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In today’s Cover 3:

This week we’re diving into three ways you can help your QB in free agency:

• Stud WR1

• High Completion % Target

• 3rd Down Back

Stud WR1

In this series, we're diving into three ways you can give your quarterback a helping hand during the whirlwind of free agency.

First up: snagging a star wide receiver.

How You Go About It Is Key

Now, it's no secret that pairing a top-tier receiver with a talented quarterback can work wonders for an offense. But it's not just about grabbing any big name off the market.

How you go about acquiring that star receiver is key.

Sure, you could throw a boatload of cash at a flashy name, but that's not always the smartest move. Overpaying for a receiver who's prone to injury or brings other off-field baggage can end up doing more harm than good.

That's why finding the right fit is crucial.

It Doesn’t Come Cheap

Free agency offers a clear advantage in this regard. You know what you're getting. There's a track record to review, and you can tap into insider knowledge from teammates or coaches who've worked with the player before. 

Of course, signing a star receiver doesn't come cheap these days. Some eye-watering contracts have been handed out in recent years. Take the Jacksonville Jaguars' acquisition of Christian Kirk, for example.

The hefty price tag raised eyebrows, but Kirk's impact on and off the field has proven invaluable for quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the team's culture.

Choose Wisely

But for every success story, there's a cautionary tale. Plenty of teams have swung and missed in free agency, bringing in receivers who failed to live up to expectations or disrupted team chemistry.

So, when it comes to boosting your quarterback's arsenal with a star receiver, tread carefully. Make sure the fit is right, both on paper and in the locker room.

After all, a well-chosen addition could elevate your offense to new heights, while a misstep could set you back. Choose wisely.

The 2024 QB Summit Tour Is Coming To Salt Lake City In Two Weeks

Throughout 2024, we’re holding exclusive camps at 7 more different cities for quarterbacks ages 10-18.

If you’re looking to reach your potential and separate yourself from the competition, come join us for a transformational weekend with NFL QB Consultants Jordan Palmer and Mike White.

Our next stop is Salt Lake City, UT this April.

High Completion % Target

Next up in bolstering your quarterback's arsenal through free agency, let's talk about the "high completion percentage target."

Now, this versatile player can come in the form of a tight end or a slot receiver, and their impact on the field goes beyond racking up yards.

Look At The Whole Story

Sure, hitting the 1,300-yard mark would be cause for celebration, but don't discount a player who clocks in at 800 or even 650 yards. Why? Because these numbers don't tell the whole story.

A high completion percentage target excels at making tough catches in traffic, thriving on contested balls, and coming through in clutch moments.

Cole Beasley And Travis Kelce

Take Cole Beasley's arrival at the Buffalo Bills, for example. When Josh Allen entered his third year, Beasley became the type of target Allen could rely on, even when the timing wasn't perfect.

Their chemistry allowed Allen to find Beasley on rhythm, providing a reliable option in crucial situations. This dynamic duo showcased the power of a strong connection between quarterback and high completion percentage target.

On the flip side, look no further than the Kansas City Chiefs and their reliance on Travis Kelce. The Chiefs leaned heavily on Kelce's ability to consistently move the chains and make key receptions.

Despite not having a plethora of high-volume receivers, Kelce's presence as a high completion percentage target played a significant role in the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory.

Could Be A Real Difference-Maker

So, when considering how to support your quarterback through free agency, don't overlook the value of adding a high completion percentage target to your roster.

Whether it's a crafty slot receiver or a reliable tight end, this player can be the difference-maker your offense needs to thrive in critical moments.

3rd Down Back

Lastly, let's delve into the importance of acquiring an elite third-down back.

Now, when we talk about an "elite" third-down back, we're not just referring to their overall skill level, but specifically their prowess in clutch situations on third down.

Pass Protection

First and foremost, let's talk about pass protection. Mentally, an elite third-down back must possess an unparalleled understanding of defensive schemes and blitz packages.

They should see the field with the same clarity as the quarterback, identifying rotations and pressures with precision. Take, for example, the legendary Matt Forte during my time in Chicago.

Forte's ability to decipher defenses and provide reliable pass protection was second to none, earning the trust of quarterbacks like Josh McCown and Jay Cutler.

But it's not just about mental acuity; there's a physical aspect to pass protection as well.

An elite third-down back must have the strength and technique to hold their ground against blitzing linebackers and defensive backs, ensuring the quarterback stays upright and the pocket remains intact.

Route Running

Next up, route running. A top-tier third-down back knows how to create separation and exploit mismatches in coverage.

Whether it's finding soft spots in zone defenses or using precise footwork to beat man coverage, their route running should mirror that of a high completion percentage target, causing headaches for opposing defenses.

Clutch Factor

And let's not forget about clutch factor. Elite third-down backs thrive in pressure-packed situations, whether it's converting a crucial third-and-short or making a game-changing play on a two-point conversion.

These are the players you want on the field when the game is on the line, delivering when it matters most.

Now, as you assess your team's needs during free agency and the draft, keep this perspective in mind. Look for players who can fill the role of an elite third-down back, providing your quarterback with a reliable safety valve in critical moments.

With the right pieces in place, your team can maximize its potential and thrive in the most challenging situations.

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