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[fanotodd]

I wonder if it goes back to what Greg Cossell said about him. Cossell observed that Verse has stiff hips. That would limit his ability to redirect or even crouch.

Now that you (and Cosell) mention it, that’s what I’m seeing.

 

[Memento]

Agreed. I would add, though, that's a very high bar. Chances are that no matter who they draft, even if it's a 1st round pick, won't be another Kupp or his equivalent.

But I'm noting that you feel they'll need someone better than Whit when Kupp moves on. I can't say you're wrong...or right for that matter. Time will tell.

Don't count Whittington out. I have more than just a feeling he could dominate the third receiver role. Yes, he has to get healthy first, and I love what Robinson and Johnson have done for us...but Whittington offers the same Kupp/Nacua role that makes this offense so hard to defend. Defenses don't know where the ball is going because all three are such impressive and physical blockers and all of them can motion out and line up anywhere. Like kurtfaulk said, the offense couldn't do anything once Whittington went down in the Packers game, and he was a force when he played them and the Bears.

Would I sell what little remains of my already-sold soul for a Luther Burden III in next year's draft to upgrade Whittington? You're damn right I would, but until then, I think a trio of Kupp, Nacua, and Whittington is going to be our best bet to win the division, playoffs, and Super Bowl.

 

[Merlin]

I wonder if it goes back to what Greg Cossell said about him. Cossell observed that Verse has stiff hips. That would limit his ability to redirect or even crouch.

The funny thing with Verse is there's a lot of guys who have power in college but when they hit the pros and are facing these OTs it's a whole different ballgame. Only the very best have the type of power that instantly translates. And usually those guys aren't super fluid athletes on top of that. I don't think Verse is any more stiff in the hips than Bosa for example.

So Cosell's take on him was no doubt influenced by the typical development curve of an end who has that power game. In other words I assume the problem is the NFL as a whole did not see Verse as a Bosa level talent, they figured he'd be another guy whose power is nullified moving up to this level. Because if they did think he was as strong as he is, then he'd be off the board in the top echelon of picks for sure.

It's gonna be crazy if we hit on a bluechip stud edge in the year that our first year ballot HoF DT retired. I'm almost afraid to talk him up because I don't want to jinx it, but it's hard not to be excited watching how quickly he's translating.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

The funny thing with Verse is there's a lot of guys who have power in college but when they hit the pros and are facing these OTs it's a whole different ballgame. Only the very best have the type of power that instantly translates. And usually those guys aren't super fluid athletes on top of that. I don't think Verse is any more stiff in the hips than Bosa for example.

So Cosell's take on him was no doubt influenced by the typical development curve of an end who has that power game. In other words I assume the problem is the NFL as a whole did not see Verse as a Bosa level talent, they figured he'd be another guy whose power is nullified moving up to this level. Because if they did think he was as strong as he is, then he'd be off the board in the top echelon of picks for sure.

It's gonna be crazy if we hit on a bluechip stud edge in the year that our first year ballot HoF DT retired. I'm almost afraid to talk him up because I don't want to jinx it, but it's hard not to be excited watching how quickly he's translating.

I agree with Cossell. He’s not a fluid mover. And, like you said these speed to power types usually aren’t. But the hips does help explain his struggles to finish.

We need AD to teach him how to do that crazy hip twist long that he used to do on the sidelines.

 

[DzRams]

Don't count Whittington out. I have more than just a feeling he could dominate the third receiver role. Yes, he has to get healthy first, and I love what Robinson and Johnson have done for us...but Whittington offers the same Kupp/Nacua role that makes this offense so hard to defend. Defenses don't know where the ball is going because all three are such impressive and physical blockers and all of them can motion out and line up anywhere. Like kurtfaulk said, the offense couldn't do anything once Whittington went down in the Packers game, and he was a force when he played them and the Bears.

Would I sell what little remains of my already-sold soul for a Luther Burden III in next year's draft to upgrade Whittington? You're damn right I would, but until then, I think a trio of Kupp, Nacua, and Whittington is going to be our best bet to win the division, playoffs, and Super Bowl.

I'm optimistic on Whit myself. Saying he's no Kupp isn't a slight in the slightest. It does look like he will be an impressive blocker that can motion out. But it's too soon to say that he'll line up anywhere. At the moment, he doesn't line up at X.

Also, what makes Kupp so special is his ability to read a defense like the QB and dominate the option route. Whit has a ways to go before he gets to that point.

 

[kurtfaulk]

Whit has a ways to go before he gets to that point.

OTOH, he has the injury concerns down pat.

.