Why is Malik Dear a WR?

[Bulldogg31]

He's about the same size as JRob (5'9 220) and runs a 4.45 40, compared to JRob's 4.6 or so.

He's got good hands, good vision. Seems like a natural fit to just drop into that JRob slot.

 

[maroonwhitedawg3ddd]

Because Dan is Stubborn!!!!!

I really don't know... but running shumpert is really getting old!! If everbody else can see that Shump is not the guy why the hell cant Dan!!!!!!!!!

 

[BigMotherTucker]

I would have to guess it would have to do with working him into a few passing plays is easier than putting him in at RB. No blocking assignments to learn. Plus, the passes he caught were basically long hand offs. Nothing down field.

 

[AlCoDog]

Wasn't that part of the recruiting pitch to Dear? He wanted to play WR, not RB.

 

[57stratdawg]

That's what he wanted to play coming out of HS. I'm actually kind of proud of Dan for saying "that's fine with me" instead of trying to force him into a RB and potentially losing him.

Having said that, I think an appreciable percentage of his touches in his career will come on rushes. He looks good running those fly sweeps. That play was really implemented for Ross and Myles, but Dear has taken those snaps away from the other two. Impressive for a young kid.

 

[KeyserSoze1999]

I checked out his High School highlights when he signed with us--basically a LOT of fly sweeps, bubble screens, and a few shallow crossing routes. Really no pass routes longer than 15 yards, I really believe our zone read plays with Dak and Dear would be awesome!

 

[AFDawg]

I think the hope is that he would be a Percy Harvin-ish sort of player for us (though they have different builds).

 

[coach66]

Agree, he is basically a running back catching long handoffs.

nm

 

[TheStateUofMS]

I think Malik Dear is fine at WR, but he needs to get a lot of carries at RB as well. He is a perfect example of who can be used on our team like Harvin was at Florida and guess who coached him? MULLEN! Use him like Percy, coach!

 

[Bulldog Bruce]

They need to show him a Darren Sproles game like he played Sunday against the Jets. He runs from the backfield and runs the wheel route and screens from back there. He splits out into the slot and runs those crossing routes. Don't label him, just put him in position to get the ball. That is the type of player he can be here and in the future. I bet that will soothe his desire to be a WR.

 

[fishwater99]

Good comparison. He's too big to be a true WR.

 

[Palos verdes]

I predict we will see a change in the running game if we get behind Saturday and the game isn't looking promising. That is when Dan will inevitably install Lee, Williams, and Dear. Then, when positive contributions are made, they may even become part of the offense from that point on. That's the plus side.

 

[KurtRambis4]

Don't get your hopes up*

*