more I want to see this guy on the field. He would manhandle corners and could break some tackles with that size.

[langleyparkjoe]

I like Mitchell's height.. but I reaaaally like Eloi's vertical jumping ability. I went with Eloi but I have absolutely no problem with Mitchell getting it.

[HEROHAMO]

I really like Mitchell. You never know he might be a late round gem? Battling for the 5th position now but he could be battling for a number one or two in the future?

[SkinsFreak]

Alright... who voted for Marques Hagans? Come on out and admit it!

My personal opinion is that Mitchell will make the team. I actually think he could be a late round surprise and raise a few eyebrows. Jaison Williams' size and strength is hard to overlook though. If he could demonstrate an ability to be an effective contributor on special teams, you never know, Zorn may decide to keep six WR's. I mean, how could a defense defend a red-zone offensive package that could include Thomas (6'2), Kelly (6'4), Mitchell (6'4), J. Williams (6'5) with possibly ey (6'3) out of the backfield and all on the field at the same time? One might think an all out blitz or pass rush may stop that red-zone offense, but all Jason would have to do is take one or two steps and just throw the ball up. I know that's an overly simplistic description and probably an unlikely actual formation, but I think you get the picture.

[VetSkinsFan]

Alright... who voted for Marques Hagans? Come on out and admit it!

My personal opinion is that Mitchell will make the team. I actually think he could be a late round surprise and raise a few eyebrows. Jaison Williams' size and strength is hard to overlook though. If he could demonstrate an ability to be an effective contributor on special teams, you never know, Zorn may decide to keep six WR's. I mean, how could a defense defend a red-zone offensive package that could include Thomas (6'2), Kelly (6'4), Mitchell (6'4), J. Williams (6'5) with possibly ey (6'3) out of the backfield and all on the field at the same time? One might think an all out blitz or pass rush may stop that red-zone offense, but all Jason would have to do is take one or two steps and just throw the ball up. I know that's an overly simplistic description and probably an unlikely actual formation, but I think you get the picture.

I know this is about WRs, but I prefer CP to be on the field for all plays in the red zone. Keeps the D honest.

[SkinsFreak]

Alright... who voted for Marques Hagans? Come on out and admit it!

My personal opinion is that Mitchell will make the team. I actually think he could be a late round surprise and raise a few eyebrows. Jaison Williams' size and strength is hard to overlook though. If he could demonstrate an ability to be an effective contributor on special teams, you never know, Zorn may decide to keep six WR's. I mean, how could a defense defend a red-zone offensive package that could include Thomas (6'2), Kelly (6'4), Mitchell (6'4), J. Williams (6'5) with possibly ey (6'3) out of the backfield and all on the field at the same time? One might think an all out blitz or pass rush may stop that red-zone offense, but all Jason would have to do is take one or two steps and just throw the ball up. I know that's an overly simplistic description and probably an unlikely actual formation, but I think you get the picture.

I know this is about WRs, but I prefer CP to be on the field for all palys in the red zone. Keeps the D honest.

<sigh> While I would typically agree, on obvious passing downs, I'm simply trying to illustrate that big, tall, physical receivers are tough to defend, especially in the red zone, regardless of where they line up. ey has been a big red zone threat and is the only reason why I included him in the "hypothetical" that I conceded was probably an unlikely formation. The point is that these guys give you multiple personnel grouping options.

[yupchagee]

Alright... who voted for Marques Hagans? Come on out and admit it!

My personal opinion is that Mitchell will make the team. I actually think he could be a late round surprise and raise a few eyebrows. Jaison Williams' size and strength is hard to overlook though. If he could demonstrate an ability to be an effective contributor on special teams, you never know, Zorn may decide to keep six WR's. I mean, how could a defense defend a red-zone offensive package that could include Thomas (6'2), Kelly (6'4), Mitchell (6'4), J. Williams (6'5) with possibly ey (6'3) out of the backfield and all on the field at the same time? One might think an all out blitz or pass rush may stop that red-zone offense, but all Jason would have to do is take one or two steps and just throw the ball up. I know that's an overly simplistic description and probably an unlikely actual formation, but I think you get the picture.

I think we will keep 6 WR's, but not all will dress for any given game. Let's assume that Moss & ARE are 2 who will be dressed, we wouldn't have these 4 available.

[SkinsJock]

I think we will keep 6 WRs ONLY if none of these guys separates themselves - until (some of) these guys put on pads and find out what it's like to play in the NFL we are really not going to have much of an idea

this is a fun guessing game at this time - while the various attributes can be debated, the true measure can only be seen on the field, in pads


on a slightly different tangent - I am really hoping that someone can step up and allow Moss to be our #2 WR as that will mean a much more potent passing game for this team

[SkinsFreak]

Check out this video from Total Access on NFLN last night. Marko Mitchell looks pretty good catching the ball. Colt's throws are impressive as well.

[ArlingtonSkinsFan]

I like Mitchell's height.. but I reaaaally like Eloi's vertical jumping ability. I went with Eloi but I have absolutely no problem with Mitchell getting it.

Yeah, but hes under 6 ft. That means he could jump 5 inches higher than Williams or Mitchell and still not be as high in the air. Who cares about vertical jumping ability if he doesnt also have great hands and speed??

[Chris Luva Luva]

If Zorn is as against playing young talent as he was last year, this will be a moot point.

[SkinsFreak]

If Zorn is as against playing young talent as he was last year, this will be a moot point.

Agreed. But I do believe Zorn is growing and learning as well. So I expect to see some changes this coming year, and the playing of rookies like Orakpo and Mitchell (assuming he makes the team) should be something Zorn reconsiders. Mitchell has been impressing thus far and with Thrash's retirement, I actually believe Mitchell gets a chance to make a significant contribution later in the year.

[VetSkinsFan]

Remember that whichever WR makes it will theoretically be 5th. That means potentially inactive for most games barring injuries. I doubt whoever the 5th WR will be will jump up in front of Kelly/Thomas that easily.

[langleyparkjoe]

I like Mitchell's height.. but I reaaaally like Eloi's vertical jumping ability. I went with Eloi but I have absolutely no problem with Mitchell getting it.

Yeah, but hes under 6 ft. That means he could jump 5 inches higher than Williams or Mitchell and still not be as high in the air. Who cares about vertical jumping ability if he doesnt also have great hands and speed??

Yea man, good point. After watching that little clip.. I'm a little suspect because if he could drop those passes w/out any pressure.. oh ohhh...

[SkinsFreak]

Remember that whichever WR makes it will theoretically be 5th. That means potentially inactive for most games barring injuries. I doubt whoever the 5th WR will be will jump up in front of Kelly/Thomas that easily.

Not that Mitchell will jump in front of Thomas or Kelly, but depending on the game circumstance, down and distance and personnel grouping, it's not inconceivable that Mitchell could see the field. In a WCO, four WR formations are common, so I seriously doubt the 5th WR would be inactive. But that remains to be seen, is simply speculation at this point, but certainly not inconceivable.

[VetSkinsFan]

True, but as I think you illustrated earlier would you rather have WR #5 on the field or ey? And based on last year's examples, rarely did Zorn's WCO run without a back. As you said it's all speculative at this point, but I don't see a need to have 5 WRs suited up if you have two TEs that we do that WILL dress.

I would love to see us run a few 5 WR empty backfield sets, or even CP motioning out of the backfield.

[SkinsFreak]

Vet, I don't think there are many teams that enter a game with only four WR's dressed. Not all 5 WR's have to be on the field at the same time, so I'm not sure what you're implying with... "would you rather have WR #5 on the field or ey?"... or... "rarely did Zorn's WCO run without a back." It's about different personnel groupings, includes special team roles and a rotation at the position. Much like DT's are on a rotation for the purpose of keeping fresh legs on the field, WR's get rotated as well. I believe you're thinking that the only way a 5th WR would see the field is if they run a 5 WR set. That's not the case, they rotate these guys to give them breathers and to give different looks offensively, especially in a WCO that emphasizes the passing game with numerous routes run by the receivers. Additionally, a red zone package for a particular play could include just the tall guys, meaning Moss and ARE may sit for that play. It's simply about the personnel options and groupings.