Amendola or Salas? (1 Viewer)

[footballsavvy]

Latest Rotoworld blurb from ESPN blogger:

ESPN NFC West blogger Mike Sando believes Rams WR Danny Amendola could flirt with 100 receptions in 2011.New offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels highlighted Wes Welker in New England, and he reportedly sees many of the same qualities in Amendola. The Rams' slot receiver hauled in 85 passes last season, so triple figures seems reasonable with Sam Bradford gaining a year of experience. Amendola is a name to track during training camp, but he already has the look of PPR-league gem.

I know a lot of people are high on Greg Salas, including myself. However, the reality is that Amendola is not a bad player and it might really come down to whoever gets the opportunity first. What I mean by that is that if Amendola gets pummeled with targets, he will probably come away with very good stats and keep Salas held in check for a quite awhile. I know there's more to it than this, but it seems like sure-handed, good route-running slot receivers simply need targets to produce. Imagine a season where Amendola finished with 95 receptions. There's no way Greg Salas would have any opportunity to be that PPR guy for quite ahwile. If not ever. It's almost like Edleman behind Welker, but if Welker was several years younger.Is it fair to say that McDaniels prefers to defer to veterans? I'm not sure of the tendancies of Steve Spagnuolo in that regard.It seems like at a minimum that I need to grab Amendola in any league I draft Salas in. Seems like a reasonable price to pay for a much better shot of having the potential PPR machine for the Rams.Thoughts?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Sorting out the Rams' WR corps is going to be like figuring out a Shannahan backfield.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Sorting out the Rams' WR corps is going to be like figuring out a Shannahan backfield.

New show this fall on NFL-Network - "19 WRs and Counting"

 

[NajehHejan]

Sorting out the Rams' WR corps is going to be like figuring out a Shannahan backfield.

Agreed. Don't forget all the young tight ends there too. They caught a ton of TD's last year.

 

[Jason Wood]

Sorting out the Rams' WR corps is going to be like figuring out a Shannahan backfield.

Agreed. Don't forget all the young tight ends there too. They caught a ton of TD's last year.

Agreed. There are so many potential options this year and without camps to weed out the pecking order, it's tough to figure out. Plus add in a new OC and who the heck knows. I know Amendola is shaping up to be a trendy sleeper pick, particularly in PPR leagues, and it may work out that way. But I give a little pause to that logic without some confirmation from the coaches and in terms of the official preseason depth charts. Amendola averaged 8.1 yards per reception last year, that's ridiculous. And he was 7.6 the year before. That's a stunning lack of explosiveness and keeps me from going all in on his being the next great possession receiver.

 

[DawnBTVS]

Basing expectations on last year is incredibly misleading, especially with a new OC in Josh McDaniels coming in.

One of the knocks on Eddie Royal was his inability to properly play the slot/mentally handle the route combinations that McDaniels used for Welker. When I watched college highlights of Amendola, he struck me as very similar to Welker in terms of his ability to get open and consistently catch the ball.

It's a total crapshoot in terms of which receiver will benefit in this offense as the Rams have a bevy of options to utilize. It's worth noting that McDaniel's fingerprints were all over the selections of both Pettis and Salas so I think both will be expected to produce on some level this season if it's played.

I think Steven Jackson and TE Daniel Fells will both take a hit in terms of receptions during the year. I can see Avery, Danario Alexander, and one slot WR (most likely Amendola) benefiting the most while the other options all get a chance to chip in on the catch total. For Salas, it helps that he came from the Run and Shoot offense and should be able to mentally pick up the routes quicker than maybe Austin Pettis might.

The guy I'm most curious to see this effect is Mardy Gilyard. He's a smaller, agile receiver primed for a slot WR role so I could easily see some formations that have Avery/Danario Alexander on the outside with Amendola/Fells (for mismatch purposes) or Amendola/Gilyard/Salas on the inside if they go 5 WR.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The guy I'm most curious to see this effect is Mardy Gilyard. He's a smaller, agile receiver primed for a slot WR role so I could easily see some formations that have Avery/Danario Alexander on the outside with Amendola/Fells (for mismatch purposes) or Amendola/Gilyard/Salas on the inside if they go 5 WR.

I think the effect will be that Gilyard doesn't make the team.

 

[floods]

I made a prediction last year of Amendola hitting 90 recs, and though he fell a little short he seems like the only WR you can count on getting targets in the offense. He carved out a solid niche last season with Bradford, and while I don't think they're going to be Brady and Welker, I could Bradford grow even more trusting of him. It was only his second season as well, so there's room for growth. He was a top 30 WR in PPR scoring, I don't see why he couldn't increase to top 25 or even flirt with 20 depending on how McDaniels uses him.

Salas is a bigger target and a different player than Amendola. He uses his body very well, but I'm not sure his YAC ability will carry over to the NFL. I like the kid though.

 

[bulger2holt]

Reports are Denario Alexander's knee is feeling very good too. They may take more shots down field with DX and Avery and drafted a very good h-back type of TE in Kendricks. Reports also are the Rams and Clayton have a deal in place. Pettis is going to be good too. Too darn many options for me, I will stay clear of ALL Rams players includuding SJax. I think Bradford could be a decent low end #1 in a 12 team league. Their schedule is brutal though, so he may be throwing 40+ times per game. Can you say garbage time points ?

 

[JamesTheScot]

It's worth noting that McDaniel's fingerprints were all over the selections of both Pettis and Salas so I think both will be expected to produce on some level this season if it's played.

Dawn, that's just crazy talk. Everyone remembers those Brady-esque numbers that Cutler put up once McDaniels came to town.

 

[MAC_32]

I don't think Salas will be competing with Amendola for snaps, Pettis will. Salas has to battle the battered knees of Clayton, Alexander, and Avery.

Gilyard's not good, barring injuries to others he's out.

Kendricks makes reading this offense difficult, but being a betting man I think Avery or Clayton emerges as the lead horse with Amendola #2 regardless. Alexander doesn't see enough snaps to be a reliable week to week option and the loser of Clayton/Avery is last in the pecking order. Salas and Pettis are both probably bench warmer's this year barring injury.

 

[JamesTheScot]

I made a prediction last year of Amendola hitting 90 recs, and though he fell a little short he seems like the only WR you can count on getting targets in the offense. He carved out a solid niche last season with Bradford, and while I don't think they're going to be Brady and Welker, I could Bradford grow even more trusting of him. It was only his second season as well, so there's room for growth. He was a top 30 WR in PPR scoring, I don't see why he couldn't increase to top 25 or even flirt with 20 depending on how McDaniels uses him.

Salas is a bigger target and a different player than Amendola. He uses his body very well, but I'm not sure his YAC ability will carry over to the NFL. I like the kid though.

Did Amendola carve out his spot or was it just that there was enough orthopedic carving on the knees of the rest of the WR corp that Amendola got unusual opportunity? I actually see Salas getting a shot on the outside, though. That's why if I'm buying a rams WR, I'm grabbing Salas (and have in one league)...versatility. I think he has talent. But I also think he could play inside or outside which means he can start in alignment anywhere and motion to anywhere and not just be a decoy. Several of the other WR's on the roster seem more niche to me than does Salas. So when it comes time to trim the roster and decide which WR's to keep, I think Salas has a leg up for that reason.

 

[TheFanatic]

Let's face it. The only reason Amendola had those numbers is because he was the only guy to stay healthy all season. Avery, Clayton, DX, all missed serious time. And Gilyard, well, evidently he was taking remedial reading classes and never picked up what was in the playbook.

If Amendola is the only healthy WR again this year, then he'll get 100 catches. If not, I think something in the 40-50 range is more likely. Drafting of Kenrick's and Pettis is going to hurt him as they will be the guys to catch those balls as well leaving less options for Amendola when McD wants to run the same play with different personnel to confuse the D.

 

[sihaokills]

I think Amendola will do ok next year... Clayton really showed great skills till he got injured, I like him

 

[Couch Potato]

Here's how I see it.

Probably 6 WRs kept on roster, not counting practice squad.

#1 and #2... Clayton on one side, either DX or Avery on the other. This will shake out in camp and may depend on health, with DX the favorite over Avery if all checks out with the knees. Amendola in the slot this year, #3. DX is #4 if Avery starts, Avery is #4 (or I've read possibly cut but I'm not buying it) if he loses out to DX as starter.

It's unlikely Pettis (3rd round) or Salas (4th round) would be put on the practice squad since the risk is too high they'd be snatched up. You do that with late round picks, not guys you hope to rely on in the future. For 2011 both their roles will be limited, at least for the first half of the year. They make #5 and #6.

Salas will supplant Amendola at some point, in 2012 if not by the end of this year. Simply a much better player. Amendola offers nothing after the catch while Salas put up video game numbers in college.

Pettis will get on the field in spots this year and I've read will be used in red zone packages. With all of the uncertainty concerning the health of the top 3 WRs, he could have a larger role if one of them falters. Otherwise he's a minor player this year with an increased (and possibly starter) role in 2012.

Seventh round rookie Perry Baker is practice squad material, or simply cut if he doesn't show enough.

Mardy Gilyard I think still may have practice squad eligibility so he could get stashed, but unless he surprises in camp he's not a part of their 2011 plans.

Laurent Robinson and Brandon Gibson are gone unless injuries somehow create room.

 

[DawnBTVS]

It's worth noting that McDaniel's fingerprints were all over the selections of both Pettis and Salas so I think both will be expected to produce on some level this season if it's played.

Dawn, that's just crazy talk. Everyone remembers those Brady-esque numbers that Cutler put up once McDaniels came to town.

Wasn't talking as much about the QB play (I'm refusing to go into discussion on Cutler since that's tired by now) but more the styles of the WRs taken. But given your route...Kyle Orton Y1: 336/541 for 3,802 yards and 21 TD vs. 12 INTKyle Orton Y2: 274/457 for 3,487 yards and 20 TD vs. 6 INT [in the starts under McDaniels]Not quite "Brady-esque" numbers but very solid numbers overall and reminiscent more so of early Brady in terms of TD to INT. McDaniels selected Demaryius Thomas largely because he was a clone of Brandon Marshall and run blocked a ton in college. He also selected Eric Decker who is a solid route runner but won't particularly wow you during a game. Solid receiver, solid athlete, not particularly "wow" worthy.The selection of Pettis is a guy who is a solid route runner, plays a solid game, but won't wow you on the field (compared to guys like a Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, or Randy Moss). Same attributes apply to Salas and that is largely why they went in the 3rd and 4th Rounds compared to guys like Jon Baldwin.Compare guys like Pettis and Salas to more impressive athletes who went in the same rounds. Leonard Hankerson is big, very physical, and a big play threat. Edmond Gates is known for his speed. Cecil Shorts was an equally impressive athlete but came from a Division II school.From NFL.comAustin Pettis: Will make tough catches in traffic and win jump balls. Flashes the ability to be a mean run blocker. Won't turn too many short passes into long gains or make defenders miss.Greg Salas: Doesn't possess a physical trait in the size or speed departments to be a mismatch at the next level. Has good hands but doesn't consistently make the highlight-reel grab or win more than his fair share of jump ball battles. Shows some understanding of route concepts but needs to refine his overall route-running technique. Has the mentality needed to do the dirty work over the middle and play on special teams coverage units.

 

[JamesTheScot]

It's worth noting that McDaniel's fingerprints were all over the selections of both Pettis and Salas so I think both will be expected to produce on some level this season if it's played.

Dawn, that's just crazy talk. Everyone remembers those Brady-esque numbers that Cutler put up once McDaniels came to town.

Wasn't talking as much about the QB play (I'm refusing to go into discussion on Cutler since that's tired by now) but more the styles of the WRs taken. But given your route...Kyle Orton Y1: 336/541 for 3,802 yards and 21 TD vs. 12 INTKyle Orton Y2: 274/457 for 3,487 yards and 20 TD vs. 6 INT [in the starts under McDaniels]Not quite "Brady-esque" numbers but very solid numbers overall and reminiscent more so of early Brady in terms of TD to INT. McDaniels selected Demaryius Thomas largely because he was a clone of Brandon Marshall and run blocked a ton in college. He also selected Eric Decker who is a solid route runner but won't particularly wow you during a game. Solid receiver, solid athlete, not particularly "wow" worthy.The selection of Pettis is a guy who is a solid route runner, plays a solid game, but won't wow you on the field (compared to guys like a Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, or Randy Moss). Same attributes apply to Salas and that is largely why they went in the 3rd and 4th Rounds compared to guys like Jon Baldwin.Compare guys like Pettis and Salas to more impressive athletes who went in the same rounds. Leonard Hankerson is big, very physical, and a big play threat. Edmond Gates is known for his speed. Cecil Shorts was an equally impressive athlete but came from a Division II school.From NFL.comAustin Pettis: Will make tough catches in traffic and win jump balls. Flashes the ability to be a mean run blocker. Won't turn too many short passes into long gains or make defenders miss.Greg Salas: Doesn't possess a physical trait in the size or speed departments to be a mismatch at the next level. Has good hands but doesn't consistently make the highlight-reel grab or win more than his fair share of jump ball battles. Shows some understanding of route concepts but needs to refine his overall route-running technique. Has the mentality needed to do the dirty work over the middle and play on special teams coverage units.

Sorry, Dawn. I was being facetious and was agreeing with you. Since McDaniels had no problem with cutting Cutler loose, I can see him parting ways with most anyone that's a holdover if he doesn't think they fit the system either skill-wise or attitude-wise.That's not to say he has carte blanche to make roster decisions, but I have to imagine he had enough say to get those guys drafted, so they at least make it through training camp and get roster spots.

 

[bengalbuck]

Here's how I see it.Probably 6 WRs kept on roster, not counting practice squad. #1 and #2... Clayton on one side, either DX or Avery on the other. This will shake out in camp and may depend on health, with DX the favorite over Avery if all checks out with the knees. Amendola in the slot this year, #3. DX is #4 if Avery starts, Avery is #4 (or I've read possibly cut but I'm not buying it) if he loses out to DX as starter.It's unlikely Pettis (3rd round) or Salas (4th round) would be put on the practice squad since the risk is too high they'd be snatched up. You do that with late round picks, not guys you hope to rely on in the future. For 2011 both their roles will be limited, at least for the first half of the year. They make #5 and #6. Salas will supplant Amendola at some point, in 2012 if not by the end of this year. Simply a much better player. Amendola offers nothing after the catch while Salas put up video game numbers in college.Pettis will get on the field in spots this year and I've read will be used in red zone packages. With all of the uncertainty concerning the health of the top 3 WRs, he could have a larger role if one of them falters. Otherwise he's a minor player this year with an increased (and possibly starter) role in 2012.Seventh round rookie Perry Baker is practice squad material, or simply cut if he doesn't show enough.Mardy Gilyard I think still may have practice squad eligibility so he could get stashed, but unless he surprises in camp he's not a part of their 2011 plans.Laurent Robinson and Brandon Gibson are gone unless injuries somehow create room.

Great post. I agree with all of this except I'm not sold that Salas is a lock to push Amendola out. College stats are pretty irrelevant in my opinion. But even if I did buy the argument that they mattered, Amendola and even Gilyard put up huge numbers in college as well. Salas fell to the 4th round for a reason. I'm not buying him as an uber-talent as so many here at FBG seem to.

 

[Couch Potato]

Here's how I see it.Probably 6 WRs kept on roster, not counting practice squad. #1 and #2... Clayton on one side, either DX or Avery on the other. This will shake out in camp and may depend on health, with DX the favorite over Avery if all checks out with the knees. Amendola in the slot this year, #3. DX is #4 if Avery starts, Avery is #4 (or I've read possibly cut but I'm not buying it) if he loses out to DX as starter.It's unlikely Pettis (3rd round) or Salas (4th round) would be put on the practice squad since the risk is too high they'd be snatched up. You do that with late round picks, not guys you hope to rely on in the future. For 2011 both their roles will be limited, at least for the first half of the year. They make #5 and #6. Salas will supplant Amendola at some point, in 2012 if not by the end of this year. Simply a much better player. Amendola offers nothing after the catch while Salas put up video game numbers in college.Pettis will get on the field in spots this year and I've read will be used in red zone packages. With all of the uncertainty concerning the health of the top 3 WRs, he could have a larger role if one of them falters. Otherwise he's a minor player this year with an increased (and possibly starter) role in 2012.Seventh round rookie Perry Baker is practice squad material, or simply cut if he doesn't show enough.Mardy Gilyard I think still may have practice squad eligibility so he could get stashed, but unless he surprises in camp he's not a part of their 2011 plans.Laurent Robinson and Brandon Gibson are gone unless injuries somehow create room.

Great post. I agree with all of this except I'm not sold that Salas is a lock to push Amendola out. College stats are pretty irrelevant in my opinion. But even if I did buy the argument that they mattered, Amendola and even Gilyard put up huge numbers in college as well. Salas fell to the 4th round for a reason. I'm not buying him as an uber-talent as so many here at FBG seem to.

Yeah, I hear what you're saying and you're right that these other guys had big college stats too. Salas is fresher in my mind since we had our rookie drafts just after the NFL draft and I was very impressed with him after researching him. It wasn't exactly SEC competition he was facing while playing at Hawaii though, so the video game stats (119-1889-14 in 14 games last year ) do have to be discounted (though he was 8-124 against USC). Still, my gut feeling is he was drafted to supplant Amendola. Time will tell.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Hard to believe we compare Amendola or Salas. IMO it's not too hard to replace Amendola.

 

[Football Jones]

I believe Amendola is being vastly underrated in PPR leagues. I like his talent. He's their Wes Welker.

Scuttlebutt has McDaniels being very high on Amendola. I think he could be huge. Salas & Pettis are WAY overrated right now, IMO.

 

[Couch Potato]

But palindromes are cool.

SALAS = RACECAR

Give me a big AMENdola to that!

 

[BuckeyeChaos]

Is it possible that Clayton takes the "Wes Welker" role? He is not exactly big and seems to possess the other skills needed.

 

[FUBAR]

From what I saw, Amendola performed well in his role but isn't anything special. I'd like to see Clayton in the slot with Avery and DX outside.

His coach says otherwise, so what do I know?

 

[Jello_Biafra]

Hard to believe we compare Amendola or Salas. IMO it's not too hard to replace Amendola.

Why would they want to replace him? The guy caught 85 balls in his 2nd year with a rookie QB. I'd say he's the only WR on the team whose job is safe.

 

[BespokeJort]

Hard to believe we compare Amendola or Salas. IMO it's not too hard to replace Amendola.

Why would they want to replace him? The guy caught 85 balls in his 2nd year with a rookie QB. I'd say he's the only WR on the team whose job is safe.

Maybe they wanted to find a guy who would actually run with those 85 balls after catching them?

 

[menobrown]

Hard to believe we compare Amendola or Salas. IMO it's not too hard to replace Amendola.

No he's not hard to replace but he can probably keep that spot for this next season. What I can't figure out is why everyone thinks the Rams spent a 4th round pick on a WR they like better than the one they took in the 3rd. Salas certainly has a chance to be better than Pettis. Players don't perform according to draft position. But one thing is pretty much 100% certain here. As of right now the Rams value Pettis over Salas. Their actions on draft day told us so. They obviously like Salas because they drafted him but they obviously liked Pettis more.

 

[KellysHeroes]

They drafted 3 Receiving options this yr.. that to me means Josh didn't like what he saw on tape, and most likely couldn't make up his mind on draft day. As a guy that took DA in just about every league last off-season I'm loving the heat...

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

Sorting out the Rams' WR corps is going to be like figuring out a Shannahan backfield.

New show this fall on NFL-Network - "19 WRs and Counting"

there is no way to know....but Avery and Amendola are the front runners for this year...any dynasty value will be played out this training camp and upcoming season

 

[Couch Potato]

Sorting out the Rams' WR corps is going to be like figuring out a Shannahan backfield.

New show this fall on NFL-Network - "19 WRs and Counting"

there is no way to know....but Avery and Amendola are the front runners for this year...any dynasty value will be played out this training camp and upcoming season

I disagree about Avery being the front runner. I'd put him behind Clayton and Alexander for fantasy impact right now. And in non-PPR Amendola is not likely to be any kind of impact player. Maybe 500-600 yards and 2 TDs. What people need to realize concerning Amendola is that things change. Bradford lost starter Avery in preseason, lost starter Clayton a few games into the season, lost starter Laurent Robinson as well. And there was no established pass catching TE to trust in. The poor rookie took to Amendola as a security blanket for lots and lots of dump offs.But the 2nd year Bradford will have a lot better feel for things and will get the ball to better, healthy, playmakers this year. I'm confident this year he will have outgrown a lot of the Amendola feeding. It's dangerous to look at last year and assume more of the same instead of understanding why things happened.

 

[anakin]

I hope owning Amendola, Avery, and Salas in the same league will get me one solid starter. Too many variables right now to tell IMHO.

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

Sorting out the Rams' WR corps is going to be like figuring out a Shannahan backfield.

New show this fall on NFL-Network - "19 WRs and Counting"

there is no way to know....but Avery and Amendola are the front runners for this year...any dynasty value will be played out this training camp and upcoming season

I disagree about Avery being the front runner. I'd put him behind Clayton and Alexander for fantasy impact right now.

Avery's fighting for a roster spot. While I like him to beat out Robinson/Gibson/Gilyard, won't take it for granted. DA/Amendola only ones locked into roster spots. Given Clayton's relationship & production with Bradford, better bet than the rest on being a big part of the Rams attack in 2011.

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

While I'd put a healthy Clayton ahead of Amendola, I'd place Amendola firmly ahead of Salas/Pettis for 2011.

 

[eakfootball]

my projected rams depth chart to start the year

1 Mark Clayton

2 Dan Alexander

3 Danny Amandola

4 Greg Salas

5 Donnie Avery

6 Austin Pettis

then everyone else gets cut

 

[Jason Wood]

Hard to believe we compare Amendola or Salas. IMO it's not too hard to replace Amendola.

Why would they want to replace him? The guy caught 85 balls in his 2nd year with a rookie QB. I'd say he's the only WR on the team whose job is safe.

Because it was one of the least impressive 80 catch seasons in history. 8.1 yards per reception is worse than most plodding tight ends in a vertical offense. And it's not like you can call that a fluke...since he caught 85 passes; and averaged 7.6 yards per reception as a rookie.

 

[bulger2holt]

my projected rams depth chart to start the year1 Mark Clayton2 Dan Alexander3 Danny Amandola4 Greg Salas5 Donnie Avery6 Austin Pettisthen everyone else gets cut

Agree

 

[Football Jones]

Hard to believe we compare Amendola or Salas. IMO it's not too hard to replace Amendola.

Why would they want to replace him? The guy caught 85 balls in his 2nd year with a rookie QB. I'd say he's the only WR on the team whose job is safe.

Because it was one of the least impressive 80 catch seasons in history. 8.1 yards per reception is worse than most plodding tight ends in a vertical offense. And it's not like you can call that a fluke...since he caught 85 passes; and averaged 7.6 yards per reception as a rookie.

I don't think anyone would say Welker's sub-10 yards per reception season wasn't important to the Pats' success. When you consider Amendola was virtually their only receiving weapon last season, his YPC doesn't surprise me. As the Rams get more weapons in the passing game, Amendola will be much more effective. I have high hopes for Danario Alexander.Amendola has HUGE potential in McDaniels' offense. He's got good hands, is as quick as a cat, & he's much more athletic than people realize. Watch some of Amendola's punt returns. He does need to get a little stronger, but he's a hard worker & strength is relatively easy to fix. This kid is going to put up some very good PPR numbers working in that offense with Bradford. Think Wes Welker.

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

Hard to believe we compare Amendola or Salas. IMO it's not too hard to replace Amendola.

Why would they want to replace him? The guy caught 85 balls in his 2nd year with a rookie QB. I'd say he's the only WR on the team whose job is safe.

Because it was one of the least impressive 80 catch seasons in history. 8.1 yards per reception is worse than most plodding tight ends in a vertical offense. And it's not like you can call that a fluke...since he caught 85 passes; and averaged 7.6 yards per reception as a rookie.

What are you expecting Jason? He is what he is -- a possession WR. They aren't looking to replace him -- they're looking to replace the NFL fringe fodder at WR they've had the last couple years outside (Gibson, Robinson).What Bradford did last year was remarkable because he had exactly 1 WR weapon (healthy all year) that could 1) Get open consistently and 2) catch the ball. The team needs outside WR's -- not a replacement in the slot. They can't afford to sit around and hope Alexander's knees hold up each and every year.

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

my projected rams depth chart to start the year1 Mark Clayton2 Dan Alexander3 Danny Amandola4 Greg Salas5 Donnie Avery6 Austin Pettisthen everyone else gets cut

I like Avery to be the top weapon, but I could see this also happening if he doesn't come back well from the injury.

 

[Football Jones]

Hard to believe we compare Amendola or Salas. IMO it's not too hard to replace Amendola.

Why would they want to replace him? The guy caught 85 balls in his 2nd year with a rookie QB. I'd say he's the only WR on the team whose job is safe.

Because it was one of the least impressive 80 catch seasons in history. 8.1 yards per reception is worse than most plodding tight ends in a vertical offense. And it's not like you can call that a fluke...since he caught 85 passes; and averaged 7.6 yards per reception as a rookie.

What are you expecting Jason? He is what he is -- a possession WR. They aren't looking to replace him -- they're looking to replace the NFL fringe fodder at WR they've had the last couple years outside (Gibson, Robinson).What Bradford did last year was remarkable because he had exactly 1 WR weapon (healthy all year) that could 1) Get open consistently and 2) catch the ball. The team needs outside WR's -- not a replacement in the slot. They can't afford to sit around and hope Alexander's knees hold up each and every year.

Pretty much my thoughts. If there's one guy who's a lock to be one of their starting WRs (2 outside & a slot), it's Danny Amendola. Alexander has the highest upside, but NOBODY is taking Amendola's job.

 

[Jersey35]

Avery.

He's the most talented WR on the roster, with all due respect to Clayton.

 

[Jason Wood]

Hard to believe we compare Amendola or Salas. IMO it's not too hard to replace Amendola.

Why would they want to replace him? The guy caught 85 balls in his 2nd year with a rookie QB. I'd say he's the only WR on the team whose job is safe.

Because it was one of the least impressive 80 catch seasons in history. 8.1 yards per reception is worse than most plodding tight ends in a vertical offense. And it's not like you can call that a fluke...since he caught 85 passes; and averaged 7.6 yards per reception as a rookie.

What are you expecting Jason? He is what he is -- a possession WR. They aren't looking to replace him -- they're looking to replace the NFL fringe fodder at WR they've had the last couple years outside (Gibson, Robinson).What Bradford did last year was remarkable because he had exactly 1 WR weapon (healthy all year) that could 1) Get open consistently and 2) catch the ball. The team needs outside WR's -- not a replacement in the slot. They can't afford to sit around and hope Alexander's knees hold up each and every year.

Personally I don't think you get very far drafting a guy like Amendola in a normal sized redraft league. You're not drafting talent, or upside. You're drafting a believe that his job is safe. Just for fun, how many times do you think a WR has caught 80+ receptions in a season but averaged less than 9 yards per catch?50?25?10?Try once. Amendola. In NFL history.If we widen it out to 10 yards per catch, we're up to a whopping four times in NFL history.Troy Brown in 2002T.J. Houshmandzadeh in 2008Welker in 2010Everyone keeps saying he can be "the next Welker" but that is like going home with a $1 lottery ticket in your hand and convincing yourself you're a few hours away from being a millionaire.

 

[KellysHeroes]

anyone that compares him to welker is a drinking the kool-aid... Danny is a decent player and I hope he has a great season since I have him in a lot of leagues, but I just don't see the explosive cuts that welker makes when I watch the few highlights that there are.

 

[cr8f]

It's worth noting that McDaniel's fingerprints were all over the selections of both Pettis and Salas so I think both will be expected to produce on some level this season if it's played.

Dawn, that's just crazy talk. Everyone remembers those Brady-esque numbers that Cutler put up once McDaniels came to town.

Cutler under McDaniels?

 

[squistion]

Hard to believe we compare Amendola or Salas. IMO it's not too hard to replace Amendola.

Why would they want to replace him? The guy caught 85 balls in his 2nd year with a rookie QB. I'd say he's the only WR on the team whose job is safe.

Because it was one of the least impressive 80 catch seasons in history. 8.1 yards per reception is worse than most plodding tight ends in a vertical offense. And it's not like you can call that a fluke...since he caught 85 passes; and averaged 7.6 yards per reception as a rookie.

What are you expecting Jason? He is what he is -- a possession WR. They aren't looking to replace him -- they're looking to replace the NFL fringe fodder at WR they've had the last couple years outside (Gibson, Robinson).What Bradford did last year was remarkable because he had exactly 1 WR weapon (healthy all year) that could 1) Get open consistently and 2) catch the ball. The team needs outside WR's -- not a replacement in the slot. They can't afford to sit around and hope Alexander's knees hold up each and every year.

Personally I don't think you get very far drafting a guy like Amendola in a normal sized redraft league. You're not drafting talent, or upside. You're drafting a believe that his job is safe. Just for fun, how many times do you think a WR has caught 80+ receptions in a season but averaged less than 9 yards per catch?

50?

25?

10?

Try once. Amendola. In NFL history.

If we widen it out to 10 yards per catch, we're up to a whopping four times in NFL history.

Troy Brown in 2002

T.J. Houshmandzadeh in 2008

Welker in 2010

Everyone keeps saying he can be "the next Welker" but that is like going home with a $1 lottery ticket in your hand and convincing yourself you're a few hours away from being a millionaire.

Not to disagree with your logic or conclusion, Jason, as the numbers seem to support it. But it is amusing to me that this underachieving milestone that you point to, which has only happened a whopping four times in NFL history - was also accomplished last year by the person people are comparing Amendola to (Welker). This is not to say we should be talking about Amendola as Wes Jr. here, but IMO the stats seem to lose a lot of their Ah-ha! quality when Welker did pretty much the same thing in 2010. Probably nothing to see here, but the fact that Welker and Amendola are half of only four players in NFL history with these numbers, suggests that perhaps they may be more alike than some other top possession receiver we could have chosen at random to compare Amendola to.

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

Avery.He's the most talented WR on the roster, with all due respect to Clayton.

I thought this was obvious!... apparently not? I dont think you can judge him by the numbers here... he has been a part of one of the worst offensive stretches for one team in NFL history. I think it would have been a struggle for just about any WR to put up solid numbers with the combination of Line play, Quarterback play and surrounding skill players(other than SJAX obviously). Now Avery has all these things. We shall see how be comes back from the injury , who knows he is a speed guy , maybe hes done. But I still think pre-injury hes clearly the most talented guy

 

[Jason Wood]

Hard to believe we compare Amendola or Salas. IMO it's not too hard to replace Amendola.

Why would they want to replace him? The guy caught 85 balls in his 2nd year with a rookie QB. I'd say he's the only WR on the team whose job is safe.

Because it was one of the least impressive 80 catch seasons in history. 8.1 yards per reception is worse than most plodding tight ends in a vertical offense. And it's not like you can call that a fluke...since he caught 85 passes; and averaged 7.6 yards per reception as a rookie.

What are you expecting Jason? He is what he is -- a possession WR. They aren't looking to replace him -- they're looking to replace the NFL fringe fodder at WR they've had the last couple years outside (Gibson, Robinson).What Bradford did last year was remarkable because he had exactly 1 WR weapon (healthy all year) that could 1) Get open consistently and 2) catch the ball. The team needs outside WR's -- not a replacement in the slot. They can't afford to sit around and hope Alexander's knees hold up each and every year.

Personally I don't think you get very far drafting a guy like Amendola in a normal sized redraft league. You're not drafting talent, or upside. You're drafting a believe that his job is safe. Just for fun, how many times do you think a WR has caught 80+ receptions in a season but averaged less than 9 yards per catch?

50?

25?

10?

Try once. Amendola. In NFL history.

If we widen it out to 10 yards per catch, we're up to a whopping four times in NFL history.

Troy Brown in 2002

T.J. Houshmandzadeh in 2008

Welker in 2010

Everyone keeps saying he can be "the next Welker" but that is like going home with a $1 lottery ticket in your hand and convincing yourself you're a few hours away from being a millionaire.

Not to disagree with your logic or conclusion, Jason, as the numbers seem to support it. But it is amusing to me that this underachieving milestone that you point to, which has only happened a whopping four times in NFL history - was also accomplished last year by the person people are comparing Amendola to (Welker). This is not to say we should be talking about Amendola as Wes Jr. here, but IMO the stats seem to lose a lot of their Ah-ha! quality when Welker did pretty much the same thing in 2010. Probably nothing to see here, but the fact that Welker and Amendola are half of only four players in NFL history with these numbers, suggests that perhaps they may be more alike than some other top possession receiver we could have chosen at random to compare Amendola to.

Sure, but remember that Welker was coming off major knee surgery and a few weeks into the season a lot of people were wondering if he was done. He obviously wasn't but last years Welker was not his best - he was WR24.

 

[gianmarco]

Hard to believe we compare Amendola or Salas. IMO it's not too hard to replace Amendola.

Why would they want to replace him? The guy caught 85 balls in his 2nd year with a rookie QB. I'd say he's the only WR on the team whose job is safe.

Because it was one of the least impressive 80 catch seasons in history. 8.1 yards per reception is worse than most plodding tight ends in a vertical offense. And it's not like you can call that a fluke...since he caught 85 passes; and averaged 7.6 yards per reception as a rookie.

What are you expecting Jason? He is what he is -- a possession WR. They aren't looking to replace him -- they're looking to replace the NFL fringe fodder at WR they've had the last couple years outside (Gibson, Robinson).What Bradford did last year was remarkable because he had exactly 1 WR weapon (healthy all year) that could 1) Get open consistently and 2) catch the ball. The team needs outside WR's -- not a replacement in the slot. They can't afford to sit around and hope Alexander's knees hold up each and every year.

Personally I don't think you get very far drafting a guy like Amendola in a normal sized redraft league. You're not drafting talent, or upside. You're drafting a believe that his job is safe. Just for fun, how many times do you think a WR has caught 80+ receptions in a season but averaged less than 9 yards per catch?

50?

25?

10?

Try once. Amendola. In NFL history.

If we widen it out to 10 yards per catch, we're up to a whopping four times in NFL history.

Troy Brown in 2002

T.J. Houshmandzadeh in 2008

Welker in 2010

Everyone keeps saying he can be "the next Welker" but that is like going home with a $1 lottery ticket in your hand and convincing yourself you're a few hours away from being a millionaire.

Not to disagree with your logic or conclusion, Jason, as the numbers seem to support it. But it is amusing to me that this underachieving milestone that you point to, which has only happened a whopping four times in NFL history - was also accomplished last year by the person people are comparing Amendola to (Welker). This is not to say we should be talking about Amendola as Wes Jr. here, but IMO the stats seem to lose a lot of their Ah-ha! quality when Welker did pretty much the same thing in 2010. Probably nothing to see here, but the fact that Welker and Amendola are half of only four players in NFL history with these numbers, suggests that perhaps they may be more alike than some other top possession receiver we could have chosen at random to compare Amendola to.

Sure, but remember that Welker was coming off major knee surgery and a few weeks into the season a lot of people were wondering if he was done. He obviously wasn't but last years Welker was not his best - he was WR24.

It didn't fit your arbitrary cutoff, but Welker's ypc has been pretty consistent:2006 -- 10.3

2007 -- 10.5

2008 -- 10.5

2009 -- 11.0

2010 -- 9.9

So while he's technically only had one year under 10 ypc, he's been just about there for his entire stint in NE and has been quite successful and useful doing that. It's based on the kind of routes he runs and how he's used, not how talented he is.

One of the reasons why Amendola's job is probably safe?

Catch rate on 85 receptions -- 69.1% (11th in the NFL)

And only one other WR ranked ahead of him in that statistic had 100+ targets like he did. Wes Welker.

Amendola is not a special talent in terms of explosiveness but he's not lacking there either or he wouldn't be used to return kicks either. You don't have guys without athleticism and quickness returning kicks unless you don't care about field position. He has value in PPR leagues due to the way he's used and now even moreso due to the fact he's paired with Bradford and McDaniel's. This is one of those potential "ideal" situations that Welker has been in for the last few years. For this reason, he's probably undervalued and I think it's highly unlikely any of the guys on the roster replaces him in the lineup or how he's used. 80+ receptions is a virtual lock barring injury.

 

[Jason Wood]

Hard to believe we compare Amendola or Salas. IMO it's not too hard to replace Amendola.

Why would they want to replace him? The guy caught 85 balls in his 2nd year with a rookie QB. I'd say he's the only WR on the team whose job is safe.

Because it was one of the least impressive 80 catch seasons in history. 8.1 yards per reception is worse than most plodding tight ends in a vertical offense. And it's not like you can call that a fluke...since he caught 85 passes; and averaged 7.6 yards per reception as a rookie.

What are you expecting Jason? He is what he is -- a possession WR. They aren't looking to replace him -- they're looking to replace the NFL fringe fodder at WR they've had the last couple years outside (Gibson, Robinson).

What Bradford did last year was remarkable because he had exactly 1 WR weapon (healthy all year) that could 1) Get open consistently and 2) catch the ball. The team needs outside WR's -- not a replacement in the slot. They can't afford to sit around and hope Alexander's knees hold up each and every year.

Personally I don't think you get very far drafting a guy like Amendola in a normal sized redraft league. You're not drafting talent, or upside. You're drafting a believe that his job is safe. Just for fun, how many times do you think a WR has caught 80+ receptions in a season but averaged less than 9 yards per catch?

50?

25?

10?

Try once. Amendola. In NFL history.

If we widen it out to 10 yards per catch, we're up to a whopping four times in NFL history.

Troy Brown in 2002

T.J. Houshmandzadeh in 2008

Welker in 2010

Everyone keeps saying he can be "the next Welker" but that is like going home with a $1 lottery ticket in your hand and convincing yourself you're a few hours away from being a millionaire.

Not to disagree with your logic or conclusion, Jason, as the numbers seem to support it. But it is amusing to me that this underachieving milestone that you point to, which has only happened a whopping four times in NFL history - was also accomplished last year by the person people are comparing Amendola to (Welker). This is not to say we should be talking about Amendola as Wes Jr. here, but IMO the stats seem to lose a lot of their Ah-ha! quality when Welker did pretty much the same thing in 2010. Probably nothing to see here, but the fact that Welker and Amendola are half of only four players in NFL history with these numbers, suggests that perhaps they may be more alike than some other top possession receiver we could have chosen at random to compare Amendola to.

Sure, but remember that Welker was coming off major knee surgery and a few weeks into the season a lot of people were wondering if he was done. He obviously wasn't but last years Welker was not his best - he was WR24.

It didn't fit your arbitrary cutoff, but Welker's ypc has been pretty consistent:2006 -- 10.3

2007 -- 10.5

2008 -- 10.5

2009 -- 11.0

2010 -- 9.9

So while he's technically only had one year under 10 ypc, he's been just about there for his entire stint in NE and has been quite successful and useful doing that. It's based on the kind of routes he runs and how he's used, not how talented he is.

One of the reasons why Amendola's job is probably safe?

Catch rate on 85 receptions -- 69.1% (11th in the NFL)

And only one other WR ranked ahead of him in that statistic had 100+ targets like he did. Wes Welker.

Amendola is not a special talent in terms of explosiveness but he's not lacking there either or he wouldn't be used to return kicks either. You don't have guys without athleticism and quickness returning kicks unless you don't care about field position. He has value in PPR leagues due to the way he's used and now even moreso due to the fact he's paired with Bradford and McDaniel's. This is one of those potential "ideal" situations that Welker has been in for the last few years. For this reason, he's probably undervalued and I think it's highly unlikely any of the guys on the roster replaces him in the lineup or how he's used. 80+ receptions is a virtual lock barring injury.

Sure, just like Jabar Gaffney had more value than he should, I don't disagree that Amendola could be in a good situation. However, I think anyone that thinks he's not easily replaceable and that the Rams would love to find someone as soon as possible to do that are kidding themselves. In redrafts he will go too early for my tastes, but the beauty of fantasy is that we all have guys we prefer to others.

 

[Jason Wood]

I took a gander at any WR that had 40 or more catches and averaged less than 10 yards per reception.

Here is the list:

NAME YR REC RECYD YD/REC RECTD

Andre Caldwell 2009 51 432 8.47 3

Art Monk 1993 41 398 9.71 2

Az-Zahir Hakim 2003 49 449 9.16 4

Bobby Engram 1997 45 399 8.87 2

Chansi Stuckey 2010 40 346 8.65 0

Curtis Conway 1999 44 426 9.68 4

Danny Amendola 2009 43 326 7.58 1

Danny Amendola 2010 85 689 8.11 3

Daryl Hobbs 1996 44 423 9.61 3

David Terrell 2003 43 361 8.40 1

Davone Bess 2009 76 758 9.97 2

Deion Branch 2009 45 437 9.71 2

Dez White 2001 45 428 9.51 0

Eddie Kennison 2000 55 549 9.98 2

Eric Metcalf 1990 57 452 7.93 1

Eric Metcalf 1993 63 539 8.56 2

Eric Metcalf 1994 47 436 9.28 3

Eric Moulds 2006 57 557 9.77 1

Ike Hilliard 2004 49 437 8.92 0

Ike Hilliard 2008 47 424 9.02 4

Jabar Gaffney 2005 55 492 8.95 2

Jim Jensen 1990 44 365 8.30 1

Mike Pritchard 1993 74 736 9.95 7

Mike Thomas 2009 48 453 9.44 1

Peerless Price 2006 49 402 8.20 3

Peter Warrick 2001 70 667 9.53 1

Ricky Sanders 1994 67 599 8.94 1

Rod Smith 2006 52 512 9.85 3

Ron Dugans 2002 47 421 8.96 0

T.J. Houshmandzadeh 2008 92 904 9.83 4

Troy Brown 2006 43 384 8.93 4

Troy Brown 2002 97 890 9.18 3

Wes Welker 2010 86 848 9.86 7

This is hardly an inspiring group of receivers, particularly because the "names" all had these seasons at the end of their careers, or after they had stopped being relevant fantasy producers. About the only one on this list that ever had a monster change in his productivity was Eric Metcalf, who ended up having a 104 reception, 8 TD season in 1995. It's also worth noting that a great many of these guys were return men, too, but just never had that second gear needed to be productive full-time starting WRs of any import.

Is it possible Amendola is in the perfect situation for relevance? Sure. But we heard that about Davone Bess after his 2009 season, too.

I think, far more likely, Amendola has a role but produces just enough to warrant the occasional spot start when your main guys are on byes. So if you can grab him as your WR4/WR5 late, fine, but I have a sneaking suspicion he's going to go earlier than that in quite a few leagues.