02/28/05
02/28/05
Although CB contract values have reached extraordinary heights, last year’s change in the “Chuck Rule” increased the success of the Passing Game and created a relative increase in the value of the WR over the CB. The NFL’s new emphasis on enforcing WR contact rules has placed a premium on CBs that have the speed and agility to turn and run with the speed Receivers.
On the other hand, the large, physical, and slower CBs that are dependent upon the jam and maintaining now illegal contact have decreased in value. They may be useful in preventing the occasional jump ball against a tall WR and covering ground in a Zone Defense but have limited use if they can not cover the faster Receivers.
The same applies to the WR position. The large, slow, beat-the-contact type of WR does not have the same value since there is only a limited area at the Line of Scrimmage where contact can occur. The small, fast WR that could not make a living in the NFL because they were physically thwarted by the larger CB are back in business.
Another position that has profited is obviously the QB. But the other big beneficiary is the DE position. With the Passing Game generating more offense, it is imperative to have DE s that can disrupt the Passing attack by pressuring the QB.