Michael Bates as a WR???

Will some of you knowledgeable types clue me in as to why Bates has never played WR for us? I know he’s only 5’ 10” but he has the speed, hands and toughness so why isn’t HE getting groomed to compete for the #2 or #3 spot? I can understand back when he was with us before and we were stacked at the position. We just didn’t need him as a WR and we had the luxury of just using him as a return man. It seems like keeping Byrd as the #2 and at least alternating Steve Smith and Michael Bates in the slot throughout each game would be a good plan. I seem to remember us briefly trying to utilize Bates as a RB a LONG time ago but with his speed and game braking ability why didn’t we (and why DON’T we) use him at WR?

 

To me it seemed apparent that Bates was brought back to free Smith from return duties if Smith were needed at WR. Well it has worked out that way. It could have worked the other way around but now Bates is too far along in his career for refitting and Smith is just right. IMHO

 

We tried that once before and it wasn't very successful, Though I hear he's having better reps this year.

 

Yeah if I remember he wasnt quite an average WR or RB, but was so good on special teams that we needed him.

 

We did try once before and Bates had a really hard time running good routes, looked as though he was thinking too much before the ball got to him....which slow him down a lot. Its like night and day with him "before catching the ball and after he catches the ball".

You gotta admit though....if he could work on running routes he would make a hell of a receiver cause we all know what he can do after he catches the ball.

 

I think we should try using Bates in our Dime package. He also made Pro Bowls on Special teams because he can hit and tackle.

 

yep. Bad routes, questionable instincts. He's not good at punt returning for same reasons. he was a back, always will be a back. And for that reason Seifert returned him to back.

 

Some friends and I were watching a Panther game three or four years ago and one of them brought up the same question. Bates is fast, no doubt! Plus, as a special teamer, he has showed he can hit.
I have long thought in the back of my mind that he could be molded into a fine DB. With the right coaching, I think he could add value to the D-backfield. However, He is gettign a little long in the tooth for such a move now.
Actually, and I am sure I will be corrected if I am wrong, but didn't Marty pitch that idea to Bates last year and he refused? I seem to remember reading something to that affect during the summer last year...but I drank alot last summer.