6’1” – 205 lbs. – 4.52
Profile:
- Redshirted, then immediately had a major impact for the Nittany Lions, enjoying his most productive season as a redshirt freshman and putting up decent numbers in the three subsequent seasons as well. Despite being a relatively tall, well-built wide receiver, did most of his work out of the slot in college. Ran routes to all three levels of the field, but most of his production is at the short-to-intermediate level on digs, curls, drags, tunnel screens, and other patterns designed to get him the ball with some room to work. Best when he’s making an inside release from the slot, carrying defenders on his outside shoulder, and then breaking patterns over the middle.
Positives:
- Has pretty good footwork to release at the line of scrimmage against press coverage. Runs a lot of patterns which take him over the middle of the field and does a good job of creating separation at the route stem. Technician who runs routes with nuance and can sink his hips and use head fakes to get open. Aware of where he is on the field and able to settle into soft spots underneath the defense. Has very reliable hands. Able to catch the ball away from his frame and hold onto passes through contact. Not a particularly dynamic runner after the catch but is willing to get physical and doesn’t waste time before getting upfield. Gives good effort to stick with his opponents when stalking in the run game.
Negatives:
- Not a particularly fast or explosive receiver; relies on technique to separate and produce. May lack the speed to stretch defenses on the outside, but was given a lot of opportunities to win on 50-50 balls downfield from the slot, often with outside releases that took him toward the boundary. Is able to track and adjust to downfield throws, with good body control to come down with catches. Runs some good wheel routes from the slot, and was often targeted on those sorts of throws when working in the red zone. Able to use his body to shield defenders from the ball, although he could be more aggressive about working back to throws when targeted.
Summary:
- A polished, reliable slot target whose speed was a question going into the pre-draft process, but who ran well at his pro day and consequently stands a pretty good shot of coming off the board on the second day. As one of the most pro-ready receivers in this year’s class, stands a good chance of being able to win a slot job sooner rather than later, although his lack of snaps on the outside raises the question of whether or not he’ll be able to do that at the next level.
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