Okay, some of this will garner immediate disagreement, but hear me out.
I see a chance for this WR corps to be a) among the best in the NFL and b) from a karma standpoint to be a rallying point for this team.
Why?
Well, first, let me just say what I'm thinking and then I'll go into why. I think our WR corps could end up being this, presuming we keep six guys.
Josh Gordon, Robert Woods, Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Pharoah Cooper and Bradley Marquez.
Now, let's go through them.
1) Josh Gordon's talent isn't in question. He's been mad working out and at only 25, there's no chance his skills have diminished. The ONLY question is has he matured and embraced playing and living within the restrictive rules that would be placed in front of him. I think he has embraced sobriety and desperately wants to prove himself. So much so, in fact, that I'd trade a late round pick to Cleveland to ensure that he doesn't hit the waiver wire. Having a squared away Josh Gordon as our #1 would be phenomenal and I've already said that based on my analysis of both McVay's offense and what Gordon brings, we'd be in the playoffs with Josh Gordon.
2) We haven't had this level of receiver since Torry Holt and they compare nicely as very solid route runners and with their great hands. I'd say Bruce, but I think like Holt, he's more of a 1b/2 WR that kills teams when given the 1-on-1 opportunities. Robert Woods would be a reliable 3rd down target as well as someone who stresses the 2nd/3rd CB and beats them. With Gordon and Woods, I think we'd easily have two receivers over 1k yards. Easily.
3) Tavon Austin would go nuts in this situation because with Gordon and Woods, there is no spy. The teams simply couldn't spy Austin AND defend against Gurley breaking a big run. And that lets McVay set up some fantastic plays and really show how much of a weapon Austin is. This is the scenario where Austin earns his pay.
4) Yep, I said Stedman Bailey. Presuming he's all the way back, which I have a feeling he will be. Bailey's hands and route running ability would be excellent for a 3 WR set with Gordon and Woods. That's a hands crew that would terrify DCs. I think Bailey would be a bit rusty and need time back in uniform which is why I have him no higher than 4, but I do think he'd be able to spell Woods quite effectively or run with him on some downs. And let's not underestimate the inspirational boost Sted making it back would do to lift this team. It's EASY to see your team as a Team of Destiny when you have a guy who came back from being shot twice in the head to legit make the roster!
5) Pharaoh Cooper is a very nice #2 type receiver who can spell or run with either Woods or Bailey. I would expect this young receiver in this offense to even push Bailey for snaps and that's fine. I expect with actual development and an offense that's coherent and not as dysfunctional as the last one that Cooper will make a really nice jump.
6) Special Teams ace Marquez is here mostly for STs and to develop more at WR. He's a decent WR with nice wiggle and decent hands. He'll get snaps, but his biggest contribution is still on STs where he's an ace.
I put each player through my filter as well as looking for synergies AND how they would fit into McVay's offense (and I'm glad I don't have to complain how Britt doesn't fit).
There's a lot of IFs in this scenario... IF Gordon is reinstated, IF he and the team gels, IF another team doesn't trade for him... IF Bailey gets cleared, IF he's back enough to win the job...etc.
All good questions. And no one can fully know the answers. Only time will reveal them.
It's just that when I put them all through the MPC, Mack's Pattern Configurator (yep, still need a good name...) this grouping stands out by a LOT as the best option.
