Battle for WR
Perry and Davis seem to be fighting for the same spot. They would have to outplay Edwards for both to make it.
TQS is a lock the more sense is made of his past production and what he brings as another vet WR. He can be an effective quality receiver when he has a great QB. It’s hard for the Saints to move on from a vet who’s productive in the RZ, can move the chains depending on who’s at QB, and he can block. He can be a deep threat and a possession WR, plus almost 6 years in the system.
Here’s my “objective” takes on Trequan so far in his career here.
First, his negs:
Fairly “average” as an NFL WR. Average to decent hands An average route runner who usually struggles to get any kind of separation against a defender. Not only did he struggle with the playbook, he often couldn’t even line up properly! Sad! Then there’s the injuries, injuries n more injuries that have plagued him n prevented him from being more consistent.
The positives:
He came into the league soo skinny, that the coaches told him he’d have to gain weight to b a more physical receiver AND a better blocker. He DID, n it became one of the biggest reasons he’s been able to hold on to a spot on the 53! Meanwhile, he began to grasp n learned the playbook, which allowed the coaches to play n move him around more at the different WR spots. Because he lacks dat “burst” coming outta his cuts, he may never become a more “polished” route runner. But he’s now got a better understanding of play “concepts”. He knows that it’s gonna b his job to run the “proper routes” ( like goin deep r a crossing route in front of the safety) to help open things up for others.
Meanwhile, it’s been so far so good for Trequan in TC. He’s been healthy, working hard to up his game as a WR, n playing with CONFIDENCE! As well he should be, cause after Michael Thomas, Trequan has the most experience in this O than any WR on da team!
As a new QB here, obviously Derek Carr will have to learn the offensive playbook, AND develop that much needed chemistry with his WRs.
He barely turned into our #3 and has mostly been our #4 and can't stay healthy. He's flashed in some games but mostly disappears when given the chance to take on a bigger role.
He knows the offense so it's a given he'll be ahead after a week in camp and he has enough talent to do just enough to hold the others at bay. If we're honest Edwards, Smith, and Washington are all about the same player. Edwards has chemistry with Carr working for him and Smith knows the offense. We'll see where they're at after 3 preseason games.
Yep, because of this I thought the Edwards/TQS competition for WR4 spot was gonna be one to watch in TC.
But so far it ain’t happened….at all! In fact, on his podcast, Ross Jackson said based on what HE has seen. IF he had to pick his top 5 WRs “right now” ( He added it could change by the end of TC) it would be CO, MT, Sheed, Trequan Smith and Keith Kirkwood. Hes goin with TQS n Kirkwood, mainly because he feels their experience n their familiarity in this Saints O has given them an edge over the other WRs. And along with Jackson, others in the media have taken notice about the play of Smith n Kirkwood as well.
But IMO, it’s esp true for TQS. Say what you want about him: Always injured, inconsistent as a WR, n all he can do is block, etc.etc. But only Michael Thomas has more experience at WR in the Saints O than him. Moreover, Trequan is versatile: He knows the playbook, can play all 3 WR spots.
Finally, IMO this is the MOST competition Trequan has ever had for his job! And IMO, he KNOWS it! So he’s been working his tail off! Along with his experience, keep in mind that since the start of OTAs, Trequan has been out there dang near EVERYDAY working with Derek Carr. So I wouldn’t b surprised if the 2 have quietly been establishing a certain “comfort level” with each other. So IF all goes well for him, I won’t b surprised if TQS wins da WR4 spot outright.
Side note: I’m stll pullin for rook WR AT Perry to make the 53. He got off to a SLOW start, but has been showing some signs of progress/improvement since the start of TC. Hope he keeps it up! 👍🏾