Background:
Brother is NFL receiver Equanimeous St. Brown. Five-star recruit who burst onto the scene to the tune of 60-750-3 (12.5), then expanded his production to 77-1,042-6 (13.5) before going 41-478-7 (11.7) last year and declaring for the draft.
Positives:
Pretty well-built for the pro receiver position, with above-average height and adequate bulk. Typically lines up on the line of scrimmage split out the left side of the formation, but worked out of the slot often prior to this past season; route tree conists of a lot of patterns with deeper stems (deep out routes, curls, comebacks, etc.), with some hitches throw in for good measure. Able to release at the line of scrimmage against press coverage, showing crisp footwork and effective hand usage. Excellent athlete who eats up cushions in a hurry, does a pretty good job of sinking his hips, and goes through his breaks without needing to shift down very much. Flexibility and body control are good. Looks comfortable catching the ball away from his frame, and can also bring down passes in tight coverage. Demonstrates solid awareness of the sideline. Was able to produce on back-shoulder throws. Shows very good competitiveness which should endear him to pro coaches.
Negatives:
Production predominantly comes on intermediate throws toward the sideline, without that many patterns over the middle of the field or deep downfield. Doesn’t take many snaps from the right side of the field. Patterns from the right side of the formation tend to be simple routes from the slot. Will occasionally settle into coverage underneath instead of finding the soft spots. Made one concentration drop over the middle during the games reviewed. Not the biggest threat to create after the catch in terms of elusiveness or toughness. Gives good effort to engage defenders as a blocker but doesn’t have great functional strength and can struggle to sustain or get overwhelmed by opposing defenders.
Summary:
A pretty polished route-runner from the left side of the formation, combining effective releases at the line, the acceleration to eat up cushions, and the suddenness to create windows on intermediate patterns near the sidelines. Would be a good fit for a scheme that relies on timing-based throws from a quarterback who can get the ball out to the sideline and push it down the field, taking advantage of his precision. However, doesn’t seem to be as much of a threat to take the top off of defenses, so he may need to make his money on short-to-intermediate patterns.
DRAFTEXAMINER 