Gattis talks in's and out's of WR play

Glad to hear our WRs will be running both ins AND outs. #modernoffense

A couple notes:

- his top characteristics he wants in a WR are speed, balance, and body control

- heavy on technique, wants receivers to dictate to the secondary, lateral movement is key teaching area for getting free at the second level

- DPJ: great speed for his size and can play inside, reminds him of Jordan Matthews when he coached him at Vandy

- Black - mentioned in passing

- Collins - sounded impressed with how he plays even bigger than his big size, huge catch radius - really sounded excited about him

Direct episode link via iOS ; https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eesp-181-the-ins-and-outs-of-wr-play/id1012041038?i=1000442539661

i wonder who is he recruiting in the area... for that surely is a great recruiting piece, being on the eagles radio there...  anyone know of any big recruits near philly we're after ?  

I love his oddly specific/detailed approach to coaching the position. There are a lot of "high-level" coaches out there who actually can't teach worth a damn, but Gattis is so clear with his instruction that it's nearly impossible not to learn. His track record is absurd for a reason.

He seems extremely smart. Not just football smart. Impressive dude.

Summary:

• Gattis looks for feet, balance, and body control.  Also, forward lean, stride length, loose in the hips.
• Elite receivers have the ability to get in and out of cuts and create separation, whether or not they have great straight line speed.
• Controlling your movement--body control--is the most underrated and most important quality.  Short area, being able to differ tempos, etc.
• 25% physical, 75% mental.  WRs must have a plan and understand how to apply technique and details.  
• WRs must be able to dictate the movement of the defender using a plan based on leverage and technique.
• Breaks press coverage into four different types and has rules for each.
• Gattis argues mental part of WR is the most detailed of any position in football.
• Understanding each detail and how it affects the entire play, not freelancing using extra moves that have worked for them previously, and not reacting to the defender's movement--forcing him to react to you.
• In one-on-ones, most guys like to win on double moves.  But good WRs must be able to win on simple routes: slants, outs, etc.
• Everything has timing for the QB.  You must be successful within scheme.
• There's a time and a place to put "salt" on the top of the route, but must stay within offense.
• You win releases with your shoulders.  You must be able to "skinny the surface" and replace the defenders hands.
• Once you get your release, you have to give the defender a vertical threat to dictate what he does with his hips.
• Hands vs. Ball Skills: Ball skills can be taught; catch with your eyes.  Drops are caused by poor eye discipline, bad hand placement, or bad body position.  Most drops are due to hand placement and eye discipline.  Got very specific about how each route sets up the catch.  NEVER make a diamond with the hands.  Keep elbows bent, not out.  Gattis believes everyone can catch a football.
• Tracking the deep ball: One of the hardest things for guys to get early.  Tracking the ball and depth perception make it harder to set-up your body for the catch. 
• Elite Ball skills increase your catch radius.  Some big guys play small, and vice versa.
• YAC: more physical than mental.  Details of separation put you in the position for YAC, but physical talent and God-given ability are the key.  Doesn't coach this too much.  Doing too much can be a problem.
• Gattis' focus is on getting the player open.  Once they get the ball, their talent can take over.
• Lateral movement is the one little thing that makes a huge difference.  Knees inside of ankles, hips sinking, waist dropping...this is what Gattis is looking for.
• Jerry Jeudy was excellent at taking coaching and implementing a plan.  Detail he played with is what set him apart.
• Gattis believes your best WR needs to play inside, and that it's harder to play inside.
• Need more speed outside, especially for Z (outside WR on the side away from the TE) and the X needs to be craftier.
• The UM WR room is one of the biggest he's coached in terms of size of the players, but the guys still have body control. 
• Lots of emphasis in the spring on the specific movements Gattis requires, ankles, knees, etc.
• Guys are learning the language and details.  He's very excited for DJP, Collins, and Black.