[socalstanfan1]

we don't have a receiving threat comparable to Milburn (who caught close to 40 passes out of the backfield)

I think it is never too good to evaluate the ability of a current day RB's ability to catch the ball by comparing them to a RB in a Bill Walsh-style offense.  Nobody used the RB more as a receiver out of the backfield than Walsh and his immediate disciples, who often used it as a substitute for a regular running play.  The chances are that Milburn probably had a lot more opportunities to catch balls than any of the current crop of backs. 

On the other hand, one could argue that the coaches last year ran a variation on the West Coast offense.  And, lo and behold: Ryan Hewitt, 34 receptions out of the FB spot, while Stepfan Taylor added 25.  Those numbers don't seem so bad considering more than half the plays from scrimmage were run plays, and a sizeable chunk of the passing plays went to the Tree Amigos, who combined for 86 receptions.

I recall Milburn, and loved watching him play.  But I'm not convinced that he was any better than the RBs we have now, as a runner or receiver. 

[socalstanfan1]

we don't have a receiving threat comparable to Milburn (who caught close to 40 passes out of the backfield)

I think it is never too good to evaluate the ability of a current day RB's ability to catch the ball by comparing them to a RB in a Bill Walsh-style offense.  Nobody used the RB more as a receiver out of the backfield than Walsh and his immediate disciples, who often used it as a substitute for a regular running play.  The chances are that Milburn probably had a lot more opportunities to catch balls than any of the current crop of backs. 

On the other hand, one could argue that the coaches last year ran a variation on the West Coast offense.  And, lo and behold: Ryan Hewitt, 34 receptions out of the FB spot, while Stepfan Taylor added 25.  Those numbers don't seem so bad considering more than half the plays from scrimmage were run plays, and a sizeable chunk of the passing plays went to the Tree Amigos, who combined for 86 receptions.

I recall Milburn, and loved watching him play.  But I'm not convinced that he was any better than the RBs we have now, as a runner or receiver.