**Wide Receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and ArDarius Stewart added 2/12/2017.
NOTE: A priority schedule is being applied to WRs film room work, according to my intrigue. However, all will be covered. The focus on WR tape study is; can they catch the ball using good hands tech, can they run and route sharply, how expansive is their current route tree and what are their physical qualities?
Please scroll down in alphabetical order.
Wide Receivers
Noah Brown, Ohio State
Brown is making his way to the NFL with 2 years of college eligibility left. He suffered a broken left left in spring practice of 2015 and missed the season. At the time Brown was considered one of Ohio State’s most improved players and ready to run side-by-side with now-Saints’ WR Mike Thomas. Brown returned to have a modest statistical 2016, 32-402-7 TDs and 12.6 yards a catch. In perspective, his 32 catches were 2nd most in the Buckeyes run-heavy offense. While the numbers are not eye-catching, his 6’2-222 thick frame and what he did with throws his way at times are. Brown showcased his potential versus Oklahoma, snaring 5 passes for 72 yards, 4 of the 5 catches were TDs, with one in spectacular fashion. He has dominating potential combining his impressive size with sharp route skills and a feel for his position. For a big wideout Brown gets low in his breaks and takes QB-friendly angles out of those breaks. He sets up his routes well. Brown shows good concentration and fights for the ball in the air. He runs a decent high 4.5s in his forty, estimated. Brown is a terrific blocker and proves to be anxious using his burly body to deliver jarring hits on unsuspecting linebackers and DBs. Sometimes numbers and volume don’t tell a player’s story as a potential pro producer. Noah Brown is still raw and learning his craft, but you can’t teach impressive size and he shows true natural WR traits NFL coaches will relish polishing.
KD Cannon, Baylor
KD Cannon is yet another Baylor blur of a wideout that is about to enter the NFL. Baylor WRs tend to bring limited route trees along with their spectacular physical receiving tools. Cannon may be the fastest wideout in this season’s draft, most likely breaking into the 4.3s in the forty. Cannon showcased his entire toolbox vs Boise State in the Cactus Bowllast year, hauling in 14-226-2 YDs (30 and 68 yards), but also dropping a couple of easy throws. In his showcase, and throughout his college career, Cannon runs mostly verticle routes and rarely traverses inside the hash marks without the football. He is aggressive attacking the football at times, but also often allows the football to get in on him rather than extend hands. Many of his erroneous drops are the result of not looking the ball in and running before securing. He is mostly a body-catcher. Though he is a straight-linish router as well as a stop-route receiver (screens, hitches) he is not a timid athlete that avoids contact. Cannon will engage in run support and does so aggressively and effectively. KD Cannon is a dangerous flyer with intimidating pure speed. He has flaws in his game that need coaching up, but Cannon owns turf-ripping wheels and capable receiving skills for the pro game.
Isaiah Ford, Virginia Tech
IN a nutshell Isaiah Ford is a fine athlete with an inconsistent game. He brings good WR dimensions at 6’1-190, and he may post a forty dash under 4.5. But the fleet VaTech wideout plays with iffy hands as passes often slip through or deflect off, hanging perilously in the air for potential picks. Ford gets his hands extended and in position when in the clear, but at times fails to latch on to catchable throws. Tightly guarded, Ford tends to shirt-arm passes, Allowing DBs to defend. We need a hand size check at the Combine here. Ford has a tough time beating press at the line when taking an outside path. He does win his routes in inside slants and appears more comfy working between the numbers. Route tree is mostly linear, running go patterns and slants. He is a willing blocker and usually sticks his assignment to completion. Isaiah Ford has to learn to win the contested throw to thrive at the next level. That starts with attacking the football in the air, getting off the line versus press successfully and playing with more confidence outside the numbers.
Shelton Gibson, Virginia
West Virginia has delivered several pro wideouts the past few years, with the Rams’ Tavon Austin being the best recently. Shelton Gibson might be the next. Gibson is fleet footed with an estimated forty in the high 4.4s. HE plays with a confident, somewhat cocky attitude. There are times when Gibson engages his opposing CBs in challenging taunts, verbally and via body language. The good news is Gibson makes plays to back up boisterous banter. Checking in at 5’11-195, Gibson has a solid upper body but sports thin pins. IN his 3-year career as a Mountaineer Gibson averages 22.6 yards a reception, and notched 17 totalsTDs on 80 catches the past 2 seasons, a fine scoring rate. The swift receiver racked up 951 yards on just 43 snares in 2016, a 22.1 YPR. He is a big play performer. Gibson gets it done with speed, but also shows keen concentration, athletic body control and balance. He is, however, a body catcher but is consistent in that method due to the separation he achieves. He is not as easy to take down after the catch as one might expect, given his smallish measures. Gibson changes directions on the fly without loss of speed. The flaw in his game headed to the NFL is he appears to play half the field. Gibson lines up left-side offense almost exclusively. While he is sharp cutting and darting through tacklers with the ball in his hands, his dangerous yet predictable left-to-right dashes for YAC gives pro defensive planners a heads up. The Combine and Pro Day workouts will determine if Gibson can handle the football cleanly on the flip-side of the offense, right-to-left. What this flashy wideout does bring is attitude, turf-burning speed and big-play skills.
Chris Godwin, Penn State
Godwin is a tough, physical toolsy wideout that helps an offense in various ways. He is a dynamite blocker in run support, often delivering jarring hits on defensive backs. What he isn’t is a dynamic pass-catching receiver. Godwin plays every snap with verve and energy. But he struggles in several key WR areas. The Penn Stater is often glued to a DB getting off the line. His routes are mushy, rounding off breaks and often taking flat angles out of the breaks. Godwin fails to separate and many of his targets end up being contested by tight-covering DBs. He is, at best, a 50/50 winner catching the ball in traffic. Godwin is solidly constructed with a thick build and measuring 6’1-205. He has ample speed, with a forty time probably hitting the 4.5s, but his in-game speed is not as swift as his measured time. There’s a lot of Pierre Garcon in Godwin’s play. He brings high effort and energy and can be a serviceable pro. He’ll need to refine his finesse skills to grow into a productive pass-catcher in the NFL.
Derrick Griffin, Texas Southern
Derrick Griffin has one big attraction for NFL scouts; he’s a 6’7-240 wideout. Griffin is a 2-sport athlete at Texas Southern, football and basketball. He is an obvious long-strider that is slow off the snap and winds up to get to his estimated 4.6-forty gear. Griffin’s long body type makes it difficult for him to get into breaks with any acuity, slowly rounding off his stems in a mostly upright posture. Size is his advantage, but he is slow getting his hands in position and average at best securing the pass. His WR route tree will always be limited to vertical patterns as he just isn’t quick enough to win inside. Headed to the NFL, the big question for Griffin is will pro personnel folks want to shift him to tight end. His blocking is subpar and that will need to be addressed. You can’t teach size, and Griffin certainly has that. But his overall skills need much sharpening to make a dent at the next level.
Chad Hansen, California
Good-looking well-rounded field prospect. Not an elite receiver but a solid meat-n-potatoes pass-catcher and router. Hansen stands 6’1 and goes about 200. His forty gait is estimated at 4.5 or a tad higher. Hansen won’t blow CBs off the line, but he is effective beating press and wins contested throws. Understands angles that create separation even with a DB on his hip. Pure hands-catcher that can get up and high-point with control and confidence. Hansen brings a bundle of energy to each snap. Excellent freeing up using double moves, choppy and quick footwork and sharp cutting breaks. He is QB-friendly coming back to the football and getting his hands away from his body, effortlessly snaring passes out of the air. Inside the 20 Hansen becomes quite dangerous and tough to cover. He is confident slanting inside or fading to the sidelines. Hansen shows terrific footwork and field awareness working those sidelines also. OF concern is his almost exclusive work on the right side of the offense, failing to play the full field. Hansen is a solid blocker. He Cal Golden Bear wideout is NFL caliber and has the tools for every down action. His lot in the NFL is that of a productive possession receiver.
Carlos Henderson, Louisiana Tech
Henderson is talented as well as heady on the field. HE is always thinking of the next move for more yards, even with the ball still in the air. Henderson runs a decent route tree but has room to expand his branches. He is super-sharp breaking his stems off, and does so without loss for speed. Well-proportioned at 5’11-191, Henderson is tough to tackle and elusive as heck with the football in tow. He should time a quick 4.5 in the forty, but plays faster than that. The LaTech wideout shows excellent hands, body control and field awareness. He plays with feel, anticipation and urgency. Henderson gets to top gear instantly and sports plenty of quicks in the short game as well as enough long-speed to threaten a secondary. Really impressive athlete. He tracks the deep ball expertly, and shows an uncanny knack for making his elusive move right at the point of reception. Henderson appears to always be thinking a step ahead of his would-be cover men and tacklers in the 2nd and 3rd levels. IN a long footrace with the more fleet NFL CBs Henderson will be caught, but not before he tacks on chunky YAC. He uses the entire field and is clearly one to eye up.
Jerome Lane, Akron
How about a WR that plays with a linebacker mentality? That description fits Lane as he brought a rough and aggressive style at LB for Akron before switching to WR in 2015. Lane is obviously still a work-in-progress as a wideout, but he has clear natural talent and is imposing at 6’1-220. Lane shows surprisingly sound hands catching the ball and consistently gets them extended in good receiving position. He is ruggedly built with a thick lower body and plays with a high 4.5-forty motor. Pro personnel have to be quietly giddy at the prospect of teaching a talented, muscular pass-catcher that brings an attacking, defensive approach a position usually littered with speedy, finesse performers. Lane has the potential to dominate the WR position if he continues to learn and mature. Solid pro coaching is vital to him meeting his full potential. Lane is already a decent route runner, but must clean up his breaks as well as add to his repertoire of patterns. He shows keen concentration with the ball on the way. He is fearless in traffic and has the hand and arm strength to rip contested footballs from DBs’ grasps. Jerome Lane is a physical presence at WR, and while the skills are still raw, the talent, tools and desire are all there. Lane has wow potential, but will take time to get the wow under control in the NFL.
Josh Malone, Tennessee
Tall, long WR out of Tennessee and one immediately conjures up shades of Justin Hunter. Josh Malone may be 6’2-200, but he’s a much more rounded wideout than the one-dimensional Hunter. Malone plays with more attention to detail, with and without the football. He is consistent getting his hands extended and shows good concentration tracking the ball in flight. Malone will allow a throw or two into his body. He plays fast, gets off the line well enough, even versus press. Malone’s routes are predominantly linear, but he has shown he is more than willing and capable on crossers and slants. The Tennessee playbook is more at fault for Malone’s perceived limited route acumen than Malone himself. After the catch Malone can get physical, breaking a DB’s tackle if they fail to wrap up. He keeps his legs churning after contact, gaining max yards on most receptions. Where he is weak is in his breaks, using a choppy technique that wipes out his route speed. He has to learn to drop his hip, stick it and go in the NFL versus quicker, slicker CBs. The Volunteer plays both sides of the field and is comfy doing so. Malone has a chance to flourish as a pro. His game is more complete than expected and he can win his routes both downfield and through the middle if given the chance.
Isaiah McKenzie, Georgia
One can’t help but think of the Rams’ Tavon Austin when trying to describe the tools and play of Georgia WR Isaiah McKenzie. Taping at 5’8-170, McKenzie is an all-purpose playmaker with estimated 4.4 wheels. He is dangerously shifty, sharp cutting, sudden in burst and fleet of foot. McKenzie is also a small target that will be a hindrance for his NFL QBs. Tiny targets in the NFL require precision passing by QBs thanks to the very limited catch radius. McKenzie, as do most diminutive receivers, arm-cradles or body catches passes likely due to smaller hands. The key is to get the ball into those hands any way possible. McKenzie stops and cuts on a dime, at full speed. He smartly strings together multiple directional shifts after the catch to max out his yards. The swift Georgia wideout is effective on jet sweeps, with the potential to break off big gainers with each touch. He is not only a dangerous offensive weapon, but McKenzie is a return terror as well, taking back 5 punts for TDs and a kick off for 6 in his college career. It took Tavon Austin time to figure out the speed and power of NFL defenders. McKenzie should expect the same. Returning punts and kicks are his likely paths to the NFL in 2017.
Deon-Tay McManus, Marshall
McManus presents a nice target for QBs, standing 6’2 and checking the scales at 227. He is a thickly built wideout that plays with both power and finesse. Though not flashy in the 40, about a 4.6 dash, McManus plays with energy and verve. He fights for the ball in the air, and gets hands out to snare passes. McManus appears to bring a fairly loaded route tree, working well on WR screens and hitches, slants and crossers and fly patterns. He tracks the ball well. The Marshall wideout is tough to tackle and is efficient tacking on YAC. For a bigger receiver McManus moves well, shows lateral quicks and elusiveness. He won’t win a footrace but does power through DBs for extra yards. Deon-Tay McManus is an impressive prospect that brings size, urgency and solid pass-catching tools. HE’s got a pro game all around.
Speedy Noil, Texas A&M
Noil is a compact 5’11-200 pound multitasking wideout from Texas A&M. Scouts figure his 40-time will hit somewhere in the 4.3s, though his game cut ups don’t quite match the gaudy number. Noil runs short crossing routes and drags as well as hitches off the line. HE was often lined up outside. Noil catches the ball confidently with hands out. Contrary to his name, Speedy is not very explosive in his first step, and winds up to get to top speed. His is effective avoiding tackles moving laterally, but loses momentum changing directions. For all his proposed speed, Noil doesn’t break open much separation from his cover DBs. Noil has a game similar to NFL pro Eddie Royal. He could contribute as a receiver in the right pro scheme. Noil is a solid kick returner and could make his bones early in that capacity. I’m very curious how Noil performs in the forty dash at either the Combine or his Pro Day. 4.3... we’ll see.
John Ross, Washington
There’s a ton of WOW in the play of John Ross. I couldn’t get enough of this dynamic and fleet wideout. Ross red-shirted 2015 due to injury and came back in explosive fashion for 2016. The Huskies’ playmaking receiver combines turf-burning speed with acute route-running and effortless pass-catching skills. He receives the ball with extended hands in smooth and effortless action. Ross lines up anywhere in WR formations, inside or out, left side or right. Though he not is not big (5’11-190), he is a fearless router, strong on his pins, tough to bring down after the catch and dangerous as heck. His 4.3-ish speed is intimidating, but the confidence in the way he runs, breaks and catches strikes fear in CBs, often lining up 12-15 yards off the line. Ross is not just a flyer, but also a deft router who becomes almost unstoppable employing double moves at full speed. He shows excellent field awareness and is dangerous after the catch, refusing to give up on a play. Ross evaporates CB cushion, breaks sharply at full speed and tracks the deep ball with silky smooth effort. He’ll even engage in run-support as a blocker. This is an NFL star on the way. Think DeSean Jackson, with a tougher game approach. Love this guy!
Travis Rudolph, Florida State
Rudolph is a lunch pail wideout that provides his QBs with a reliable set of hands. HE gets his mitts out away from his body to snatch footballs to completion. The 6’1-190 receiver shows average speed (high 4.5s at best) and good-not-great route applications. He lines up in all WR positions and is most effective getting separation out of the slot. Somewhat soft breaks and footspeed often result in Rudolph fighting for his receptions, with a DB close to his hip. Plays where Rudolph breaks open are often manufactured by play-call, using picks or counter-cross routes to spring the Seminoles’ pass-catcher. HE is a willing blocker in run support, but is not overly effective in that role. Rudolph can pick up YAC at times, following blocks patiently. His pro potential appears to be that of a solid slot receiver. He won’t win many long races to the stripe against NFL CBs, mostly because he doesn’t explode off the line and winds up to top gear. But he has enough reliability tools to be a competent pro.
Artavis Scott, Clemson
Scott is a 5’10-193 possession receiver with excellent hands, practical game speed and keen after-catch vision. His Clemson WR schooling is a huge plus for his NFL chances. Scott is estimated to run his forty dash somewhere around low 4.5s, if not better. He is not a turf-burning route runner, but is sharp cutting off his stems and setting up his routes to get open. Catches the ball with confidence short or deep. Scott is effective inside and out, and is nifty inside the 20. He has been utilized as the short, under target at Clemson, caddying in routes for playmaking WR Mike Williams. Scott has the speed chops to expand his route tree in the NFL and play deeper than he was asked at Clemson. His fine run skills translate well on jet sweeps and hitches off the line. Scott also is a competent punt returner, opening another avenue to the NFL. He is sure to shine in workouts for scouts and I’m betting he’ll impress in his 40 as well as catch drills.
Ricky Seals-Jones, Texas A&M
The biggest scouting question for this huge wideout is do pro personnel people view Seals-Jones as a WR or TE? Lining up at 6’5-240, Seals-Jones is a physically imposing presence before the snap. In action, he has a few flaws that cut into his potential for being an NFL wideout. Off the line Seals-Jones is slow-starting and lumbering in routes. His route skills are flat and quite shallow. Soft in his breaks, Seals-Jones rolls out of his stems and gives DBs plenty of clues when to close. His hands are suspect as well. Seals-Jones will at times gobble up passes his way, even in traffic. Other occasions he is drop-prone and allow the ball to get on-top of him, negating his length advantages. Seals-Jones was a highly sought after high-school recruit as he entered college, but didn’t quite meet his collegiate potential. Again, mushy route chops and inconsistent hands, as well as stout SEC competition, all contributed to putting a cap on his performance. He’ll face even stiffer opposition in the NFL. AS an outside pro receiver Seals-Jones will struggle to get open. He is not overly effective using his size to his advantage, which is how he’d have to win contested throws. TE may be his best bet, and he has work to do in that job as well, namely blocking.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC
The USC pro prospect packs a 6’2 frame at 220 pounds, darn impressive for a WR. Smith-Schuster should run his forty in the 4.5s, good enough for a bigger, stronger wideout. However, Smith-Schuster is not a sudden athlete. He lacks burst off the snap and breaking his route stems. The Trojan receiver builds to speed and struggles gaining separation. He will have a tough time in the NFL making plays down-field versus pro CBs, often having to fight for his catches. Smith-Schuster is a 50/50 pass catcher in traffic. He uses hands-out to snare passes, but at times those hands are late on the ball, causing drops. At USC Smith-Schuster lines up almost exclusively on right side offense. His 2016 numbers were appreciably down from 2015; 19 less catches, 530 less yards and his yards per reception dropped by 3.2. He does show an ability to high-point well and plays with good body control. Smith-Schuster is a willing and capable blocker. To make a big splash in the NFL Smith-Schuster needs to quicken his footwork, sharpen his routes and use his size to better advantage. He should be a contributing pro, but not so sure about his star-power.
ArDarius Stewart, Alabama
Stout and compact at 6’-204, Stewart is a full effort receiver in all assignments. HE shows ample speed, hitting high 4.5s-forty levels. With the ball in his hands he is plenty fast and can go the distance if he gets behind a secondary. He is an average router but cuts his breaks well and understands how to free up when plays break down. He is good at everything but not great at anything. Even throws a pretty good pass when asked. While he is a competent pass-catcher, Stewart can bust open big plays on jet sweeps. He runs with non-frills urgency with the ball in his hands, regardless of how he gets it. AS a pass-catcher Stewart doesn’t own special hands, but he is more than adequate. He will body-catch at times. He is fearless anywhere on the field, and rugged after the catch. Stewart is a workman wideout, not a star. He has Pierre Garcon potential in the right pro offense.
Damore'ea Stringfellow, Ole Miss
Ole Miss has been turning out NFL-quality receivers the past few drafts. Some are pro-ready and some need seasoning but have the goods to be productive pros. Stringfellow fits the mold of recent Mississippi wideouts hitting the NFL; big, physical and still a work in progress. The 6’2-212 Rebel is all of those. Stringfellow displays strong hands and gets them out when snaring the football, but at times is slow in getting them in position. Drops are a concern, but he doesn’t allow a drop to affect the next snap. He is still learning the nuances of WR and how to use his size effectively. An area of strength is his execution on back-shoulder throws, but his rather shallow route tree is a flaw that needs to be addressed. Currently the Mississippi receiver is limited to slants and sideline stems and he fails to break cover and gain separation. . Being predictable is a killer in the NFL. Stringfellow runs his called plays with max effort, but he has to show more intensity and attention to details when his number is not called. With that, his blocking is sub-par. Stringfellow has all the physical tools to be a solid NFL receiver. He brings size, practical speed (high 4.5s) and some natural technique. But Stringfellow is clearly a work-in-progress and requires god NFL coaching to shine in time.
Mike Williams, Clemson
Though he is coming to the NFL early, Williams looks like the best WR in this draft class. For one, he’s a Clemson wideout, which has been a WR factory for a number of years. At 6’3-225 and sporting 4.5 wheels, Williams is a physical presence with skilled WR tools. Williams displays keen concentration, air to hands. He is unstoppable on back shoulder fades. He catches the ball smoothly with consistent hands extended, high points aggressively and fights for the ball in the air. Williams is an average route runner, somewhat soft breaking off stems and rounding off cuts. Long wideouts will often fall into this route flaw, failing to sink their hips when breaking. Surprisingly Williams doesn’t often create great separation. He uses his length effectively defeating tight coverage. Williams has the tendency to push off defenders to separate and will draw NFL laundry if it is not corrected. Mike Williams is true NFL star potential. He has day-one skills and can be a big contributor to an NFL early, but there are a few gaps that need closing before he truly takes off as a pro. Make no mistake, Williams will shine in the NFL.
Not Sure: Malachi Dupre (LSU); Courtland Sutton (SMU)
Tight Ends
Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech
David Njoku, Miami (Fla.)
Adam Shaheen, Ashland
NOTE: A priority schedule is being applied to WRs film room work, according to my intrigue. However, all will be covered. The focus on WR tape study is; can they catch the ball using good hands tech, can they run and route sharply, how expansive is their current route tree and what are their physical qualities?
Please scroll down in alphabetical order.
Wide Receivers
Noah Brown, Ohio State
Brown is making his way to the NFL with 2 years of college eligibility left. He suffered a broken left left in spring practice of 2015 and missed the season. At the time Brown was considered one of Ohio State’s most improved players and ready to run side-by-side with now-Saints’ WR Mike Thomas. Brown returned to have a modest statistical 2016, 32-402-7 TDs and 12.6 yards a catch. In perspective, his 32 catches were 2nd most in the Buckeyes run-heavy offense. While the numbers are not eye-catching, his 6’2-222 thick frame and what he did with throws his way at times are. Brown showcased his potential versus Oklahoma, snaring 5 passes for 72 yards, 4 of the 5 catches were TDs, with one in spectacular fashion. He has dominating potential combining his impressive size with sharp route skills and a feel for his position. For a big wideout Brown gets low in his breaks and takes QB-friendly angles out of those breaks. He sets up his routes well. Brown shows good concentration and fights for the ball in the air. He runs a decent high 4.5s in his forty, estimated. Brown is a terrific blocker and proves to be anxious using his burly body to deliver jarring hits on unsuspecting linebackers and DBs. Sometimes numbers and volume don’t tell a player’s story as a potential pro producer. Noah Brown is still raw and learning his craft, but you can’t teach impressive size and he shows true natural WR traits NFL coaches will relish polishing.
KD Cannon, Baylor
KD Cannon is yet another Baylor blur of a wideout that is about to enter the NFL. Baylor WRs tend to bring limited route trees along with their spectacular physical receiving tools. Cannon may be the fastest wideout in this season’s draft, most likely breaking into the 4.3s in the forty. Cannon showcased his entire toolbox vs Boise State in the Cactus Bowllast year, hauling in 14-226-2 YDs (30 and 68 yards), but also dropping a couple of easy throws. In his showcase, and throughout his college career, Cannon runs mostly verticle routes and rarely traverses inside the hash marks without the football. He is aggressive attacking the football at times, but also often allows the football to get in on him rather than extend hands. Many of his erroneous drops are the result of not looking the ball in and running before securing. He is mostly a body-catcher. Though he is a straight-linish router as well as a stop-route receiver (screens, hitches) he is not a timid athlete that avoids contact. Cannon will engage in run support and does so aggressively and effectively. KD Cannon is a dangerous flyer with intimidating pure speed. He has flaws in his game that need coaching up, but Cannon owns turf-ripping wheels and capable receiving skills for the pro game.
Isaiah Ford, Virginia Tech
IN a nutshell Isaiah Ford is a fine athlete with an inconsistent game. He brings good WR dimensions at 6’1-190, and he may post a forty dash under 4.5. But the fleet VaTech wideout plays with iffy hands as passes often slip through or deflect off, hanging perilously in the air for potential picks. Ford gets his hands extended and in position when in the clear, but at times fails to latch on to catchable throws. Tightly guarded, Ford tends to shirt-arm passes, Allowing DBs to defend. We need a hand size check at the Combine here. Ford has a tough time beating press at the line when taking an outside path. He does win his routes in inside slants and appears more comfy working between the numbers. Route tree is mostly linear, running go patterns and slants. He is a willing blocker and usually sticks his assignment to completion. Isaiah Ford has to learn to win the contested throw to thrive at the next level. That starts with attacking the football in the air, getting off the line versus press successfully and playing with more confidence outside the numbers.
Shelton Gibson, Virginia
West Virginia has delivered several pro wideouts the past few years, with the Rams’ Tavon Austin being the best recently. Shelton Gibson might be the next. Gibson is fleet footed with an estimated forty in the high 4.4s. HE plays with a confident, somewhat cocky attitude. There are times when Gibson engages his opposing CBs in challenging taunts, verbally and via body language. The good news is Gibson makes plays to back up boisterous banter. Checking in at 5’11-195, Gibson has a solid upper body but sports thin pins. IN his 3-year career as a Mountaineer Gibson averages 22.6 yards a reception, and notched 17 totalsTDs on 80 catches the past 2 seasons, a fine scoring rate. The swift receiver racked up 951 yards on just 43 snares in 2016, a 22.1 YPR. He is a big play performer. Gibson gets it done with speed, but also shows keen concentration, athletic body control and balance. He is, however, a body catcher but is consistent in that method due to the separation he achieves. He is not as easy to take down after the catch as one might expect, given his smallish measures. Gibson changes directions on the fly without loss of speed. The flaw in his game headed to the NFL is he appears to play half the field. Gibson lines up left-side offense almost exclusively. While he is sharp cutting and darting through tacklers with the ball in his hands, his dangerous yet predictable left-to-right dashes for YAC gives pro defensive planners a heads up. The Combine and Pro Day workouts will determine if Gibson can handle the football cleanly on the flip-side of the offense, right-to-left. What this flashy wideout does bring is attitude, turf-burning speed and big-play skills.
Chris Godwin, Penn State
Godwin is a tough, physical toolsy wideout that helps an offense in various ways. He is a dynamite blocker in run support, often delivering jarring hits on defensive backs. What he isn’t is a dynamic pass-catching receiver. Godwin plays every snap with verve and energy. But he struggles in several key WR areas. The Penn Stater is often glued to a DB getting off the line. His routes are mushy, rounding off breaks and often taking flat angles out of the breaks. Godwin fails to separate and many of his targets end up being contested by tight-covering DBs. He is, at best, a 50/50 winner catching the ball in traffic. Godwin is solidly constructed with a thick build and measuring 6’1-205. He has ample speed, with a forty time probably hitting the 4.5s, but his in-game speed is not as swift as his measured time. There’s a lot of Pierre Garcon in Godwin’s play. He brings high effort and energy and can be a serviceable pro. He’ll need to refine his finesse skills to grow into a productive pass-catcher in the NFL.
Derrick Griffin, Texas Southern
Derrick Griffin has one big attraction for NFL scouts; he’s a 6’7-240 wideout. Griffin is a 2-sport athlete at Texas Southern, football and basketball. He is an obvious long-strider that is slow off the snap and winds up to get to his estimated 4.6-forty gear. Griffin’s long body type makes it difficult for him to get into breaks with any acuity, slowly rounding off his stems in a mostly upright posture. Size is his advantage, but he is slow getting his hands in position and average at best securing the pass. His WR route tree will always be limited to vertical patterns as he just isn’t quick enough to win inside. Headed to the NFL, the big question for Griffin is will pro personnel folks want to shift him to tight end. His blocking is subpar and that will need to be addressed. You can’t teach size, and Griffin certainly has that. But his overall skills need much sharpening to make a dent at the next level.
Chad Hansen, California
Good-looking well-rounded field prospect. Not an elite receiver but a solid meat-n-potatoes pass-catcher and router. Hansen stands 6’1 and goes about 200. His forty gait is estimated at 4.5 or a tad higher. Hansen won’t blow CBs off the line, but he is effective beating press and wins contested throws. Understands angles that create separation even with a DB on his hip. Pure hands-catcher that can get up and high-point with control and confidence. Hansen brings a bundle of energy to each snap. Excellent freeing up using double moves, choppy and quick footwork and sharp cutting breaks. He is QB-friendly coming back to the football and getting his hands away from his body, effortlessly snaring passes out of the air. Inside the 20 Hansen becomes quite dangerous and tough to cover. He is confident slanting inside or fading to the sidelines. Hansen shows terrific footwork and field awareness working those sidelines also. OF concern is his almost exclusive work on the right side of the offense, failing to play the full field. Hansen is a solid blocker. He Cal Golden Bear wideout is NFL caliber and has the tools for every down action. His lot in the NFL is that of a productive possession receiver.
Carlos Henderson, Louisiana Tech
Henderson is talented as well as heady on the field. HE is always thinking of the next move for more yards, even with the ball still in the air. Henderson runs a decent route tree but has room to expand his branches. He is super-sharp breaking his stems off, and does so without loss for speed. Well-proportioned at 5’11-191, Henderson is tough to tackle and elusive as heck with the football in tow. He should time a quick 4.5 in the forty, but plays faster than that. The LaTech wideout shows excellent hands, body control and field awareness. He plays with feel, anticipation and urgency. Henderson gets to top gear instantly and sports plenty of quicks in the short game as well as enough long-speed to threaten a secondary. Really impressive athlete. He tracks the deep ball expertly, and shows an uncanny knack for making his elusive move right at the point of reception. Henderson appears to always be thinking a step ahead of his would-be cover men and tacklers in the 2nd and 3rd levels. IN a long footrace with the more fleet NFL CBs Henderson will be caught, but not before he tacks on chunky YAC. He uses the entire field and is clearly one to eye up.
Jerome Lane, Akron
How about a WR that plays with a linebacker mentality? That description fits Lane as he brought a rough and aggressive style at LB for Akron before switching to WR in 2015. Lane is obviously still a work-in-progress as a wideout, but he has clear natural talent and is imposing at 6’1-220. Lane shows surprisingly sound hands catching the ball and consistently gets them extended in good receiving position. He is ruggedly built with a thick lower body and plays with a high 4.5-forty motor. Pro personnel have to be quietly giddy at the prospect of teaching a talented, muscular pass-catcher that brings an attacking, defensive approach a position usually littered with speedy, finesse performers. Lane has the potential to dominate the WR position if he continues to learn and mature. Solid pro coaching is vital to him meeting his full potential. Lane is already a decent route runner, but must clean up his breaks as well as add to his repertoire of patterns. He shows keen concentration with the ball on the way. He is fearless in traffic and has the hand and arm strength to rip contested footballs from DBs’ grasps. Jerome Lane is a physical presence at WR, and while the skills are still raw, the talent, tools and desire are all there. Lane has wow potential, but will take time to get the wow under control in the NFL.
Josh Malone, Tennessee
Tall, long WR out of Tennessee and one immediately conjures up shades of Justin Hunter. Josh Malone may be 6’2-200, but he’s a much more rounded wideout than the one-dimensional Hunter. Malone plays with more attention to detail, with and without the football. He is consistent getting his hands extended and shows good concentration tracking the ball in flight. Malone will allow a throw or two into his body. He plays fast, gets off the line well enough, even versus press. Malone’s routes are predominantly linear, but he has shown he is more than willing and capable on crossers and slants. The Tennessee playbook is more at fault for Malone’s perceived limited route acumen than Malone himself. After the catch Malone can get physical, breaking a DB’s tackle if they fail to wrap up. He keeps his legs churning after contact, gaining max yards on most receptions. Where he is weak is in his breaks, using a choppy technique that wipes out his route speed. He has to learn to drop his hip, stick it and go in the NFL versus quicker, slicker CBs. The Volunteer plays both sides of the field and is comfy doing so. Malone has a chance to flourish as a pro. His game is more complete than expected and he can win his routes both downfield and through the middle if given the chance.
Isaiah McKenzie, Georgia
One can’t help but think of the Rams’ Tavon Austin when trying to describe the tools and play of Georgia WR Isaiah McKenzie. Taping at 5’8-170, McKenzie is an all-purpose playmaker with estimated 4.4 wheels. He is dangerously shifty, sharp cutting, sudden in burst and fleet of foot. McKenzie is also a small target that will be a hindrance for his NFL QBs. Tiny targets in the NFL require precision passing by QBs thanks to the very limited catch radius. McKenzie, as do most diminutive receivers, arm-cradles or body catches passes likely due to smaller hands. The key is to get the ball into those hands any way possible. McKenzie stops and cuts on a dime, at full speed. He smartly strings together multiple directional shifts after the catch to max out his yards. The swift Georgia wideout is effective on jet sweeps, with the potential to break off big gainers with each touch. He is not only a dangerous offensive weapon, but McKenzie is a return terror as well, taking back 5 punts for TDs and a kick off for 6 in his college career. It took Tavon Austin time to figure out the speed and power of NFL defenders. McKenzie should expect the same. Returning punts and kicks are his likely paths to the NFL in 2017.
Deon-Tay McManus, Marshall
McManus presents a nice target for QBs, standing 6’2 and checking the scales at 227. He is a thickly built wideout that plays with both power and finesse. Though not flashy in the 40, about a 4.6 dash, McManus plays with energy and verve. He fights for the ball in the air, and gets hands out to snare passes. McManus appears to bring a fairly loaded route tree, working well on WR screens and hitches, slants and crossers and fly patterns. He tracks the ball well. The Marshall wideout is tough to tackle and is efficient tacking on YAC. For a bigger receiver McManus moves well, shows lateral quicks and elusiveness. He won’t win a footrace but does power through DBs for extra yards. Deon-Tay McManus is an impressive prospect that brings size, urgency and solid pass-catching tools. HE’s got a pro game all around.
Speedy Noil, Texas A&M
Noil is a compact 5’11-200 pound multitasking wideout from Texas A&M. Scouts figure his 40-time will hit somewhere in the 4.3s, though his game cut ups don’t quite match the gaudy number. Noil runs short crossing routes and drags as well as hitches off the line. HE was often lined up outside. Noil catches the ball confidently with hands out. Contrary to his name, Speedy is not very explosive in his first step, and winds up to get to top speed. His is effective avoiding tackles moving laterally, but loses momentum changing directions. For all his proposed speed, Noil doesn’t break open much separation from his cover DBs. Noil has a game similar to NFL pro Eddie Royal. He could contribute as a receiver in the right pro scheme. Noil is a solid kick returner and could make his bones early in that capacity. I’m very curious how Noil performs in the forty dash at either the Combine or his Pro Day. 4.3... we’ll see.
John Ross, Washington
There’s a ton of WOW in the play of John Ross. I couldn’t get enough of this dynamic and fleet wideout. Ross red-shirted 2015 due to injury and came back in explosive fashion for 2016. The Huskies’ playmaking receiver combines turf-burning speed with acute route-running and effortless pass-catching skills. He receives the ball with extended hands in smooth and effortless action. Ross lines up anywhere in WR formations, inside or out, left side or right. Though he not is not big (5’11-190), he is a fearless router, strong on his pins, tough to bring down after the catch and dangerous as heck. His 4.3-ish speed is intimidating, but the confidence in the way he runs, breaks and catches strikes fear in CBs, often lining up 12-15 yards off the line. Ross is not just a flyer, but also a deft router who becomes almost unstoppable employing double moves at full speed. He shows excellent field awareness and is dangerous after the catch, refusing to give up on a play. Ross evaporates CB cushion, breaks sharply at full speed and tracks the deep ball with silky smooth effort. He’ll even engage in run-support as a blocker. This is an NFL star on the way. Think DeSean Jackson, with a tougher game approach. Love this guy!
Travis Rudolph, Florida State
Rudolph is a lunch pail wideout that provides his QBs with a reliable set of hands. HE gets his mitts out away from his body to snatch footballs to completion. The 6’1-190 receiver shows average speed (high 4.5s at best) and good-not-great route applications. He lines up in all WR positions and is most effective getting separation out of the slot. Somewhat soft breaks and footspeed often result in Rudolph fighting for his receptions, with a DB close to his hip. Plays where Rudolph breaks open are often manufactured by play-call, using picks or counter-cross routes to spring the Seminoles’ pass-catcher. HE is a willing blocker in run support, but is not overly effective in that role. Rudolph can pick up YAC at times, following blocks patiently. His pro potential appears to be that of a solid slot receiver. He won’t win many long races to the stripe against NFL CBs, mostly because he doesn’t explode off the line and winds up to top gear. But he has enough reliability tools to be a competent pro.
Artavis Scott, Clemson
Scott is a 5’10-193 possession receiver with excellent hands, practical game speed and keen after-catch vision. His Clemson WR schooling is a huge plus for his NFL chances. Scott is estimated to run his forty dash somewhere around low 4.5s, if not better. He is not a turf-burning route runner, but is sharp cutting off his stems and setting up his routes to get open. Catches the ball with confidence short or deep. Scott is effective inside and out, and is nifty inside the 20. He has been utilized as the short, under target at Clemson, caddying in routes for playmaking WR Mike Williams. Scott has the speed chops to expand his route tree in the NFL and play deeper than he was asked at Clemson. His fine run skills translate well on jet sweeps and hitches off the line. Scott also is a competent punt returner, opening another avenue to the NFL. He is sure to shine in workouts for scouts and I’m betting he’ll impress in his 40 as well as catch drills.
Ricky Seals-Jones, Texas A&M
The biggest scouting question for this huge wideout is do pro personnel people view Seals-Jones as a WR or TE? Lining up at 6’5-240, Seals-Jones is a physically imposing presence before the snap. In action, he has a few flaws that cut into his potential for being an NFL wideout. Off the line Seals-Jones is slow-starting and lumbering in routes. His route skills are flat and quite shallow. Soft in his breaks, Seals-Jones rolls out of his stems and gives DBs plenty of clues when to close. His hands are suspect as well. Seals-Jones will at times gobble up passes his way, even in traffic. Other occasions he is drop-prone and allow the ball to get on-top of him, negating his length advantages. Seals-Jones was a highly sought after high-school recruit as he entered college, but didn’t quite meet his collegiate potential. Again, mushy route chops and inconsistent hands, as well as stout SEC competition, all contributed to putting a cap on his performance. He’ll face even stiffer opposition in the NFL. AS an outside pro receiver Seals-Jones will struggle to get open. He is not overly effective using his size to his advantage, which is how he’d have to win contested throws. TE may be his best bet, and he has work to do in that job as well, namely blocking.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC
The USC pro prospect packs a 6’2 frame at 220 pounds, darn impressive for a WR. Smith-Schuster should run his forty in the 4.5s, good enough for a bigger, stronger wideout. However, Smith-Schuster is not a sudden athlete. He lacks burst off the snap and breaking his route stems. The Trojan receiver builds to speed and struggles gaining separation. He will have a tough time in the NFL making plays down-field versus pro CBs, often having to fight for his catches. Smith-Schuster is a 50/50 pass catcher in traffic. He uses hands-out to snare passes, but at times those hands are late on the ball, causing drops. At USC Smith-Schuster lines up almost exclusively on right side offense. His 2016 numbers were appreciably down from 2015; 19 less catches, 530 less yards and his yards per reception dropped by 3.2. He does show an ability to high-point well and plays with good body control. Smith-Schuster is a willing and capable blocker. To make a big splash in the NFL Smith-Schuster needs to quicken his footwork, sharpen his routes and use his size to better advantage. He should be a contributing pro, but not so sure about his star-power.
ArDarius Stewart, Alabama
Stout and compact at 6’-204, Stewart is a full effort receiver in all assignments. HE shows ample speed, hitting high 4.5s-forty levels. With the ball in his hands he is plenty fast and can go the distance if he gets behind a secondary. He is an average router but cuts his breaks well and understands how to free up when plays break down. He is good at everything but not great at anything. Even throws a pretty good pass when asked. While he is a competent pass-catcher, Stewart can bust open big plays on jet sweeps. He runs with non-frills urgency with the ball in his hands, regardless of how he gets it. AS a pass-catcher Stewart doesn’t own special hands, but he is more than adequate. He will body-catch at times. He is fearless anywhere on the field, and rugged after the catch. Stewart is a workman wideout, not a star. He has Pierre Garcon potential in the right pro offense.
Damore'ea Stringfellow, Ole Miss
Ole Miss has been turning out NFL-quality receivers the past few drafts. Some are pro-ready and some need seasoning but have the goods to be productive pros. Stringfellow fits the mold of recent Mississippi wideouts hitting the NFL; big, physical and still a work in progress. The 6’2-212 Rebel is all of those. Stringfellow displays strong hands and gets them out when snaring the football, but at times is slow in getting them in position. Drops are a concern, but he doesn’t allow a drop to affect the next snap. He is still learning the nuances of WR and how to use his size effectively. An area of strength is his execution on back-shoulder throws, but his rather shallow route tree is a flaw that needs to be addressed. Currently the Mississippi receiver is limited to slants and sideline stems and he fails to break cover and gain separation. . Being predictable is a killer in the NFL. Stringfellow runs his called plays with max effort, but he has to show more intensity and attention to details when his number is not called. With that, his blocking is sub-par. Stringfellow has all the physical tools to be a solid NFL receiver. He brings size, practical speed (high 4.5s) and some natural technique. But Stringfellow is clearly a work-in-progress and requires god NFL coaching to shine in time.
Mike Williams, Clemson
Though he is coming to the NFL early, Williams looks like the best WR in this draft class. For one, he’s a Clemson wideout, which has been a WR factory for a number of years. At 6’3-225 and sporting 4.5 wheels, Williams is a physical presence with skilled WR tools. Williams displays keen concentration, air to hands. He is unstoppable on back shoulder fades. He catches the ball smoothly with consistent hands extended, high points aggressively and fights for the ball in the air. Williams is an average route runner, somewhat soft breaking off stems and rounding off cuts. Long wideouts will often fall into this route flaw, failing to sink their hips when breaking. Surprisingly Williams doesn’t often create great separation. He uses his length effectively defeating tight coverage. Williams has the tendency to push off defenders to separate and will draw NFL laundry if it is not corrected. Mike Williams is true NFL star potential. He has day-one skills and can be a big contributor to an NFL early, but there are a few gaps that need closing before he truly takes off as a pro. Make no mistake, Williams will shine in the NFL.
Not Sure: Malachi Dupre (LSU); Courtland Sutton (SMU)
Tight Ends
Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech
David Njoku, Miami (Fla.)
Adam Shaheen, Ashland
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