Do we need upgrades at wide receiver?

[Beemnseven]

I voted sub-par, need new talent. Maybe that opinion changes if Ramsey gets in gear and really develops chemistry with them. The Offensive line still has issues too, so that ties in with the QB and WRs overall production.

Still, there are judgements you can make on certain plays when there was enough protection from the O-line, and if the QB isn't completely off.

We've already addressed the drops. But how many times was the QB well protected yet simply couldn't find an open receiver leading to a 'coverage sack' ? Were the wideouts able to get sufficient separation from defenders? Have the receivers been able to get open when the opposing defense knew the offensive gameplan shifted to a pass oriented attack when the team was behind? Does the mere presence of our receivers cause opposing defenses to stay in the backfield, or are they comfortable with taking their chances by keeping eight men in the box to stop Portis?

Too many times this season, the answers to these questions have been obvious.

How about asking this question: Would Peyton Manning and his offensive line still have the same success throwing the ball to Coles, Gardner, and Thrash? Not only no, but HELL NO.

With the exception of the Patriots and maybe the Falcons, teams who are at or near the top of their respective divisions all have at least one stand-out wide receiver that many will regulary say belong in the Top Ten in the league. I maintain that Coles wouldn't be on that list.

I simply feel that even if our quarterback situation was completely settled, that Ramsey was on target and playing well, AND if the offensive line was giving effective pass protection in addition to the threat of a strong running game, our wideouts would likely be lacking a consistent big play ability. If everything else was hitting on all cylinders, WR would be our weakest offensive position, -- our only glitch.

For this reason, I say that with our undoubtedly high draft position next year, we should not shy away from taking a wide receiver in the first round.