I'll say that WR was Pitt's most disappointing position in 2017. To review:
Tipton got hurt and missed the year.
Weah didn't have the big year that we'd hoped for, after seeing him emerge in 2016.
Henderson did little as a receiver this year. Being hurt didn't help, but that is only part of the story.
Fffffrench did little more than Henderson, and his two drops in the Miami game aren't encouraging going forward.
Mathews is a great blocker at the WR position, but I expected to see him more in the passing game this year, and it never happened.
RaRa was the only guy who really looked like a WR at times, with his ability to find holes in the zone, and secure the football.
But as someone pointed out on another thread, Weah looked a lot better in the Miami game with Pickett throwing to him. We saw the slant route used for the first time all season. Our passing game this year was mostly deep sideline routes to Weah and swing passes behind the line. The point is, part of the lack of WR production was poor QB play. But WRs are responsible too, because there were a lot of drops, and we saw an inability to get open.
Now, 2018:
We get Tipton back. He's not spectacular, but he's a good possession receiver, ala RaRa, who is now gone.
Dontavius Butler was going to play this year, until he got hurt. This guy is very strong, an excellent blocker, and has great hands. I think he'll play a lot next year, and could be very effective.
Perhaps the TEs will be more involved in the passing game. Reeves will hit the field, and we'll find out if he lives up to his huge potential or not. Clark didn't have a good year at all, but he is skilled, and if he has the heart (I have my doubts), he could be much more productive in year 2. The coaches seem to like Sear, and we could see him used as a hybrid TE/wideout.
And then there is Smith, who came to Pitt as a raw WR, with big-time potential, and a deep threat. It will be huge if he develops and can actually produce.
Pickett needs help, but then again, Pickett will help the WRs. Some of the returners may look better next year because of Pickett.
Tipton got hurt and missed the year.
Weah didn't have the big year that we'd hoped for, after seeing him emerge in 2016.
Henderson did little as a receiver this year. Being hurt didn't help, but that is only part of the story.
Fffffrench did little more than Henderson, and his two drops in the Miami game aren't encouraging going forward.
Mathews is a great blocker at the WR position, but I expected to see him more in the passing game this year, and it never happened.
RaRa was the only guy who really looked like a WR at times, with his ability to find holes in the zone, and secure the football.
But as someone pointed out on another thread, Weah looked a lot better in the Miami game with Pickett throwing to him. We saw the slant route used for the first time all season. Our passing game this year was mostly deep sideline routes to Weah and swing passes behind the line. The point is, part of the lack of WR production was poor QB play. But WRs are responsible too, because there were a lot of drops, and we saw an inability to get open.
Now, 2018:
We get Tipton back. He's not spectacular, but he's a good possession receiver, ala RaRa, who is now gone.
Dontavius Butler was going to play this year, until he got hurt. This guy is very strong, an excellent blocker, and has great hands. I think he'll play a lot next year, and could be very effective.
Perhaps the TEs will be more involved in the passing game. Reeves will hit the field, and we'll find out if he lives up to his huge potential or not. Clark didn't have a good year at all, but he is skilled, and if he has the heart (I have my doubts), he could be much more productive in year 2. The coaches seem to like Sear, and we could see him used as a hybrid TE/wideout.
And then there is Smith, who came to Pitt as a raw WR, with big-time potential, and a deep threat. It will be huge if he develops and can actually produce.
Pickett needs help, but then again, Pickett will help the WRs. Some of the returners may look better next year because of Pickett.
