Jaguars NFL Roster Cuts: Could Zach Potter Push?
by Alfie Crow on Sep 2, 2010 8:00 AM EDT
in Jacksonville Jaguars Comcast Sponsored Posts
Email
Print
While I was creating my early 53 man roster, I thought about cutting Ernest Wilford for Zach Potter. I decided to go with Ernest Wilford, but as we get closer to the final pre-season game I keep feeling that Zach Potter is going to do something to make Wilford expendable.
Wilford has had a fantastic training camp, but has kind of disappeared in the pre-season games.
Jaguars.com senior editor Vic Ketchman recently wrote a piece on Zach Potter than renewed my belief he's going to push hard for a roster position.
For those who don't know, Potter played defensive end at Nebraska. He's a mammoth tight end, in the mold of Marcedes Lewis. For now, Potter is considered a blocking tight end but has made strides in the passing game.
"The blocking tight end is a dying breed in the NFL. He knows his future is more at the tight end position than it ever would’ve been at the defensive end position. I saw a guy with a big frame that could block defensive ends. He embraced the role when given the opportunity to do so," Gene Smith told Ketchman.
The fact that Potter is such a good blocker strengthens his chance to make the final 53. The other tight ends, Zach Miller and Wilford, are primarily pass catching tight ends. Wilford is adequate blocking in the open field, but on the line he still struggles. Potter on the other hand can block on the line and also in the open field, he just lacks a bit in the passing game. Currently Marcedes Lewis is the only tight end on the roster who really doesn't tip the offenses hand on if it's running or passing, everyone else does. Potter has the potential to offer that same versatility.
Potter spent last season on the Jaguars practice squad after being released by the Jets as a defensive end. Potter was called into action last season in Cleveland against the Browns while Marcedes Lewis was out with a broken face. Potter ended the day with only 1 reception for 3 yards, but he got the start and played well in his role. With a full season and off-season under his belt with the Jaguars, it's very possible he's evolved enough to make a fight for that roster position.
16 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Agreed! I think this next game will confirm youur thoughts.
I'll be your dog, just don't treat me like one....
He could push, but I don't see him making it when it's all said and done
I don’t see him staying on as the extra blocker scenario unless they cut Jordan Black, because that’s a situation he can step in and fill should you need the additional guy after Marcedes. With Zach Miller’s health issues and/or health inconsistencies, the need for a sure handed receiving TE option in this offense is more of a need for that last spot. That and Ernest is no slouch on a chip block and blocking against DBs either. He’s not going one on one with Freeney, but neither is Potter – see the Oklahoma drill against Reggie Nelson.
Again, it’s possible, but I would actually be kind of surprised to see him win a spot over Wilford.
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
Nate Huges went against Nelson in the Oklahoma, and won each time.
by Alfie Crow on Sep 2, 2010 3:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
That was my bad, thanks for catching that
I had to go back and rewatch who he went up against… It was Austin Lane. Lane tossed him aside, solidly beat him twice and got held once. Either way, he’s not going one on one with Freeney either and the Oklahoma drill showed there’s a lot to be desired in the one on one physical matchups and blocking.
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
i like Potter
He’s a very hard worker! plus another good blocking TE would be great. Wilford hasn’t been much of anything since the Dolphins moved him for WR to TE. We haven’t had a decent TE duo since Brady/Wrightster, and this could turn into one. Lewis/Miller/ Potter could be a solid TE line up
I have never understood people's excitement about Wilford as a TE.
If Potter’s not going to make it back to our practice squad without being picked up by another team, then keep him. The end.
In Gene We Trust.
He's making plays
Catches everything, runs great routes for a TE, takes off with the ball afterwards… I’ll take that every day and four times on Sunday.
He was slow as a WR, but is fast for a TE. I’m not callin the dude Antonio Gates or Dallas Clark, but he’s a great guy who makes plays and that’s what we need.
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
I don't recall him getting a ton of penalties
I haven’t reviewed it since I watched it, but I remember Jordan Black being uncovered and holding a bunch on most of the penalties. And don’t get me wrong, it’s just my opinion that even though Wilford is not an elite NFL player, he’s good with great hands and Potter is not that great of a blocker to unseat him. Ernest is the established player, we know what he get in him (game winning TD catches and drive sustaining plays), with a great community presence. Zach Potter may also be a great guy with a lot of potential, but unfortunately for him if he wants to make the real roster he is going to have to do more than push, he is going to have to win and I haven’t seen him do that.
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
He can't win
if he’s not given a chance. Wilford misses too many blocks and he drops too many passes.
Are you sure?
Dude I usually defer to your scouting, but are you kiddin me? I have seen Wilford make jump catches in the end zone to win a game and haven’t seen him drop a pass in the pre season yet. I have seen him catch the ball and take off down the side line already this year… but don’t remember the drops. As far as missing blocks, I would have to be watching game and rewind it or something like that to be able to point out when he missed a block, but it’s not like he gets blown by all the time or can’t block down field to support the run.
Maybe I’m wrong, and I could be, but I don’t know what you’re talking about here. He’s been consistent at making the plays in my mind and I wouldn’t consider him a drops it quite a bit guy like Williamson or Underwood.
Potter did make a nice catch last night… but got BURNT on a block that at first I thought was Eben’s bad, but ZP just whiffed. Just got tossed aisde. Allowed a sack, holding penalty, etc. His blocking didn’t look good at all last night. But he made a couple catches down the field, so maybe he is progressing to their liking.
Guess we’ll find out this weekend.
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
I like Wilford
and he has his moments for sure. But he’s had 1 TD in the last 2 years. And on a team with 2 good receiving threats at TE already, I’d rather go with the blocker that’s not perfect yet, but improving greatly. I can’t stand watching Jordan Black reporting as an eligible receiver. That’s more of a joke, but it’s sorta true, as he’s very unlikely to catch any passes.
Last year Wilford had 11 catches and dropped at least 2 more targets. That’s just not a great ratio. And he’s dropped at least one this preseason, while only getting about 6 targets. Potter, as far as I know, hasn’t dropped anything.
Personally, I’m still going back and forth as to what they should do. It’s a very similar feeling when regarding Greg Jones and Bolen. In the end the decision may be made according to what they want to do this season on offense.
Wiflord, has the versatility to play as a WR or a TE, hes a big target, that is used very well in Red Zone situations(lined up as a TE, or a WR). And even though he isn’t a very good blocker, he makes plays, like what BIBEE said above me,
He’s making plays Catches everything, runs great routes for a TE, takes off with the ball afterwards… I’ll take that every day and four times on Sunday.
He was slow as a WR, but is fast for a TE. I’m not callin the dude Antonio Gates or Dallas Clark, but he’s a great guy who makes plays and that’s what we need.
Thats correct he makes plays for our team, and I still like him more then Zach Potter.
i screwed up with the block quote but w/e
by rhettchrystal on Sep 2, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
