Who will make a bigger impact coming back from injury this year, Percy Harvin or Michael Crabtree. That’s a good question and a common one at that since these are two of the top receivers in the league. Harvin was one of the biggest offseason acquisitions in the league. While Crabtree is one of the most promising young receivers in the league. So when the good sir Vincent Frank asked me this question I looked for the most strategic answer to present right here and right now. Are you ready?
Percy Harvin
If he can stay healthy he has the skills to be a better version of Wes Welker. Like Welker Harvin is smaller than most receivers but make up for size with quickness and agility. In Harvin’s case add in the Warp Drive speed and the ability to make defenders look straight silly in the open field.
His return couldn’t have possibly be at a better time as Sidney Rice the team's other top receiver went down with a season ending ACL injury. With Harvin’s ability to turn a two yard reception into an 80 yard touchdown will hopefully make up for Rice’s production. Rice won’t be missed in terms of receptions but he is tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions. His big body will be missed in the red zone but I would take Harvin’s big play ability over size anyday. Look for Russell Wilson to work Harvin into the rotation pretty easily.
Another thing that will help Harvin make an impact is his ability to contribute at other positions. Harvin can be worked into an offensive game plan like Darren Sproles and Tavon Austin. They can all play slot, running back, and even on the outside, this makes Harvin even more dangerous.
Finally Harvin can also contribute on special teams. Harvin has five career kick returns for touchdowns and he averages more than 20 yards on kick return attempts. Right now the Seattle Seahawks are averaging 21.2 yards on kick returns so Harvin could definitely make a big impact on special teams. I wouldn’t expect to see him back there maybe in the first week or two but definitely at some point during the year.
Michael Crabtree
Crabtree is the receiver every team wants on their roster. He’s got nice size at around 6’1 214 pounds and he has the athleticism to go up and get the ball over corners. He is everything you want in a number one receiver because of his size and athleticism. His team also has some space in the rotation for him. As of right now the two leading receivers Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis lead the team in receptions and are the only two with receiving touchdowns. Boldin has 38 receptions for 551 yards and two touchdowns. While Davis has 29 receptions for 518 yards and seven touchdowns.
The next leading receiver on the team is fullback Bruce Miller with 13 catches for 158 yards. When Crabtree returns to the field it will take pressure off Boldin and Davis while also giving Colin Kaepernick back one of his favorite targets. Right now Defenses can focus on Boldin and Davis and not worry about any other of Kaepernick’s targets. Once Crabtree is back Boldin and Davis will see more single coverage and the passing game will be more open for Kaepernick.
Crabtree also brings another big body on the outside which will also improve the running game. Frank Gore is having a pretty good season already averaging 4.2 yards per carry. But having two starting receivers that can block corners and safeties that are smaller than them it can open up running lanes to the outside. Crabtree’s return will open up the playbook for the 49er’s and allow them to be a more balanced offense.
My Pick
Harvin easily brings more to his team and in my opinion is more skilled than Crabtree. He falls into the offensive weapon category, which means he can score from anywhere on the field. But Seattle’s offense is more run based, as long as Marshawn Lynch is healthy he will be the go to option. I think Crabtree is needed more in San Francisco, he is a huge part of that offense already unlike Harvin who still has to work his way in. The San Francisco 49er’s really on Crabtree fro a couple reasons that’s why I choose him as a bigger piece than Harvin.