Background:
Has been a major contributor for the past three seasons after catching seven passes as a freshman. Enjoyed by far his most productive season as a sophomore: 86-1,491-12 (17.3). Followed that up with seasons of 53-903-8 (17.0) in 2019 and 59-922-6 (15.6) in 2020 to close out his collegiate career.
Positives:
Usually takes snaps as a split end on the line of scrimmage; many of his pass routes are outside releases which take him down the sidelines and on related patterns branching off of that (backside throws, etc.), but does make some inside releases and work the inside as well at times. Footwork when releasing is pretty crisp. Physical enough to mix it up with opposing cornerbacks when needed. Long-strider with smooth movement skills; glides down the fast with adequate athletic ability. Maintains inside positioning when working crossing routes, slants, posts, etc. Able to find and settle into the soft spots between zones when working against Cover-2. Provides a big target for quarterbacks because of his length and leaping ability. Has good flexibility and body control. Impressive leaper who can climb the ladder and high-point passes. Runs hard after the catch and is capable of bouncing or spinning off of would-be tacklers to gain additional yardage. Works hard to secure blocks on opposing cornerbacks and engages from his feet; able to come tighter to the formation and crack defenders in the run game. Production was hurt by playing with an inaccurate quarterback.
Negatives:
Snaps come almost exclusively on the far right side of the formation, although he does occasionally slide down into the slot. Doesn’t have the biggest build for an outside receiver. Can be pushed off of his routes by physical press coverage. Gets pinned to the sidelines too easily. Not a true deep threat; smoother and more flexible than he is fast or explosive and doesn’t create many big throwing windows for his quarterback. Didn’t always get some of the big cushions defenses often offer dynamic receivers and struggled to take advantage of those press-man looks (see game vs. Oklahoma). Would like to see him do more different things in the offense; route tree is pretty limited.
Summary:
Comes with three seasons of solid production, but makes for a difficult evaluation, coming as he does from an offensive in which he had relatively simple responsibilities and was playing with a quarterback who struggled to throw him catchable balls downfield. Doesn’t really dominate against press-man coverage the way you’d like for a high draft pick, and given his average size, speed, and explosiveness, may struggle to win on the outside against pro cornerbacks as well.
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