Question about Odoms

speed kills.

(based on info from Tim on frontpage for more info) either Roundtree or Odoms can play the outside reciever spot, however, it is a physical position and Odoms likes to hit more than Roundtree (for proof, look at the amazing block he had in the Western game on DR's first snap/fumble/touchdown).  Having him move outside is to get the three best recievers on the field at the same time.

Odoms best skill is his blocking.  He is going to spring some big Denard runs and get Roundtree,Grady, et al nice YAC with his downfield blocking on the outside.

We are loaded on the slot position

I don't think the outside WR have been impressing the coaching staff, in particiualr Hemingway.  This is also an attempt to simply get the 3 best WR on the field at the same time.  As far as whether he fits out there, think Steve Smith for the Panthers.  Not that he's any where near that level, but just that type of game.

1)  Reason:  The above thread.  He can stretch the field vertically.

2)  Reason:  This may surprise some.  He is very physical for a smurf.  Damn good blocker and would put Hefty smurf on his a** on a running play.

My question would be about who the 4th WR will be when we are in those sets?

Do you think that Odoms will go inside in that case making room for Hemingway to come in, or will Odoms stay outside with Grady becoming the second slot?

We have a lot of options that I feel pretty good about.

Odoms runs good routes, has great hands, and is really fast.  Still, he hasn't really been able to make much of the bubble screens like a slot guy should, and he's a hell of a blocker.

...diminutive (5' 8") for the position, but if he can get open and hold onto the ball, that's all that matters. With his Denard-like speed, he's a home run threat for which defenses must account.

I think Martavious has a little bit of Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers in him (5'9"/185lbs.).  He is a small guy who plays much bigger than he is and carries a major chip on his shoulder.  I like the move and think it can work.

I recall come of Odoms' best receptions are on down the field routes he ran last season from the slot, so he may be more successful if the majority of his routes are of that variety, and let Roundtree play the slot.

Not exactly related to this thread in particular, but I've always been baffled why there are so many Odoms haters out there.  He runs good routes, is fast, has good hands, and blocks like there's no tomorrow.  Has anyone else noticed this?  Is it just because he's short?  What gives?

I'm curious to see how this plays out. Not sure it means good things for Hemingway, though. More than anything, I want to see Roy continue to take on that "go-to" mentality. I can't imagine his numbers from the end of last season were a fluke. I'm looking for him to get 50+ grabs this season (you wouldn't think that would be all that hard to imagine, save for the fact that he led the team with 34 grabs last year... after all that's 4 catches a game).

as for this move indicating a QB1-choice... I don't think so. I legitimately think we're going to see a lot of both Tate & Denard. Seems like Denard has earned the right to start against UCONN, but we will certainly see both unless he's lights-out incredible. No idea where Devin fits into the equation... we'll find out. i think a lot's dependent on how the other 2 guys play.

outside receiver is his natural position. he had to learn the slot receiver position when he got to michigan. he's really just going back to what he's used to

As others have said, I think it's a matter of getting the best players on the field.  Stonum, Odoms, and Roundtree are our three best receiving targets.  I know some people like Hemingway, but I've never been very impressed with him.  Roundtree has a knack for getting open over the middle of the field, too, and I think his abilities are more useful there than on the outside.  The route combinations for the outside receivers are pretty limited - hitches, slants, and fly routes are about it.