Battle for the Last Slot: Ryan Switzer vs Eli Rogers

[Steeler Nation]

By G.Stryker SteelerNation.com Two dogs – one bone.* One of Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s favorite quotes, serves as a perfect metaphor for the fight to be the second slot receiver on this team.* JuJu Smith-Schuster played a majority of snaps in the slot last year, when the team went to three receivers.* Diontae […]

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[Drink IRON City]

GREAT write up "G" and thank you. It's a coin flip currently but Training Camp will sort that out and I don't think it will take a full training camp. A decision will be made midway through. Just speculation.


Eli has had enough time to be injury free so let's see what he has.


Salute the nation

 

[Bobby Bufford]

https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/20...-ryan-switzer/

I don't think it will be that close of a contest for at least 1 reason: Switz is available much more often than Rogers has been. If you can't play, you can't help.

Switz touched the ball in every game but 1 last season. Rogers has missed a lot of games. All things being anywhere near equal, the guy with durability wins the roster spot.

http://www.nfl.com/player/ryanswitzer/2557960/gamelogs

Plus, I think Ben has built a rapport with Switz, that is more recent than any Rogers has developed.

I think we are looking at a WR unit of JuJu, Moncrief, Washington, DJ, Switz and then....?

 

[slashsteel]

I think they keep both unless Spencer jumps over one of them.Which is entirely possible.I base keeping both as both have game experience, and when you lose your number one WR I think you want to lean on what you are comfy with. As a result I think 6 WRs are rostered.

Now if I had to pick between the two? It is hard, somewhat dependent on if Eli is back 100% pre injury. If he is? Then Eli. If not then Switz.

 

[Stryker]

https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/20...-ryan-switzer/

I don't think it will be that close of a contest for at least 1 reason: Switz is available much more often than Rogers has been. If you can't play, you can't help.

Switz touched the ball in every game but 1 last season. Rogers has missed a lot of games. All things being anywhere near equal, the guy with durability wins the roster spot.

http://www.nfl.com/player/ryanswitzer/2557960/gamelogs

Plus, I think Ben has built a rapport with Switz, that is more recent than any Rogers has developed.

I think we are looking at a WR unit of JuJu, Moncrief, Washington, DJ, Switz and then....?

You make a good point. Thus far, Switz is far more durable, and plays a tougher game. Personally, I think Eli is more explosive and can make bigger plays, but he has to show me he's 100% back from that ACL tear. He should be by the time camp starts, but's it's gonna be a dogfight.

 

[Stryker]

I think they keep both unless Spencer jumps over one of them.Which is entirely possible.I base keeping both as both have game experience, and when you lose your number one WR I think you want to lean on what you are comfy with. As a result I think 6 WRs are rostered.

Now if I had to pick between the two? It is hard, somewhat dependent on if Eli is back 100% pre injury. If he is? Then Eli. If not then Switz.

Everyone is going to know Spencer by the 2nd preseason game. He's polished and has a legit shot of making this team. I love his film. Time will tell, and yes the Steelers usually keep 6WRs. It may be the case again this year since they incactive one of them. Though if Trey Jones or Griffey get hot. We may only keep 5 and stash one on the PS to call up later JIC of injury.

 

[Paul G]

Everyone is going to know Spencer by the 2nd preseason game. He's polished and has a legit shot of making this team. I love his film. Time will tell, and yes the Steelers usually keep 6WRs. It may be the case again this year since they incactive one of them. Though if Trey Jones or Griffey get hot. We may only keep 5 and stash one on the PS to call up later JIC of injury.

D Spencer has played for my CFL team the last couple of years and will be sorely missed especially in the return game. He is small in stature but I hope the Steelers give him a good opportunity to showcase his skills. Competition is always a good thing.

 

[slashsteel]

D Spencer has played for my CFL team the last couple of years and will be sorely missed especially in the return game. He is small in stature but I hope the Steelers give him a good opportunity to showcase his skills. Competition is always a good thing.

Paul you watched him a lot, what do you see as far as strengths and weaknesses?

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[Steeler]

I don't think there's any question that they keep 6. Like slash said, it's gonna come down to whether or not Spencer beats one out.
I think Rogers would be the better long term guy, if healthy.
Whoever the 6 are, Ben will probably be the one making the decision.

 

[Steelworth]

I don't think there's any question that they keep 6.

Same here. As talented as Spencer may be, it'll probably come down to who has the most experience in that offense. Or who knows, they might surprise. I'll be really interested to watch these preseason games though.

Waiting for this season to get here like

 

[Paul G]

Paul you watched him a lot, what do you see as far as strengths and weaknesses?

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Well Slash I always look at a player's attitude first and foremost. This is the type of guy that makes you want to come to work. He is humble and wants to improve to become a more complete player.
He spent 4 years in the league and increased his numbers year after year. Primarily used in the return game because of his size and speed early on, he has steadily increased his receiving output.
When he came to Ottawa from Toronto two years ago he put a lot of time and effort in with OC Jamie Elizondo to improve his route running and timing. He worked hard to learn that not all routes should be run at top speed. They worked on setting up a DB and then creating separation with his speed. Better body control when breaking down and stopping was worked on because DBs had to respect his speed.
He would probably run a dead heat with D. Moncrief in the speed department but he is still honing skills as a receiver. Ben chucking the ball on a fly pattern or deep crossing route to this guy would provide me with more confidence in a completion than seeing him throw to say a Mike Wallace type. Spencer seems to secure the ball well and puts the ball in the proper hand as a defensive player closes in on him.
On returns he seems to go North and South immediately, surveys the field and then cuts it to the left or to the right. He reads his blocks really well. As you all know the field is considerably larger in the CFL so this approach may not be as fruitful in the NFL on a smaller surface. At least he makes a quick decision and doesn't dance around or tread water as I call it, while the DEF closes in.
You always worry about a guy this size standing up in the NFL but some guys are just hard to get a clean hit on and I think he knows how to elude those big blows.
A couple of years ago he set the CFL record for most all purpose yards in a game 496 yards 133yds rec 169 punt returns 165 kick off returns and 29 yards returning a missed FG
After the game he praised the blocking of his teammates and sent his jersey to his Mom.
Good luck in camp young man light it up
I say he has a better chance to be closer to a Stefan Logan than a Dri Archer was as a Steeler returner

 

[Steelworth]

Excellent information Paul, thanks for sharing.

 

[Paul G]

Excellent information Paul, thanks for sharing.

Thanks Steelworth I enjoyed sharing it
I am much like you as far as I can't wait for camp to start so we can see some of these young guys perform.

 

[slashsteel]

Thanks Steelworth I enjoyed sharing it
I am much like you as far as I can't wait for camp to start so we can see some of these young guys perform.

Yep what Steelworth said appreciate the info. Always good to hear a breakdown on someone that has seen a prospect game in and game out.

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[Paul G]

Yep what Steelworth said appreciate the info. Always good to hear a breakdown on someone that has seen a prospect game in and game out.

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Flash from the past
Remember Chris Rainey --- Steelers draft pick who had over a 1000 kick return yards in his first year ---waived because of that cell phone incident with his girlfriend
He continues to do pretty well in the CFL over the last 3 years alone-- he has averaged 768 punt return yards and 1489 kick return yards per year
Shame when guys blow the opportunity for decent money in the NFL by being involved in stupid situations

 

[oicu8ad]

Switzer hands down. Ryan came in, "jumped on a moving train", and produced. I like his attitude and his heart.

Rogers' is ok, but not very dependable.

 

[wig]

My heart likes Switzer, but my head can't ignore that Rogers has shown flashes of real brilliance. There was a time when he was starting to look like the 'next' great Steeler receiver. He never quite put it all together, but at times he looked pretty amazing.

Switzer seems very dependable though. That outlet guy you know will be there, waiting to get the ball and then get pinballed around like a fuse-ball. (sp). And given the no-hit rules of the NFL with Switzer's physicality he makes a strong case for himself. Honestly I can't really say who I think would come out in the end.

As I said though, my heart is kinda with Switzer. Just remembering him taking some of those devastating shots and then bounce back up.

 

[SteelerSask2]

Like Paul (being Canadian), I watch a fair amount of CFL in the summer. I don't follow baseball closely so there isn't much sport choice. I concur with his assessment of the player. And would include this. Typically CFL slots are the most important receivers because they get a 7 yard waggle start toward the line of scrimmage. So as you would imagine they get a huge advantage, but it is difficult to say how they will adjust to an NFL takeoff. Spencer played mostly true wideout to my knowledge (though Paul would know better). The Steelers have done an increasingly better job mining the CFL lately. And why not. The talent the guys play against on a week to week basis is just as good as most of a college players schedule. You only play Alabama and Notre Dame so many times a year. There is a lot of BF State in between. As a side note Crezdon Butler and Joe Burnett played in the CFL last year. I haven't seen either yet this year.

 

[TDX27]

So many discussions on this topic, I can't keep track. I go Switz hands down. I have said, I liked Rogers when he first got here as a rookie but he has done nothing in the years he has had in our system and that's taking into consideration his injury history. Switz came in and immediately produced as a WR and on special teams last year with no OTA's or camp. He is also a swiss army knife kind of player on offense. I would be shocked if he isn't on the team ahead of Rogers.

 

[Black & Gold Bleeder]

So many discussions on this topic, I can't keep track. I go Switz hands down. I have said, I liked Rogers when he first got here as a rookie but he has done nothing in the years he has had in our system and that's taking into consideration his injury history. Switz came in and immediately produced as a WR and on special teams last year with no OTA's or camp. He is also a swiss army knife kind of player on offense. I would be shocked if he isn't on the team ahead of Rogers.

Plus if we cut him, hoodie will scoop him up in a heartbeat.

 

[Paul G]

Like Paul (being Canadian), I watch a fair amount of CFL in the summer. I don't follow baseball closely so there isn't much sport choice. I concur with his assessment of the player. And would include this. Typically CFL slots are the most important receivers because they get a 7 yard waggle start toward the line of scrimmage. So as you would imagine they get a huge advantage, but it is difficult to say how they will adjust to an NFL takeoff. Spencer played mostly true wideout to my knowledge (though Paul would know better). The Steelers have done an increasingly better job mining the CFL lately. And why not. The talent the guys play against on a week to week basis is just as good as most of a college players schedule. You only play Alabama and Notre Dame so many times a year. There is a lot of BF State in between. As a side note Crezdon Butler and Joe Burnett played in the CFL last year. I haven't seen either yet this year.

Hey SteelerSask Like you said the game in the CFL allows a waggle start toward the line of scrimmage for WRs . One of many rule changes over the years that I don't particularly like or think improved anything. I follow the NFL much more nowadays. Since Ottawa got a team back several years ago I watch them when I am able.
I think guys coming back for a chance in the NFL just have to rely on what most of them learned in US College programs. The CFL is mostly made up of US college players and top Canadian talent from Cdn Universities. Guys like Warren Moon, Joe Theisman, Jeff Garcia and Doug Flutie thrived in the CFL before getting a legitimate chance in the NFL. Then there are the Vince Ferragamo, John Manziel and Ricky Williams types. I think they thought they would light it up in Canada but they were brought back down to earth quickly.
Teams see guys like Tyreek Hill and Russel Wilson perform and say who else is out there that could bring those attributes to our team. Some NFL teams just won't budge off the proto typical size at QB or WR
Its a shame in a way. I would hate to think I might have missed out on seeing Barry Sanders or Drew Brees play for those reasons.

 

[SteelerSask2]

Hey SteelerSask Like you said the game in the CFL allows a waggle start toward the line of scrimmage for WRs . One of many rule changes over the years that I don't particularly like or think improved anything. I follow the NFL much more nowadays. Since Ottawa got a team back several years ago I watch them when I am able.
I think guys coming back for a chance in the NFL just have to rely on what most of them learned in US College programs. The CFL is mostly made up of US college players and top Canadian talent from Cdn Universities. Guys like Warren Moon, Joe Theisman, Jeff Garcia and Doug Flutie thrived in the CFL before getting a legitimate chance in the NFL. Then there are the Vince Ferragamo, John Manziel and Ricky Williams types. I think they thought they would light it up in Canada but they were brought back down to earth quickly.
Teams see guys like Tyreek Hill and Russel Wilson perform and say who else is out there that could bring those attributes to our team. Some NFL teams just won't budge off the proto typical size at QB or WR
Its a shame in a way. I would hate to think I might have missed out on seeing Barry Sanders or Drew Brees play for those reasons.

So was Spencer and X,Z receiver in Ottawa or did he play play the slot? Like I said before if Cris Carter's kid wasn't such a fuckhead, he was an easy NFL talent.

 

[21STEELERS21]

One advantage Rogers has is we play the Pats in the first game. I believe his experience would be of value in that particular game.
Particularly since Washington, Moncreif and Johnson haven't had production as Steelers as of yet.

 

[Paul G]

So was Spencer and X,Z receiver in Ottawa or did he play play the slot? Like I said before if Cris Carter's kid wasn't such a fuckhead, he was an easy NFL talent.

When Spencer got his first opportunity in Toronto it came due to injury at the slotback position. By the time he got to Ottawa he was eager to learn better route running and body control to make himself a more complete player. That gained versatilty let them utilize him in multiple situations. So in CFL terms I wouldn't really label him at a set WR position because he did both at one time or another.
For his size he wins contested catches pretty well. He has 4.3 speed and has a knack for working through traffic. How nice would it be to see a guy that can line up in the slot and still become a vertical threat on the play. Put this guy in motion and have Ben deliver a quick strike and he will turn that corner better than anyone on the team. Check out some of his back of the endzone snags and you may wonder how he is even able to track the ball in. He isn't as fast as Tyreek Hill but he isn't a headcase either. Fitchner would have a lot of options open to him with this little dude on the field.

You are so right about Duron Carter. Almost 6'5" and 205 lbs mom a sprinter, dad Chris Carter WR but an absolute dick on the field and even in the filmroom from what I have heard.

 

[slashsteel]

When Spencer got his first opportunity in Toronto it came due to injury at the slotback position. By the time he got to Ottawa he was eager to learn better route running and body control to make himself a more complete player. That gained versatilty let them utilize him in multiple situations. So in CFL terms I wouldn't really label him at a set WR position because he did both at one time or another.
For his size he wins contested catches pretty well. He has 4.3 speed and has a knack for working through traffic. How nice would it be to see a guy that can line up in the slot and still become a vertical threat on the play. Put this guy in motion and have Ben deliver a quick strike and he will turn that corner better than anyone on the team. Check out some of his back of the endzone snags and you may wonder how he is even able to track the ball in. He isn't as fast as Tyreek Hill but he isn't a headcase either. Fitchner would have a lot of options open to him with this little dude on the field.

You are so right about Duron Carter. Almost 6'5" and 205 lbs mom a sprinter, dad Chris Carter WR but an absolute dick on the field and even in the filmroom from what I have heard.

Well who is as fast on the field as Hill? not many. Sounds like Spence is X and Z capable with improved route running and solid speed.He will have a chance to show that into training camp, and even more important preseason.

Way too early but I would be surprised if he doesn't make a push when it is all said and done for the final 53.

Like Cope and many have mentioned the competition this year looks pretty solid at the position, not bad considering the number one WR was traded. How many teams can say that?


Throw in pass catching RBs and the lack of depth at TE this year shouldn't be too big of a deal.