Starting to sound that way…
I would think so. He sounds like he is doing really well. Let’s see it in preseason games, but if he performs there, it is a lock.
Yesterday Chris Burke in The Athletic wrote that Raymond–along with Williams, Perriman and the Sun God–is a WR lock.
From the Lions Wire article above: “…he has made major strides in his route-running ability giving him another strong attribute to work with.” Kalif didn’t get a ton of opportunities in the last 2 years with the Titans, but his route-running did get him open. If he’s improved even further, he could surpass even my giddy prediction of 500 receiving yards this year.
Dan Campbell at his introductory press conference: “Receivers have to get separation.” Goodbye, Kenny and Marvin.
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I also rrally liked the Raymond signing.
He has shown some ability already, but was not able to put up bigger stats because of the offense he played in with Titans. I like that 4 of his deep ball catches came against good defenses (Ravens, Bears, Chiefs, Colts).
The 1 agaonst Ravens was covered by Marlon Humphrey!
2019 - Titans were 31st in NFL in pass attempts
2020 - Titans were 30th in pass attempts.
In addition to have fewer opportunities, the majority of the Titans targets went to their top 3 (Brown, Davis, Smith). Humphries was 4th in targets in 2019 and getting paid about $9 million. Firkser was 4th in 2020 as the Titans ran more 12 personnel than any other team.
Raymond was in a tough situation to stand out.
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After going to two practices I do not believe he’s a lock. I do think he’s the front runner at KR but he is definitely not a lock just yet.
Victor Bolden has looked almost as good.
Godwin Igwebuike has looked really good at returns too. I think he’s looked better than Raymond as a returner but Raymond brings more to the table as a gadget player and receiver.
I honestly think it’s a close race but Raymond is a more versatile player overall. But I’m not sure he’s an upgrade over Agnew though.
I’ll take Raymond and the magic bean
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and the extra cap space!
Raymond is on a 1 yr deal for roughly $1 million.
Agnew is a $2.6 million cap hit in 2021, and $5.67 million in 2022. His dead cap hit of $2.33 million after 2021 almost assures him a spot on roster in 2022
If the Jags cut Agnew after after 1 year… they will eat $4.9 million for 1 year.
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What does a little more cap space and an extra magic bean do for you when your down grading?
Based off what I have seen so far I think we’ve downgraded at both K and KR.
Personally I’ll take the better players.
With the rule changes on kickoff returns… I don’t see much value in paying a KR $4 million per year like Agnew got.
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Like Raymond he’s not just a KR. He’s their gadget player and gets some playing time on offense.
Neither guy is going to light up the scoreboard with their offensive skills. But both guys are improving in that area.
agreed that they are not just KRs… but I think Raymond may be a better offensive player than Agnew.
Interested to see how Raymond is utilized here.
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I think their speed, and acceleration are close.
Agnew has a better first cut while Raymond is a tad more agile as a runner.
I think Agnew is a better overall runner. I think he runs harder, breaks more tackles and is tougher to tackle.
Raymond is a better WR and route runner though.
I do feel Agnew is a better returner and better as a runner on offense.
Raymond may bring more to the table as a gadget player and WR.
But I honestly think Victor Bolden is close (but behind) to Raymond in skill set. He’s not as fast top end wise but just as quick and agile. He also looks good as a receiver.
My money is on Raymond being the guy but I don’t think he really separated himself from the pack either.
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Fixed
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Check out MCDC talking about Khalif Raymond this morning between the 5:00 and 6:10 marks, and judge for yourself whether whether Khalif is a lock to make the team.
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TOTAL LOCK
agreed… never had a doubt.
He’s done the same thing for Victor Bolden and I don’t think they both will make the roster. Keep in mind that he was asked about Raymond. Earlier in camp he praised Bolden without being asked. They both look good and one will win the roster spot. I do think Raymond is the front runner. Mainly because of his speed.
Ultimately I think it will come down to who’s the best on ST and if they are close I think Raymond’s speed gives him the advantage.
Godwin Igwebuike Is probably looking at making a practice roster spot at best. Even though he’s shown some flashes. I think he lacks the vision to make the roster as a RB/KR. However he’s a converted safety and I think the Lions might want to keep him around a tad longer. Just to see how he develops. Or not … lol
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