Raiders: Schilens & the rest of the WR unit in question
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Chaz Schilens is a major question mark going into the 2010 campaign.
The 24-year old target is Oakland’s ‘go to’ target by default since their wide receiving corps is one of the thinnest and least intimidating in the league. And while Schilens has shown glimpses, the facts are, the San Diego State product has a long way to go before he can boast about being a reliable starting caliber wide receiver in this league.
Schilens was held out of minicamp due to off-season surgery on his left foot – the same appendage that he injured in 2009 and kept him off the field the majority of the season. Head coach Tom Cable stated that the procedure was “follow up work” and that the club was being very cautious with Schilens, but his fragility so far should be something to worry about.
He’s never played an entire 16-game schedule. More importantly, he’s never played a full season expecting to be a major contributor facing opponents that have targeted him at practice all week.
And until Schilens plays a pivotal role on this team and produces with consistency, no one should feel comfortable with him in the starting line-up.
Especially when the Raiders are projecting Darrius Heyward-Bey as the other starter.
Where does that leave Louis Murphy?
As the team’s most polished, but most volatile wide receiver, coming off the bench or the third wide-out when they spread out the field.
Murphy has legitimate tools to become a solid pro. And in his rookie season, the former Florida Gator had his ups and downs. But when he played well and made big plays, Oakland greatly benefited from his exploits and showed that he can be a legitimate producer, especially if the rest of the unit can elevate their play.
One thing will surely help; a passer who can be more accurate and that can absorb a deeper playbook, giving these wide receivers some diversity in their attacks.
But ultimately, they all have to develop and show they can handle the reps.
WR AT A GLANCE:
Shaun Bodiford during minicamp last weekend
- Chas Schilens career stats: 44 receptions 591 receiving yards 4 touchdowns
- Louis Murphy career stats: 34 receptions 521 receiving yards 4 touchdowns
- Darrius Heyward-Bey career stats: 9 receptions 124 receiving yards 1 touchdown
- Shaun Bodiford: 1 reception 13 yards 0 touchdown
- Johnnie Lee Higgins: 47 receptions 676 yards 4 touchdowns
- Todd Watkins: 8 receptions 90 yards 0 touchdowns
- Nick Millier: no stats
- Paul Hubbard: no stats
- Jacoby Ford: no stats
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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
