I seemingly will die alone on this hill, but I think all the talk about who are the WR1, WR2, and WR3 is a bit much. A more relevant conversation, which also adds to the target load conversation, is who are the X, Z, and slot receivers and how do guys fill specific roles in the offense.
Smitty obviously can lineup anywhere and he’s definitely our WR1. But I don’t think Mannion is going to have Smitty running C-gap inserts or blocking LBs inside. He’s a willing blocker, but probably not that effective in that role and we REALLY can’t get him injured doing stuff like that.
Other than Smitty, Wicks is the only WR really suited to play X. He’s also suited to do things like line up as Z, and then go into a c gap insert insert from motion, or make other more serious blocks against bigger defenders inside. Wicks is the guy that really allows Mannion to marry the pass and run game from the same look, while also allow Smitty, our WR1, to move around and find favorable matchups instead of having to line up at X every down. Wick’s versatility means he should get lots of snaps and his fair share of targets. Maybe he doesn’t put up great numbers for a WR2, but he’ll allow our real playmakers (Hurts, Saquon, Smitty and Goedert) to operate.
I don’t think you really want Lemon or Cooper lining up outside much. Once Lemon puts it together, he’ll be in the final Z/slot position. Depending on how effective he is, he could put up WR2 numbers. Until Lemon puts it together, we’ll get DC come real game time. Guys got Jason Avant potential written all over him. Not spectacular, but dependable.
Hollywood Brown I think will just be used sparingly.
Anyway, that’s my take on the WRs. I’ll also add that if there’s a trick under Howie Roseman’s sleeve, I think it could be a WR with a higher ceiling than Lemon or Wicks this season. Someone defenses will have to plan for and keep Smith from double coverage.
