6’4” – 215 lbs.
Was part of the wide receiver rotation as a freshman, finishing the season with 17-345-2 (20.3), then stepped into a major role the following year, finishing with 59-936-12 (15.9); improved to 59-1,167-13 (19.8) this past year, then declared for the draft. Has ideal size and bulk for a pro split end. Takes snaps all over the formation, but typically on the line of scrimmage from both sides of the field; would occasionally slide into the slot as well. Runs a lot of downfield routes, often off of double moves, and averaged nearly twenty yards per reception this past season; overall speed looks good enough to challenge defenses deep. A lot of his production during the games reviewed came against zones, often when he was able to come over the middle of the field and exploit seams for easy completions. When facing man coverage, can struggle to create separation on shorter routes; smoother than he is explosive, and doesn’t always do a great job of sinking his hips into breaks and using head fakes and nuance to throw off opponents. Does, however demonstrate the requisite footwork and physicality to release at the line against press coverage, although he was typically working against generous cushions. Is able to come up with difficult contested catches in traffic, some of his primary assets being his excellent catch radius, ability to pluck the ball away from his body, pretty strong hands, and competitiveness at the catch point. Also does a good job of locating, judging, and adjusting to throws away from his frame, with excellent body control for a player with his size. Double-catches some balls but has good concentration to stick with it. Doesn’t do a lot of work within ten yards of the line, but can get some easy looks on curls and comebacks because of the cushions his speed gives him the ability to work against. Appears to have good awareness/body control near the sideline. Impressive run-after-catch ability. Has the size and length to develop into an effective stalk blocker, but thus far his effort leaves something to be desired. At times, flashes the ability to get extension and drive his legs to generate movement against opposing cornerbacks, but in general seems too content to make an initial effort before trying to get a glimpse of what’s going on with the ball. A big split end with the ability to use his length and flexibility to win contested throws downfield, he looks likely to come off the board in the first round assuming he tests relatively well at the Combine.
DRAFTEXAMINER 