Wide Receiver Group Next Year

I wonder why Oliver Martin red-shirted?  Was it for development purposes, or because they had enough WRs that it didn't make sense to burn the RS needlessly?

The impression I got from the recruiting posts on him was that Martin was one of those squirrely receiver dudes that just gets open.  I like squirrely receiver dudes that get open. We could have used that this year.

I do think they will be much improved next year. Between the 4 frosh this year, at least 2 will improve dramtically and be close to dominant. Whatever the WR version of 2nd year Rashan Gary.

That being said, I disagree about Crawford and McDoom. Crawford is a good blocker and that's about it. Nothing else about him is impressive.

McDoom is just bad. He's tall Norfleet with no hands. 

Did DPJ route running really get better over the season?

Crawford reminds me of Edwards catch the tougher ones drop the easy ones McDoom is your jet sweep guy but Oliver is that postion type slot guy that will move the chains we will see him this next season maybe on punt returns, my level of confidence is real high o  Peoples- Jones on punt returns. Collins and Black are your deep threats and Jones will be better

I realize the focus in your post is the WR Group. I 100% agree that freshmen WR are rarely precise in route running. However, it is too simplistic to blame this on the WR and the QB. It is a combination of 3 major factors, and a 4th:

1. WR route running, and ability to gain separation.
2. QB ability to read the field, and check down all receivers.
3. OL ability to provide pass protection for the QB (with help from FB, RB, TE.)
4. Playcalling from OC. Contingent on skill of WR, QB, and OL, and experience level.

From my perspective, OL pass protection is very high on the list, and has been the achilles heel of the Michigan offense for some time. Perhaps the interior of the OL will be better next year. The question for me is whether we will see any OT candidates really step forward. I know we will have bodies:  will any of them be any good?

As regards 1, 2, and 3, imhe, you need to have at least two of the three above average to succeed. We were below average in all three areas. Combine this with a lack of experience, and you severely limit the playbook and playcalling. You also invite defenses to stack the line and crush the running game, daring the offense to prove they can stretch the field vertically.

I believe that our WR have the talent, and just needed the seasoning. With Patterson and Peters, and McCaffrey not far behind, the QB should also improve. I am HOPING, HOPING, HOPING, that we see a significant leap forward on the OL. But given the last 10 years, I have very little confidence here. However, if the OL improves to being at least mediocre, and the QB and WR to good, it could be huge. It isn't every year that you improve simultaneously at the OL, WR, and QB. Add to this that we have experience at TE, RB, and FB, and you now have a situation that is potentially better than it has been since Carr was here. Smh. It has been too long.

Most of these kids were used to running by slower DBs in high school or being covered by 5'9 defenders. In college they're finding out they are no longer the best athlete on the field and that the DBs covering them are more savvy and physical than high school. Plus, much like baseball players that I am frustated with who don't run to first base at full speed, I don't see wide receiver always going full blast on their pass routes. To me, every receiver should be going 100% on every pass play, even if they're the #3 or #4 option on the route. 

Although this "effort" to run routes is not uncommon, it's interesting that the story on this site a few weeks ago said that Wisconsin players thought the difference between our players and OSU's is that Ohio State's don't take plays off.

Why is the offense going to be opened up more next year?  Seems like something everyone says following a shiity year offensively.  "Next year should be better in x ways" said every fan ever of a team that sucks.  

Pretty intrigued by Oliver Martin.  I think he could end up being a top shelf slot receiver.  

If we have a passing game it will stop defenses from loading the box to stop our run game and we should be able to run the ball. Teams now don't respect our passing game and why should they 

So basically if our offensive line gets incredibly better, all our recievers become better route runners and our quaterback play goes from horrendous to good next season we migth be a decent team.  Yay?

I think DPJ is overrated as a reciever.  He would probably a better fit as a safety where he can just be athletic.  I dont think he has the greatest hands, footwork, or natural instincts.  Black really seemed to track the ball well and moved like a reciever.  Looking forward to seeing him more next year IF his he can recover from the Injury.  With our luck it will limit him for the rest of his career. 

I'll be excited to get Tarik Black back into the fold. As it currently stands, he's the only WR on the roster (outside of sophmore Grant Perry) who has flashed all-conference potential.

DPJ is athletic, but he still looks like a long-term project IMO. He could still turn into an all-American down the road, but he just looked lost out there most of the time, even at the end of season. 

I like how they used Nico Collins in the bowl game - I'd love to see him develop as a tall physical possession/red zone/first down guy whose size and physically means he is essently always open even when covered. 

Not sure how or why Grant Perry dissapeared this year. Seemed like Grant was Wilton Speight's favored receiver, but stopped getting targeted after Speight went down.

Crawford is just a guy. 

The main thing to look forward to is that there is enough youth and raw talent on the roster that someone is likely to emerge.

You can't do much with young wideouts besides run simple "hey run as fast as you can and beat some people deep" stuff. If Tom Landry walked out of his grave and coached the offense this year, it was still going to be hamstrung by youth. 

That many young guys getting PT means you should reap rewards next year and the year after though.

Oliver martin will take over the slot job from Perry and Mcdoom, from what was reported through the year on him, I really see it happening. Kid was electric in the opening last year and since he has had a year to learn the system he will be prepared to go. I also see Tarik and DPJ getting a ton more receptions with more passing thats coming. Nico collins will probably be WR 3 or 4 but will get a significant amount of PT. Once this group gets a true WR coach and they learn more about techique and routes they should show why they were recruited so highly.