New York Jets’ undrafted rookie wide receiver Lawrence Cager is a contested-catch monster, as broken down by Blewett’s Blitz.
A perfectly-timed back-shoulder, a throw-it-up to a big man in traffic, and even a back-corner fade with confidence—it’s what Sam Darnold has not had over the first two years of his New York Jets career.
Breshad Perriman should help in those areas (if healthy). Denzel Mims is another kid who should help in those areas (if healthy). But the player who can really help in those areas in an unexpected way is undrafted rookie Lawrence Cager.
Cager has rapidly built momentum over the last few practices. He and Mike White have developed a chemistry that has led to excellent high-point plays, especially on the red zone fade concept.
Today, Blewett’s Blitz breaks down Cager’s college tape with one clear positive in mind: this man is a contested-catch monster.
***The clips come first with Blewett’s text analysis to follow. Only SUBSCRIBERS can view the entire article.
***The FULL film breakdown in video form can be found at the bottom of this article (subscribers only) or on the Blewett’s Blitz homepage. A free preview can be found at the YouTube and Podcast episodes.
Cager’s greatest strength is his contested-catch ability, and it’s that attribute that will help his plight of making the roster. All of these happened in one game, against Notre Dame.
Cager (top) runs the 9-route vs. a CB who is playing in off-man coverage. The CB opens early as Cager stems vertically, limiting Cager’s options in terms of him creating true separation deep. Cager works 25 yards downfield and tracks the ball as the QB chucks it up, putting faith in his WR.
Cager does a great job gaining separation from the CB as he is holding the CB off with his right hand. He then maintains the separation as he goes to attack the ball, transitioning contact from the right to the left hand. Cager attacks the ball, cradles it and brings it down for the long completion.
The next play from the Georgia offense. Cager (top) walks it up on the CB who is in off-man coverage, stabs outside as he gets on the CB’s toes, but the CB is able to stay square and get hands-on, crowding Cager’s route break.
The QB throws the ball up and inside, again, putting a lot of faith Cager to bring the ball in vs. tight coverage. Cager high-points the ball, extends to the ball, with tight hands (good catch form) and is quick to tuck the ball, effectively boxing out the CB and doing a good job to secure the catch as he rips the ball down into his stomach.
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Challenge for Shawn Jefferson & Hines Ward, But Cager has some skills that can be developed. Plays some ST, hopefully that will make him stick long enough to learn his craft.