'13 PA WR Will Fuller (Notre Dame Signed LOI)

[IrishSteelhead]

I wonder if he'd actually project better at CB in the NFL. Can't catch, has the speed, hips, and size wouldn't be an issue. I wasn't part of the predictions but I don't think they're that crazy.

I think it's insanely crazy to think Fuller could tackle anybody, let alone an NFL running back.

 

[Booslum31]

I think it's insanely crazy to think Fuller could tackle anybody, let alone an NFL running back.

Well he might do it once or twice...then they'd have to pick up the pieces.

 

[Hammer Of The Gods]

I think it's insanely crazy to think Fuller could tackle anybody, let alone an NFL running back.

Remember how Terrible Deion Sanders was at tackling? hahaha man, he was a phenomenal corner arguably the best ever but possibly the worst tackler in the history of the NFL

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

Don't sleep on Ashton White kid could easily make a nice jump next year.

 

[Irish#1]

I agree with this logic. His hands aren't going to get better on the easy catches. He's always going to be a guy that might drop a few passes. His route-running is fine. And the quality that will get him into the NFL, his speed, isn't going to change between now and next season (if it did, god help any defender at either level that has him in man coverage). It really should just depend on the outlook of the position in terms of this year and next year's drafts.

I'm not sure where the thought of Will being a poor route runner started, but he's pretty good at running his routes already. His speed gets him open on slants and deep routes, but he has to be able to make the good cuts on the out routes and coming across the middle. Can he improve sure, but he's already pretty good. I'll say it again, he reminds me of Marvin Harrison (build and speed), except Marvin caught pretty much everything in his zip code. Marvin was slight but made a living in the NFL.

 

[phillyirish]

I think they move Hunter out of the slot and the starting three are St. Brown, Hunter, and Sanders with Robinson, Boykin, etc being the backups.

Though Hunter hasn't blown the world away, I think it might be a stretch to say that Sanders will push him to the outside and Robinson to the bench when both are proven commodities in the passing game. If Will leaves, then Robinson will be our leading career receiver. I'm not sure what pushed him to the bench this year, but with C. Brown, Fuller and possibly Prosise all being gone we won't have any proven talent in the receiver corps. I get that St. Brown, Sanders, and Jones all have extreme potential but were all still waiting on Koyacks break out game.

 

[phork]

I have always thought Fuller was going to be a star. Early hand issues aside.

 

[SaltyND24]

One of the mock drafts I saw didn't have him going in the first two rounds. I think he needs a big combine to solidify a rd. 1/2 draft grade.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Though Hunter hasn't blown the world away, I think it might be a stretch to say that Sanders will push him to the outside and Robinson to the bench when both are proven commodities in the passing game. If Will leaves, then Robinson will be our leading career receiver. I'm not sure what pushed him to the bench this year, but with C. Brown, Fuller and possibly Prosise all being gone we won't have any proven talent in the receiver corps. I get that St. Brown, Sanders, and Jones all have extreme potential but were all still waiting on Koyacks break out game.

This might be the worst analysis of WRs for next year that I've seen.

Robinson has been nothing short of pedestrian this year. The usual disclaimer** - I hope Robinson balls out, I hope he becomes our "leading career receiver", wtf ever that means.

No one is pushing Hunter Jr outside. He'll be shuffled around but he'd make a dynamic outside receiver and Sanders will make a dynamic slot. ESB has been raved about since he got here, assuming his surgery was successful and he isn't injury prone, I'd expect him to be the day 1 starter for us in 16.

 

[BabyIrish]

This might be the worst analysis of WRs for next year that I've seen.

Robinson has been nothing short of pedestrian this year. The usual disclaimer** - I hope Robinson balls out, I hope he becomes our "leading career receiver", wtf ever that means.

No one is pushing Hunter Jr outside. He'll be shuffled around but he'd make a dynamic outside receiver and Sanders will make a dynamic slot. ESB has been raved about since he got here, assuming his surgery was successful and he isn't injury prone, I'd expect him to be the day 1 starter for us in 16.

I think he meant that if Fuller leaves then Robinson will be our most experienced receiver and with how Kelly treats veterans then he will for sure be on the field no matter what

 

[phillyirish]

This might be the worst analysis of WRs for next year that I've seen.

Robinson has been nothing short of pedestrian this year. The usual disclaimer** - I hope Robinson balls out, I hope he becomes our "leading career receiver", wtf ever that means.

No one is pushing Hunter Jr outside. He'll be shuffled around but he'd make a dynamic outside receiver and Sanders will make a dynamic slot. ESB has been raved about since he got here, assuming his surgery was successful and he isn't injury prone, I'd expect him to be the day 1 starter for us in 16.

Means that he has the most career receiving yards returning into next year, maybe I worded it weird but not something to get all snarky about.

Obviously, in this scenario Sanders will be pushing Hunter to the outside. Which is fine cause Hunter could do fine out there but I just don't think Sanders starts next year, I know he has been exciting in the return game but hasn't even been on the field for a catch. I get it St. Brown is getting raved about, but how often do players get praised during spring traing and such only to never translate to the field. He will be a great receiver but at this point, 1 catch fro 8 yards doesn't indicate he will be our #1 receiver next year.

I think he meant that if Fuller leaves then Robinson will be our most experienced receiver and with how Kelly treats veterans then he will for sure be on the field no matter what

Correct. Except about Kelly playing him no matter what. I get people think Kelly has that mentality (a la Joe Schmidt). I just think him being our most experienced receiver, combined with the fact that he showed (at least last year) that he can be a product receiver.

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Means that he has the most career receiving yards returning into next year, maybe I worded it weird but not something to get all snarky about.

Obviously, in this scenario Sanders will be pushing Hunter to the outside. Which is fine cause Hunter could do fine out there but I just don't think Sanders starts next year, I know he has been exciting in the return game but hasn't even been on the field for a catch. I get it St. Brown is getting raved about, but how often do players get praised during spring traing and such only to never translate to the field. He will be a great receiver but at this point, 1 catch fro 8 yards doesn't indicate he will be our #1 receiver next year.



Correct. Except about Kelly playing him no matter what. I get people think Kelly has that mentality (a la Joe Schmidt). I just think him being our most experienced receiver, combined with the fact that he showed (at least last year) that he can be a product receiver.

Hey Philly, glad you took my post more charitable than it was originally worded. I think despite Robinson's production, he's been fairly unreliable and didn't see many targets on the field.

And I also understand that we often hear praise for a player and some never pan out but it would be dishonest to lump all praise together. Some players Kelly gets really excited about and others he mentions good things when prompted.

He's gone out of his way to say that ESB would be starting at most colleges right now but Fuller is in front of him. Couple that with ESB having a full year+ to learn the offense and I expect him to be a day one starter.

I don't believe CJS would be "bumping Tori out" but instead, Kelly will be looking to get the most dynamic group of players on the field. I believe, given everything we've seen and heard, that would be ESB, CJS and THJr.

Of course, Robinson could right the ship or Boykin/Guyton/Holmes could have monster springs or another freshman could join and tear things up.

All of this is contingent on Fuller leaving for the NFL.

I'm happy it's a conversation we're having, it means we actually have options.

I also imagine we'll lose at least one, maybe two WRs to transfer. No inside knowledge, no visions, just the roster coupled with the staff's intention to take 25 this cycle makes me believe we'll lose at least a few players who've been buried.

 

[Booslum31]

I've gone back through the thread but didn't see anything indicating Fuller is leaving. Did something change? I thought he announced that he was staying?

 

[GoIrish41]

I've gone back through the thread but didn't see anything indicating Fuller is leaving. Did something change? I thought he announced that he was staying?

Post 1018. Reporter tweeted something to the contrary based on recent reporting.

 

[Booslum31]

Post 1018. Reporter tweeted something to the contrary based on recent reporting.

Ah...didn't go back far enough. Thanks

 

[stlnd01]

I still think he's better off staying. He may not improve his draft stock but he certainly could. There are things he can do better. And unless you're a first round pick - which seems a long shot for Fuller - in the long run I just think it's smarter to get your degree.
Either way, we'll be OK. Stocked at WR.

 

[DillonHall]

One of the mock drafts I saw didn't have him going in the first two rounds. I think he needs a big combine to solidify a rd. 1/2 draft grade.

It's possible they didn't consider him because he publicly said he would return to school.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

It's possible they didn't consider him because he publicly said he would return to school.

This was about halfway through the season, but many mocks I looked at had him in the first.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

Am I the only one that thinks we could potentially have an all around better offense if Will leaves?

I feel he's relied on way too heavily in the offense. I want a balanced offense with balanced targets.

Also, his replacement will be either Hunter shifting over, or Equanimeous. Either way, should have quite a bit more size and could help in the red zone.

Honestly, Will is much more effective outside the 20s, wish he didn't get as many snaps in the red zone. He's not physical enough to box out in the endzone and his hands aren't reliable. Hard to make basket catches off the chest in the endzone...

 

[IrishJayhawk]

Am I the only one that thinks we could potentially have an all around better offense if Will leaves?

I feel he's relied on way too heavily in the offense. I want a balanced offense with balanced targets.

Also, his replacement will be either Hunter shifting over, or Equanimeous. Either way, should have quite a bit more size and could help in the red zone.

Honestly, Will is much more effective outside the 20s, wish he didn't get as many snaps in the red zone. He's not physical enough to box out in the endzone and his hands aren't reliable. Hard to make basket catches off the chest in the endzone...

I don't think he's a centerpiece. I think he loosens everything else up. He only has like 55 catches. We're not forcing the ball to him...and he rarely misses deep balls. Take him away and I wonder what happens to the running game.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

silver lining in this IF it happens....could help w/ us landing Demetrius

There are bigger hurdles to land Robertson than if Will Fuller is staying or leaving. He will be behind some really good WRs at Alabama, UGA, ND, etc regardless of where he chooses.

 

[irishfan]

Am I the only one that thinks we could potentially have an all around better offense if Will leaves?

I feel he's relied on way too heavily in the offense. I want a balanced offense with balanced targets.

Also, his replacement will be either Hunter shifting over, or Equanimeous. Either way, should have quite a bit more size and could help in the red zone.

Honestly, Will is much more effective outside the 20s, wish he didn't get as many snaps in the red zone. He's not physical enough to box out in the endzone and his hands aren't reliable. Hard to make basket catches off the chest in the endzone...

I don't think so, because of the amount of space he opens up for everyone else. By the end of the season, teams were babysitting every CB covering him with a Safety over the top. Stanford was not very depleted, and we moved the ball on them like it was nothing. Hell, even in that ugly game against BC (who led the country in a bunch of defensive stats) we went for 447 yards. They allowed 254 yards per game which led the country.

After the Clemson game, it seemed like pick your poison as teams just wanted to prevent Fuller from beating them deep. If teams want to keep doing that, we could be very scary offensively next year as the QB play will only improve.

 

[NDdomer2]

While will only had 55 catches he was targeted far more (Inc, and drops) but he was our most important piece in keeping defenses somewhat honest vs Kizer and run game.

Offense might take a huge hit in his absence (see Mike Floyd or Tyler Eifert Departures) but he will still be missed in some ways.

I hope he stays but am getting more skeptical by the day.

 

[NDinL.A.]

I honestly don't think he's going to be a good pro. I think he bounces around for a few years and struggles to stick. NFL has zero patience for WRs that are thin and can't catch over the middle. Dropping balls in college gets brushed under the table, NFL teams have no time for it. Prove me wrong Will! Get your money!

Nobody goes over the middle anymore, so that won't even be a factor. As of a couple weeks ago, our man Golden Tate lead the league in catches over the middle...with only 11. The middle of the field will continue to be ignored and teams will to adjust to them.

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Nobody goes over the middle anymore, so that won't even be a factor. As of a couple weeks ago, our man Golden Tate lead the league in catches over the middle...with only 11. The middle of the field will continue to be ignored and teams will to adjust to them.

So when you say nobody goes over the middle that means your excluding Golden Tate going over the middle 11 times. lol. SMH NDinLA.

 

[IrishinSyria]

So when you say nobody goes over the middle that means your excluding Golden Tate going over the middle 11 times. lol. SMH NDinLA.

It's what, week 13? That's a pretty shocking stat.

 

[ThePiombino]

There are bigger hurdles to land Robertson than if Will Fuller is staying or leaving. He will be behind some really good WRs at Alabama, UGA, ND, etc regardless of where he chooses.

Care to elaborate at all? Or are you saying depth chart is the hurdle?

 

[NewBrunswickIrish]

When do players file their paper work with the NFL to get their draft grades? I think January 18th is the date he has to decide whether to officially enter the draft but he likely will get his draft grade within the next month if that's the case.

 

[stlnd01]

I hope he stays but am getting more skeptical by the day.

There was a time when it looked like Stanley was going pro. And Floyd. And a few other guys who came back. Assuming Kelly & co. learned from 2013 and keep the lines of communication open, I'd still bet Fuller's back next year. Could be wrong. But there are good reasons why we lose very few true juniors to the draft.
Give BK time to make the case for staying (and time for that NFL draft grade to come through).

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Am I the only one that thinks we could potentially have an all around better offense if Will leaves?

I feel he's relied on way too heavily in the offense. I want a balanced offense with balanced targets.

Also, his replacement will be either Hunter shifting over, or Equanimeous. Either way, should have quite a bit more size and could help in the red zone.

Honestly, Will is much more effective outside the 20s, wish he didn't get as many snaps in the red zone. He's not physical enough to box out in the endzone and his hands aren't reliable. Hard to make basket catches off the chest in the endzone...

I disagree with nearly everything you said. Will was dominate and he wasn't relied upon compared to the other top 5 WRs in the country. Even factoring in the drops, he was absolutely vital to our scoring this year. He made the running game better because defenses had to adjust and usually keep a safety on his side of the field and when they didn't, we often scored a TD.

I'm excited about our WR roster (and RB/TE/OL as well) but to act like we'll be better if he leaves is....absurd. It's like saying we'll be better after Jaylon leaves because it'll give more defenders a chance to make the tackle. Or better after Sheldon leaves because he wasn't very good at stripping the ball or getting sacks.

I don't think he's a centerpiece. I think he loosens everything else up. He only has like 55 catches. We're not forcing the ball to him...and he rarely misses deep balls. Take him away and I wonder what happens to the running game.

Exactly. You said it more succinctly.

And to be fair, I think we still have a very good offense no matter what but Will would make us better. Imagine Will and ESB mirroring each other with CJS and THJr working the slot and Alize stretching the seams.

Will makes us better if he comes back but I'll be excited regardless of his decision.