Nelson Spruce Starting to Make Noise Again

[dieterbrock]

He is locked I think he is one of Bones boys.

Thomas is one of his boys too though, no? The only guys not familiar with Bones are Kupp and Reynolds and I think they are safe...

 

[SteezyEndo]

Thomas is one of his boys too though, no? The only guys not familiar with Bones are Kupp and Reynolds and I think they are safe...

Problem with Spruce is he has no actual resume he basically just made it to an orientation ie. pre-season showing. Is he practicing fine? seems like it. I am not saying he is on the hot seat, but you have to look at it from that angle that he has more to prove than anyone else. And staying healthy is key.

 

[OldSchool]

I like Spruce and would be happy if he makes the team. I just think for it to happen we either keep 7 WR or we trade one like Cooper.

 

[Jacobarch]

I hope.this guy gets a fair chance. Could be a real solid find from Snead.

 

[Merlin]

Wait, what? Boldin has 20 pounds on him and physically man handles press coverage. In the microscopic sample of Spruce, playing against scrubs, he was just a slippery sumbich who eluded coverage. I like Spruce too but don't see this comparison at all

Spruce has always been a very strong and physical wideout, it shows on his tape, and a lot of it, all through college, where he was hard to knock off his routes and also had his way with some guys he shouldn't have given his size. It also showed in a small sample size in preseason, where that helped him get through the contact and pop the NFL DBs throw out there and shine for that brief moment. Citing a similarity is not saying he will achieve that level of play by any means.

But anyway. Similar height. As to their weight, Boldin had ten pounds on him back during the combine weigh-in, but I didn't say they're identical, I said they're similar. On the field they are both very physical and good route runners. Boldin is stronger of course, Spruce is pretty close to him as a route technician, but again the similarity is there in their strengths.

As to those other measurables their 40 times were similar too (Boldin 4.72, Spruce 4.69). Broad jump both were 114 inches. The difference in some of the other measurables like vert jump, shuttle time, etc (where Spruce was a little better) probably would have been smaller without the weight differential.

 

[WestCoastRam]

Can Spruce play slot is my question? There's the possibility that he could beat out Cooper (not Kupp) for the backup slot spot. But that's about the only way I see him making the roster outside of practice squad.

Without an injury, I don't see Spruce taking anyone's slot but Pharohs.

 

[Rams43]

I'm trying my best to be objective about Spruce's chances.

But I've gotta say that I have a difficult time seeing McVay cutting a healthy Spruce. I just do.

I see McVay carrying 7 WR's before I see him cutting Spruce. Spruce is a perfect McVay weapon.

 

[MauiRam]

As to those other measurables their 40 times were similar too (Boldin 4.72, Spruce 4.69). Broad jump both were 114 inches. The difference in some of the other measurables like vert jump, shuttle time, etc (where Spruce was a little better) probably would have been smaller without the weight differential.

One thing we don't hear much about yet is top speed vs 40 time. Players today can be fitted with tracking sensors that measure top speed. I believe top speed (particularly for receivers) is just as important if not more so, than one's 40 time. Jerry Rice ran a slow forty, but very few people could catch him from behind. Guys like Spruce & Kupp may run pedestrian 40 yard dashes, but it would be interesting to know their top end speeds when they're running for their lives with the rock - you know - true football speed. Think how many times we've heard "he plays much faster than his timed speed."

Thoughts?

 

[jrry32]

Is Spruce really an outside the numbers wr? Is Kupp? Is Cooper? Is Tavon????? Hell, I think Woods is better in the slot too. I read that Reynolds is probably a slot wr....Geez! I keep reading in here, guys think it's easy to get open outside...they've done it in college....OK

Thomas DOES get open, we've seen it. Until I see any of the others do it...consistently...then I'll believe it. Otherwise, we have a bundle of slot wrs....and a few outside the numbers kind...Thomas IS a wideout...an X or is it Z? Whatever...I actually think Spruuuuce could be our best slot wr...maybe Pharoh too....I hear that Kupp is working all over, so I'd imagine he's going to get a chance out wide first....Can't wait till camp.

Reynolds is not at all a slot WR. His role in the NFL is outside the numbers.

 

[MauiRam]

I'm trying my best to be objective about Spruce's chances.

But I've gotta say that I have a difficult time seeing McVay cutting a healthy Spruce. I just do. I see McVay carrying 7 WR's before I see him cutting Spruce. Spruce is a perfect McVay weapon.

Spruce has proven himself to be a really good football player throughout his scholastic career. He also gave us a brief glimpse of what he could do as an NFL rookie in preseason. Some guys play better when they strap on the pads - Spruce is one of them. I don't see a healthy Spruce getting cut. Really good all around football players don't grow on trees. I totally agree Spruce will be a "perfect McVay weapon.

 

[nanotech]

One thing we don't hear much about yet is top speed vs 40 time. Players today can be fitted with tracking sensors that measure top speed. I believe top speed (particularly for receivers) is just as important if not more so, than one's 40 time. Jerry Rice ran a slow forty, but very few people could catch him from behind. Guys like Spruce & Kupp may run pedestrian 40 yard dashes, but it would be interesting to know their top end speeds when they're running for their lives with the rock - you know - true football speed. Think how many times we've heard "he plays much faster than his timed speed."

Thoughts?

Don't know about Spruce, but Kupp was clocked at 20.7 mph at senior bowl, fastest on North squad.

 

[LACHAMP46]

Reynolds is not at all a slot WR.

Just reporting what I read...pretty well known site too..think it was PFF.

One thing we don't hear much about yet is top speed vs 40 time.

Good point....I tend to think some guys get to top speed faster (hence fast 40) and some guys keep going faster and faster...especially in actual games....Some guys seem to be able to carry pads & helmet better...Typically the bigger stronger guys...JMO....no facts...just eye test.

 

[jrry32]

Just reporting what I read...pretty well known site too..think it was PFF.

Whoever said it was mistaken. Reynolds is a 6'3" long-strider with a thin frame. He's not a slot WR. He's fits outside the numbers as an intermediate to deep threat and a red-zone target.

 

[dieterbrock]

Problem with Spruce is he has no actual resume he basically just made it to an orientation ie. pre-season showing. Is he practicing fine? seems like it. I am not saying he is on the hot seat, but you have to look at it from that angle that he has more to prove than anyone else. And staying healthy is key.

I agree. He had one good quarter/half of a meaningless pre-season game against scrubs. That's all we've seen. I was a big fan of his last year, was excited as much as the next guy. But that was then and this is now....

 

[Ram Quixote]

And staying healthy is key.

What is so hard about staying healthy? Spruce NEVER had an issue with health, in 4 years of college.

 

[DaveFan'51]

For those that keep saying "number one wide out" "slot guy" "gadget player" . . . (this spreads to every player)

I truly think you and all of "WE" are in for one!

We have heard the player that gives us a chance to win plays.

Plain and simple. Mcvay is going to attack! It looks like Oline is starting to shape up

Then you have the ATTACK players and it's honestly gross how many combinations of players we can put on the field.

It's an all competitive atmosphere too so you can't be silly on campus.

They sure look like they are competing in all the photos coming out of OTA's! It actually looks like there is contact going on! Which I thought was against CBA agreements!?!

 

[dieterbrock]

Spruce has always been a very strong and physical wideout, it shows on his tape, and a lot of it, all through college, where he was hard to knock off his routes and also had his way with some guys he shouldn't have given his size. It also showed in a small sample size in preseason, where that helped him get through the contact and pop the NFL DBs throw out there and shine for that brief moment. Citing a similarity is not saying he will achieve that level of play by any means.

But anyway. Similar height. As to their weight, Boldin had ten pounds on him back during the combine weigh-in, but I didn't say they're identical, I said they're similar. On the field they are both very physical and good route runners. Boldin is stronger of course, Spruce is pretty close to him as a route technician, but again the similarity is there in their strengths.

As to those other measurables their 40 times were similar too (Boldin 4.72, Spruce 4.69). Broad jump both were 114 inches. The difference in some of the other measurables like vert jump, shuttle time, etc (where Spruce was a little better) probably would have been smaller without the weight differential.

Well, when we are talking Boldin, he's a guy that wins contested balls and is a freight train on the field. In the NFL. What Spruce did in the PAC 12 aint the NFL. I get it that you'll stick to your guns, but I don't see the resemblance at all. Boldin is listed around 220 and Spruce barely 200. And his pre-season play wasn't physical at all, very Danny Amendola like. Which was/is a good thing. His highlight catch over the middle on a poorly thrown Mannion pass was pure gold, went up for the ball which was way behind him and his hands were glue. But he was uncontested.

 

[Legatron4]

You got the ooooooo's, but don't forget the ahhhhh's
Jahhhhhhhhhhhhhshhhh

That also includes the fucks. With the Rams it's been OHHHHH WHAT A PLAY AHHHHAHAHA! *Penalty flag* "Fuck".

 

[SteezyEndo]

What is so hard about staying healthy? Spruce NEVER had an issue with health, in 4 years of college.

Bone healthy. Muscle healthy. Are you saying he was being malignant and was never hurt?. Health doesn't just mean vital organs. Bones, and muscular tissue are included.

 

[Merlin]

Well, when we are talking Boldin, he's a guy that wins contested balls and is a freight train on the field. In the NFL. What Spruce did in the PAC 12 aint the NFL. I get it that you'll stick to your guns, but I don't see the resemblance at all. Boldin is listed around 220 and Spruce barely 200. And his pre-season play wasn't physical at all, very Danny Amendola like. Which was/is a good thing. His highlight catch over the middle on a poorly thrown Mannion pass was pure gold, went up for the ball which was way behind him and his hands were glue. But he was uncontested.

Good grief man, it's not about sticking to guns or anything like that to me. Discussion on this like many things is all perception and I don't expect anyone to agree just throwing my .02 out there. The guy just has some similar strengths to another guy who many thought would not do well in the NFL due to the slow 40 time, but who somehow carved out a Hall of Fame career. Spruce is clearly not in a HoF class, we're just discussing the guy maybe making the roster and giving this team some impact during the season.

This is one thing I hate about message boards vice talkin ball over a beer at the bar. Just giving the kid some cred for what he did well, and saying those things might help him translate to the NFL. Nothing's for sure, I just think he might do better than many anticipate.