By G.Stryker
www.SteelerNation.com
Here is a contrast of two different types of receivers. Neither of them have adequate highlights to do a true breakdown of their receiving skills. I’ll start off with Justin Thomas, who played QB at Georgia Tech, but has no career catches. At 5’11” and 185 lbs, he also doesn’t have a whole lot of size. What he does have is speed and quickness. At the QB position, as a runner, he has shown that not only can he break open for a long play, but he has the ability to make it to the endzone on any given play. Here’s a look at his QB highlights:
Tevin Jones is a big receiver at 6’2” and 225 lbs. He was a deep ball threat at Memphis where he averaged around 14 yards per catch. Jones didn’t have a whole lot of productivity, but he still competed in the 2016 combine where he ran a 4.48 40yd dash, jumped really well with a 10.5’ broad jump and 36.5” vertical. Tevin was picked up after the draft by the Houston Texans. Last year he played for the KC Chiefs and even got some playing time in the last preseason game where he turned a short gain into a long TD. Here is the highlight:
On this play, Tevin runs a rounded in/ out play, faces the QB and catches the ball high with both palms with nice technique. The defensive back took a bad angle, and Tevin turns the ball up field and shows off his speed as he runs untouched for a long TD.
Analysis:
If Justin Thomas is trying to play receiver, he would be best suited as a slot receiver. His short area quickness, and comfort in running with the football would be strengths, working the interior of the defense. Thomas will be competing with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Markus Tucker for a spot on the roster.
Tevin Jones is another big deep receiver, best suited for the Z receiver spot. With JuJu, Justin Hunter, and James Washington also playing those spots, it will be a tough earning a position there as well. Fortunately, Tevin has special teams experience in college and even blocked a couple punts. He will have to show he can make plays on special teams to have a chance on this deep roster.
