Spruce is your classic guy who simply has everything except speed and charisma. And the NFL is so high on speed, that they often overlook the obvious: great route running, glue for hands, nice size, courage, technique, and football smarts.
All he did was break the Pac12 records for receptions.....that's all! And he wasn't drafted?
He comes out in the 1st preseason game and simply took the team on his back in the 4th quarter, getting open, catching everything, fighting for extra yards, and finally scoring the winning TD. He was not just playing well, he was not stoppable. And yet........ more doubters.
The kid is going to quickly become an item in LA. When everyone was griping about the Havenstein selection last year, I knew he was going to do very well because I've seen him play (I admit I didn't think he'd play THAT well), he was a senior and had played tons of games, and he plays so controlled and relaxed. I predict that by season's end Spruce will be our most productive Receiver on the O if he stays healthy. He's not a deep threat, so he is going to be running short and intermediate routes and and so will be targeted a bunch. Why? Because he knows how to get open; he knows how to run routes; and he catches every ball and wins 50/50 balls. Our QBs will love him. No worries. Just throw it his way and he'll find a way to get it.
TE is a MUCH harder position to play for a rookie. So while I think Higbee will be a contributor, I think he'll contribute less this year (yards-wise) than Spruce. And I am a Higbee cheerleader who thinks we got a late first, early second round talent in the 4th, who is going to be the next Kelce (Baby Gronk is a bit over the top......Gronk is a freak of nature). But he need to gain 10 pounds, add muscle, and learn the important nuances of blocking and playing the position. But the kid looks like a natural to me, with everything coming easy.
Quick? I hated the pick when they made it. You just don't take a guy like that high. And, he's proved that he's simply not an NFL quality WR. At least he has to me. He has everything but the two most important things for a WR: football instincts and hands.
