Devin Thomas kick returns??

I like the VA Tech approach. Your primary job is special teams, you can play offense or defense later.

Its not a rock bashing thread at all. It does make total sense. I will break it down. Rock is a solid player. But he is not that versatile. He has a decent punt return average and returned one in 96. But last year when we needed someone to come in when Betts and Portis were injured. He didn't step up. We picked up tip toe burgular. Whether it is Mason or another RB. We need to find a third running back that has upside and can be there as an additional weapon. If we have say..5 WRs and Devin has blazing speed. Why not use Devin. If Devin doesn't get into a rhythm in these last 2 preseason games he might slip to the 3rd 4th or maybe even fifth WR spot (if Kelly continues to be solid and show his injury is a nonfactor and if Mitchell makes the squad). I think for the most part all other WRs have been solid as far as the top 5. If this is the case. Then he is perfect candidate for the returns. Rock as our third running back is a KR and that is his main duty on the team (special teams). Which doesn't do that well on coverage or on returns. But this same RB is not really a viable threat as a RB and doesn't have as much upside as Mason or Dorsey. Its basically a numbers game.

I didn't even know Rock was hurt. This may play into the roster decisions also. Unless someone takes his place until he gets healthy...

Dorsey is a good return man (eventhough he looks better than Rock). But not a good running back.



Right now it doesn't look like we really care how well a 3rd back runs it, that's why we have Cartwrights our 3rd back and that's why we called in Alexander. I think that we care how well he returns kicks more than anything.

Asking a question;

Which is more important on Kickoff returns:

1) consistency - knowing you will nearly always start at the 20 yardline or better

or

2) Homerun potential.

On Punt returns, I think you have to go with Homerun potential, simply because, you never know where the starting point will be, so you always want someone who can take it all the way. Do you see Kickoffs the same way, or is it better to know you will always get it out of the shadow of your own endzone?
Even Hester gets caught on the 5, 10, 15 every now and again... all of the great returners do. You give it to the guy that might break it unless you're getting to the 35-40 every time; 20-30 every time is good but Rock usually goes down on first impact and doesn't do well at avoiding impact. To me that speaks 1) for Rock's ability to get going in a line ASAP and 2) KR blocking; now if only our punt return unit could block like that.

You ever read a thread and just say huh?

Huh?
If so I usually try my hand at pretentiousness ;)

You know what, at this point, you have to get something out of Thomas, so why not try it. Might be all you get.

Make him a RB on a few plays...especially if Rock is out for the next several weeks. Not really kidding here. Thomas' athleticism is pretty special, he just hasn't become a legit WR yet. But with the ball in his hands he's still dangerous...so find a way to get him a few touches anyway.

I agree with Goat, Thomas only really looked competent running the reverse for his touchdown last year, maybe we can get him more plays like that, screens, etc (where he won't have to run a route or separate from a defender which seems to be his problem.) Hopefully he catches on at receiver, but he needs more touches any way he can get them without offensive pass interference being called against him lol

Yeah, Cartwright plays on every part of ST except for the FG team. He plays them well too.

So that's.....KR, Kick offs, and are you adding punting cause he does not PR? I think we could get more out of Dorsey at this point maybe KR,PR, and RB. but don't forget we do have Thomas, Hall, Moss, Betts actually did KR/PR in the past also and did it very well.

The only way Rock is cut is if some of the backup RB's can prove they can pass block and catch too.

I really don't think a one dimensional home run hitting runner is enough to consider cutting a "rock" solid special teamer.

Remember last year?
Mason couldn't pass block, and screwed up his Special teams attempts....and I don't remember how he did catching passes.

The problem with some of these little RBs is this...they are way too small to effectively pick up a delayed blitz.
As much as I like the little guys...in order to get playing time, they need to protect the passer first and foremost