The Jon Baldwin Hype Train (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Jon Baldwin dropped 8-10 pounds before training camp in an effort to keep up in the Chiefs' up-tempo offense under coach Andy Reid.
Baldwin is listed at 6-foot-4, 230 on the team's official website, but he says he's in the 220-222 range. "He's in great shape; he's in great shape," Reid said. "And listen, his body fat was way down when he left, and he’s a big man. You look at the body fat, it’s low, single-digit low. He’s moving around great." It's one of the few positives we've read on Baldwin this summer, but he's reportedly still dropping too many footballs in practice.

Source: Kansas City Star

 

[msudaisy26]

Is it time to bump Bowe up to a low end receiver 1 just due to the amount of targets he is going to receive?

 

[scothawk]

Trying to shift Baldwin in my dynasty league before roster cut down day.

Nil interest. but I dont want to cut him as that seems stupid.

Or is it more stupid to hold him right now.

sigh.

 

[Shanahanigans]

Trying to shift Baldwin in my dynasty league before roster cut down day.

Nil interest. but I dont want to cut him as that seems stupid.

Or is it more stupid to hold him right now.

sigh.

Depends on roster size, but I cut Baldwin in my 19 Player dynasty league, and have no regrets. I feel like if he was going to be fantasy relevant he would have shown it last season with the regime that drafted him and all the hype surrounding him.

 

[cstu]

Is it time to bump Bowe up to a low end receiver 1 just due to the amount of targets he is going to receive?

There's not a lot separating low WR1 and high WR2 in my mind so it's possible. I think he's a very safe pick due to the number of targets and shouldn't finish outside the top 20.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

The Kansas City Star reports the Chiefs "(haven't) given up on" Jon Baldwin even though he's in the throes of a quiet camp, and dropped two passes in Sunday's practice.
We haven't heard Baldwin is having a bad camp, but that's because we haven't heard anything about Baldwin's camp. "It doesn’t matter what’s happened in the past," WRs coach David Culley said. "He’s still learning how we do things." The fact that Baldwin is "still learning" more than two calendar years after being a first-round pick is a poor sign for his future. He's just about gone bust.

Source: Kansas City Star

 

[cstu]

Andy Reid:

"Jon's competing like a wild man and working out the offense and the different plays that he has just like everybody else is. He's made some nice plays here at camp and I'm sure they'll continue on in the games."

I don't think effort has ever been Baldwin's problem. The problem is that he just may not be a very good NFL receiver.

 

[HULLOBUDMAN]

Seems like he is just a guy a this point but at least still practicing with first team. With Alex Smith running the show I am not sure how many tagets the outside receivers will get. No targets for either outside WR form Smith in the first game.

This wouldn't be a post about the Chiefs receivers if I didn't include a Jon Baldwin reference. Reid was asked directly by Kevin Kietzman if Jon Baldwin is fighting for his job or if he has made the team. The response:

"I've told the team nobody's made the team," Reid said. "That's not how we roll here. Everybody's competing and you better strap it on every day. The competition out here is crazy and they're getting after each other.

"Jon's competing like a wild man and working out the offense and the different plays that he has just like everybody else is. He's made some nice plays here at camp and I'm sure they'll continue on in the games."

Baldwin isn't a viable cut candidate for a couple of reasons. First, remember that the only thing that really matters is reps in training camp, the actual practices. Baldwin has consistently lined up with the first team there. If he was a cut candidate, they'd be splitting those up in some way. Second, who exactly is going to replace him? Donnie Avery and ... ? I see why folks talk about Baldwin on the roster bubble -- I would've had him there before camp started -- but that's just not what we've seen so far in camp. (Bonus: He's relatively cheap, too.)

http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/8/13/4616412/andy-reid-offense-jon-baldwin-kansas-city-chiefs-receivers

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Donnie Avery is expected to be the Chiefs' No. 2 wideout.

What's the origin of this report?

ETA: tracked it down. It's an ESPN writer speculating -- it's not sourced to the team. It could still shake out that way, but so far Baldwin continues to run with the first team AFAIK.

 

[cstu]

Bowe seems to think Baldwin can break out this year, although to me it comes across like he has some doubts.

(on whether he'll breakout)

"That's what it seems like. He's his own man, he's getting more comfortable every day goes by. All we can do it hope for the best, I think he got it. It's takes time and that's all we're working on right now, time and timing.

2nd video on the page, 2:45 mark.

 

[Faust]

Jon Baldwin shows no signs of turnaround for Chiefs

By Chris Wesseling

Around the League Writer

Chalk up another one for Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who cut his teeth with Bill Belichick and former Kansas City Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli in the Patriots front office.

Prior to pulling the trigger on his blockbuster trade for Julio Jones, Dimitroff was advised by Belichick to stay put and draft Jon Baldwin instead. Dimitroff stuck to his guns, leading Pioli to nab Baldwin with the No. 26 overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Three years later, the Chiefs still are waiting for a return on Pioli's investment. Assistant head coach/receivers David Culley recently admitted that Baldwin is "still learning," a troung sign 26 games into the former first-rounder's career.

According to ESPN.com's Bill Williamson, injury-prone veteran Donnie Avery is the favorite to start opposite Dwayne Bowe -- leaving Baldwin to battle Dexter McCluster for snaps in multi-wide packages. This is the same Avery who tied for the NFL lead in drop rate while finishing near the bottom of the pack in catch percentage last season. In other words, it's hard to find a less efficient starting wide receiver than Avery.

Billed as a poor man's Vincent Jackson coming out of Pittsburgh, Baldwin has gained attention for spectacular catches in offseason non-contact drills. When the pads come on, though, Baldwin has yet to prove he can beat the jam at the line of scrimmage. It doesn't help that he's slow getting in and out of breaks and has struggled with dropped passes in training camp.

With Pioli out of the picture, Baldwin is no longer on scholarship. If he doesn't accelerate his development, he won't be long for the City of Fountains.

The Around The League Podcast is now available on iTunes! Click here to listen and subscribe.

Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane.

 

[jurb26]

KC would be wise to move Baldwin to the third team. I believe Avery posses the better weapon for what they need opposite Bowe. I don't envision Baldwin staying on KC much longer. That may be the only value he has left. Owners who are holding should hope he catches on somewhere else and somehow the light bulb goes off.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

Targets last night = 3

Catches = 0

 

[Rookie_Whisperer]

Last night reaffirmed what we already knew, he can't play the position and isn't getting better. I'm very glad I don't own him anywhere so I don't have to be the one who drops him. He is not worth a roster spot on 12 team, 25 man rosters.

 

[ShaHBucks]

Targets last night = 3

Catches = 0

And a terrible drop.

 

[cstu]

Former first round draft pick Jon Baldwin seems to be on Andy Reid’s bubble. According to Adam Teicher on Twitter, Andy Reid commented on Baldwins ability to catch the football, saying:

“I can tell you that when given the opportunity in this league you’d better catch the football.”

 

[cstu]

I feel much better after dropping that sack of ####.

Just cut him. Combined with him not looking like he's any better off the line or getting open and Alex Smith's limitations with deep passing he's not worth carrying even if he makes the team. A 3rd year WR should have shown something by now.

 

[werdnoynek]

heading to SF... maybe a fresh start will be good for him.

 

[cstu]

heading to SF... maybe a fresh start will be good for him.

Nice exchange of two guys neither team wanted to cut but were likely going to.

 

[JustinHawkins]

right after I traded away Baldwin for Zuerlein (I did need a kicker lol) he gets traded. I expect him to blow up now that he's got a fresh start in SF. You are welcome Baldwin owners.

 

[jurb26]

Link to trade?

 

[shader]

I find it odd that Baldwin is billed as a poor mans Vincent Jackson, yet is being given up on after only 2 seasons. Vincent himself didn't so anything until season 4.

 

[JustinHawkins]

Link to trade?

http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/266718/aj-jenkins-officially-a-kansas-city-chief

 

[cstu]

I find it odd that Baldwin is billed as a poor mans Vincent Jackson, yet is being given up on after only 2 seasons. Vincent himself didn't so anything until season 4.

Going into VJax's 3rd year there was a lot of hype on him and he was the team's #1 receiver. Baldwin can't even beat out Avery for the #2 job.

 

[gianmarco]

I might try to trade Baldwin to the Jenkins owner in my league so we can execute a similar worthless trade where both teams lose.

 

[dewaser]

Austin collie as the #2 in San Fran?

 

[EBF]

I find it odd that Baldwin is billed as a poor mans Vincent Jackson, yet is being given up on after only 2 seasons. Vincent himself didn't so anything until season 4.

Jackson has the excuse of playing at Northern Colorado. Baldwin played at a big school and should've been more ready to contribute right away.

Baldwin just looks like a huge bust at this point. He has everything you want on paper, but doesn't function on the field. I think that's because of his awkward running stride and lack of suddenness off the line and in his routes. The people who said he's a TE/WR tweener probably had it right. Watching him fail has definitely changed some of my attitudes about scouting WRs.

 

[flysack]

I just onloaded this bum for Rashard Jennings (Run-DMC's handcuff). Now I'm almost curious enough to regret it.

 

[Faust]

I might try to trade Baldwin to the Jenkins owner in my league so we can execute a similar worthless trade where both teams lose.

I traded Hernandez for Titus Young in one of my leagues!

 

[Daru99]

Trying to shift Baldwin in my dynasty league before roster cut down day.

Nil interest. but I dont want to cut him as that seems stupid.

Or is it more stupid to hold him right now.

sigh.

He was on my chopping block before today. I am now going to hold and see what CK7 can bring out of him.

 

[Two Deep]

Read somewhere he is still trying to make the easy catches look difficult.

 

[az_prof]

Does Jenkins or Baldwin gain more from this trade? What role will either of these guys play on their new teams?

 

[Daru99]

Does Jenkins or Baldwin gain more from this trade? What role will either of these guys play on their new teams?

Baldwin gains more. Alex Smith ---> Colin Kaepernick.

 

[Rookie_Whisperer]

Does Jenkins or Baldwin gain more from this trade? What role will either of these guys play on their new teams?

Baldwin gains more. Alex Smith ---> Colin Kaepernick.

Up front, they both stink but I'm curious if Andy Reid can rehab Jenkins confidence and use him more how he used Maclin in Philly.

 

[johnadams]

Does Jenkins or Baldwin gain more from this trade? What role will either of these guys play on their new teams?

Baldwin gains more. Alex Smith ---> Colin Kaepernick.

Up front, they both stink but I'm curious if Andy Reid can rehab Jenkins confidence and use him more how he used Maclin in Philly.

It's not a confidence issue with Jenkins. He's so far been totally overmatched by press coverage. The book is there on him and any time he's in a game, he'll feel it again. He might be able to do something with Reid who was able to get something pretty special out of DeSean Jackson despite DeSean's size, but Jenkins is no Jackson.

Baldwin has a bit more interest, if for no other reason than SF WR's after Boldin are not starting quality. In the NFC West, where big, physical corners are becoming the norm, a bigger receiver who can match the physicality holds some intrigue. Granted, SF will still need to get more out of Baldwin than KC has gotten which is an issue on its own, but I like the Baldwin side of this much better. Speaking honestly, I don't really like either one to make a difference, but I think Baldwin has a better opportunity.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

At his Monday press conference, coach Jim Harbaugh was open to the idea of activating Jon Baldwin on game day.
"That's possible," said Harbs. "He's doing a good job." Baldwin has been a healthy scratch in each of the first three games. In the meantime, 49ers wideouts have struggled mightily to get open, and Vernon Davis is battling a bad hamstring. Look for Baldwin to get some snaps Thursday night in St. Louis.

Source: Matt Barrows on Twitter

 

[flapgreen]

Worth a shot...

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Coach Jim Harbaugh said "there'll be more action" for Jon Baldwin moving forward.
Baldwin made his 49ers debut Thursday night after being inactive for the first three weeks following the trade with the Chiefs. He caught two passes for 19 yards. With Quinton Patton (foot) out indefinitely, Baldwin and Kyle Williams will likely see the bulk of the snaps opposite Anquan Boldin.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports

 

[djmich]

I know this train derailed but I'm hoping to see what he does with the opportunity over the next few games.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

Golden opportunity. Williams stinks. Patton injured. Manningham and Crabtree injured.

Have we seen anything else to indicate the light might be coming on for him?

 

[The Dude]

I know this train derailed but I'm hoping to see what he does with the opportunity over the next few games.

The train hasn't left the station

 

[Max Power]

Traded him for Denarius Moore a year ago. I feel pretty good about about it. He will never be a game changer.

 

[az_prof]

I picked him up off waivers as a lottery ticket. Don't expect much but it is too early to give up on a physically talented receiver, in only his third year. The fact that he will get opportunity now, due to injuries, and will play with an above average QB, gives me some hope he could show something. I'll give him a few weeks anyway.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I'm still holding a ticket or two, but when a team gives up on a 1st round pick it's usually the kiss of death.

 

[SameSongNDance]

It was a revolving door opposite Boldin last week but yeah, Baldwin saw 23% of the snaps, good for third most.

Opportunity is half the battle so this situation is worth keeping an eye on.

 

[scothawk]

I picked him up off waivers as a lottery ticket. Don't expect much but it is too early to give up on a physically talented receiver, in only his third year. The fact that he will get opportunity now, due to injuries, and will play with an above average QB, gives me some hope he could show something. I'll give him a few weeks anyway.

Did Kap get benched?

 

[IZ4]

Baldwin is looking like the Brandon Lloyd type WR. He will get it together once he gets on the field for a significant amount of time. The guessing game is when will he get the opportunity.

 

[PitbullTD]

Baldwin is looking like the Brandon Lloyd type WR. He will get it together once he gets on the field for a significant amount of time. The guessing game is when will he get the opportunity.

He was on the field a ton as a chief.

 

[scothawk]

Baldwin is looking like the Brandon Lloyd type WR. He will get it together once he gets on the field for a significant amount of time. The guessing game is when will he get the opportunity.

He was on the field a ton as a chief.

So was the ball when it was thrown his way.

 

[cstu]

Baldwin is looking like the Brandon Lloyd type WR. He will get it together once he gets on the field for a significant amount of time. The guessing game is when will he get the opportunity.

He was on the field a ton as a chief.

So was the ball when it was thrown his way.