I completely disagree with this perspective. First, the comparison to Banks is no where near accurate IMO. Brandon Banks does a lot of different things, but does most of them poorly. He's too small and weak to effectively catch the ball, run the ball or even produce on swing and screen passes. Denard is 6', 200 lbs. He's bigger than Banks, Moss, Aldrick, Tavon, or even Harvin. He is a better runner than Banks, point blank. While he has to show that he can develop into a WR, he still offers more than Banks because Brandon is a complete nonfactor since his size prevents him from getting open. And clearly he can throw better than Banks. The difference between them is that you can actually run regular plays with Robinson because he actually has the potential to run, block and catch on an NFL level. He can run more than just a screen, gimmick or go, but he can do those things as well.
As far as picking Tavon, I'd be excited about what he could do in this offense as well. But the major difference is that Denard can run better and can throw. That's it, plain and simple. Denard throwing 3 passes a game opens up the whole offense if your committed enough to keep him on the field for 66-75% of your snaps. He is already a better runner and more fit for regular carries than Austin. That's based on his physical build and actual production. This is really important because i believe that most who question his role look to Harvin/Welker/Cobb/slot WR comparisons, but i look at his role as more of a Sproles/Best/McCluster/scatback that can split wide role. With Alfred as a power back with some fullback ability cornerstone, Denard is more of a complement that can play on the field at the same time. Obviously the preference for Tavon is about receiving ability, but I'll touch on that in a second.
It's really the throwing that ball that opens things up. Because Denard can throw, teams have to hesitate just like when RGIII has his designed runs. If Denard lines up in the slot, what is he going to do? First off, what's going to happen if he motions to the backfield with Morris into the pistol? Is it a pitch to him, swing pass, dive to Morris, option pass from Robinson? But say he stays in the slot, will he just run block, run a drag, jet sweep, curl, or maybe just a bubble screen? When he catches that screen, does he turn upfield or was that actually a lateral that he can now throw? That's the versatility he brings just because he's big enough to run and block without even going into him possibly running the full route tree.
When it comes to most doubters, it's a question of what type of WR he can become. As I said, I don't even see him as a WR first. Even if he only runs the basic routes, the variations of things he can do exceeds the options of the full route tree. But my real question is why folks are so certain that he won't develop into a solid WR. Hines Ward did it, ARE did it, Michael Robinson developed into a versatile FB. Matt Jones was a drug addict. The others were stubborn about the position change. If Denard balks at RB/WR or shows a lack of hands/route running at the Senior Bowl/Combine/Pro Day/Individual Workouts, then move on. Do our homework, but I'm not going to assume he fails when others have done it. He's shown tremendous leadership, perseverance through Michigan's hard time, production, versatility, brilliance and success for me to rule him out.
---------- Post added November-11th-2012 at 05:08 PM ----------
I think we need a Tavon Austin or Barner type in the offense, but I think this illustrates how overlooked Denard is. Barner has 503 career carries for 3216 yards, 6.4 avg., and 39 TDs. Denard has 677 carries for 4175 yards, 6.2 avg., and 41 TDs. You even add in Barner's receiving and Robinson has more yards. He's also an inch tallers and 2 lbs. heavier. At worst, Denard is a great scat back that can throw. Best case scenario, he's an effective receiver too.



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