Detroit WRs Rogers and Williams dropped to 3rd string (1 Viewer)

[GroveDiesel]

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Rogers, Williams drop in rotation

Former first-round picks are running third team on depth chart for Friday's exhibition game.

Mike O'Hara / The Detroit News

ALLEN PARK -- It is written on paper, not in stone, which makes it subject to change.

But the first semi-official ranking of the Lions' wide receivers is more noteworthy for who is on the bottom than who's on top.

Roy Williams and Corey Bradford are the starting receivers on the depth chart released by the team for Friday night's exhibition game against Denver. No surprise there. They have been the No. 1 tandem from the start of the offseason workouts.

The surprise comes further down. Mike Williams and Charles Rogers, former first-round draft picks, are listed with the third group. Ahead of them with the second group are Glenn Martinez and Mike Furrey.

Martinez spent most of last season on the practice squad. Furrey was moved from wide receiver after two seasons to defensive back last year in St. Louis.

And when practice started Tuesday morning, Shaun Bodiford, an undrafted rookie from Portland State, was working with the first unit.

No one involved should have trouble reading the handwriting on the wall, that there are few secure jobs among the wide receivers. The depth chart was not a mistake. How valid is it?

"It's how we're going to go into this game," coach Rod Marinelli said. "That's how we're going to start the game -- go like that and let everybody perform, get good reps and let's go."

The Lions have invested heavily in Rogers and Mike Williams, with signing bonuses of $14.4 million and $9.5 million, respectively, for drafting them in the first round. It was mentioned to Marinelli that it is stunning to see two recent first-round picks languishing on the depth chart as third-stringers. Marinelli shrugged and smiled slightly.

"That's how we line them up," Marinelli said. "Here we go."

That's how they start the exhibition season. It does not mean that's how they will end it.

A 21-day period, from Friday's game with Denver until the Lions end the exhibition season at home against Buffalo, will hammer the depth chart at receiver in stone.

Every receiver in camp will get a fair chance to make the final 53-player roster. Don't think reputation and financial investment might not play a role when the final cut is made. But it also would be folly on the part of any player to count on it.

No position has been watched as intently as the receivers. Every practice -- in some cases, every play -- has given cause to adjust the depth chart. In some ways, it has been like trying to predict where the ball will land on the next turn of the roulette wheel.

But make no mistake. The receivers are playing a game of opportunity, not chance. Jobs and careers are on the line.

"We're just making guys earn it and earn it and earn it," Marinelli said. "Guys are moving -- moving down, moving up. A guy has a good practice, move up. Bodiford had a great scrimmage the other night. Give him a shot. Get a few snaps with the first group.

"Let guys run, see how they react under that type of pressure. You just mix guys in. Let's go compete and see what we've got."

Roy Williams, a first-round pick in 2004, is rock-solid secure. He is an emerging star who makes a highlight catch almost every day in camp. Bradford is a solid complement on the other side. After that, it's a jumble.

Return specialist Eddie Drummond is getting a long look at receiver. He was listed with the fourth group on the depth chart, but he has worked regularly with the first two units.

Offensive coordinator Mike Martz coached Furrey in St. Louis and loves his toughness. Furrey caught 20 passes in 2003 and one in '04. He moved to defensive back to fill a void.

Rogers started camp on an upswing but leveled off quickly. There have been no flashes of speed. It would seem Mike Williams has moved ahead of him. His size, strength and hands make him a bigger factor.

How much staying power Bodiford and Martinez have is open to question.

One thing seems certain -- jobs won't be won on reputation.

You can reach Mike O'Hara at (313) 982-3810 or mike.ohara@detnews.com.

 

[Joe T]

Charles Rogers is done.

He's been done for 3 years.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Good Lord. Talk about a waste of two top-10 picks. After watching them play in college, how both of these guys busted, I'll never know.

 

[Bri]

this doesn't seem so accurate. Martz is using a 3 WR set and IIRC Martinez and Furrey have been getting praised for their slot work.

In 3 WR sets, that'd make Rogers, Williams, and Martinez the second unit.

Anyhow, please considerring bumping a thread before starting a new one. We discuss this once a week if not more often. I do appreciate the posting of the article and thank you

 

[FUBAR]

After watching them play in college, how both of these guys busted, I'll never know.

They were drafted by Detroit.

 

[GroveDiesel]

this doesn't seem so accurate. Martz is using a 3 WR set and IIRC Martinez and Furrey have been getting praised for their slot work.In 3 WR sets, that'd make Rogers, Williams, and Martinez the second unit.Anyhow, please considerring bumping a thread before starting a new one. We discuss this once a week if not more often. I do appreciate the posting of the article and thank you

It was a depth chart released by the team and Marinelli even addressed questions about it. What makes you think that it's not accurate? Most depth charts include just 2 WRs. Their position on the depth chart indicates that they are the #5 and #6 WRs right this second and that's telling IMO. Most teams wouldn't carry more than 6 WRs. As you did point out in another thread, the guys have been moved around quite a bit, but I certainly don't see it as a good thing when they're going into a preseason game #5 and #6 on the depth chart.And it seemed significant enough to start a new thread rather than bump an old 2 or 3 page thread that most people won't open again. If the mods believe otherwise, then they are free to merge this thread in with something else.

 

[dickey moe]

After watching them play in college, how both of these guys busted, I'll never know.

They were drafted by Detroit.

Troof!

 

[mrspree15]

Roy Williams, a first-round pick in 2004, is rock-solid secure. He is an emerging star who makes a highlight catch almost every day in camp.

Is anyone else getting excited about all the positive reports on Roy Williams? Roy flourishing in a Martz offense sounds pretty good to me.

 

[Synthesizer]

Wow, just wow. Between these 2 and Harrington, Millen has used some great draft picks and about $40 million in signing bonuses and gotten absolutely nothing in return. Well, except an extension for himself. Nice work.

 

[RBM]

Roy Williams, a first-round pick in 2004, is rock-solid secure. He is an emerging star who makes a highlight catch almost every day in camp.

Is anyone else getting excited about all the positive reports on Roy Williams? Roy flourishing in a Martz offense sounds pretty good to me.

All he needs to do is stay on the field, imo. If he does that, he will be huge

 

[Z-Dog]

Just last week, Marinelli was saying how Rogers was having a really good camp. I don't expect this to be the final depth chart, not by a long shot.

 

[Homey]

Where is Scottie Vines??

 

[Dt's Mules]

roy will look great for about 4 games, be ineffective or hurt for 6, and be nondescript for the other 8

 

[wannabee]

roy will look great for about 4 games, be ineffective or hurt for 6, and be nondescript for the other 8

so, you are predicting playoffs ......

 

[Boone22]

Where is Scottie Vines??

I was wondering the same thing. Ourlads has him listed as the last WR. Is he injured? Anyone know what's going on with Vines?

 

[Foosball God]

Where is Scottie Vines??

He's as good as cut.

 

[There it is]

After watching them play in college, how both of these guys busted, I'll never know.

They were drafted by Detroit.

I stayed away from them. Until they settle out.FUBAR, I love your avatar.

 

[Rounders]

This got me thinking, this may be a good thing for those keeping close tabs on the situation. Think about it. Williams and Rogers should (key word) put up good numbers against guys who will be bagging groceries (sorry Kurt) in a few weeks. That could definately inflate their draft value making them go in drafts higher than they should.

I say pour some gas on the fire and watch it flame from a safe distance.

 

[BoltzNBrew]

Bradford in the 19th round is looking better everyday.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Where is Scottie Vines??

He's as good as cut.

Been saying this for weeks but there are a lot of Vines fans who won't let the dream die.

 

[FUBAR]

After watching them play in college, how both of these guys busted, I'll never know.

They were drafted by Detroit.

I stayed away from them. Until they settle out.FUBAR, I love your avatar.

Thanks, I'm more a fan of Foosball's, but it's disapointing when you view it (needs to be bigger)Martz will help this year, Mooch was an idiot.

 

[Warhogs]

This seems contrary to the posts I have been seeing about Rogers having a good camp.

Williams looks consistently bad. :(

 

[Couch Potato]

Where is Scottie Vines??

He's as good as cut.

Wow. Somebody who actually keeps up with what is going on in Detrioit. And at anyone shocked by the Rogers and M Williams NON-news. Reading through this thread, it looks like a lot of these posters have no clue what's been happening with this team since May.This place has become a guppy pool. It always does in August with all the people showing up who have paid no attention all summer. It's painful to read a lot of these threads this time of year.

 

[Couch Potato]

Wow, just wow. Between these 2 and Harrington, Millen has used some great draft picks and about $40 million in signing bonuses and gotten absolutely nothing in return. Well, except an extension for himself. Nice work.

It begins with pathetic ownership I'm afraid. Unfortunately, you can't fire the owner.It appears that, after several years of on the job training and a painful learning curve, Millen might be starting to figure it out. I like the coaching hirings.

 

[Homey]

Where is Scottie Vines??

He's as good as cut.

Been saying this for weeks but there are a lot of Vines fans who won't let the dream die.

I know. I'm just surprised a guy who played well for them last season when times were tough isnt going to get a chance. He showed some ability last year.

 

[BigRed]

Wow, just wow. Between these 2 and Harrington, Millen has used some great draft picks and about $40 million in signing bonuses and gotten absolutely nothing in return. Well, except an extension for himself. Nice work.

Isn't hindsight great? GB bandwagons. Funny I heard very little ripping on the Rogers or Roy Wms picks at the time, and even the feelings about taking Mk Wms were mixed - was cosidered poor in terms of team need but good in terms of value gotten at that point in the draft.They don't suck because of Millen or DET or whatever. They suck because they are lazy brain-dead losers wif a 'tood.

 

[RestoreTheROAR]

Its ok. Rogers will move himself up the depthchart when he lights it up on the field.

 

[Synthesizer]

Wow, just wow. Between these 2 and Harrington, Millen has used some great draft picks and about $40 million in signing bonuses and gotten absolutely nothing in return. Well, except an extension for himself. Nice work.

Isn't hindsight great? GB bandwagons.

Funny I heard very little ripping on the Rogers or Roy Wms picks at the time, and even the feelings about taking Mk Wms were mixed - was cosidered poor in terms of team need but good in terms of value gotten at that point in the draft.

They don't suck because of Millen or DET or whatever. They suck because they are lazy brain-dead losers wif a 'tood.

There were rumors of Rogers and M.Williams falling into this category before they were drafted.

 

[TheBradyBunch]

Seems to me that the best way to motivate a couple of career underachievers is to embarass them and bury them in the depth charts behind a couple of nobody's. If they don't respond to that, then they really do suck. I like what the DET coaching staff is doing with them and I guess I'd be a little surprised if Rogers and BMW aren't back near the top of the food chain once the bullets are real. JMHO.

 

[Otis]

What a colossal waste of talent. Unreal. Give these guys a few years of work at a real job and they will be sitting on a giant heap of regret.

 

[aardball44]

Seems to me that the best way to motivate a couple of career underachievers is to embarass them and bury them in the depth charts behind a couple of nobody's. If they don't respond to that, then they really do suck. I like what the DET coaching staff is doing with them and I guess I'd be a little surprised if Rogers and BMW aren't back near the top of the food chain once the bullets are real. JMHO.

Seconded. I consider this scenario highly likely for Rogers and a possibility for BMW.

 

[BigRed]

There were rumors of Rogers and M.Williams falling into this category before they were drafted.

Key word: rumours. And yet they were still rated extremely high.I think Millen's signing of guys like Hakim and Schraeder (sp) were lamer even at the time than drafting these 2. (maybe it's a WR thing w/him....)

 

[ffchamp1]

Where is Scottie Vines??

The way he finished last year, I really expected a good year out of him but he appears to be lostTomBTW...Rogers/Williams are done

 

[brakeyawself]

Where is Scottie Vines??

The way he finished last year, I really expected a good year out of him but he appears to be lostTomBTW...Rogers/Williams are done

In what sense are they done? Even if they get cut. I think both will find new teams who are looking for Wideouts by September. Especially BMW. The guy was born in 1984, which makes him 22. You dont think a 22 year old with his kind of talent, past college production, high draft position and upside will find a new home rather quickly? And this is if and only if they do happen to get cut. Rogers I'm not as big on. Too many health problems + motivation problems I guess, but either way, Id say these guys are far from done.

 

[John Mamula]

Charles Rogers is done.He's been done for 3 years.

gb not having beagle trying to add him for $1 in wcoff this year.

 

[FairWarning]

Mike Williams still got screwed by the NCAA. Costing him that year in the draft did no favors either.

Rogers can hang with his boyz in Flint/Saginaw or wherever he's from.

 

[LHUCKS]

All the Bradford owners...

[hiphopvoice]

"Throw your hands up in the air...and waive'em like you just don't care."

[/hiphopvoice]

 

[joffer]

Wow, just wow. Between these 2 and Harrington, Millen has used some great draft picks and about $40 million in signing bonuses and gotten absolutely nothing in return. Well, except an extension for himself. Nice work.

Isn't hindsight great? GB bandwagons. Funny I heard very little ripping on the Rogers or Roy Wms picks at the time, and even the feelings about taking Mk Wms were mixed - was cosidered poor in terms of team need but good in terms of value gotten at that point in the draft.They don't suck because of Millen or DET or whatever. They suck because they are lazy brain-dead losers wif a 'tood.

the hypocrisy here is unreal. there were a lot of threads two years ago raving about the outstanding offensive talent that Detroit had acquired

 

[cstu]

Wow, just wow. Between these 2 and Harrington, Millen has used some great draft picks and about $40 million in signing bonuses and gotten absolutely nothing in return. Well, except an extension for himself. Nice work.

Isn't hindsight great? GB bandwagons. Funny I heard very little ripping on the Rogers or Roy Wms picks at the time, and even the feelings about taking Mk Wms were mixed - was cosidered poor in terms of team need but good in terms of value gotten at that point in the draft.They don't suck because of Millen or DET or whatever. They suck because they are lazy brain-dead losers wif a 'tood.

the hypocrisy here is unreal. there were a lot of threads two years ago raving about the outstanding offensive talent that Detroit had acquired

People are giving up on BMW way too soon since he's the youngest non-rookie WR in the NFL. Rogers has not shown any dedication to the game and needs a change of scenery at the very least.

 

[delusional]

What a colossal waste of talent. Unreal. Give these guys a few years of work at a real job and they will be sitting on a giant heap of regret.

if these guys had decent coaching at the pro level they might be something. that whole org is horrendous.