WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford

6’2” – 225 lbs. – N/A
Did not play as a freshman, but ended up playing in all twelve games the following year and posted a 24-379-5 line. Led the team in all major receiving categories during his junior season (48-781-9), then was named a team captain and enjoyed a highly productive 63-1,059-14 year to conclude his career. Tall, long, and well-built split end who occasionally aligned tighter to the formation to block. Exhibits good movement at the line of scrimmage to secure clean releases. Works head fakes and stutter-steps into his game to slow down defenders when he’s going deep. Route tree itself is a little bit simple; most of his patterns are either on sideline throws (go routes, fades, back-shoulder throws) or hitches. Willing to work the middle of the field, although he did have a focus drop during the games reviewed. Does a good job of tracking the ball over his shoulder and making adjustments when targeted down the field. Offers a wide catch radius and solid body control to bring in passes away from his frame. Was his team’s leader in receiving touchdowns in each of the past three seasons, and does a good job of using his big frame to shield opponents from the ball in the red zone. Able to climb the ladder and come down with big catches. Capable of using his frame to draw penalties. Overall speed and explosiveness is average; when he doesn’t win with his release, tends to rely on his size rather than exploding out of breaks or blowing past defenders with speed. However, although most of his routes are not designed to facilitate yards after the catch, looks like a pretty hard runner who can put his shoulder down and pick up a few extra yards. Has all of the physical tools to be a successful blocker, with a good feel for positioning when executing stalk-blocks and who does a good job of using his length. However, would like to see a nastier approach; looks like he’s going through the motions too often and doesn’t physically dominate like he should. Generally considered one of the best receivers in the draft, as a big target who is able to secure clean releases at the line and use his size to box out opponents, traits which make him a red-zone weapon. A little bit of a one-trick pony, but it’s a good trick.