With the football season nearly upon us, many pass catchers are making headlines for their potential immediate contributions on the gridiron. Among them are second-year wide receiver Keon Coleman, whose rising profile has captured attention, and standout players like Wan’Dale Robinson, Khalil Shakir, and others who have demonstrated their abilities in recent seasons. How well these athletes perform may well determine how their teams approach offense this season.
Keon Coleman is one of the players getting the most hype. After a breakout rookie season, he’s become one of the most exciting players to watch. Teams would be thrilled to find out if he can unlock all his potential. Fans can’t wait to see what meaningful contributions he’ll make next season.
Khalil Shakir has pretty much proven he’s a safe bet right now. A season ago, he caught 73 passes — the perfect example of a big-bodied WR being the QB’s best friend with strong hands. Averaging 12.7 PPG, Shakir became a key player for the team. 11 games with double-digit production further highlight his ability to step up when called upon. Among running backs, Shakir averaged 7.9 YAC, a sign of his ability to gain yards after catching the ball.
Wan’Dale Robinson’s Consistency
Another name to keep an eye on is Wan’Dale Robinson, who posted a brilliant line last season with 93 catches. His 10.7 PPG average underscores his high end TE1 potential and use as a key piece to a passing game. And considering he’s had nine games with double-digit production, Robinson has shown he can come pretty close to being world-class on a regular basis.
Robinson’s reliability is further evidenced by his stats, where he was the only WR with 12 games of five-plus targets on a per-game basis. His extensive usage in the offense can lead you to expect him to be a consistent, reliable contributor on the huge stage in Indy. This makes him an invaluable team player. As the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see if Robinson can build on his previous success and maintain his status as a leading receiver.
The Emerging Talent of Keon Coleman
Second-year wide receiver Keon Coleman is one of ‘Nole Country’s most exciting players to watch as he grooves into the new season. After a good rookie season, there is plenty of reason to believe that Coleman will develop further and produce even more in 2017. His unique combination of size, speed, and skill set do make him an exciting prospect for offensive coordinators trying to further the same drive to exploit defenses.
With the hype surrounding Coleman, one need look no further than his training camp and pre-season performance to see why the excitement is building. Analysts are anxious to find out if he can turn that promise into consistent production once the whistle blows in meaningful regular-season contests. Should he succeed, Coleman could quickly become a favorite target for his quarterback, further solidifying his role in the offense.
Stars of the Game
Fresh faces such as Coleman and Robinson have been lighting up the debates. At the same time, established stars like Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Brock Bowers are still keeping everyone’s focus firmly entrenched in the receiving game. Chase and Jefferson’s receiver skills are elite to the highest order. That’s because, paradoxically, unlike in real life, they can play the outcome of the game with their unmatched talent.
Bowers has gained notoriety playing the tight end position for his unique skillset that makes life miserable for mismatches of any kind. His ability to be a force on the field in multiple ways complicates offensive strategies. Defensive teams race to put the brakes on his phenomenal effect.
As the season moves along, these premier players will without question be keys for their teams’ success. Their knack for explosive plays will play an outsized role in deciding games and fueling their postseason hopes.
The Importance of Route Running
Even in a league dominated by star players, route runners like Pearsall are easy to miss. With Pearsall’s patient demeanor and razor-sharp attention to detail in his route running, he consistently works his way open to create significant separation from defenders. Further, his vertical push potential on one-on-one matchups makes him a valuable resource during clutch time.
This is one underrated skill that should get more attention as the most important skill for pass-catchers. Yet it serves as the backbone of any successful offense. Players like Pearsall exemplify how precision and technique can enhance a receiver’s game, allowing them to contribute significantly to their team’s success.
Big Play Ability
Jameson Williams is another player who has proven when given the right opportunity, his deep ball threat won’t go unnoticed. Last year, he proved his home run hitting playmaking prowess with 16 receptions of 20 yards or more. These explosive plays are one of the best ways to steal all momentum in a game.
Williams’s speed and downfield agility as a receiver and running back make him a big-play threat every time he touches the ball. Defenses need to account his ability to stretch the field. This ability frees up their other receivers as they can create mismatches against the defenses’ patterns and formations.
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