Post Draft: Who do you want at WR2 / X Receiver?

[skinsnut]

John Keim newest podcast:
Is Diggs on the Table?
Summary: He essentially discusses Aiyuk vs Diggs as #2
He says we've got to add someone and these 2 would move the needle.
He spoke to 4 execs/coaches/players says 3 of 4 would choose Diggs and the one that would choose Aiyuk is mainly for upside (and age)
He mentions the Aiyuk availability timing problem and for the first time mentions the idea of both, which he hasn't asked yet. His concern would be about stunting williams growth.
He says he hasn't heard any buzz about Diggs with the skins yet, but knows they must be considering him, maybe would even have to sign 2 years due to competition for him.

He also says an ex exec told him skins must win this year for coaching staff and that they need to add someone at wr to acheive playoffs.

My personal view is they should sign Diggs now and Aiyuk too when released as late as Sept 1. Who knows what Diggs would cost, Keim speculates Deebo money 17M.
Williams will play regardless, Aiyuk is coming off a bad injury and 2 years not in football shape, Hell, it may be week 4 before he could be catching passes. We have the advantage with Aiyuk with Jayden, would he want to be #4 wr anywhere else? I doubt it.
Keim does question the Diggs slot vs Williams slot match, but says it could work and I agree because they both also have z receiver experience too. The Aiyuk thing is a gamble to me that only has a 50% chance of success, whereas Diggs is 85% success potential.

So, although I threw out a crazy get 3 vets idea, the notion of getting 2 is at least an idea that John Keim is thinking about too.
The idea of both to me is very intriguing, although I would guess unlikely.
Who knows, maybe Aiyuk is saying if we sign Diggs to #2, he won't play for us, which frankly to me, wouldn't be a bad thing, although I'd rather have him if he can turn back the clock for the next 3 years for us

Anyways, hers the podcast.
Keim is awesome!
https://youtu.be/Xs7qlDuDeJQ?si=s8ylUS3wAJfMQX0v

[calia]

Interesting. Seems that this is an area where there will be more movement.

[skinsnut]

Another thing to note on Diggs vs Aiyuk is timing.
We know Aiyuk must be released by Sept 1 if actively on their roster

Diggs is also unlikely right now due to the NFL personal conduct policy which still has an open case against him which could cost as much as a 6 game suspension, however unlikely according to AI.
The NFL likely won't close that case until late June or even August right before training camp, then teams would likely bid for him.
I frankly would sign him now, because waiting for the NFL would cost any OTAs and mini camps. However, Diggs mentioned he's gunna see what happens over the next months indicating he has no expectations of attending team activities in May, June, maybe July.
It seems teams are not going to move on him until the NFL rule on him is my best guess.
If I were Diggs I'd want to wait until the NFL closes their investigation to maximize bidders

On the other hand, if Aiyuk is signed mid June, there is a world where any interest in Diggs would vanish. I prefer both, but to get that, we are talking late availability for both with no minicamp with either, and we see what that did to Jayden and Terry last year.
Oh, so complicated!

But at least Stefon Diggs can hit the ground running, from CBs, to ex girlfriends, NFL teams, and the cops.
His 4.46 speed has come in handy I'm more ways than one!

[skinsnut]

From what I can find online, June 9th is mandatory minicamp for the 49ers.
Aiyuk needs to attend that to force the 49ers hand, otherwise they can tag him did not report and not have to release him/pay him. So the speculation of a release on June 10 at the earliest is a realistic one.
Let's see if Aiyuk calls the 49ers bluff or vice versa.
This may get interesting at that point.
If he no shows, he may be off the table for anyone.
Most guy would show up, but Aiyuk? He has walked away from millions before not to show up.
We will have our answer on his viability on June 9.

[skinsnut]

ESPN article on this topic:
Basically suggests Diggs in the answer to us needing 3 legit receivers
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...rs-options-wr2

[MTK]

Originally Posted by skinsnut

I'm not buying the Chig is the solution to our lack of legit #2 problem.
At best he is better than Ertz, which is a tall ask but likely. Yes he can attack the deep middle which is nice, but so can any slot guy, so they'd be splitting catches there. The problem occurs is there is no threat outside the numbers and particularly deep outside the numbers. Otherwise, you just shift support towards Terry and cover the middle zone and thin out extra support on the opposite side by just covering the Z guy with man, like every play. If our current 2 cannot beat man, and this is arguably a legit concern, one side of the field is shut down by a single defender, unless we flood that side with motion and stacks, which to me is a backup plan. Can you win that way? Yes, but it's more 3 yards at a time Deebo style. And if that's the case, why not just bring back Deebo. The fact that they haven't shows there intent is NOT to start the season without some sort of one on one beater opposite Terry. There is frankly no one available who can do that with any confidence other than Diggs.
Aiyuk may be a flabby shell of himself as far as we know and Deebo could arguably be replaced with our big #5/6 guy, Treylon Burks.

I say, get Diggs, let the Aiyuk thing go at this point, one head case is enough, but Diggs can produce, we know that for a fact, plus he's available without trade cost, which is rare for a 1000 yard guy. I bet he cost 15M though, but that is still cheaper than Deebo last year who we traded a pick for.

I was never trying to say Chig is a solution to the #2 WR issue just that he’s a legit down the field target that brings something that Ertz lacked.

[GridIron26]

I have mixed feelings about Diggs - there's no question that he has the talents that will help us but he has baggage, which I'm not sure that the team would be able to handle at this time. We are still in the process of building a real team.

[skinsnut]

Originally Posted by GridIron26

I have mixed feelings about Diggs - there's no question that he has the talents that will help us but he has baggage, which I'm not sure that the team would be able to handle at this time. We are still in the process of building a real team.

All that is true, but at least he's not looney.
Today I have changed my mind on Aiyuk, he just posted a picture of himself with a wad of cash and gold watches on his Instagram account, almost like rubbing the 49ers nose in the guaranteed money they gave him. I mean it's in poor taste during a conflict, but what does it say AFTER and while teams are considering signing you?
I mean the 100 mph speed by clip was weird and bad, but why do this yet again?
He clearly has very bad judgement, poor business sense, poor PR skills, and where is his agents influence?
If Im the Skins, that's the final straw and I'm thankful he is fully exposing his wacko behavior. I don't expect him to show up at mandatory camp June 9th, how could he while flaunting the cash he was given from the 49ers?
It's almost like hes saying, I used you for a bag of cash the left you at the alter.
I mean I definitely wanted the talent, but he's kinda become a one man circus, unprovoked.
What a shame and waste of talent. His behavior is so odd it seems drug or alcohol related. Unless he has developed a mental issue, which I would think would have preexisted.
It is a shame. I am out on Aiyuk. It's time to move on and let go of the Aiyuk koolaid
Of course it is possible he is doing this strategically to get his release, but that doesn't help with his irrational walking away from millions, soooo...
I want Diggs at this point.

[MTK]

I guess if we rooted for Adrian “switch” Peterson we can root for Diggs

[SkinsGuru]

Originally Posted by MTK

I guess if we rooted for Adrian “switch” Peterson we can root for Diggs

i couldn't root for AP when he was here. Maybe its the Dad it me, but not rooting for a child abuser is more important to me than rooting for a football team or any of its players. I didn't even watch the games when he was on the team. And that is the only time since i started watching in 1982 i could say that.

[skinsnut]

Originally Posted by SkinsGuru

i couldn't root for AP when he was here. Maybe its the Dad it me, but not rooting for a child abuser is more important to me than rooting for a football team or any of its players. I didn't even watch the games when he was on the team. And that is the only time since i started watching in 1982 i could say that.

Good point, maybe we should just bring Deebo back and end it.
I don't like off field nonsense either, we can make up for the 500 additional yards another way

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by SkinsGuru

i couldn't root for AP when he was here. Maybe its the Dad it me, but not rooting for a child abuser is more important to me than rooting for a football team or any of its players. I didn't even watch the games when he was on the team. And that is the only time since i started watching in 1982 i could say that.

I can put up with a lot of shit, but I draw the line when it comes to kids, animals and beating your spouse.

[skinsfan69]

I feel like AP and crew are going to see how the offseason goes. I think if they like what they see in OTA's, mini camp and training camp then they'll stay put.

[skinsnut]

Originally Posted by skinsfan69

I feel like AP and crew are going to see how the offseason goes. I think if they like what they see in OTA's, mini camp and training camp then they'll stay put.

Not sure how I feel about that, I mean it would be a cool story if one of these 5 guys breaks out to be our number 2, but none have to date. I mean when you are lining up Burks (+ Jefferson) at OTA, who had 100 yards or so last year opposite McClaurin as number 2, that says a lot. They are clearly gambling that one out of 5 may pan out. So as long as all 5 have a 20% chance of developing to be a number 2, odds are good. Not what I would do, because even if it works, who is the #1 AND #2 backup? Odds are at least one will be injured at some point. Best case scenario, they ALL develop, Burks becomes our #1, Dyami our #2 and Antonio Brown our #3 with Luke as #1 backup and Jefferson #2, Lane backup for #3 in case we move on from Terry after this year. Odds of that happening? I'd guess 1%

I'd feel much more comfortable with a legit non injured 500 yard plus producer, who that is? Either Diggs or some guy we likely need to trade for (which would suck, but wouldn't gamble Jaydens #3 season on best wishes)

[skinsnut]

I also think that the first OTA means very little, but the fact that they are trying bothe Burks and Jefferson as our #2 with the starters is kind putting them in the same category to give them both snaps to see which is better in that role, not necessarily as a starter, but if they had to cut one, which would they keep. I mean these guys normally would be receiver 5/6 on another squad. Burks can't separate, so yeah and Jefferson is just a guy, but he can catch well-plus he's older and I am unsure of either of these guys playing teams which is a huge strike against anyone unless they are receiver 1/2.
I just don't see that either of these guy are higher than 4 on the depth chart. I would argue there is a world where both are cut, yet they are headlining with Terry in the first public OTA's.
Kinda makes sense if their next step is a decision to cut one to make room for an upgrade.
These OTAs may be some receiver's last shot before an early and merciful cut.
To me, if I had to choose, I'd keep Jefferson as at least he can catch, and bring Burks back on practice squad late.
The only thing Burks has over the others is size, but why throw into coverage and hope for a contested grab? Isn't that what TEs are for now?
It's crazy how average our wideouts are, it's like picking between vanilla and French vanilla.
We are wasting time here, we need Diggs/other not currently on our roster.
Jefferson/Burks is an easy cut to make room.

Now if course it is day one of OTAs and they may just be using them (plus Luke in the slot) because they are the most experienced so the new offense install goes in without concerns of people being in the right places (excluding dyami who doesn't have a full route tree)
So yeah, major speculation

Luke in the slot at this point would make sense for a new offense install as he's an ex QB and probs understands all the pro nuances best over the rookie and lane
Who knows.
All I know is we have our new draft pick and a pile of cuttable guys or special teams players vying for #2-6
The question is who to gamble on for upside? The entire squad? The best team has maybe one or two gambles, not 4. I'd bet on our draft pick williams, and frankly, thats it. The others like Lane and McCafferty are 5,6 guys due to special teams value. So we need a #2 and a #4 in my eyes, with the 4 being developmental or a strong vet who can sub for 1/2.
Is Dyami possible? I don't see it, he can't even do one role fully, Burks can't separate, Jefferson is just a guy
I actually think we need 2 guys now that I think about it.
The 4 (think Noah brown) could be a late vet add. The #2?
Hell, am I back to get em both with Diggs/Aiyuk? Not really but there is room for sure