Jump Ball Receiver

[Smonroe]

I originally thought about this as a joke, but then I thought "What's the down side?".  So, that's why I wanted to start a discussion, so you could tell me.

 

Why couldn't the Colts (or any NFL team) sign a 6'10" or taller ex college basketball player who's not good enough for the NBA?

 

He would only come in when the team is within 5 yards of the goal line, or on two point conversions. 

 

He doesn't have to be fast or block.  He's split off the line, runs a few yards into the end zone and turns around. 

 

The QB lobs the ball to him.  He only has to have hands good enough to catch a lob.  And if he's been playing center in college, he must have that ability.  I don't think there are many DBs that are going to out jump him.

 

Yes, he's a true specialist, maybe only in for one or two plays a game.  But they're important plays.

 

Tell me why it doesn't work, given my criteria?

[TimetobringDfence!]

We have Strachan who is 6'6 227 we need to see him soon. He had some big 3rd down catches against SEA. And hasn't been used since...

[compuls1v3]

Mo Allie-Cox can do that too I believe.

[MPStack]

4 minutes ago, TimetobringDfence! said:

We have Strachan who is 6'6 227 we need to see him soon. He had some big 3rd down catches against SEA. And hasn't been used since...

And a PS WR (Coutee) was elevated to the active roster and played. That tells me, Strachan is not ready. 

[Smonroe]

36 minutes ago, TimetobringDfence! said:

We have Strachan who is 6'6 227 we need to see him soon. He had some big 3rd down catches against SEA. And hasn't been used since...

 

Yeah, I agree we have some tall guys.

 

But I'm talking about a true specialty player - 6'10" or better.  Only used in goal line situations.

[GoColts8818]

Pittman just did this last night not once but twice.

[csmopar]

57 minutes ago, Smonroe said:

I originally thought about this as a joke, but then I thought "What's the down side?".  So, that's why I wanted to start a discussion, so you could tell me.

 

Why couldn't the Colts (or any NFL team) sign a 6'10" or taller ex college basketball player who's not good enough for the NBA?

 

He would only come in when the team is within 5 yards of the goal line, or on two point conversions. 

 

He doesn't have to be fast or block.  He's split off the line, runs a few yards into the end zone and turns around. 

 

The QB lobs the ball to him.  He only has to have hands good enough to catch a lob.  And if he's been playing center in college, he must have that ability.  I don't think there are many DBs that are going to out jump him.

 

Yes, he's a true specialist, maybe only in for one or two plays a game.  But they're important plays.

 

Tell me why it doesn't work, given my criteria?

A team tried this several years ago with a kid from Notre Dame that was in the 6-8 to 6-10 range. If I remember right, it led to more INTs and was short lived experiment 

[landrus13]

I'm not sure why we need a guy like that. Mo Alie-Cox is plenty big enough. Pittman has done it multiple times, including last night. Besides if he's only used in goal line situations, it's gonna be pretty easy to stop because the defense is gonna know where the ball is going. Most guys that tall don't jump very well anyway.

[csmopar]

11 minutes ago, Smonroe said:

 

Yeah, I agree we have some tall guys.

 

But I'm talking about a true specialty player - 6'10" or better.  Only used in goal line situations.

If you only used him in Goal line situations or short yardage. Anyone with half a brain would know where the ball is going and double team him or slide their best cover man to him. Plus with the way catch rules are, probably be easier for the shorter CB to pop the ball out as he’s coming down just by being a foot shorter. It’s not a bad idea but I don’t see it being a game changer either 

[Smonroe]

2 minutes ago, csmopar said:

A team tried this several years ago with a kid from Notre Dame that was in the 6-8 to 6-10 range. If I remember right, it led to more INTs and was short lived experiment 

 

That's what I wanted to know.  I already know that we have guys (Pittman, MAC, maybe Strahan) that we think can win jump balls.

 

I was talking about a sure thing.  A guy who's 6'10" or better.  I don't remember the guy you're talking about or the team.  Or why it lead to INTs?

 

Again, I'm talking about a true specialty player who only comes in on the goal line plays.

[csmopar]

Just now, Smonroe said:

 

That's what I wanted to know.  I already know that we have guys (Pittman, MAC, maybe Strahan) that we think can win jump balls.

 

I was talking about a sure thing.  A guy who's 6'10" or better.  I don't remember the guy you're talking about or the team.  Or why it lead to INTs?

 

Again, I'm talking about a true specialty player who only comes in on the goal line plays.

It’s been so long , and the impact so little, I couldn’t give you an accurate statement to those questions. But there was also an Eagles guy decades ago that was really tall, but again, impact was minimal. 

[Smonroe]

2 minutes ago, csmopar said:

If you only used him in Goal line situations or short yardage. Anyone with half a brain would know where the ball is going and double team him or slide their best cover man to him. Plus with the way catch rules are, probably be easier for the shorter CB to pop the ball out as he’s coming down just by being a foot shorter. It’s not a bad idea but I don’t see it being a game changer either 

 

Yes, they'd know where the ball is going.  Which also means you can use him as a bluff.  

 

If a guy that big puts his arms up for the catch, standing in the end zone, and hold them there, he doesn't have to even bring them down.  It's a score.

 

I realize that it sounds crazy. 

[#12.]

With Wentz, they're doing the 50/50 balls in the right spots, in the right way.  With Rivers, I hated the jump ball.  It was a ticket to a turnover.  Rivers panicked and threw them in traffic, put them in harms way in the end zone, etc.

[csmopar]

2 minutes ago, Smonroe said:

 

Yes, they'd know where the ball is going.  Which also means you can use him as a bluff.  

 

If a guy that big puts his arms up for the catch, standing in the end zone, and hold them there, he doesn't have to even bring them down.  It's a score.

 

I realize that it sounds crazy. 

So i don’t think that will work as you say. Most of the CBS in this league can and do elevate enough to where no tall guy is gonna be able to just put his hands up in the air and catch it.

[life long]

7 minutes ago, csmopar said:

It’s been so long , and the impact so little, I couldn’t give you an accurate statement to those questions. But there was also an Eagles guy decades ago that was really tall, but again, impact was minimal. 

Might want to do some research before you disrespect a legend like Harold Carmichael. All Decade and HOFer...

[Jackie Daytona]

1 hour ago, Smonroe said:

I originally thought about this as a joke, but then I thought "What's the down side?".  So, that's why I wanted to start a discussion, so you could tell me.

 

Why couldn't the Colts (or any NFL team) sign a 6'10" or taller ex college basketball player who's not good enough for the NBA?

 

He would only come in when the team is within 5 yards of the goal line, or on two point conversions. 

 

He doesn't have to be fast or block.  He's split off the line, runs a few yards into the end zone and turns around. 

 

The QB lobs the ball to him.  He only has to have hands good enough to catch a lob.  And if he's been playing center in college, he must have that ability.  I don't think there are many DBs that are going to out jump him.

 

Yes, he's a true specialist, maybe only in for one or two plays a game.  But they're important plays.

 

Tell me why it doesn't work, given my criteria?

That's Mo Cox.

[Smonroe]

13 minutes ago, life long said:

Might want to do some research before you disrespect a legend like Harold Carmichael. All Decade and HOFer...

Not sure if you’re joking but I don’t think he was talking about Carmichael.  He was awesome.  Megatron before Megatron.  
 

 

[life long]

2 minutes ago, Smonroe said:

Not sure if you’re joking but I don’t think he was talking about Carmichael.  He was awesome.  Megatron before Megatron.  
 

 

Who then? He said Eagles player from decades ago that was really tall. I can only think of the 1.

[Smonroe]

1 minute ago, SchlicterSZN said:

That's Mo Cox.

Nope.  Mo is 6’5”.  I’m talking about a guy who’s at least 5 inches taller.  In my mind, he’d be a one trick pony.   Doesn’t need to have speed or be a blocker.  
 

He just has to run five yards and put his arms up.   

[Smonroe]

3 minutes ago, life long said:

Who then? He said Eagles player from decades ago that was really tall. I can only think of the 1.

No clue.  Carmichael definitely had a big time impact.  But I’m not talking about a rare guy like him

 

Im talking about the dozens of college BB centers not good enough to make the NBA.  If the can catch a basketball above their head, I think they could catch a football.  No route running, no blocking, just run five yards and turn around.  

[csmopar]

23 minutes ago, life long said:

Might want to do some research before you disrespect a legend like Harold Carmichael. All Decade and HOFer...

I’m not taking about him. They also had a real tall guy they used in such cases but I think only caught 5-6 TDs over a multiple year career. I’m pretty sure it was the Eagles. But I could have the team wrong.

[life long]

2 minutes ago, Smonroe said:

No clue.  Carmichael definitely had a big time impact.  But I’m not talking about a rare guy like him

 

Im talking about the dozens of college BB centers not good enough to make the NBA.  If the can catch a basketball above their head, I think they could catch a football.  No route running, no blocking, just run five yards and turn around.  

I mean in theory sure but those guys typically aren't built for the punishment on the gridiron. 

[csmopar]

10 minutes ago, Smonroe said:

Not sure if you’re joking but I don’t think he was talking about Carmichael.  He was awesome.  Megatron before Megatron.  
 

 

No not Carmichael. Carmichael played most snaps. The guy I’m thinking of only came in the came on short yardage situations. Caught a handful of TDs but that was about it. He wasn’t the same era as Carmichael. Carmichael played in the late 70s/early 80s if I recall right. The guy I’m thinking of was after that.

[Dingus McGirt]

43 minutes ago, csmopar said:

It’s been so long , and the impact so little, I couldn’t give you an accurate statement to those questions. But there was also an Eagles guy decades ago that was really tall, but again, impact was minimal. 

Harold Carmichael?  He was 6'8"   "

At 6'8" and 225 lbs., he is the tallest WR in NFL history and he had a good career.

[life long]

1 minute ago, Dingus McGirt said:

Harold Carmichael?  He was 6'8"

[buccolts]

Dikembe Mutumbo is the answer to that

[Flash7]

Paul Sturgess is listed at 7'7" and played college basketball, some pro D-league ball, and also with the Globetrotters for a short while. He's tall but not really that good. But for this specific scenario to work in football, all he needs to do is run 5-yards, turn around, and go up and get a jump ball. 

 

But imagine Shaq playing this role. Even if they knew the ball was going to him, there's virtually nothing the defense can do (aside from intentionally fouling him).

 

 

[TimetobringDfence!]

1 hour ago, Smonroe said:

No clue.  Carmichael definitely had a big time impact.  But I’m not talking about a rare guy like him

 

Im talking about the dozens of college BB centers not good enough to make the NBA.  If the can catch a basketball above their head, I think they could catch a football.  No route running, no blocking, just run five yards and turn around.  

You need players for more than on situation...53 men team game...

[Smonroe]

7 minutes ago, TimetobringDfence! said:

You need players for more than on situation...53 men team game...

 

And that's the real argument, I get that.  And only 46 on game day.

 

However, you do have a FG kicker who's an important team member.  Yes, I know the difference.  But he is a scoring specialist.

 

Imagine a guy that can double your goal line scoring percentage.  A guy that's almost a sure thing for getting 2 points.

 

With the new PS rules, wouldn't it be worth having a guy like that on your roster?  

 

(I realize it hasn't happened for a reason.  Maybe I'm a dreamer...but I'm not the only one...)

[Myles]

13 minutes ago, Smonroe said:

 

And that's the real argument, I get that.  And only 46 on game day.

 

However, you do have a FG kicker who's an important team member.  Yes, I know the difference.  But he is a scoring specialist.

 

Imagine a guy that can double your goal line scoring percentage.  A guy that's almost a sure thing for getting 2 points.

 

With the new PS rules, wouldn't it be worth having a guy like that on your roster?  

 

(I realize it hasn't happened for a reason.  Maybe I'm a dreamer...but I'm not the only one...)

Interesting concept.  

I'm not sure it can play out as you would want.   You seem to be thinking he would just jog 5 yards in and turn around without being hit at the line or being hit when the ball is being delivered.   I think he would be clobbered.

 

[csmopar]

2 hours ago, Dingus McGirt said:

Harold Carmichael?  He was 6'8"   "

At 6'8" and 225 lbs., he is the tallest WR in NFL history and he had a good career.

No the guy I’m thinking of came from Notre Dame. My brother is a huge ND fan, I’ll ask him

[Smonroe]

1 hour ago, Myles said:

Interesting concept.  

I'm not sure it can play out as you would want.   You seem to be thinking he would just jog 5 yards in and turn around without being hit at the line or being hit when the ball is being delivered.   I think he would be clobbered.

 

 

Again, I doubt it would happen since it's never happened and I'm sure I'm not the first person to think of it.

 

But any guy who played center in college has to be somewhat athletic and physical.  And with the rules set up to favor defenseless receivers, he'd probably at least draw a penalty.