Anthony Gonzales has Hall of Fame Sized Shoes to Fill
Ex-Buckeye WR Anthony Gonzales will move from the 3rd receiver spot he played last year to the 2nd receiver position to replace certain Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison. Harrison will be 37 by the start of the regular season and was a salary cap casualty this off season. He is still a free agent.
By Bill Smith
Moving on changes a year or two early is now standard operating procedure for the Colts. Harrison was hurt much of 07 and age and previous injuries have robbed him of his speed. Last year he started 15 games but caught only 60 balls for 6.7 yards and 5 TDs. As the 3rd receiver in 08 Gonzo caught 57 ball for 664 yards and 4 TDs. Gonzo brings some of the same assets to the lineup that Harrison did but also lacks the one key asset—a Vulcan style mind meld with QB Payton Manning.
Both Harrison and Gonzales run very precise patterns, recognize coverages and have outstanding body control going for the ball. At one time Harrison had above average speed. Gonzo has average speed but both have outstanding hands and will catch any ball they can touch.
Gonzo is a much better blocker than Harrison which comes from a run first mentality at OSU. No long run happens in the NFL without good blocking by the WRs. Gonzo is also 12 years younger than his predicesor and a lot cheaper. Harrison was reportedly scheduled to make over 5 million in 09.
Gonzo is as developed and polished a WR as has come out of college in several years. He understands coverages and can get open against man, zone or a combo cover system. He will be the underneath receiver while his running mate Reggie Wayne will be the deep threat. Gonzo will be a fantasy football steal this year and for years to come.
That's what I think. Tell me what you think.