Receiver May Be a Question Mark, but the Ducks have several answers

The Spring Game left Duck fans feeling deeply concerned for the outlook at receiver, but there are several things to keep in mind:


The position gets an instant upgrade when Josh Huff starts taking live snaps.

With Lyerla, Paulson and Williams plus LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner, Chip Kelly will be running more two-tight end and two-back sets, requiring fewer outside receivers.  Barner and the tight ends will line up in the slot often, and Thomas showed yesterday he can get them the ball.  Thomas was sharp throwing the hook and crossing routes, and Paulson looked awesome running after the catch.

Lavasier Tuinei needs to work on his routes.  He missed connections with DT twice, once on a post route and the other on a post-corner.  Got to make those breaks sharp and consistent.  They'll work on that.

Lyerla looks like a keeper, making three catches in traffic.  Eric Dungy showed up nicely with a couple of possession grabs.  He helped himself yesterday.

At least one, and probably two of the newcomers will contribute right away, providing an infusion of speed.  Thomas has already declared his intention to take them under his wing, so much so that they'll be sharing his house over the summer.  Receiver Camp 101 convenes as soon as these guys enroll in June.  Blackmon, Vaughn, Kelley and Sumler all project to be apt pupils with special talent.  They'll be given every chance to succeed, and should.

Bryan Bennett got some low marks in some quarters for his performance yesterday, but other than Paulson, he had no one to throw to.  The White receivers simply weren't getting open, and had no burst when the ball was thrown out ahead of them.  He'll improve, particularly as his targets do.  He's mobile and puts good zip on the ball.  Everything else is teachable.  It wasn't a bad effort for his first performance as a collegian before a big crowd.

Ducks have to get better at connecting with the backs out of the backfield, with both quarterbacks getting more comfortable taking a little off the ball and laying it out there for the guys in running back shoulder pads.  James, Barner and Seastrunk are all such fierce weapons in the open field.  That will be something they can perfect over the summer, and it will make the rest of the passing attack more effective.