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UCLA Football Position Group Analysis – Receivers

By Mike Regalado

Nov 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Darren Andrews (4) carries the ball as Utah Utes defensive back Cory Butler-Byrd (16) defends during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. UCLA won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Darren Andrews (4) carries the ball as Utah Utes defensive back Cory Butler-Byrd (16) defends during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. UCLA won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Theo Howard (14) catches the football against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Theo Howard (14) catches the football against the California Golden Bears during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

Potential 2017 Depth Chart

WR: Darren Andrews, Stephen Johnson III, Mossi Johnson

WR: Theo Howard, Audie Omotosho, Damian Alloway

WR: Jordan Lasley, Alex Van Dyke, Eldridge Massington

TE: Caleb Wilson, Austin Roberts, Jordan Wilson

What’s Working

The good news is that there are a lot of young players waiting in the wings. The Bruins’ 2016 recruiting class brought in a few good receivers which could make an impact in 2017.

Theo Howard started that trend this year and despite being a receivers with some of the best hands, other less productive WRs were chosen over him. Although it seemed as though the coaching staff were correcting that error late in the season as he caught seven passes in the final three games (just over half of his season total), roster mismanagement was apparent.

The Bruins also have their two best and most consistent receivers returning. Lasley and Andrews (a 2016 All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention) should be the #1 and 2 WRs next year and will bring a little bit of stability to the receiving group.

The TE position also gave the passing game another dimension. Nate Iese was a key factor in this area and although he is graduating, the TEs look to be in good hands with Caleb Wilson.

The passing game will improve with the return of Rosen, but development of receivers also has to take a step forward.

What Needs To Improve

First off, catching the the ball seems to be a no-brainer. Receivers are brought in to receive. If they cannot, then they need to be off the field.

That leads to roster management. The coaches need to put in the best receivers that can catch the ball and make plays. If underclassmen are playing better than the veterans, then the young guns should be given a chance.

UCLA also needs to get the run going so the receivng game can be more effective. Whatever style Head Coach Jim Mora and his new OC decide on, needs to be one that is tailored to their players.

Next: 5 Takeaways From UCLA's 2016 Season

More from Go Joe Bruin

UCLA cannot force the ball downfield through the air. They are not Cal or Washington State. They do not have the receivers for that style of game. UCLA must address what kind of WRs they do have and game plan around that. The Bruins have talent, but they now need a plan and to execute that plan.