Quote:
Originally Posted by EXoffender
Lloyd didn't get it done last year and if I'm not mistaken, Randle El was starting in front of him as the season ended. Lloyd seems to have a problem locating the ball once it's thrown.
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The difference between Lloyd and Randle El purely as wideouts is negigible. Neither is very good.
Where my opinion differs on the two is in the things that each receiver brings to the table other than being a wide receiver. Randle El is a heady player, a good blocker for his size, smart after the catch, understands the position from the QB perspective (which helps in blitz reading and whatnot), can run with the ball on reverses and throw it to keep defenses off balance, is a top notch punt returner, and in a pinch can run down on teams and hit someone. Basically he's the kind of player who maximizes the roster spot given to a wide receiver. He's the kind of player you want on the field as much as possible despite his shortcomings as a wideout.
Lloyd can't do any of that. Lloyd made a rep based off highlight reel catches in single coverage or while wide open. And although the value of that ability isn't to be understated, neither should it be overstated. How many plays in Saunders' playbook call for the QB to blindly throw a ball into coverage so that Lloyd can make the sportscenter highlight reel? No good ones, that's for sure. Lloyd isn't a good route runner, he drops the ball far too often, and isn't keen on going over the middle.
If cost and reputation were not a factor in roster building, Lloyd wouldn't make a 53 man roster. Every team in the league has at least 2 WRs better than him, and every receiver that doesn't start in this league plays teams.
Except Lloyd.
Randle El may not be a great WR, but he deserves a roster spot for sure. Lloyd doesn't. I just don't get the trade for him, he's just not a traditional Gibbs' sort of guy.