Will a healthy Steve Smith overtake Jason Avant in the slot? (1 Viewer)

[NajehHejan]

Assuming Steve Smith returns to full health and speed by say mid-season at the latest, do folks think he will win the slot receiver job over Avant, and push Avant to the 4th WR, or do you envision Smith being the 4th WR? Obviously, there’s a big difference in being the 3rd WR versus the 4th in the Philly offense, as Philly doesn't run a ton of 4 WR sets, even though they of course pass a heck of a lot. Reid has always complimented Avant – he actually called him the best slot WR in the business not too long ago – which of course is a joke. Reid’s been known to heap praise on a guy then demote or cut him the next day, so you can’t believe a word out of his mouth, and there are obviously better slot receivers in the game.

As an Eagles homer, I think Avant is ok. He is sure handed for the most part, but his occasional drops are often at crucial times – a critical third down, late in the game, etc. Avant sometimes struggles to get open, and he doesn’t do much after the catch either. Steve Smith is more explosive (again, assuming he’s fully healthy) and I wonder if he would overtake Avant.

Stashing Steve Smith in a league with a small roster can be painful for a month or so unless you think he will break out once healthy and help carry you to a title as a high upside WR3/flex. Wondering what everyone’s thoughts are. A recent Rotoworld blurb says that they are actively getting Steve Smith more involved, but who knows what that really means?

 

[need2know]

Assuming Steve Smith returns to full health and speed by say mid-season at the latest, do folks think he will win the slot receiver job over Avant, and push Avant to the 4th WR, or do you envision Smith being the 4th WR? Obviously, there’s a big difference in being the 3rd WR versus the 4th in the Philly offense, as Philly doesn't run a ton of 4 WR sets, even though they of course pass a heck of a lot. Reid has always complimented Avant – he actually called him the best slot WR in the business not too long ago – which of course is a joke. Reid’s been known to heap praise on a guy then demote or cut him the next day, so you can’t believe a word out of his mouth, and there are obviously better slot receivers in the game.As an Eagles homer, I think Avant is ok. He is sure handed for the most part, but his occasional drops are often at crucial times – a critical third down, late in the game, etc. Avant sometimes struggles to get open, and h edoesn’t do much after the catch either. Steve Smith is more explosive (again, assuming he’s fully healthy) and I wonder if he would overtake Avant.Stashing Steve Smith in a league with a small roster can be painful for a month or so unless you think he will break out once healthy and help carry you to a title as a high upside WR3/flex. Wondering what everyone’s thoughts are. A recent Rotoworld blurb says that they are actively getting Steve Smith more involved, but who knows what that really means?

I really think the only way Smith will have value is if Maclin or Jackson gets hurt. He may be better than Avant, but hes also coming off the knee surgey. I'll let someone else take a chance. there are better WRs to target that will get more looks

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

I think Avant is being undersold here. He is a damn good slot guy. He always seems to come up big/ medium big whenever targeted. Even at UM he was always just consistent, even when bigger named guys were making headlines. Then again up until last year I felt the same about smith. Apparently to be a highly touted slot guy in the media you have to be short and white...

 

[BobbyLayne]

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Reid has always complimented Avant – he actually called him the best slot WR in the business not too long ago –

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Actually, Andy is closer to being correct than you realize.Slots