- Joined
- Jun 28, 2010
- Messages
- 49,214
- Name
- Burger man
<a class="postlink" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9480585/nfl-randall-cobb-leads-nfc-most-versatile-players" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/ ... le-players</a>
In today's creative NFL, coaches are always looking for players with versatile skill sets. That gives teams flexibility in their schemes, and it is also an advantage with roster limitations if a player can fill more than one role. Let's look at 10 players in the NFC who fit this category -- not all of these guys are household names.
1. Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay Packers
He has evolved from a one-dimensional return specialist into a complete offensive player for the Packers. His ability to play multiple roles makes him an almost impossible matchup for opposing defenses. Cobb had a whopping 2,342 all-purpose yards in 2012, and much more is expected this season.
He can line up anywhere at wide receiver but is most effective working out of the slot and can also be very productive when he lines up in the backfield, either as a runner or outlet receiver. We do expect Cobb's return duties to lessen as the coaches concentrate on getting him creative offensive touches.
2. Reggie Bush, RB, Detroit Lions
He wants to be thought of as a regular every-down back, but with such varied skills, that is only a part of his production. Bush is an underrated between-the-tackles runner, and because he is so shifty he doesn't take a lot of direct hits. He will, however, run a lot of wide plays and should be dynamic in the passing game, either out of the backfield or lined up wide. That's good news for Calvin Johnson, who routinely gets double- and triple-teamed. Bush is a candidate as a return specialist in the kicking game, but will the coaches use him in that role?
3. Darren Sproles, RB, New Orleans Saints
When this offense took a step backward a season ago, especially in the run game, it affected Sproles' production. But with Asshole Face back calling plays, the Saints will really take advantage of his multiple-skill set. They vow to run the ball more, which means more carries, but his biggest value might be as an outlet receiver in space, along with his terrific return skills on punts and kickoffs.
Sproles has rare elusiveness in space, which makes him very effective on draws and screen plays. Because the Saints use so many spread sets, he often sees coverage by a linebacker or safety, and that's a matchup that he will win every time.
4. Percy Harvin, WR, Seattle Seahawks
He did just about everything for the Minnesota Vikings in the past couple of seasons, and that variety of roles should even increase with the Seahawks. Harvin can line up wide at receiver, but his best position is working out of the slot. He has been surprisingly effective lining up in the backfield -- both as a runner and outlet receiver -- and is dynamic with motion, screens, draws and reverses.
Harvin has been an explosive return specialist in the past, but the Seattle coaches might not use him in that role. Don't be shocked to see him in their read-option package with quarterback Russell Wilson.
5. Patrick Peterson, DB, Arizona Cardinals
There is nothing that he can't do on the football field, and he's one of the elite athletes in the NFL. Peterson is a shutdown corner who now lines up to cover the opponent's best receiver, but his versatility doesn't end there.
He remains a dangerous punt returner but has also lined up at wide receiver and actually had three receptions in 2012. His most unique skill that the coaches might use is his ability to line up at quarterback and run a Wildcat-type scheme and either run it or throw it.
6. James Casey, FB, Philadelphia Eagles
Casey's versatility made him an important piece of a terrific Houston offense, and now he will utilize his skill set in a new and innovative Chip Kelly offense. He is one of the most underrated lead blockers in the run game in the NFL, but he also contributes in other ways.
Casey will be the "move" tight end in this offense when he is not lined up at the fullback position. He's also a really underrated outlet receiver, as evidenced by his 34 receptions for Houston a season ago. Kelly loves players with this kind of versatility, and he will put Casey in a variety of positions and roles.
7. B.J. Raji, DT, Green Bay Packers
While the coaches talk about reducing his snaps to keep him fresh late in games, they still want to take advantage of this big man's versatility and athletic ability. The Packers change up their defensive looks a lot, and when they are in their base 3-4, he can line up at nose tackle or defensive end.
In their 4-3 nickel, he can slide to defensive tackle, and, at times, he can even drop into coverage if they run a zone blitz. Although we don't see it a lot, he is also capable of lining up at fullback on offense in short-yardage and goal-line situations as either a lead blocker or ball carrier.
8. Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, New York Giants
He finally returns to his natural defensive end position after a stint at outside linebacker. Kiwanuka will now have the ability to concentrate on rushing the passer, which is what the coaches need from him in this 4-3 scheme. If the Giants rolled out some 3-4 looks, he could take some snaps back as a pass-rushing outside linebacker. When they go to their four-man "NASCAR" pass rush look, he can line up at any of the four defensive line spots, which makes him a tough blocking matchup.
9. Kroy Biermann, DE, Atlanta Falcons
He might be one of the most unique defensive players in the NFL in terms of how the coaches use him. In their base 4-3 defense, he can line up at defensive end as a pass-rusher. However, he can become a liability versus the run.
That said, this Mike Nolan defense plays a lot of 3-3-5 nickel schemes as almost a base package, and that's when Bierman's versatility comes into play. He can line up at linebacker in this look, and the coaches love to drop him into coverage, especially when they blitz. His depth on his drops in the middle of the field is very unique.
10. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears
It's easy to find elite backs who are productive as runners and receivers, but Forte could be headed for a special season under new head coach Marc Trestman. We have seen his run skills for years, both inside and outside, and that will continue, but where his production should really improve is in the passing game.
For some reason, he was de-emphasized as a receiver in 2012, but that will change under Trestman. He can obviously be an outlet receiver out of the backfield, but he can also line up wide or in the slot, and he should be very effective on screen passes. This coaching staff will be very creative at figuring out ways to get him touches.
Two rookies to keep an eye on
1. Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis Rams
He has been spectacular in minicamps and looks like the explosive playmaker that this offense has been looking for heading into the 2013 season. Although Austin might line up outside at times, he is the perfect slot receiver and will be dynamic in three-wide-receiver packages. He can also be an outstanding producer as a return specialist in the kicking game and will get some snaps when he lines up in the backfield.
2. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
With Harvin gone to Seattle, this offense hopes that Patterson is the explosive playmaker it needs. He is talented but raw. He has a lot of work to do at wide receiver, but, at the very least, he should immediately contribute as a returner in the kicking game. His coaches will work hard to get the ball in his hands in creative ways to take advantage of his explosiveness.
In today's creative NFL, coaches are always looking for players with versatile skill sets. That gives teams flexibility in their schemes, and it is also an advantage with roster limitations if a player can fill more than one role. Let's look at 10 players in the NFC who fit this category -- not all of these guys are household names.
1. Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay Packers
He has evolved from a one-dimensional return specialist into a complete offensive player for the Packers. His ability to play multiple roles makes him an almost impossible matchup for opposing defenses. Cobb had a whopping 2,342 all-purpose yards in 2012, and much more is expected this season.
He can line up anywhere at wide receiver but is most effective working out of the slot and can also be very productive when he lines up in the backfield, either as a runner or outlet receiver. We do expect Cobb's return duties to lessen as the coaches concentrate on getting him creative offensive touches.
2. Reggie Bush, RB, Detroit Lions
He wants to be thought of as a regular every-down back, but with such varied skills, that is only a part of his production. Bush is an underrated between-the-tackles runner, and because he is so shifty he doesn't take a lot of direct hits. He will, however, run a lot of wide plays and should be dynamic in the passing game, either out of the backfield or lined up wide. That's good news for Calvin Johnson, who routinely gets double- and triple-teamed. Bush is a candidate as a return specialist in the kicking game, but will the coaches use him in that role?
3. Darren Sproles, RB, New Orleans Saints
When this offense took a step backward a season ago, especially in the run game, it affected Sproles' production. But with Asshole Face back calling plays, the Saints will really take advantage of his multiple-skill set. They vow to run the ball more, which means more carries, but his biggest value might be as an outlet receiver in space, along with his terrific return skills on punts and kickoffs.
Sproles has rare elusiveness in space, which makes him very effective on draws and screen plays. Because the Saints use so many spread sets, he often sees coverage by a linebacker or safety, and that's a matchup that he will win every time.
4. Percy Harvin, WR, Seattle Seahawks
He did just about everything for the Minnesota Vikings in the past couple of seasons, and that variety of roles should even increase with the Seahawks. Harvin can line up wide at receiver, but his best position is working out of the slot. He has been surprisingly effective lining up in the backfield -- both as a runner and outlet receiver -- and is dynamic with motion, screens, draws and reverses.
Harvin has been an explosive return specialist in the past, but the Seattle coaches might not use him in that role. Don't be shocked to see him in their read-option package with quarterback Russell Wilson.
5. Patrick Peterson, DB, Arizona Cardinals
There is nothing that he can't do on the football field, and he's one of the elite athletes in the NFL. Peterson is a shutdown corner who now lines up to cover the opponent's best receiver, but his versatility doesn't end there.
He remains a dangerous punt returner but has also lined up at wide receiver and actually had three receptions in 2012. His most unique skill that the coaches might use is his ability to line up at quarterback and run a Wildcat-type scheme and either run it or throw it.
6. James Casey, FB, Philadelphia Eagles
Casey's versatility made him an important piece of a terrific Houston offense, and now he will utilize his skill set in a new and innovative Chip Kelly offense. He is one of the most underrated lead blockers in the run game in the NFL, but he also contributes in other ways.
Casey will be the "move" tight end in this offense when he is not lined up at the fullback position. He's also a really underrated outlet receiver, as evidenced by his 34 receptions for Houston a season ago. Kelly loves players with this kind of versatility, and he will put Casey in a variety of positions and roles.
7. B.J. Raji, DT, Green Bay Packers
While the coaches talk about reducing his snaps to keep him fresh late in games, they still want to take advantage of this big man's versatility and athletic ability. The Packers change up their defensive looks a lot, and when they are in their base 3-4, he can line up at nose tackle or defensive end.
In their 4-3 nickel, he can slide to defensive tackle, and, at times, he can even drop into coverage if they run a zone blitz. Although we don't see it a lot, he is also capable of lining up at fullback on offense in short-yardage and goal-line situations as either a lead blocker or ball carrier.
8. Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, New York Giants
He finally returns to his natural defensive end position after a stint at outside linebacker. Kiwanuka will now have the ability to concentrate on rushing the passer, which is what the coaches need from him in this 4-3 scheme. If the Giants rolled out some 3-4 looks, he could take some snaps back as a pass-rushing outside linebacker. When they go to their four-man "NASCAR" pass rush look, he can line up at any of the four defensive line spots, which makes him a tough blocking matchup.
9. Kroy Biermann, DE, Atlanta Falcons
He might be one of the most unique defensive players in the NFL in terms of how the coaches use him. In their base 4-3 defense, he can line up at defensive end as a pass-rusher. However, he can become a liability versus the run.
That said, this Mike Nolan defense plays a lot of 3-3-5 nickel schemes as almost a base package, and that's when Bierman's versatility comes into play. He can line up at linebacker in this look, and the coaches love to drop him into coverage, especially when they blitz. His depth on his drops in the middle of the field is very unique.
10. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears
It's easy to find elite backs who are productive as runners and receivers, but Forte could be headed for a special season under new head coach Marc Trestman. We have seen his run skills for years, both inside and outside, and that will continue, but where his production should really improve is in the passing game.
For some reason, he was de-emphasized as a receiver in 2012, but that will change under Trestman. He can obviously be an outlet receiver out of the backfield, but he can also line up wide or in the slot, and he should be very effective on screen passes. This coaching staff will be very creative at figuring out ways to get him touches.
Two rookies to keep an eye on
1. Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis Rams
He has been spectacular in minicamps and looks like the explosive playmaker that this offense has been looking for heading into the 2013 season. Although Austin might line up outside at times, he is the perfect slot receiver and will be dynamic in three-wide-receiver packages. He can also be an outstanding producer as a return specialist in the kicking game and will get some snaps when he lines up in the backfield.
2. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
With Harvin gone to Seattle, this offense hopes that Patterson is the explosive playmaker it needs. He is talented but raw. He has a lot of work to do at wide receiver, but, at the very least, he should immediately contribute as a returner in the kicking game. His coaches will work hard to get the ball in his hands in creative ways to take advantage of his explosiveness.