Leonard Hankerson is the real deal - he will have a hell of a year.

[mbedner3420]

Originally Posted by Paintrain

Why exactly would that be nice? Not being a dick, but when did Paul, Robinson or Austin show ANYTHING that would indicate them being consistent performers at WR? Paul played 13 games and caught 2 balls. Robinson didn't get off the practice squad until week 17 and was inactive. Austin has been on the roster for 2 years (18 games) and has 15 catches. Sure these guys are young, homegrown draft picks and may a future role but going into next season with the 5 you mentioned would be a disaster.

Nice in the sense that we have two young quality starters in Blackmon and Hankerson and serviceable yet youthful WRs in Paul, Robinson and Austin for the future (not necessarily next season as I assume both Gaffney and Moss will be back).

I think it'll take time for the rest of these guys to develop, but I certainly think they have value and were kept for a reason. Why have so many WRs on a team with this many deficiencies if you don't think they can play?

Paul is an excellent blocker in the run game and a very good special teamer. Had Nebraska not been a run first team, I've read several scouts say that he would have been drafted significantly higher.

It seems like they really like Robinson. While he wasn't activated for much of the season, the coaching staff still felt he had value and would gain from another offseason. Presumably, they like him in the slot.

Who knows about Austin. I just threw his name in there because he was drafted by Shanahan.

In the end, my excitment is based on promise rather than accomplishments. I just look forward to a young swath of WRs to take the reins.