Riddick to WR

Looks like BK is already shaking up the lineup, mentioning today that Theo Riddick is headed to the Slot. Riddick joins a pretty talented WR corps led by the Floydinator, but a group that's not necessarily deep with experience.

He'll have the opportunity to fight for a starting spot in the Slot, although his shoulder surgery recovery in the Spring will slow things down.

I'm intrigued by the move, and a bit conflicted. On one hand, I'm a little bummed, because Riddick, to me, was the future at RB. He looked dynamic last year, moved well, and looked to be the only back that had the chance to really break a big run for us at any given time. Ever.

But then again, we have a stable of RBs - Allen, Wood, Hughes, Gray (who may be on defense before we know it), and incoming frosh to boot. So per BK in the article, he needed to find a way to get talented guys the ball. And Riddick does fit the mold of a Slot WR much better than Allen or Wood (and clearly Hughes). Riddick has more athleticism, and seems to be quicker.

Also, BK seems to prefer bigger, power RBs. The big skill guys. He raved about Roberson and how he will fit perfectly into the BK offense. Kid's not tiny. Wood is a bigger power guy too, and BK kept him at RB. Kelly made a lot of use of bigger backs at Cincy as well. So it could be that this profile for his RBs played into the decision as well.

It will be interesting to see how the battle for starting spots at the 3-5 WR positions work out. You have to assume that Floyd will lead all WRs on the field, and Rudolph will get lined up to catch passes often as well. Kamara should be a regular on the outside, as should Shaq. Shaq could be a Slot guy competing with Riddick, or he could be a smaller outside guy ala Tate. Should make for an interesting Spring.

Go get 'em Theo.