WR Brandon Aiyuk:
Scouting Reports:
ASU Profile: https://thesundevils.com/sports/football/roster/brandon-aiyuk/8486
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/brandon-aiyuk?id=32194149-5918-9231-4476-63b611051b08
Walterfootball: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2020baiyuk.php
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/brandon-aiyuk/ZsLQCCVH6K
2020 NFL draft: Brandon Aiyuk scouting report: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/05/2020-nfl-draft-brandon-aiyuk-scouting-report/
Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 35: Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk: https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-35-arizona-state-wr-brandon-aiyuk-234936080.html
Articles:
2020 NFL Draft: 5 overhyped prospects to avoid in Round 1 (2. Brandon Aiyuk, WR Arizona State: If you watch a highlight reel, you might think Aiyuk is one of the very best receivers in the class. He’s a burner who can do serious damage with the ball in his hands. At the NFL level, getting the ball in his hands will the issue. The Arizona State star gets bullied at the line of scrimmage by more physical corners, which will obviously be a problem at the next level, where all of the corners play physically at the line of scrimmage. Physicality also gives Aiyuk problems down the field. If there is any amount of contact, his route is thrown off course. If that happens frequently, it’ll be hard for Aiyuk to earn the trust of an NFL quarterback. That’s not what you’re looking for in a first-round receiver.) (4-23-20): https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/04/2020-nfl-draft-overhyped-prospects-busts-avoid
Gil Brandt: Pro comps for top 5 receiver prospects (4) Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State (Pro comparison: D.J. Moore (71 catches per year, 981.5 receiving yards per year, 13.8 yards per catch, 3 receiving touchdowns per year, 2018-19).): You could see the improvement that the former junior college player made between his first season at Arizona State in 2018, when he started three games, to his second, when he caught 65 passes for 1,192 yards and eight scores. Aiyuk can separate; like Moore, he is a very explosive runner who can explode downfield as soon as he catches the ball. He can also return kicks (31.9 yards per return on 14 kicks in 2019) and punts (16.2 yards per return on 14 punts). Aiyuk has lots of upside, and, like Moore at Carolina, he can be a No. 1 receiver for someone in the NFL. Given that we don't yet know whether or to what degree the core muscle surgery Aiyuk underwent this week will impact his readiness for the 2020 season, I'm holding off on factoring that into my assessment of him for now.) (4-9-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001108875/article/2020-nfl-draft-prospectpro-comparisons-for-top-wide-receivers
O'HARA'S DRAFT PREVIEW: 5 wide receivers that could interest Lions (4. Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State. 6-0, 205. 4.50 40. Stats: Junior college transfer, 2 years at ASU. 2018: 33 catches, 474 yards, 3 TDs. 2019: 65 catches, 1,192 yards, 8 TDs. Background: Competitive, strong player at his size with long arms. Goes after the ball with 40-inch vertical. How he could fit Lions: Adds yards after catch to knack for getting open.) (4-9-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-draft-preview-5-wide-receivers-that-could-interest-lions-lamb
NFL Hot Press: Claypool, Aiyuk Are Polarizing Prospects (4-9-20): https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Claypool,-Aiyuk-are-Polarizing-Prospects
Report: Brandon Aiyuk undergoes surgery (4-7-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-brandon-aiyuk-one-of-the-top-rated-wr-prospects-undergoes-core-muscle-surgery-per-report/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Combine VI (Up - Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State: Similar to Claypool, Aiyuk has some teams considering him on the opening night of the 2020 NFL Draft. Others have him much lower and think he would be a huge reach, but there are teams that are intrigued with him. Aiyuk is an interesting prospect because he could go in the first round or be in store for a significant slide.) (4-7-20): https://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_30.php
Touchdown Wire's 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 offensive players (17. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State: In a sign of just how solid this wide receiver group is, Aiyuk is not the last receiver on this list. He is another home run hitter at the WR spot, with the ability to take simple slant routes to the house in the blink of an eye. He is also a tough, strong route-runner, as he displayed on a post route touchdown against Washington State, running through contact both before and after the catch. He has a great feel for getting into the blind spot of the nearest defender, and with his speed and burst he can be a factor in the screen game as well.) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-offensive-players/
If Lions go for Jeff Okudah, here are 10 second-round options that make sense (Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State: There is a wealth of receiving talent in this class, which means value is going to be pushed down the board in every round. Aiyuk is an explosive playmaker with the ball in his hands, which also translates to the return game. He averaged 31.9 yards on kickoffs and 16.1 yards on punts last season. Playing for a group of coaches with pro experience at Arizona State, Aiyuk expanded his versatility in 2019, working out of the slot more than 100 times. In total, he averaged better than 18 yards per catch last season.) (3-31-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/31/if-detroit-lions-go-jeff-okudah-here-10-second-round-options-make-sense/5087218002/
2020 NFL Draft: Landing spots for PFF’s top 15 WR prospects (BRANDON AIYUK, ARIZONA STATE – BUFFALO BILLS (ROUND 1, PICK 22): Buffalo’s receiving unit got a huge jolt with the additions of John Brown and Cole Beasley last offseason, as both ranked among the 35 best wide receivers in PFF grade. But the Bills could certainly use another addition on the outside — particularly one who can create after the catch like Brandon Aiyuk. After spending a couple of years in JUCO, Aiyuk made his way to Arizona State in 2018 and was OK in his first year but had a breakout year in 2019. Aiyuk averaged a remarkable 10.9 yards after catch per reception in 2019, which was the ninth most, and was explosive wherever he got the ball, whether he was underneath or making a deep catch. On underneath targets, Aiyuk produced six explosive plays (third) and averaged 12.1 yards after catch per reception (second). On targets of 15 or more yards, Aiyuk once again averaged over 12 yards after catch per reception (fourth most).) (3-11-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-landing-spots-pff-top-15-wr-prospects
2020 NFL Draft: Player comps for PFF's top wide receivers and tight ends (BRANDON AIYUK: PIERRE GARCON: Both Aiyuk and Garcon are at their best with the ball in their hands. Give them a crease and they’re gone. The combination of sure hands and YAC ability is a safe one when projecting to the NFL. Aiyuk is still developing as a route-runner, as was Garcon initially in Indy. By the end of his career, though, Garcon had become one of the craftier wideouts in the league.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-2020-nfl-draft-player-comps-for-pffs-top-wide-receivers-and-tight-ends
O'HARA: Wide receivers put on a show at 2020 Combine (Aiyuk is 5-11 with a 40-inch vertical jump at the Combine. A two-year player after transferring from junior college, he asked the coaches to give him playing time in the slot to prepare for the NFL. His request was granted, and Aiyuk responded with 65 catches for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns. "That was huge," Aiyuk said of playing outside and in the slot. "That adds value, versatility – being able to play outside and inside. Being able to run the routes from the slot --- not everybody can do that. "Not everybody can go from outside to inside, and from inside to outside.") (3-3-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-wide-receivers-put-on-a-show-at-2020-combine-ruggs-aiyuk
2020 NFL Scouting Combine Team Thoughts on Workouts (Arizona State wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was another wideout who had multiple team sources say impressed them. Aiyuk looked very good in the field drills and had a quality 40 time of 4.50 seconds. Teams say Aiyuk helped himself at the combine.) (2-29-20): https://walterfootball.com/combine2020blog.php
2020 NFL Combine winners: Wide receivers (Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State, 5-11.5, 205: A longtime favorite of Lions Wire, Aiyuk showed off his athleticism with a solid 4.5 40-yard-dash time and above-average explosion scores with a 40″ vertical jump and a 10-7 broad jump. On the field, he was one of the biggest winners in the gauntlet drill, illustrating his focus, balance, and reliable hands.) (2-28-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/28/2020-nfl-combine-winners-wide-receivers/
TIM AND MIKE: Combine Day 4 observations (Leap of faith: Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk of Arizona State told media members to wait until Thursday night to see how he performed in the vertical jump. It was worth the wait. Aiyuk leaped an even 40 inches. – Mike O'Hara) (2-28-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-combine-day-4-observations-ruggs-claypool-love
Prospect for the Pack: Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk (2-26-20): https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/26/packers-draft-profile-arizona-state-wr-brandon-aiyuk-2020-draft/
TIM AND MIKE: Combine Day 1 observations (Arizona State wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk looks back at a 16-13 win over Michigan State in 2018 as a game that launched the Sun Devils' program in Herm Edwards' first season as head coach. "Beating Michigan State was huge," Aiyuk said. "It put us in the right direction." – Mike O'Hara) (2-25-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-combine-day-1-observations-burrow-higgins-moss
Lions in lovely spot with 2020 NFL Draft a 'beauty contest' for receivers (But every other prospect is arguably in play, especially if you consider the possibility of the Lions trading down from No. 3 and either picking up a late first-rounder or the ammunition to move back into the bottom of that round. That's the range where Arizona State's Brandon Aiyuk, Colorado's Laviska Shenault and Clemson's Tee Higgins figure to be selected. Those are three wildly different options in their own right. Aiyuk, a breakout star last season, is versatile and dynamic after the catch. He has experience out wide, in the slot and as a return man.) (2-25-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/25/detroit-lions-lovely-spot-2020-nfl-draft-a-beauty-contest-receivers/4870519002/
Nine instant impact receivers who won't cost a first-round pick (Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State: The way this kid moves around the field is so impressive considering his size (6-foot, 201 pounds). He's an open-field nightmare who makes 60-, 70-, 80-yard catch-and-run plays look quick, and a short run feel like a microwave minute. Aiyuk's breakaway speed is really something to watch.) (2-25-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102818/article/nine-instant-impact-receivers-who-wont-cost-a-firstround-pick
12 WRs for Packers to watch at NFL Scouting Combine (Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State: He was flagged for a medical issue at the Senior Bowl. Teams will want clarity there. If he’s healthy, he could be one of the surprise performers of the combine. He has explosive athleticism and impressive length.) (2-24-20): https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/24/12-wrs-for-packers-to-watch-at-nfl-scouting-combine/
WR, TE weigh-in: Higgins impresses (Winners - Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State. Aiyuk is one of the smaller receivers in the group listed above but his wingspan was off the charts for his size. He is such an explosive player and his length obviously benefits him.) (2-24-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-tee-higgins-impressive-gronk-comparisons-continue-for-cole-kmet-as-wrs-tes-get-measured/
Early NFL Draft WR Rankings (Analytics) (Brandon Aiyuk (6’0/201) is a late-blooming playmaker as a receiver and returner with natural ability to win in space, making him a potential WR2 and return specialist in the NFL. After spending two years at junior college, he played behind N’Keal Harry as a junior before breaking out last season. He needs to be knocked for his lack of early-age production, but he still had a decent score in my adjusted production metric that accounts for age and other factors. His speed and instant acceleration show up on punt/kick returns, vertical routes, and screens. He averaged an elite 11.1 yards after the catch and 12.0 yards per target, which was the fourth best in the class despite playing with a freshman quarterback. On tape, he’s still developing as a route runner, but he’s so smooth with the ball in his hands. I’d rather bet on him improving than him leveling out given his background as a transfer. He can be a playmaking WR2/3 and special teamer almost immediately and has the athleticism to exceed expectations. Predicted Overall Draft Pick: 44th) (2-20-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/early-nfl-draft-wr-rankings-analytics
2020 NFL Combine: Wide Receiver Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (11. Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State 6-0, 201 (2) - NFL Combine What Matters: A good-sized speedster who averaged over 18 yards per catch last year with the ability to hit the home run and make big things happen on the move. It’s all about the 40 with him – he has to be the part of a speed receiver.) (2-20-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-wide-receiver-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
ASU WR Aiyuk to participate at combine (2-19-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-groin-injury-wont-hold-arizona-state-wide-receiver-brandon-aiyuk-out-of-combine-per-report/
Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Wide receivers (Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State (Suggested by: Jeff Risdon and Erik Schlitt): If Aiyuk is there at pick No. 35, he should get consideration because he’ll check a lot of boxes for the Lions. A threat to take it to the house on every play, Aiyuk routinely takes simple five-step slants and houses them. He is still polishing his game — he was a JUCO transfer — but the fact that he is already where he is, and still isn’t near his ceiling, makes him a very appealing prospect.) (2-19-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/19/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-wide-receiver/
NFL combine 2020: Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb headline deep crop of receivers (Brandon Aiyuk (Arizona State): At 5-foot-11 and 201 pounds, he’s built for the slot. But he also has a massive wingspan of 81 inches, or 6-foot-9. Aiyuk accelerates in a hurry, which should make him one of the top performers in the 40-yard dash. He’s good enough to be considered for a first-round pick, although the depth of the receiver class could bump him to Day 2, where Detroit is in better position to spend on a receiver.) (2-18-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/02/nfl-combine-2020-jerry-jeudy-ceedee-lamb-headline-deep-crop-of-receivers.html
11 NFL draft prospects who could spark big combine buzz (11. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State: With a massive 6-foot-9 wingspan and 10-inch hands, Aiyuk has rare measurables for a receiver, particularly one who is a shade under 6-0 and 201 pounds. The real key to his game, however, is field-stretching acceleration that should shine through in the 40-yard dash and agility drills. In a crowded group of receivers, anything Aiyuk can do to distinguish himself will bolster his chances to end up in the first round.) (2-18-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/18/nfl-draft-2020-combine-top-players-buzz-henry-ruggs/4785928002/
2020 NFL Draft Musings: Two Pac-12 linemen grade as most underrated (I don’t understand why many grade Benjamin’s teammate, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, as a second-day selection. He’s without a doubt a solid receiver, but he has average size and average deep speed. Aiyuk absolutely does not possess a second gear and isn’t fast enough to be a consistent vertical receiver. It doesn’t mean Aiyuk won’t be productive at the next level; I just question how he fits into the initial 120 selections of the draft.) (2-17-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-musings-two-pac-12-linemen-grade-as-most-underrated/
Draft WR rankings: Lamb headlines list (Tier 2 - 6. Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State, 86: Aiyuk's game is almost completely predicated on his speed down the football field, whether that be on a vertical route or after catching the ball on a slant. He's a home run hitter by the classic definition and has good size for the sprinter distinction and over 6-0 and around 200 pounds. Aiyuk went the junior college route -- like Dede Westbrook, Marquise Brown, and Michael Gallup -- and after a rather pedestrian debut season (33 catches for 474 yards and four touchdowns) at Arizona State playing in the shadows of future first-rounder N'Keal Harry, Aiyuk exploded onto the scene as a senior. He nearly reached the 1,200-yard plateau at a robust 18.3 yards-per-snag rate with eight scores catching passes from true freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels. While not someone who ran a variety of routes at Arizona State, Aiyuk doesn't need to do so to create space between himself and the defender covering him.) (2-13-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-receiver-rankings-ceedee-lamb-at-no-1-in-absolutely-stacked-pass-catcher-group/
Back to the Future: Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft (10. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State: The reports out of the Senior Bowl have been that Brandon Aiyuk is destined to be a future first-round pick. I had to go back and see what this buzz was all about, and sure enough, Aiyuk has some real juice to his game. He is another guy that is predicated a lot off of speed. It makes his game dynamic. His yards after the catch ability is where he is going to make his money. Aiyuk has excellent acceleration, vision, and contact balance. You can manufacture touches for him, and he can take one to the house. The real reason he is down here at the bottom of the top-10 wide receivers list is those press coverage issues. Aiyuk is not there yet. He has to improve as a hand fighter to bat those hands down. Aiyuk can stretch the defense vertically quite well, but he will have to answer those issues about press coverage to end up higher. ) (2-8-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-the-future-top-10-wide-receivers-in-the-2020-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Wide Receivers (7. BRANDON AIYUK, ARIZONA STATE (Draft Board Rank: 31st): Aiyuk played second fiddle to first-round pick N'Keal Harry in 2018 when both were juniors, but he proved this season, at least in our eyes, that he's the better pro prospect. Aiyuk is far more explosive and is a threat to take it to the house every time he gets his hands on the ball. He averaged 10.9 yards after the catch this past season as his 710 total yards after the catch were the fifth most in the country. He did all of that with the vast majority of his snaps coming out wide, as well (540 of 655).) (1-31-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-wide-receivers
Post 2020 Senior Bowl Notebook (On personal rankings, I’m higher than most draft media on these players: Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk, who reminds me a great deal of Golden Tate) (1-29-20): https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3246/Post-2020-Senior-Bowl-Notebook
Brandon Aiyuk generating buzz at Senior Bowl, despite status (1-21-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/brandon-aiyuk-senior-bowl-buzz-status/
Senior Bowl weigh-ins: 20 prospects who hit the Lions benchmarks (Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State (5-11, 201, 33 1/8″ arms, 10″ hands): Aiyuk is a Golden Tate clone but with a much larger catch radius.) (1-21-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/21/notes-senior-bowl-weigh-ins-detroit-lions/
Complete guide to the 2020 Senior Bowl (Aiyuk, Pittman and Edwards are all physical pass-catchers with solid frames who are open even when they’re covered. All three have the well-rounded skill set and polish to be immediate starters at the next level.) (1-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/20/senior-bowl-preview-2020-nfl-draft/
NFL draft: 10 most fascinating players at the 2020 Senior Bowl (Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk: In a crowded WR draft, with several talented prospects attending this game, we could have gone a number of routes at this position. But Aiyuk is the pick here because he’s been among the biggest one-year jumps for any prospect in this cycle, and there’s a lot to unpack in his game. Some scouts will end up putting higher grades on Aiyuk than they did on former teammate N’Keal Harry, who was a first-round pick by the New England Patriots last year. Others remain unconvinced that Aiyuk is as polished as he needs to be to unleash his straight-line juice. Aiyuk could end up making some money at the NFL combine with his 40-yard dash, but I want to see him in one-on-ones against these solid corners.) (1-20-120): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-10-most-fascinating-players-at-the-2020-senior-bowl-181210741.html
PFF 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Preview: players to watch, draft implications, schedule, team rosters and more (The south squad is headlined by Brandon Aiyuk of Arizona State. Given that this wide receiver class is loaded with talent, Aiyuk will likely be drafted far lower than he would be in a normal class. Still, he is looking like an early second-round prospect. Aiyuk didn’t have much production prior to 2019 — he picked up just 474 yards and a 67.4 receiving grade in 2018. In 2019, Aiyuk broke out and displayed his after the catch ability that’ll be highly coveted at the NFL level. He averaged 10.9 yards after the catch per reception while gathering 3.09 yards per route run and generating a 133.9 passer rating.) (1-20-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-preview-players-to-watch-draft-implications-schedule-team-rosters
Senior Bowl primer: Everything to know (Which prospects can play their way into the first round? Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State: Aiyuk is a speedster with good size at 6-1 and over 200 pounds. He's more impressive running in a straight line than he is changing directions, but his instant acceleration and top gear will threaten NFL cornerbacks right away in 2020. He averaged over 18 yards per grab with eight scores in 2019 at Arizona State and was magnificent after the catch thanks to his athletic traits. A big week in one-on-one drills could catapult Aiyuk into Round 1.) (1-17-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2020-comprehensive-scouting-primer-about-this-years-pre-draft-event-in-mobile/
WR prospect reset: Stock up and down (Notable Senior Bowl participants - Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State: Aiyuk isn't going to break ankles on a route with multiple cuts in it. But he might take a slant 80 yards to the house. He's a long-strider down the field and gets to top speed in a hurry. His 81-yard touchdown against Oregon basically sealed that huge win for the Sun Devils. Aiyuk nearly averaged 19 yards per grab this past season on 65 receptions.) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-prospect-reset-whose-stock-is-up-and-down-who-needs-big-senior-bowl-and-combine-and-more/
2020 NFL mock draft: Full 7 rounds of Lions picks (Third round, No. 67 overall - The pick: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State. Do you miss Golden Tate? I know I do. So I’m using this pick to draft the closest thing I’ve seen to the dynamic wideout in a few years as a prospect. He’s not as crafty with his routes yet, but the shiftiness, ability to make tacklers look stupid and big-play mentality are all very reminiscent of Tate in Detroit) (1-8-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/02/2020-nfl-mock-draft-full-7-rounds-of-lions-picks/
2019 College Bowl Preview: Belk and Sun Bowls (Unfortunately, Arizona State’s best NFL Draft prospects are both sitting out of this game. Running back Eno Benjamin and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk announced they are both off to the NFL and will not play against the Seminoles. Aiyuk is a playmaker at WR who is at his best after the catch. He’s going to test well at the NFL Combine and boost his stock come March and April.) (12-31-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2019-college-bowl-preview-belk-and-sun-bowls/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Pre-Bowls III (Up - Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State: Aiyuk put together a strong senior year, catching 65 passes for 1,192 yards with eight touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 206-pounder produced some big plays for the Sun Devils and had a huge jump in production compared to 2018 (44-474-3). Some in the media, including ESPN's Todd McShay, have projected Aiyuk as a first-round pick. In speaking to some area scouts, they didn't grade Aiyuk in the first round, but he could be an early-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.) (12-25-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_17.php
Tony Pauline Mailbag: 2020 NFL Draft news on Jake Fromm, Jacob Eason and more: (Brandon Aiyuk is skipping the Sun Bowl. While he is not on the Jerry Jeudy level, can Aiyuk and players of similar skill sets really increase their stocks given how deep the WR class is? Aiyuk’s draft stock will depend on his forty yard dash time. He’s a terrific route runner with reliable hands as well as next-level focus and concentration. His ability to run, especially with his size and build, is the big question. The faster he runs, the earlier he will be drafted.) (12-19-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tony-pauline-mailbag-2020-nfl-draft-news-jake-fromm-jacob-eason/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Pre-Bowls (Up - Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State: Aiyuk had a big jump in production from his junior to senior year, and that increase helped to land him an invitation to the Senior Bowl. After catching only 33 passes for 474 yards and three scores in 2018, Aiyuk jumped to 65 receptions for 1,192 yards and eight scores as a senior. The 6-foot-1, 206-pounder has quality size to him as well. If he can generate separation in Mobile, he could rise during the leadup to the 2020 NFL Draft.) (12-10-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_15.php
Brandon Aiyuk NFL draft: Arizona State wide receiver's stock soars (12-4-19): https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/asu/2019/12/04/brandon-aiyuk-nfl-draft-arizona-state-wide-receivers-stock-soars/2600273001/
2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the Incredibly Deep Wide Receiver Class (9. Aiyuk: Aiyuk has raced up draft boards over the last few weeks thanks to his wildly productive senior season. He's posted 65 receptions for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns, showing big-play ability in the process. At 6-foot-1 and 206 pounds, Aiyuk can line up at every receiver position and is excellent after the catch. He has good speed and can find the creases in the defense to produce big plays. He can line up as a returner and has become a much better route-runner this season. The Sun Devils' receiver has gone from largely anonymous to a potential third-round pick on the strength of a great final collegiate season.) (12-3-19): https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/nfl-draft-receivers-ranked-2020-jerry-jeudy-ceedee-lamb-01dv3zsx80fb
College Football: 2019 PFF All-Pac-12 Team (First Team: Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State - Aiyuk showcased his blazing speed and route-running ability week in and week out, posting the conferences best yards per route run at 3.04. He was among the best at the position in the Pac-12 in various areas, nabbing 18.3 yards per reception (second), 10.9 yards after the catch per reception (first), 14 missed tackles forced (tied for fourth) and a 133.9 passer rating when targeted (third). He was also able to snag 28 receptions of 15-plus yards, proving to be an elite deep threat. Aiyuk was a key reason for true freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels’ success in his first season and will be a highly sought after receiving threat for many NFL teams.) (12-2-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2019-pff-all-pac-12-team
Under the Radar Draft Prospects: Brandon Aiyuk headlines 2020 list (Brandon Aiyuk, Wide Receiver, Arizona State
As I indicated in my column- Sensational group of 2020 wide receiver prospects the best ever?, the 2020 NFL draft wide receiver group has the potential to be the best we have ever seen. A completely loaded group, featuring Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb, Henry Ruggs III, Laviska Shenault, Tee Higgins and many more, just oozes with game-changing potential. Brandon Aiyuk, a JUCO transfer, joined the Arizona State football team in 2018, playing a supporting role to 2019 first-round pick N’Keal Harry. There will be many draft boards that do not have sensational wide receiver ranked as one of the top ten receivers in the 2020 draft, but he has the tools and explosiveness to be a star. Aiyuk offers exceptional athleticism and is magical with the ball in his hands. He is a plus route runner, can make defenders miss and flourishes when he is the focus of an offense. It seems that Aiyuk is always open, as he seamlessly creates separation. In 2019, Aiyuk is putting together a spectacular season. He has hauled in 60 catches for 1,125 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. As if needed to provide any more value, Aiyuk averages 31.9 yards per kick return and even took one return to the house for a 98-yard touchdown. When I said Brandon Aiyuk was explosive, I wasn’t kidding. In the video below, you will see a glimpse of his game-changing explosiveness. Aiyuk could hear his name called at the tail end of round one of the 2020 NFL Draft to a team like the New Orleans Saints; however, I think it is likely that we see him selected early in round two. The good news, we will get to see a lot more of Aiyuk during the draft process, as he has accepted his invite to Reese’s Senior Bowl.) (11-29-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/under-the-radar-draft-prospects-aiyuk-headlines-2020-list/2/
Pac-12: Who are the biggest breakout draft prospects? (WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State: After N’Keal Harry left for the 2019 season, many people speculated about how far the Arizona State passing game would fall. Brandon Aiyuk heard and accepted the challenge and has completely dominated Harry’s absence. He capped off an already impressive season with a 7-161-1 game against Oregon this past week and ended their playoff hopes. He’s a tremendous weapon post-catch with traits and upside to grow as a route-runner. I think he’s a solid day two option for a team needing a speed threat on the outside.) (11-28-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/analyzing-the-biggest-pac-12-breakout-draft-prospects/
Grading 2020 Senior Bowl invites (WR ANTONIO GANDY-GOLDEN, LIBERTY: One of the most productive receivers in college football since the start of last season, Gandy-Golden ranks second in receiving yards over that span (2,270). He’s also broken 32 tackles on 134 catches, making him one of the more elusive prospects among the bigger receivers in the class.) (11-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-grading-2020-senior-bowl-invitees
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 13 (Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk vs Oregon CBs Deommodore Lenoir and Thomas Graham Jr.: No wide receiver in the country has done more for their NFL Draft stock this year than Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk. The senior entered the season as a fairly unheralded Day 3 candidate who played second fiddle to N’Keal Harry for years. Fast forward a few months later and Aiyuk is suddenly looking at becoming a top-50 draft pick and an athletic stud that evaluators across the league are dying to see at the NFL Combine. Penn State WR KJ Hamler made an appearance earlier in this week’s spotlight for his ability after the catch, but not even Hamler can match Aiyuk after the catch. Not only does Aiyuk have the speed, shiftiness, flexibility, and balance to be an all-around destroyer of worlds with the ball in his hands, but he seems to have an innate sense for how to manipulate his body just right to create unique angles or movements. It’s tough to tangibly identify what Aiyuk is doing to minimize contact, but it’s similar to the slipperiness that Lamar Jackson shows. There is just something about his ability to mitigate contact or slip past it altogether from positions that most other players just can’t. This clip isn’t the absolute peak of Aiyuk’s unique ability to evade contact, but it’s still quite impressive. Aiyuk catches this ball and instantly turns up the field. While blazing at full speed away from the cornerback who was supposed to cover him, Aiyuk bends his path back behind where he initially caught the ball to bend inside of the deep safety. For one, there is no way the safety expected Aiyuk to take that path, but it’s also absurd that Aiyuk is able to bend his path all the way back like that without losing an ounce of speed. Few players can maintain their top speed while weaving through traffic. Rather than straight line speed and flexibility, here is a look at Aiyuk’s balance and burst. Aiyuk is forced to reach back for this ball and stop his momentum upon receiving the ball. Despite losing all his speed, Aiyuk is able to plant his feet and shake off the would-be tackler. Shedding the first tackler is impressive in and of itself, but Aiyuk immediately flies out of the broken tackle down the sideline, beating the angle of another Oregon State defender on his way to an extra 15 yards. As Aiyuk’s profile shows, however, the catch point isn’t really where he wants to win anyway. Aiyuk thrives in being able to separate down the field and being an unrivaled after-the-catch player. While Lenoir have the skills to limit Aiyuk to just a few catches, Aiyuk may only need a handful of chances to break off the big one. Aiyuk’s speed and prowess in the open field should prove too overwhelming for Oregon, as it has for every other team in his path. Advantage: Aiyuk) (11-20-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-13
2020 NFL Draft: Back to the Future | It’s Justin Herbert’s time to shine (Matchup to Watch: Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk vs. Utah CB Jaylon Johnson: It’s safe to say most of us in the draft community did not consider Brandon Aiyuk when compiling their lists of the top receivers in college football. Now halfway through his senior season, Aiyuk has the chance to show that he belongs in the conversation when it comes to the top ten wide receivers. Aiyuk’s dynamic ability is on display all over his tape, and it is an impressive blend of athleticism and overall football IQ, which he shows off below. Aiyuk runs a short crosser here, but his ability to sell the out route or hitch is impeccable. His feet stop for a quick pause, and he gives a nice head fake. The linebacker stands no chance as he bites and chops his feet, thus allowing Aiyuk to get into green space and get this first down. It’s a beautiful route. In this clip, Aiyuk shows nice ability to gain a good amount of yards after the catch. His suddenness and explosiveness allow him to turn this into a circus run. The cuts are sharp and fluid, which is important because it allows him to quickly reach top speed. Without that skill-set, his ability to break tackles and cause havoc in the open field would be undermined. Simply, to pull off these moves in succession is a unique attribute and one that not many are able to do. Meanwhile, Jaylon Johnson had plenty of hype coming into the season as one of the best cornerbacks out west. While he has not had his best season, there is enough there to keep him afloat. It starts with his length and size. As you see here in this goal-line stand against Stanford, Johnson uses that length and size to help him gain leverage against J.J. Arcega Whiteside. Even if the ball is on the money, Johnson’s leverage and physicality give him the chance to be able to make a play at the catch point. It’s an excellent display of technique while also using his physical gifts. Similarly, as Johnson angles his body towards the back pylon prior to engaging Arcega-Whiteside, he also positions himself towards the front side and back shoulder. Although you can’t give Johnson full credit because of the ball being tipped by the defensive lineman, his positioning allows him to get the interception and touchdown. As you can see, Johnson possesses good ball skills. He catches the ball away from his body, high points it, and then tucks it in. This is a trait than can translate to the next level. If Johnson continues to use his length and size to his advantage, he should give Aiyuk some trouble during their matchup.) (10-19-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-the-future-its-justin-herberts-time-to-shine/
2020 NFL draft: 5 prospect matchups to watch in Week 8 (Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk vs. Utah CB Jaylon Johnson: Arizona State and Utah have been two of the hottest teams in the Pac-12 so far this year, and their battle this week features an intriguing matchup in the passing game. Aiyuk has exploded onto the scene for the Sun Devils this year. With 31 catches, 651 yards and five touchdowns through six games, he has stepped up to become one of the top wide receivers in the nation. An explosive athlete with great agility in the open field and promise as a route runner, Aiyuk has been a tough man to stop for opposing defenses. Aiyuk will have his hands full this week, though, as he goes up against Johnson. A lengthy and physical cornerback with athleticism and aggression to spare, he fits the prototypical mold for a press-man defender. His hip fluidity and ball skills have him on track to becoming an early-round draft pick next April.) (10-18-19): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/10/18/2020-nfl-draft-5-prospect-matchups-to-watch-in-week-8/
NFL draft prospects to watch: Oregon QB Justin Herbert needs to recapture some buzz (Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk at Utah: You say Brandon Aiyuk. But we now say Ai-YAC — as in yards after catch. The Sun Devils’ breakout star might be one of the most improved wideouts in the country a year after landing at ASU from junior college, and he’s doing a ton of damage after the grab. The 6-1, 204-pound Aiyuk has tallied 424 of his 651 receiving yards — a stunning 65 percent — after the catch, according to Pro Football Focus. It might not be a stretch to say that Aiyuk’s play is approaching what 2019 first-rounder N’Keal Harry did last season. That said, they’re different players. Aiyuk reminds me quite a bit of the Dallas Cowboys’ Michael Gallup. Both have good (not great) speed, nice route-running savvy and smoothness. Aiyuk has surpassed his 2018 yard and TD numbers, and he’ll eclipse his reception total from last season with three more catches. That could happen in the first half against Utah, even against tough CB Jaylon Johnson (a possible top-75 pick). Last season, Aiyuk had his best game of the year vs. the Utes in Tempe, catching six passes on six targets for 101 yards — 55 of those after the grab. That game was the first sign that Aiyuk might emerge as a WR1 this season, but he has far surpassed most reasonable expectations. Scouts have taken notice.) (10-17-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-oregon-qb-justin-herbert-needs-to-recapture-some-buzz-175343960.html
College Football Week 7: Eckrich Pac-12 Team of the Week (Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State: Aiyuk showed off his speed against Washington State on more than on occasion, ripping off seven catches for 196 yards and three scores. He gained 116 yards after the catch to lead the nation, averaging 16.6 yards after the catch per reception.) (10-14-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-7-eckrich-pac-12-team-of-the-week
NFL Draft: Lamb and Aiyuk lead Week 7 Risers and Sliders (Risers - Brandon Aiyuk/WR/Arizona State: Aiyuk has shown flashes of big-play/game controlling ability all season, and the junior continued that in a dominant performance against Washington State. He finished the game with 7 receptions, 196 yards, and 3 TDs, helping the Sun Devils to a 38-34 victory. Aiyuk is averaging just under 20 yards on 31 receptions this season, and he’s a fundamentally sound pass catcher with dependable hands. Graded as a sixth round prosepct by scouts entering the season, Aiyuk could land on the second day of the draft if he runs well during combine workouts.) (10-14-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-lamb-and-aiyuk-lead-week-7-risers-and-sliders/
College Football Week 7 Eckrich Team of the Week (Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State: Aiyuk showed off his speed against Washington State on more than on occasion, ripping off seven catches for 196 yards and three scores. He gained 116 yards after the catch to lead the nation, averaging 16.6 yards after the catch per reception. Like Lamb, he also saw a perfect passer rating when targeted on the afternoon.) (10-13-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-7-eckrich-team-of-the-week
BOOMS AND BUSTS: WEEK SEVEN (Booms - Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk -- seven receptions, 196 yards, three touchdowns -- vs. Washington State: Again, Washington State? Not so good. Doesn't make the efforts from Daniels and Aiyuk any less impressive, however. After two years of being a contributor but far from a star, the 6-foot-1, 198-pound wideout has emerged as a competent replacement for N'Keal Harry as the go-to target, and he simply dominated the Cougars on his way to a career best in yardage and touchdowns. The senior is starting to get more and more draft hype, and anyone who watched this one understands why. ) (10-13-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/weekend-recap/booms-and-busts-week-seven
NFL Draft: Arizona State's Brandon Aiyuk an emerging star (10-4-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-arizona-states-brandon-aiyuk-an-emerging-star/
2020 NFL draft: 5 prospect matchups to watch in Week 5 (Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk vs. California CB Camryn Bynum - Touted for having the best secondary in the country, Cal possesses a handful of playmaking defensive backs, including Bynum, who’s handled his business against some of the conference’s top wideouts. Bynum’s been off to a great start. In three games, the 6-foot and 195 pound cornerback has posted 16 tackles, three passes defensed and one interception. Bynum will be tasked with slowing down a player that’s trying to establish himself as one of the top senior wide receivers in the country. Aiyuk was overshadowed by Patriots’ N’Keal Harry last season, but he did flash at times, showcasing his explosiveness and speed whenever the ball touched his hands. This season, Aiyuk has done a stellar job filling in the shoes once worn by Harry. The 6-foot-1 and 206 pounder has tallied 424 yards and two touchdowns on 22 receptions, for an average of 19.3 yards per catch. Bynum has a good blend of length, speed and football intelligence. It’ll be interesting to see if it’s enough to slow Aiyuk’s detailed route-running and breakaway speed.) (9-26-19): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/09/26/2020-nfl-draft-5-prospect-matchups-to-watch-in-week-5/
Arizona State Sun Devils: Benjamin, Aiyuk, Cabral headline players to watch (Brandon Aiyuk: Brandon Aiyuk comes with average size and speed numbers, but he’s a dependable pass catcher and plays smart, disciplined football. Aiyuk runs solid routes, finds ways to separate from defenders and projects well as a fifth receiver and punt returner.) (9-1-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/arizona-state-sun-devils-summer-grades/
WR Antonio Gandy-Golden:
Scouting Reports:
Liberty Profile: https://www.liberty.edu/flames/index.cfm?pid=36960&TeamID=9&RosterID=12074
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/antonio-gandy-golden?id=32194741-4e13-9028-ffdd-34109916cfd5
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/antonio-gandy-golden/QfVYwrznvA
2020 NFL Draft: Antonio Gandy-Golden Scouting Report: https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-antonio-gandy-golden-scouting-report/
Articles:
Liberty's Antonio Gandy-Golden an NFL Draft sleeper worth talking more about (4-20-20): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/antonio-gandy-golden-middle-round-nfl-draft-sleeper-liberty-flames/g4sll2jommim1xg1nv3mot8rb
2020 NFL draft: Antonio Gandy-Golden scouting report (3-18-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/18/2020-nfl-draft-antonio-gandy-golden-scouting-report/
Breaking down the talented second tier of wide receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft class (THE BIG DOGS - Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty: Gandy-Golden is a very productive and intriguing small school wide receiver. He was pumped 263 targets over the past two seasons at Liberty and went for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns each season. Maybe more impressively, Gandy-Golden broke 17 tackles on 70 catches in 2018 and then 16 on 79 this past season. He’s far more nimble than you’d expect from a 6-foot-4, 220-pound wideout, and it really showed after the catch. While he looked impressive with his releases at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, his route-running is still a work in progress. Gandy-Golden has the type of background that you bet on developing exceptionally well in the NFL. He started off as a gymnast, can solve a Rubik's cube in a minute, bowled a perfect game only a few months after he started bowling, and has a Michael Vick-esque cannon for an arm. Whatever Gandy-Golden puts his mind to, chances are he’ll get it done.) (3-16-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-breaking-down-2020-nfl-draft-class-talented-second-tier-wide-receivers
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Combine II (Down - Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty: Team sources said Gandy-Golden helped himself at the Senior Bowl with a strong week of practice, but his upward movement came to a sudden halt when Gandy-Golden ran a slow 40 time at the combine of 4.60 seconds. Speed concerns were the big worry about Gandy-Golden, and the 6-foot-4, 223-pounder validated that negative in Indianapolis. He has to improve on his 40 time before the 2020 NFL Draft, but with the damage done, he could be stuck in the mid-rounds.) (3-10-20): https://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_26.php
2020 draft's top small-school prospects (Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty - From afar, Gandy-Golden didn't have a stellar combine workout, running 4.60 in the 40 with a 7.33 time in the three-cone drill, which placed him in the 17th and fourth percentile, respectively, among receivers at the combine over the past 21 years. However, I can deal with those figures for Gandy-Golden at a legit 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds, especially considering his 36-inch vertical (57th percentile) and 127-inch broad jump (86th percentile) and how all of that matches the film. AGG is a tall, ball-skills specialist and body contortionist in the air with deceptive explosiveness beyond 15 yards. At the Senior Bowl he demonstrated just enough wiggle at the line to beat press, and while you don't necessarily want to send him on a route with even two breaks, he can dominate on the vertical route tree. Gandy-Golden had back-to-back seasons of 70-plus catches and 10 touchdowns. In 2019, he averaged a hefty 17.7 yards per grab. He very well could sneak into Round 3, even in this loaded receiver class.) (3-5-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-kyle-dugger-jeremy-chinn-highlight-small-school-sleepers-who-could-land-in-first-three-rounds/
2020 NFL Scouting Combine: Risers and fallers from the QB, WR and TE drills (Fallers - WR Antonio Gandy-Golden: Antonio Gandy-Golden was one spot away from cracking the top 100 on the PFF big board, but his performance on Thursday means that he still has some work to do if he wants to make it into the double digits. The Liberty wideout produced one of the bottom 10 forty times at 4.60, and he also had the second-worst three-cone time at the position. Lack of speed and burst was his biggest flaw in college — he was used extensively on deep shots with his 6-foot-4 frame and large catch radius, and based on his agility testing, it's becoming increasingly likely that he will be limited to such a role at the next level.) (2-28-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-risers-and-fallers-from-the-qb-wr-and-te-drills
NFL Combine Thursday Highlights (Other uninspiring times include Liberty's Antonio Gandy-Golden (4.60)) (2-28-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/nfl-combine-thursday-highlights
Combine workouts: QBs deliver, WR class shines (Liberty's Antonio Gandy-Golden is a huge target from a small school but looked the part while running drills) (2-28-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-combine-results-qbs-wrs-tes-run-40-yard-dash-take-part-in-drills-and-turn-heads-on-thursday/live/
5 small-school sleepers to watch at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (Antonio Gandy-Golden | WR | Liberty: We have to show some love to a small-school pass catcher. A towering presence at 6-4, 223 pounds, Gandy-Golden’s strength has already been on display in Indianapolis when he posted a silly 22 reps on the bench press last night. For comparative purposes, most receivers come in around the 10-14 range. On the field, Gandy-Golden’s ability to win above the rim stands out. He has a full understanding of how to use his massive frame to his advantage. It’ll be especially interesting to watch what time he can put up in the 40 yard dash and how he changes direction during the on-field drills, because there are some whispers about his long speed and ability to separate at the top of his routes. A good performance in both areas would really help his draft stock.) (2-27-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/27/nfl-combine-draft-sleepers-small-school/
Lions in lovely spot with 2020 NFL Draft a 'beauty contest' for receivers (And even if the Lions wait until Day 3, there figures to be a number of enticing options. Inevitably, because of the depth of the class, there will be some value picks on the board in those later rounds. That group could include Florida's Van Jefferson, a polished route runner and son of former Lions receivers coach Shawn Jefferson; small school big man Antonio Gandy-Golden of Liberty, who has some similarities to Golladay) (2-25-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/25/detroit-lions-lovely-spot-2020-nfl-draft-a-beauty-contest-receivers/4870519002/
Nine instant impact receivers who won't cost a first-round pick (Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty: With Liberty being a stone's throw away from Charlotte, there are several things that come to mind at the mention of Gandy-Golden. The first being why didn't he play at a big-time school? Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with Liberty. But this university is better known for its No. 1-ranked dining hall than its football program. Well, this young man is putting the Flames on the map. Fourth in receiving yards (1,396) in the FBS last season, he can outrun you, out-muscle you and make any defender wonder: Do I really want to cover this guy all all? Gandy-Golden has the IT factor and I think his stock can really climb at the combine depending on what he does with the ball in his hands.) (2-25-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102818/article/nine-instant-impact-receivers-who-wont-cost-a-firstround-pick
12 WRs for Packers to watch at NFL Scouting Combine (Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty: He’s 6-4 and over 220 pounds. Receivers his size don’t generally move as well as he does. He needs to check the movement skills box in Indy. He also needs to prove he can be consistent catching the football. A big week in Indy could really send him flying up the board.) (2-24-20): https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/24/12-wrs-for-packers-to-watch-at-nfl-scouting-combine/
Jordan Love: The next Mahomes? Five big-bodied receiver prospects who could make major waves. (Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty: The former gymnast turned pass catcher is an acrobatic big-play machine. He specializes in coming down with 50-50 balls, but his underrated running skills could make him a star at the next level.) (2-21-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102695/article/teddy-bridgewaters-best-fits-jordan-love-the-next-mahomes
Building the perfect wide receiver prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft (Stalk Blocking - Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty: Antonio Gandy-Golden’s physical profile leads to impressive potential as a blocker, and his effort results in positive production in that area. His strength along the boundary against smaller defensive backs allows him to create space for ball carriers. Honorable Mention: Binjimen Victor.) (2-20-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/building-perfect-wide-receiver-prospects-2020-nfl-draft/
NFL combine 2020: Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb headline deep crop of receivers (Antonio Gandy-Golden (Liberty): He’s 6-foot-4 and knows how to use it, bodying up corners for 79 catches, 1,396 yards (ranked in the top five nationally) and 10 touchdowns. That’s 17.7 yards per catch, which ranked in the top 10 among receivers with a minimum of 60 catches. Of course, he also did it playing at Liberty. There’s always a projection when it comes to small-school guys, and that projection is even harder at a position like receiver. But Gandy-Golden handled that transition well at the Senior Bowl, where he won most of the 50-50 balls thrown his way. Pairing a guy like that with Kenny Golladay would give Detroit a ton of size on the perimeter.) (2-18-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/02/nfl-combine-2020-jerry-jeudy-ceedee-lamb-headline-deep-crop-of-receivers.html
Jones: Top 10 WRs to target in free agency/draft (10) Antonio Gandy-Golden, draft prospect: There's always a dark horse or sleeper candidate in these lists, and Gandy-Golden is mine. Turn on his tape and you'll find the former Liberty wide receiver making splash plays left and right. The 6-4, 220-pounder helped his draft stock last month at the Reese's Senior Bowl as he turned heads with his size, agility, speed and ball skills. I know this will raise some eyebrows, but I really believe he has a chance to be the league's next Calvin Johnson.) (2-17-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102058/article/ten-wide-receivers-worth-pursuing-in-free-agency2020-nfl-draft
Draft WR rankings: Lamb headlines list (Tier 3 - 15. Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty, 80: In some ways, Gandy-Golden is a classic rebounder type to plug on the outside and let him win jump balls down the field. But he's not a plodder by any stretch of the imagination and displayed the shiftiness needed to get clean releases off the line in most of his one-on-one reps at the Senior Bowl. Gandy-Golden was a junior-college transfer who starred over the past two seasons at Liberty and produced regardless of the competition he faced. He only had three games with fewer than 40 yards receiving and had 11 100-plus yard performances. ) (2-13-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-receiver-rankings-ceedee-lamb-at-no-1-in-absolutely-stacked-pass-catcher-group/
2020 Combine Preview: Wide receiver (Combine sleeper to watch: Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty, 6-4, 220 - Gandy-Golden had a nice Senior Bowl and is looking to keep that momentum rolling into the Combine. He recorded back-to-back 70-plus catch, 1,000-yard seasons for Liberty, who moved up to the FBS level in 2018. He's deceptively fast for his size and has a huge catch radius. His strength and speed numbers will be something to watch at the Combine.) (2-12-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2020-combine-preview-wide-receiver-jeudy-lamb-ruggs
2020 Senior Bowl Stock Report (Up - Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty: Team sources have told me that Liberty wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden has helped himself this week. Entering Senior Bowl practices, Gandy-Golden had speed concerns, as teams liked his size and aggressive style of play, but the question of if he could run well enough was weighing down his draft grade. Going against better competition, Gandy-Golden has run better than expected, showing enough quickness to get some separation. With his big size and catch radius, Gandy-Golden has mismatch potential and could be a real red zone weapon. If Gandy-Golden runs fast at the combine and in pre-draft workouts, he could rise over the weeks leading up to the draft.) (1-25-20): http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2020stock.php
2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Report: North Team (Thursday - Antonio Gandy-Golden was a surprise performer of the week and he continued that into Day 3. He looked more fluid and explosive than his tape suggested he was. However, he still struggled against top press coverage and was plagued with drops. Analysis - Antonio Gandy-Golden was a surprise performer of the week and he continued that into Day 3. He looked more fluid and explosive than his tape suggested he was. However, he still struggled against top press coverage and was plagued with drops.) (1-24-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-reeses-senior-bowl-practice-report-north-team/
10 players who impressed at Senior Bowl practices (9. Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty, 6-3, 222: It's always important for the small-school players to come here this week and prove they can hang. Gandy-Golden did that. He's got terrific size and tracks the ball really well. He's got deceptive speed for his size, and won most of the 50-50 balls thrown his way. He was quick off the line and showed a good skill set down here.) (1-24-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-players-who-impressed-at-senior-bowl-practices-x2738
2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Report: North Team (Antonio Gandy-Golden was a surprise performer of the week and he continued that into Day 3. He looked more fluid and explosive than his tape suggested he was. However, he still struggled against top press coverage and was plagued with drops.) (1-23-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-reeses-senior-bowl-practice-report-north-team/
Senior Bowl 2020 recap: Wide receivers turn in a dominant performance on Day 3 (Liberty's Antonio Gandy-Golden, a power forward with the size and ball skills to rebound over cornerbacks, was quick off the line, then flipped on the jets to create room down the field, and, of course, tracked it wonderfully when defenders recovered. He has proven he can play with top competition this week at the Senior Bowl.) (1-23-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2020-recap-wide-receivers-turn-in-a-dominant-performance-on-day-3/
NFL draft: Day 3 winners and losers from the Senior Bowl (Winners - Liberty WR Antonio Gandy-Golden (North): Gandy-Golden was this close to making our Wednesday winners list, but a dropped ball in the end zone yesterday put him on the cutting-room floor. It’s not happening again. Gandy-Golden has been mostly excellent this week, absolutely looking the part of an NFL receiver. When the Lions went red zone, it was Gandy-Golden’s time to shine. He made several terrific toe-tapping, high-point grabs in the corner of the end zone against multiple corners and used his strong hands and good body positioning to win on slants and in-breaking routes. Overall, it’s been a really promising week for the smaller-school wideout. Georgia Southern CB Kindle Vildor told us that Gandy-Golden was his toughest matchup all season, and that included games against LSU (Jordan Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase) and Minnesota (Rashod Bateman and Tyler Johnson). That’s high praise, and the North corners have gotten a taste of what Vildor was talking about this week. We think Gandy-Golden is absolutely a top-100 player, and he could even rise to the late second-round or early third-round range.) (1-23-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-day-3-winners-and-losers-from-the-senior-bowl-012925317.html
2020 Senior Bowl: Thursday's North Team Practice Report (Team sources have told me that Liberty wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden has helped himself this week. Entering Senior Bowl practices, Gandy-Golden had speed concerns as teams liked his size and aggressive style of play, but the question of if he could run well enough was weighing down his draft grade. Going against better competition, Gandy-Golden has ran better than expected, showing enough quickness to get some separation. With his big size and catch radius, Gandy-Golden has mismatch potential and could be a real red zone weapon. If Gandy-Golden runs fast at the combine and in pre-draft workouts, he could rise over the weeks leading up to the draft.) (1-23-20): http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2020practice5.php
2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Report: North Team (Gandy-Golden started off strong but I felt he dropped off (literally) on Wednesday. He had a few open plays but he had several drops that hit him right in the hands. For a guy known for his catch radius and ability in contested situations, it was a poor day for him overall. However, he did continue to use his hands well to separate and showed off better burst in drills than I thought he had.) (1-22-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-reeses-senior-bowl-practice-report-north-team/
2020 Senior Bowl: Wednesday's North Team Practice Report (There was an interesting play in the team scrimmage where Liberty wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden got open running deep along the sideline with a step on Wake Forest cornerback Essang Bassey, but Gandy-Golden let a well-thrown pass from Patterson bounce off his hands for an incompletion. While it was bad that he dropped ball, it looked for Gandy-Golden that he was quick enough to get separation from Bassey. Speed is the big question for the giant wideout, so that play helps him to a degree. Gandy-Golden has to run well at the combine and in pre-draft workouts to rise.) (1-22-20): http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2020practice3.php
2020 Senior Bowl Day 2 Practice Notes: KJ Hill, Jonah Jackson and Troy Pride Jr. all shine bright (Guys from non-power 5 schools are always the ones with the most to gain from a strong week of play in Mobile. There were a handful of guys on Day-2 here who more than proved they belonged. Liberty receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden has shown some legit speed at 6-foot-3, 222 pounds. He was striding away from Utah safety Terrell Burgess in the one-on-ones) (1-22-20): https://www.pff.com/news/2020-senior-bowl-day-2-practice-notes-kj-hill-jonah-jackson-troy-pride-jr
2020 Senior Bowl: Winners, losers from Day 2 practices (Loser – Antonio Gandy-Golden | WR | Liberty: Uneven is the best way to describe Gandy-Golden’s day. He had some solid routes that had him open in the short, intermediate and deep parts of the field, but he was unable to reel in a good chunk of the lay-up passes that were thrown to him.) (1-22-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/22/2020-senior-bowl-winners-losers-from-day-2-practices/
2020 Senior Bowl: Top takeaways from Day 2 practices (Liberty’s Antonio Gandy-Golden showed off their combination of size and catch radius) (1-22-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/22/senior-bowl-2020-nfl-draft-day-2-takeaways-jalen-hurts-justin-herbert-jordan-love-javon-kinlaw/
Live observations from Wednesday’s 2020 Senior Bowl Practice (2:57 pm ET: WR Antonio Gandy-Golden toasted CB Essang Bassey again…and then dropped the pass from Anthony Gordon. – AJ Schulte. 2:20 pm ET: Liberty WR Antonio Gandy-Golden is having a day, especially when Jordan Love is throwing him the football. – Tommy Call.) (1-22-20): Live observations from Wednesday’s 2020 Senior Bowl Practice
2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Report: North Team (Gandy-Golden was about what we expected coming into this week. I’ve seen a few people say he had a great day, but to me he was just average and didn’t up his stock in any way. We knew he could separate physically and could use his size to his advantage, which he did today. He didn’t show signs of improvement in any other areas that were bigger concerns, such as long speed or beating press. He did show up well in the run blocking drills the North ran in practice, however. Just felt like he didn’t really elevate his stock in a positive direction on opening day.) (1-21-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-reeses-senior-bowl-practice-report-north-team/
2020 Senior Bowl, Day 1: Javon Kinlaw shines; a DE for Patriots? (Five stars from Day 1 of Senior Bowl practice - Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty. Gandy-Golden had some moments on the Ladd-Peebles Stadium field today. He showed he belonged. That's the one thing you want to see right off the bat with a small-school guy like him. You could tell that he was not intimidated by the big stage. I was really impressed by the way he blocked, too.) (1-21-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001098389/article/2020-senior-bowl-day-1-javon-kinlaw-shines-a-de-for-patriots
Complete guide to the 2020 Senior Bowl (Sleeper to Watch - Antonio Gandy-Golden | Liberty: No matter where you play in college, receivers with Gandy-Golden’s combination of size, length and athleticism will find their way to the top. Even with a ton of bigger names from powerhouse programs at his position, Gandy-Golden has the skills to go toe-to-toe with any receiver (or corner, for that matter) in this group.) (1-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/20/senior-bowl-preview-2020-nfl-draft/
PFF 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Preview: players to watch, draft implications, schedule, team rosters and more (Out of the seven wide receivers on the North roster, the highest-graded from the 2019 season is Liberty’s own Antonio Gandy-Golden. Yes, that’s right. Gandy-Golden was among the 10 best wide receivers in PFF grade this year. He was responsible for the fifth-most explosive plays this season and could get shifty after the catch. But he wasn’t necessarily at his best in tight coverage. If he can use his 6-foot-4 frame to body some defensive backs in contested situations this week, he could be a draft riser.) (1-20-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-preview-players-to-watch-draft-implications-schedule-team-rosters
Senior Bowl preview: Lions are coaching a big group of big, talented receivers (Antonio Gandy-Golden from Liberty is another supersized receiver capable of making incredible catches away from his body. The Senior Bowl practices will be a good test for his ability to win one-on-one against top-level competition. The Flames are indeed in the FBS level but Gandy-Golden hasn’t faced many future NFL talents.) (1-19-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/18/senior-bowl-preview-lions-are-coaching-a-big-group-of-big-talented-receivers/
Senior Bowl primer: Everything to know (Who are some small-school sleepers to monitor? Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty: Liberty recently moved up to the FBS level, but the strongest competition it faced in 2019 was a date with the Virginia Cavaliers, and the Flames lost 55-27. However, in that game, Gandy-Golden went for six grabs, 60 yards, and a score. At 6-4 and 220 pounds with subtle smoothness to create separation, physicality to beat press at the line, and a star rebounder's mentality when challenged at the catch point, Gandy-Golden is a serious prospect. This is a perfect event for him because he'll finally get the opportunity to face top competition. He caught 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons at Liberty with 70-plus catches in each campaign.) (1-17-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2020-comprehensive-scouting-primer-about-this-years-pre-draft-event-in-mobile/
15 players who could make sense for Detroit Lions in Senior Bowl (Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty: One receiver with Kenny Golladay’s skill set is nice, but how about two? Gandy-Golden is built in the same mold as the Lions wideout, with a sturdy 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame. An average, maybe even below-average route runner, the Liberty standout did his damage with body control and good hands. He recorded 150 catches and 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons.) (1-15-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/15/15-players-who-could-make-sense-detroit-lions-senior-bowl/4480357002/
WR prospect reset: Stock up and down (Notable Senior Bowl participants - Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty: Gandy-Golden showed out all season for the Flames and capped his super-productive senior campaign with a touchdown on five grabs in the Cure Bowl. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds with decent wiggle and outstanding ball skills, AGG will be one of the top big wideouts in this class.) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-prospect-reset-whose-stock-is-up-and-down-who-needs-big-senior-bowl-and-combine-and-more/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Bowls II (Down - Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty: While Gandy-Golden earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl, multiple team sources say they graded Gandy-Golden in the mid-rounds because of speed concerns. Three teams said they had Gandy-Golden graded as a third- to fourth-rounder, and one team said they had a second- to third-round grade on him. One director of college scouting said they loved everything about Gandy-Golden, but the concerns about him separating in the NFL caused them to have him on Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft. Therefore, Gandy-Golden's performance in Mobile and his 40 time at the NFL Scouting Combine are going to be very important. In order to rise, Gandy-Golden needs to show he can create space from cornerbacks and has the quickness to get downfield. The 2020 NFL Draft is loaded at wide receiver, so Gandy-Golden has little margin for error. If Gandy-Golden doesn't run well at the combine and Senior Bowl, he could be in store for a real slide. Team sources really like him, but the speed concerns have Gandy-Golden receiving mid-round projections entering the postseason.) (1-8-20): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_19.php
NFL Hot Press: Antonio Gandy-Golden Speed Concerns (1-7-20): http://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Speed-Concerns-Weigh-Down-Gandy-Golden
Redskins 2020 draft needs, fits, picks (Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty: Rookie wide receiver Terry McLaurin was a steal for Washington in the 2019 NFL Draft. McLaurin has the speed coveted in the NFL but now Washington needs some size. A wide receiver unit is similar to creating a basketball team. Everyone has a role. McLaurin is the high-volume scoring, speedy point guard so now they need a big man down low. Gandy-Golden has the height and stature to cause matchup problems at the next level. He is a poor man's Julio Jones, which is great value at the top of the third round.) (1-4-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-washington-redskins-team-needs-draft-picks-prospects-to-watch/
Steelers 2020 draft needs, fits, picks (Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty: The Steelers seemingly love the smaller, separation-based wideouts -- and they've hit on most of them during the Kevin Colbert era -- but adding some legitimate size to the receiver room wouldn't hurt. Gandy-Golden is a pretty smooth power forward type with nasty ball skills. He caught 20 touchdowns and averaged over 16 yards per grab (on 150 receptions) in the past two years at Liberty. He has Day 2 abilities.) (1-3-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-pittsburgh-steelers-team-needs-draft-picks-prospects-to-watch/
What players have stood out so far in College Football's Bowl Season? (Antonio Gandy-Golden (WR, Liberty) on a day when his QB (Stephen Calvert) was off he still posted 5 catches, 61 yards and 1 TD. Listed at 6ft4 and 220 pounds he is raw and has tremendous size. Needs a little work to sharpen his fundamentals. Nice developmental pick.) (12-29-19): https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2019/12/bowl-season/
NFL draft: 2020 draft prospects to watch from every college bowl game (Liberty WR Antonio Gandy-Golden — The 6-4, 220-pound receiver has put up monster numbers the past two seasons, catching a combined 145 passes for 2,370 yards (a 16.3-yard average) with 19 TDs over 23 combined games. After a slew of drops in 2018, Gandy-Golden cured that with only two on 129 targets this season, according to Pro Football Focus. He possesses some interesting physical traits, can go up and get the ball and is relatively dependable, but Gandy-Golden isn’t a special athlete by NFL standards. He could end up the highest drafted Liberty player in decades. The last time the school produced a pick higher than No. 125 was Kelvin Edwards (88th pick by the New Orleans Saints in 1986).) (12-27-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-2020-draft-prospects-to-watch-from-every-college-bowl-game-175124452.html
Cure Bowl notebook: Hickson sets Liberty record, Gandy-Golden and Lemonier cement status, and more (More accolades for Gandy-Golden - Senior wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden hauled in a 14-yard touchdown reception two plays after Hickson’s long run into Georgia Southern territory. The catch allowed the prolific receiver to set two more records in a Liberty uniform. Gandy-Golden’s touchdown reception was his 10th of the season and made him the first Liberty receiver to catch at least 10 touchdown passes in three seasons. He finished the game with five catches for 63 yards to give him 1,396 receiving yards on the season, the most in program history. Darrin Peterson held the mark of 1,379 receiving yards in 2014. One of Peterson’s marks that Gandy-Golden didn’t catch was the single-single record of most catches (85). Gandy-Golden had 79 this season.) (12-25-19): https://www.newsadvance.com/sports/college/liberty_university/cure-bowl-notebook-hickson-sets-liberty-record-gandy-golden-and/article_a3551252-4760-58a2-b3cd-402f4de6116e.amp.html
Prospect Preview: Cure Bowl - Liberty vs. Georgia Southern (Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, 6-4, 220 pounds, Sr.: On the receiving end of the Liberty dynamic duo is Gandy-Golden, who has now accumulated over 1,000 receiving yards in three straight seasons. Gandy-Golden was absolutely vital to Liberty reaching their first bowl in program history and although he is more difficult to find a comparison for his ability to play in the NFL is evident especially when watching his film against Syracuse, where he had six receptions for 119 yards.) (12-21-19): https://brownswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/21/prospect-preview-cure-bowl-liberty-vs-georgia-southern/
Bowl Preview: Top 10 prospects to watch on Saturday (Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty, 6-4, 216: The Athletic’s Prospects to Pros podcast, Chris Burke has often noted Gandy-Golden has Kenny Golladay-like and when you watch his tape, it’s easy to see why. At 6-4, Gandy-Golden uses his frame to out physical smaller defensive backs and will win the contested catch more often than not.) (12-21-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/21/bowl-preview-top-10-prospects-to-watch-on-saturday/
2019 College Bowl Preview: Celebration, New Mexico, Cure, and Boca Raton Bowls (The Liberty Flames come into this game with a couple of players that boast next-level ability. The Flames’ offense goes through highly touted wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden, who hauled in 74 passes for 1,333 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2019. Gandy-Golden will have an opportunity to show off his big-play ability in the Reese’s Senior Bowl next month.) (12-21-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2019-bowl-preview-celebration-new-mexico-cure-boca-raton-bowls/
1 NFL draft prospect from each 2019-20 college football bowl game worth watching (Antonio Gandy-Golden is sure to climb draft boards through bowl season and the Senior Bowl. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound receiver has 19 touchdown grabs in 23 games at Liberty University. The senior has 74 catches for 1,333 yards with nine scores this season. He’s not ranked in Kiper’s top 10 of receiver prospects, but comes in at No. 88 on PFF’s big board. Gandy-Golden is a big target and athletic receiver who has made some eye-popping grabs.) (12-20-19): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/12/1-nfl-draft-prospect-from-each-2019-20-college-football-bowl-game-worth-watching.html
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: EARLY BOWL GAMES (Three players in the country earned at least 1,300 receiving yards this season. Liberty WR Antonio Gandy-Golden is among that prestigious trio alongside Biletnikoff Award winner Ja’Marr Chase (LSU) and fellow standout G5 WR Omar Bayless (Arkansas State). If nothing else, Gandy-Golden can put up numbers like the nation’s best. Part of Gandy-Golden’s production can be credited to Liberty’s offense system. Head coach Hugh Freeze runs an offense that resembles the Briles-era Baylor offenses. Full spread, RPOs, limited route trees for receivers from wide splits — you get the gist. At the lower levels of FBS, that style of offense is conducive to wild wide receiver production and Gandy-Golden has been the beneficiary of that. At the same time, the limited route tree makes it tough to be impressed by the senior receiver’s route-running. Not only does Gandy-Golden run a smaller route tree than most any NFL team would ask of him, but he isn’t particularly sharp in running those handful of routes. Gandy-Golden doesn’t flash the creativity or quickness to free himself off the line of scrimmage, nor does he show the bend and burst to fire out of route breaks. Clear, consistent separation will never be the name of the game for Gandy-Golden at the NFL level. However, Gandy-Golden has an absurd ability to find the ball in the air. He understands how to track the ball from any position, reach it at its highest point, and pluck it from the air before the defensive back can get a hand on it. With the help of his long arms, strong frame, and an impressive vertical, Gandy-Golden seldom finds himself in a contested or high-point situation where he can’t somehow come down with the ball.) (12-18-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-early-bowl-games
NFL Draft 2020: Prospects in Cure Bowl (Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR: Gandy-Golden has recorded at least 70 receptions, nine touchdowns and 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons. He is a big, physical receiver reminiscent of a poor man's Julio Jones. The Georgia native fights through tackles and makes difficult catches. He is not nearly as explosive but still possesses a lot of upside for the next level. On this particular play, Gandy-Golden makes a contested one-handed catch down the field -- that trait translates to the NFL. His quarterback, Buckshot Calvert, is a solid player but does not allow the wide receiver to push the ball downfield in the same manner as an NFL quarterback. The wide receiver could slide into Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft but he is trending more towards Day 3. Gandy-Golden will have an opportunity to showcase his talents against higher competition at the Reese's Senior Bowl in January.) (12-16-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/cure-bowl-time-tv-channel-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-liberty-vs-georgia-southern/
5 wide receivers who could make sense for Detroit Lions’ offense in NFL draft (Liberty WR Antonio Gandy-Golden -- Antonio Gandy-Golden is certainly cruising under the radar, but expect to hear his name more after the Senior Bowl and the combine. Gandy-Golden comes in at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds with 19 touchdowns in 23 career games for Liberty University. The senior has 74 catches for 1,333 yards with nine scores this season with an 18-yard per catch average. He has seven games topping 100 yards this season, and two multi-score outings. Not only is he a big target, but he’s shown some serious ability running after the catch while making a few eye-popping grabs. PFF has Gandy-Golden ranked as its No. 88 prospect, while ESPN doesn’t put him in its top 10 receiver rankings. While many will scoff at the level of competition on Liberty’s schedule, Gandy-Golden put up six catches for 119 yards against No. 22 Syracuse, five catches for 68 yards and one touchdown against Rutgers and six catches for 60 yards and one score against Virginia.) (12-13-19): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/12/5-wide-receivers-who-could-make-sense-for-detroit-lions-offense-in-nfl-draft.html
13 NFL draft sleepers to watch during bowl season (Liberty WR Antonio Gandy-Golden: How does a 6-4, 220-pound receiver who finished third in the country in receiving yards (1,333) fly under the national radar? By playing for Liberty, which is in its first bowl after its inaugural season of full Football Bowl Subdivision membership. A jump-ball standout comfortable hauling in passes with one hand and contorting his body in any almost any manner necessary, Gandy-Golden has a knack for making circus catches. But with an imprecise approach to route running and his pedestrian speed, he must find a way to separate consistently at the next level or risk becoming a one-note threat as a red zone target. An intriguing potential matchup awaits in the Cure Bowl against Georgia Southern cornerback Kindle Vildor, who also is looking to build his draft profile as a potential mid-to-late-round pick.) (12-12-19): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/12/12/nfl-draft-2020-college-bowl-season-sleepers-detroit-lions/4407952002/
13 NFL draft sleepers to watch during bowl season (UCF WR Gabriel Davis: While many of the underclassmen listed here have left their draft intentions unknown at this point, Davis has already said he'll make the jump to the pros. For now, he plans to play in the Gasparilla Bowl against Marshall. The 6-3, 212-pound target ranked fifth in the country with 1,241 receiving yards and utilizes a crafty approach to create separation, though his change-of-direction shortcoming might limit him in the NFL. But his sure hands and body control should earn him consideration as a Day 2 option.) (12-12-19): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/12/12/nfl-draft-2020-college-bowl-season-sleepers-detroit-lions/4407952002/
Pat Caputo - 5 things Lions should think in 2020 NFL Draft (Remember this name: Antonio Gandy-Golden. The wide receiver from Liberty is big (6-4, 225), fast, strong and has an exceptionally wide catch radius. He is dangerous after the catch, too.) (12-11-19): https://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/pat-caputo---things-lions-should-think-in-nfl/article_ef17d838-1c6c-11ea-89d2-9b6b884ad318.html
Grading 2020 Senior Bowl invites (WR ANTONIO GANDY-GOLDEN, LIBERTY: One of the most productive receivers in college football since the start of last season, Gandy-Golden ranks second in receiving yards over that span (2,270). He’s also broken 32 tackles on 134 catches, making him one of the more elusive prospects among the bigger receivers in the class.) (11-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-grading-2020-senior-bowl-invitees
5 NFL Draft prospects to watch for Lions fans in CFB Week 13 (Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty: Lions GM Bob Quinn has a definite type at wide receiver: strong, long-armed, sticky-handed but not necessarily great at creating separation. That’s Gandy-Golden, one of the most prolific receivers in the NCAA this year. He’s led the Flames to a bowl-eligible six wins already in their first season as a full FBS-level program. Gandy-Golden has a similar style of game to Kenny Golladay, and at 6-4 and 220 pounds he brings the same kind of physical presence. There’s more speed and route precision than Travis Fulgham, the late-round prospect the Lions drafted in 2019. He could be in the same range as Golladay, a Day 2 prospect from a non-power school who thrived at making catches along the sidelines with incredible body control. Gandy-Golden and the Flames play Virginia at noon on the ACC Network. The Cavaliers are without standout CB Bryce Hall but still present a stiffer challenge than usual for the big wideout.) (11-23-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/11/23/5-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-for-lions-fans-in-cfb-week-13/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Higgins rises again (9. Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty: Stock Steady - ACC test for AGG and the Flames this weekend, as Liberty travels to Charlottesville take on Virginia.) (11-18-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tee-higgins-making-case-as-most-complete-wr-prospect-in-the-class/
Senior Bowl matchups: Kristian Fulton, Derrick Brown headline cast (2. Antonio Gandy-Golden vs. Kristian Fulton*: Antonio Gandy-Golden (AGG) has gathered a number of fans in the draft community. He provides highlight plays and is a great physical specimen. His biggest concern? The level of competition he faces during his time at Liberty. There’s a pretty good chance the Gandy-Golden has not lined up against a cornerback who will be drafted in the next two seasons. That all changes at the Senior Bowl. LSU’s Kristian Fulton is someone many believed could have been a first-rounder last year. He chose to return to school, and it was a great choice. LSU is currently the top team in the country and should be the favorites to win the national championship. If AGG and Fulton were to match-up, it’d likely be the most-watched match-up in Mobile. Both players are great athletes with strong size and long arms. AGG gets to face off against the top senior cornerback, and Fulton will look to cement himself as a top 20 pick.): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/senior-bowl-1v1-match-ups-we-hope-to-see/
2020 Draft WR Stock Watch: Smith erupts (9. Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty: Stock Up, Slightly - Although Liberty lost to BYU, AGG had an awesome game until the final drive, which featured two difficult drops. He had a bananas catch near the sideline as two defenders converged on him earlier in the fourth quarter. He would've converted a fourth and 21 but let the pass fall to the turf after he was hit. There was a similar drop earlier in the drive. On his touchdown, Gandy-Golden ran by everyone down the field as part of his 10-grab, 162-yard effort. ) (11-11-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-devonta-smith-erupts-again-ceedee-lamb-and-tyler-johnson-flourish/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Edwards, Reagor erupt (9. Antonio Gandy Golden, Liberty: Stock Up - Another game, another huge performance from AGG. Against UMass -- OK, not exactly Alabama -- Gandy-Golden had seven receptions for 137 yards and a score down the sideline in which he got a decently clean outside release, tracked the ball over his shoulder, then stiff-armed the defender in coverage and ran through another tackle attempt into the end zone. He also snagged a pass in which he had to extend above his head on a slant with a defender on his back and a safety coming in for the tackle. He's truly a monster.) (11-4-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-bryan-edwards-jalen-reagor-showcase-depth-of-this-class/
Draft WR Watch: Jeudy, Shenault shine (11. Antonio Gandy Golden, Liberty: Stock Steady - Liberty and Rutgers lit up the scoreboard over the weekend, and AGG gave us another tremendous one-handed grab down the field in traffic. He finished the day with five receptions for 68 yards and a score. He's closing in on 1,000 yards on the season (945) at 19.7 yards per catch with six scores.) (10-29-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-jerry-jeudy-laviska-shenault-get-back-on-track/
Five possible Lions 2020 draft prospects: Week 9 (Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty (No. 11): There aren't going to be many opportunities beyond this weekend to catch Liberty in action, so feel free to take a peek at Gandy-Golden while you have the chance. Coming from a non-traditional football program, he's hardly flying under the radar. The first thing that stands out is the frame. Gandy-Golden is listed as 6-foot-4, 220 pounds. And he knows how to put it to use. A year after catching 77 balls and 10 scores, he's up to 43 and five through seven games this year. The biggest difference has been the per-catch impact. In 2018, he averaged 14.6 yards per grab. This year, that's jumped to 20.4 yards. Like current Lions receiver Marvin Jones, Gandy-Golden has a knack for using his body to shield defenders while effectively tracking and high-pointing deep throws.) (10-25-19): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/25/five-possible-detroit-lions-2020-draft-prospects-week-9/4085855002/
NFL draft prospects to watch: Clemson's Travis Etienne still producing big plays (Liberty WR Antonio Gandy-Golden at Rutgers: Did you realize that Liberty is at least a touchdown favorite on the road against Rutgers? Even with the Flames possessing some solid talent, that’s a stunner. One of its best performers is Antonio Gandy-Golden, who is fast-tracking his way to a Senior Bowl invitation and a possible top-100 spot in the 2020 NFL draft. For that to happen it will require the 6-4, 220-pound Golden-Gandy to test well athletically for his size. He also must continue to excel on the field. As bad as Rutgers is, it at least has a few defensive backs who could end up in NFL camps, making this one of the better individual challenges remaining this season for Liberty’s all-time leading receiver. Gandy-Golden is fifth in Pro Football Focus’ receiving grades among wide receivers with at least 20 targets this season. Thirty-five of his 43 grabs have resulted in first downs, and he has dropped zero passes. There might be questions about his separation ability at the next level, but Gandy-Golden is getting open and making plays. He thrives when defeating press coverage, able to use his length and strength to defeat defenders easily. That will be his game in the NFL, should he make it: winning with strong hands and a good catch radius. Last week, Gandy-Golden caught nine passes for 149 yards vs. Maine, and before you discredit the Black Bears as a weak opponent, they have a cornerback — Manny Patterson — who could be drafted. (Golden-Gandy caught one 20-yard pass when the two were matched up on a handful of occasions.) Gandy-Golden has had 115 or more yards receiving in nine of his past 18 games, and QB Buckshot Calvert throws his way about one out of four times he drops back to pass. Rutgers has allowed only three receivers to total 100 or more yards this season, but Minnesota’s Tyler Johnson torched the Scarlet Knights for six grabs, 130 yards and a touchdown last week. A big game here might lock Gandy-Golden’s ticket to the Senior Bowl and boost his overall draft standing prior to what will be an important winter and spring.) (10-24-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-clemsons-travis-etienne-still-producing-big-plays-170805083.html
College Football Week 8: 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Notes (WR Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty: Liberty isn’t exactly playing the most imposing schedule in the country as the country’s newest FBS program still plays a lot of FCS schools. Gandy-Golden has been dominating for multiple years now for the Flames. He’s averaging over 20.0 yards per catch and has 10 broken tackles on 43 catches. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Gandy-Golden physically manhandles smaller corners. What I like is the ability to get off press coverage that he’s shown so far. Against Syracuse early in the season, Gandy-Golden had three big plays that all came facing press. He’s a very likely Senior Bowl candidate and that week of practices will be huge for his evaluation.) (10-22-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-week-8-2020-nfl-draft-scouting-notes
2020 Draft WR Watch: Hamler is a riser (11. Antonio Gandy Golden, Liberty: AGG had nine catches for 149 yards against Maine, including a stupid one-handed grab in which he had to throttle down to make the catch. The 6-4, 220-pound Georgia native is up to 43 catches for 877 yards and five scores in his senior season.) (10-22-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-minnesotas-tyler-johnson-rising-keep-an-eye-on-penn-states-k-j-hamler/
BOOMS AND BUSTS: WEEK EIGHT (Booms - Liberty WR Antonio Gandy-Golden -- nine receptions, 149 yards -- vs. Maine: More like Antonio Dandy-Golden. Please don't stop reading. In his last five games, Gandy-Golden has yardage totals of 174, 181, 144, 40 (weird), and 149. He's also scored five touchdowns during those games, and he's averaging an impressive 21.4 yards per catch for the Flames. We've talked about the 6-foot-4, 220-pound wideout ad nauseam, but he's earned every mention. There's just an awful lot to like about Gandy-Golden's skill set.) (10-20-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/weekend-recap/booms-and-busts-week-eight
IND Prospect of the Week: Antonio Gandy-Golden (9-27-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ind-prospect-of-the-week-antonio-gandy-golden/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Week 3 (Up - Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty: WalterFootball.com was the first draft outlet to discuss that NFL evaluators were intrigued with Gandy-Golden and were excited to see him in 2019. He has not left them disappointed, getting his season of to an excellent start. Versus Buffalo in Week 3, he hauled in eight passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns. After three games, he has 20 receptions for 363 yards and two scores. If the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder stays consistent throughout the season and manages to run a fast 40, his stock could skyrocket in the leadup to the 2020 NFL Draft.) (9-17-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_03.php
NFL Draft: Risers and Sliders | College Football Week 2 (Sleeper Prospect- Antonio Gandy-Golden/WR/Liberty: While the story of Liberty this season centers on the injury and illness of head coach Hugh Freeze, the scouting community is focused on Gandy-Golden. Entering the season as a potential late-round pick, the senior has exceeded expectations in the early going. He caught 6 passes for 119 yards in the season opener against Syracuse, then followed up with 5 receptions for 62 yards against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. Gandy-Golden is big-bodied possession receiver with soft, dependable hands. His forty time will determine his final draft grade, but right now Gandy-Golden looks like a lock to be a late-round pick.) (9-9-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-risers-and-sliders-college-football-week-2/
2020 NFL Draft WR Watch: Jerry Jeudy, Tee Higgins, and Tylan Wallace flourish in Week 1 (Honorable Mention: Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty - The 6-4, 220-pound perimeter wideout had a day in Liberty's loss to Syracuse with six receptions for 119 yards. His long of 56 was an awesome example of his refined ability. He doesn't just win with size alone. In the first quarter, he got an perfect inside release against press coverage -- not easy for many college wideouts -- before breaking to the inside on a slant route. The ball got to him in a hurry but he plucked it just above his helmet before stopping, cutting against the grain and accelerating down the field. He bounced off two defenders at the end of the play for extra yardage. AGG starts the year as the premier small school wideout prospect in this class.) (9-3-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-watch-jerry-jeudy-tee-higgins-and-tylan-wallace-flourish-in-week-1/
Liberty receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden used his gymnastics background to jumpstart his football career (8-28-19): http://dailyorange.com/2019/08/liberty-receiver-antonio-gandy-golden-used-gymnastics-background-jumpstart-football-career/
2020 NFL Draft: From Jerry Jeudy to CeeDee Lamb to sleepers, 14 wide receivers to keep your eyes on (Names looking to make a move - Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty (NFL comparison: Brian Quick): Predominantly used as a jump-ball, go-route receiver at Liberty, AGG has dominated his competition in college. He accounted for 31.2% of the receiving yards (1,066 yards) with 10 touchdowns in 2017. Last season, the 6-4, 220-pounder upped his receiving-yard market share to 33% on 1,037 yards with 10 more scores. He tracks it extremely well and has long arms that cast a wide catch-radius net. Despite his large size, Gandy-Golden is decently slippery and has deceptive long speed after the catch, but neither of those traits will scare NFL defensive backs. He has very minimal experience beating press at the line. AGG does possess the ability to make one dynamic cut per route -- which mostly have been slants -- and he shields the football with his big body very well.) (8-20-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-from-jerry-jeudy-to-ceedee-lamb-to-sleepers-14-wide-receivers-to-keep-your-eyes-on/
2020 NFL Draft, Notre Dame and independents preview: Will Ian Book find big-time success in the NFL (Liberty - Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR: A 1,000-yard receiver in 2018, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Gandy-Golden has all the physical tools to be successful at the next level. He will, however, have to improve on his explosiveness and route running during his senior season. NFL fans looking for their team to draft a receiver in next year's draft should definitely keep an eye on him throughout the 2019 season.) (8-19-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-notre-dame-and-independents-preview-will-ian-book-find-big-time-success-in-the-nfl/
2020 NFL Draft: Don't sleep on Liberty WR (7-20-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-liberty-wr-gandy-golden-good/?amp
Top-15 2020 NFL Draft WR Rankings (10. Antonio Gandy-Golden (Liberty) | 6'4/220: Gandy-Golden overcame a summer car accident and a one-game absence for a mono diagnosis (turned out to be a false positive) to ramp up the hype with a 71-1037-10 receiving line. That production was nice to see after Liberty made the leap from the FCS to the FBS in 2018. A rangy, well-built 6-foot-4, 220-pounder, Gandy-Golden’s 23 receptions of 20-plus yards are the second-most among returning FBS receivers (behind Tylan Wallace). He’s a classic high-point guy who tracks the ball downfield and gets higher than the defender. In addition, Gandy-Golden is a competitor who tries to bully corners when run blocking. He frequently succeeds. He’s an odd prospect in that Gandy-Golden was a childhood gymnast who didn’t reach six-feet tall until his junior year of high school. He was overlooked in recruiting because of that. And while he remains raw, you get plenty of flashes of the smaller gymnast he once was. In particular: Balance and body control. Where he needs to improve is technique, release and route-running. Gandy-Golden can do damage when he’s left free to his own devices at the line of scrimmage. But when teams press him, he sometimes appears not to have a plan. He’s also a rather straightforward route-runner who wants to get where he’s going in a hurry and forgets to set up and bait defensive backs to offer his quarterback larger throwing windows. Gandy-Golden is raw, for sure, but he has a chance to surge up boards if he shores up a few weaknesses and tests as an upper-echelon athlete for his size.) (7-19-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/top-15-2020-nfl-draft-wr-rankings
Top 50 College Receivers of 2019 (25. Gandy-Golden: Antonio Gandy-Golden was in the 50 first down club last year despite playing in just 11 games, and a large reason for that was Liberty’s willingness to just chuck balls downfield to him. Among returning FBS receivers, only Tylan Wallace had more targets on passes of 20 or more yards than Gandy-Golden. He also showed dominance in the red zone by scoring touchdowns on six of his eight red zone receptions.)(6-11-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/top-50-college-receivers-2019
WR KJ Hamler:
Scouting Reports:
PSU Profile: https://gopsusports.com/sports/football/roster/kj-hamler/9504
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kj-hamler?id=32194841-4d38-6186-eea5-110d32b9644c
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/kj-hamler/iWPvI1oACF
2020 NFL draft: K.J. Hamler scouting report: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/05/2020-nfl-draft-k-j-hamler-scouting-report/
Articles:
2020 NFL Draft: The top Day 2 and Day 3 budget prospects (NEED: EXPLOSIVENESS FROM THE SLOT - Early: WR K.J. Hamler, Penn State. Later: WR Darnell Mooney, Tulane. If your receiving corps needs some explosiveness from the slot, these two offer a ton of it. However, both players also have serious concerns about their hands. Hamler dropped 12 of 68 catchable passes this past season while Mooney let eight of 55 catchable hit the turf. Those are rough drop rates, but both have the 4.3-type speed that makes you forget about it. While Hamler looks like a lock to come off the board within the top 50 picks, Mooney could fall all the way to Day 3.) (4-21-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-the-class-top-day-2-and-day-3-budget-prospects
The best slot receivers available in the 2020 NFL Draft (K.J. Hamler: I am considerably lower than most people on K.J. Hamler. He struggles mightily against press coverage and lets the ball eat up his frame far too often, instead of extending outside of his frame and reeling it in. Hamler drops too many easy passes, struggles to track the ball, and has massive size concerns that limit his catch radius. However, there is a certain point where those cons have to be diminished to a degree. There is undoubtedly bust potential with Hamler, but he is a smooth, sudden route runner with absolutely elite speed and ability to make people miss after the catch. He is an electric player. There are certain things he has to work on, and he is a strict slot receiver, but there are ways that Hamler can work into offenses, even if he is not all that he is made out to be in my eyes.) (4-18-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/best-slot-receivers-available-in-2020-nfl-draft/
PFF's list of "my guys" ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft (WR K.J. HAMLER, PENN STATE: I’ve had Hamler’s name written on the corner of a whiteboard in my office since his first college game, where he single-handedly prevented an upset late in the game with a spectacular kick return and then touchdown catch that sent the game to overtime. Hamler has flaws, but he’s an electric playmaker, and he has been since the second he stepped on a college football field. You may have to tailor a role for him at the NFL level, but I have zero doubt that if you do, he will reward you for it and be a game-changing force at the next level just as he was in college.) (4-17-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pffs-list-of-my-guys-for-the-2020-nfl-draft
Boom or bust: The 15 riskiest prospects in NFL draft (WR KJ Hamler, Penn State: At his best, the 5-9, 178-pound pass catcher resembles Tyreek Hill by racking up yards after the catch, burning defenses on deep passes and breaking off big plays as a returner. But not all rail-thin receivers can replicate the success of the Chiefs star, and Hamler's slight build makes him vulnerable to defensive backs who won't be afraid to bully him at the line of scrimmage and the catch point. His limited catch radius and struggles with drops also portend problems at the next level. Though his dynamic ability can be tapped into in sporadic bursts, Hamler will have to become stronger and more reliable to be worth the expected investment of a second-round pick.) (4-10-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/04/10/nfl-draft-2020-riskiest-players-jordan-love-justin-herbert/5122245002/
2020 NFL Draft Superlatives: Wide Receivers (GRADING DOESN’T MATCH HYPE: K.J. HAMLER, PENN STATE - Honorable Mentions: Henry Ruggs III, Alabama & Jalen Reagor, TCUThis isn’t saying Hamler or the guys mentioned are overrated by any means, but rather that their production on the football field hasn’t been matched others in this class. With Hamler, the reason is obvious: drops. He coughed up 12 of 68 catchable targets this past season (17.6%) — far and away the highest rate of any top wideout this past season. His game is separation, not winning at the catch point, but it’s worrisome considering he’ll have to win through contact more often at the next level.) (4-8-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-2020-nfl-draft-superlatives-wide-receivers
Touchdown Wire's 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 offensive players (23. K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State: Teams that miss out on Laviska Shenault could look to Hamler as an appealing Plan B. The Penn State wideout is another offensive weapon who lines up at a variety of spots and excels at getting separation from his nearest defender. The Nittany Lions loved to use him underneath on slants and shallow crossers, aiming to get him the football in space and let him work after the catch. He is well-versed at running option routes, and given that he projects best to a slot receiver in the NFL, that skill will certainly help him make the transition to the league. Drops, as well as his size (5-9, 178 pounds), might raise some eyebrows, but his ability to get space from defenders reminds them that they can’t hit what they can’t catch.) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-offensive-players/
2020 NFL Draft: Wide receiver value outside of round one (K.J. Hamler (Projection: Second round, 2019 Stats: 56 receptions, 904 receiving yards, 8 touchdowns.): Outside of Ruggs, Penn State’s K.J. Hamler is the most electric wide receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft. Hamler is extremely explosive, elusive, and a big-play threat every time he touches the ball. He can create yards after catch (YAC) in bunches with his speed and ability to shake-and-bake defenders. His ability to change direction is elite. He is also an effective route runner and a consistent vertical threat. We know Hamler is insanely fast, but we don’t know exactly how fast, as he didn’t run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He isn’t the perfect prospect, as he comes with some issues. First, much like Baltimore Ravens’ 2019 first-round selection Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Hamler comes with some size concerns. Questions regarding his durability at the next level exist due to his smaller stature. Also, there are times where he tends to catch the ball with his body, rather than his hands. Due to his size and lack of physicality, Hamler won’t win many contested catches. However, he can be extremely dangerous when he is given the ball in space. In the clip below, you will see that Hamler’s explosiveness doesn’t shy away from the big stage. Against the Ohio State Buckeyes, he takes a simple slant to the house for a 92-yard touchdown. Overall, Hamler’s explosiveness and home run ability will surely catch the attention of NFL general managers. When the dust settles, I fully expect Hamler to hear his name called within the top-50 selections of the 2020 NFL Draft.) (4-1-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tremendous-value-at-wide-receiver-2020-nfl-draft/
Draft Profile: Penn State WR KJ Hamler (3-27-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/draft-profile-penn-state-wr-kj-hamler
6 Lions 2nd-round options if they draft CB Jeff Okudah in the 1st (K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State: My personal, and largely unpopular, opinion is the biggest need on the Lions offense is the need for speed. There is also a glaring lack of long-term talent at wide receiver, where no WRs are under contract beyond 2020 and two of the top three (Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola) are on the wrong side of 30. Put those hands together and clap for Hamler, a dynamic speedster who happens to be a Detroit-area native. His speed is instant and it goes beyond straight-line jets. He’s got impressive wiggle and agility while at top speed, able to shake coverage and set up defenders with false steps, quick jabs and head/shoulder fakes. Hamler’s lack of size (he’s 5-9/176) will keep him in the slot, at least early on. That’s where his ability to get open quickly and his incredible YAC come into play. Those are qualities the Lions do not have in the offense right now.) (3-26-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/26/6-lions-2nd-round-options-if-they-draft-cb-jeff-okudah-in-the-1st/
Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 47: Penn State WR KJ Hamler (3-19-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-47-penn-state-wr-kj-hamler-175516574.html
Breaking down the talented second tier of wide receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft class (THE DEEP THREATS - K.J. Hamler, Penn State: Most of the legit deep threats in this class are expected to go early on in that first tier, but Hamler is firmly in that second wave of wideouts expected to come off the board on Day 2. Hamler hauled in 11-of-21 deep targets from the slot for five touchdowns. Those 11 deep receptions were the third most of any receiver in the country from the slot last year. The modern NFL passing game is trending toward vertical threats from the slot, and Hamler’s elite speed and quicks will play at the next level.) (3-16-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-breaking-down-2020-nfl-draft-class-talented-second-tier-wide-receivers
2020 NFL Draft: Landing spots for PFF’s top 15 WR prospects (K.J. HAMLER, PENN STATE – PITTSBURGH STEELERS (ROUND 2, PICK 49): The Steelers have solid young receivers in JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson, but they desperately need help in the slot, where they ranked dead last in PFF receiving grade as a team. While he comes with some drop issues (17.6% drop rate that ranked 344th of 361 qualifying wide receivers), K.J. Hamler should be on the Steelers' radar. In 2019, Hamler generated open separation against single coverage at the third-highest rate in college football. He’s a separation getter and an explosive play waiting to happen — his 41 plays of 15-plus yards in the slot since 2018 are the third-most in the FBS.) (3-11-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-landing-spots-pff-top-15-wr-prospects
2020 NFL Draft: Player comps for PFF's top wide receivers and tight ends (K.J. HAMLER: TAVON AUSTIN: Hamler and Austin are two players whose production is going to be heavily tied to usage at the next level. If you throw either on the outside and ask them to consistently beat top corners, you’re probably not going to get your money’s worth. Scheme them some touches, though — move them around the formation to get clean releases — and let them work vertical from the slot and you’ll get some big plays.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-2020-nfl-draft-player-comps-for-pffs-top-wide-receivers-and-tight-ends
NFL Combine Thursday Highlights (Penn State's KJ Hamler participated in the bench press and put up 15 reps, which ranked in the middle of the pack. Unfortunately, that was the only event Hamler participated in, as he is dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him from running in Indianapolis. Assuming full recovery, he'll be able to run/test at the Nittany Lions Pro Day.) (2-28-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/nfl-combine-thursday-highlights
2020 NFL Scouting Combine: Notable quotes and analysis from Day 1 (“Penn State's K.J. Hamler on what makes him stand out in this class: “I'm a dog. That's just point, blank, period.” Dude has a legit presence, commands a room” – Austin Gayle. Due to being in the same draft class as Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb, Hamler just doesn't get enough recognition for the separation he routinely created during his time in college. Hamler had a step or more of separation on 64% of his targets from passes thrown 10-plus yards downfield in 2019, which was the fourth-highest rate in college football. Over the last couple of seasons, Hamler also produced the fourth-most explosive plays of 15-plus yards from the slot — he is one of the most difficult receivers to stick with and, as he said, an absolute dog when working inside.) (2-25-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-notable-quotes-and-analysis-from-day-1
Lions in lovely spot with 2020 NFL Draft a 'beauty contest' for receivers (On the second day of the draft, the Lions again have a wealth of choices, including a couple of local products in KJ Hamler and Donovan Peoples-Jones. Hamler, who grew up in Pontiac and used to play an occasional youth football game at the Silverdome, opted to leave the state to attend Penn State, citing the need to avoid the potential pitfalls of being too close to home. "I chose a different route," Hamler said. "I think I needed to get out of my comfort zone. I was committed to Michigan State for two years, but I knew it was 35 minutes away from my back yard and I just didn't want to go home and get in any trouble in Pontiac." But home has never been far from his heart. "Pontiac means everything to me," Hamler said. "I put on for my city. I love my city, regardless." At Penn State, Hamler developed into one of the country's premier playmakers with an elite combination of speed and quickness. Comparing his game to three-time Pro Bowler DeSean Jackson because of their similar size and skill set, Hamler primarily played in the slot for the Nittany Lions, but believes he could be successful as an outside option, if given the chance.) (2-25-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/25/detroit-lions-lovely-spot-2020-nfl-draft-a-beauty-contest-receivers/4870519002/
Nine instant impact receivers who won't cost a first-round pick (K.J. Hamler, Penn State: He's an explosive jitterbug who brings a lot to the table -- chairs AND the meal. I know there will be teams that pass on him because he isn't the right size (5-9, 176 pounds), but they will realize just how foolish that decision was once he gets in the league. Hamler has a ton of upside and will be a troublemaker for NFL defensive coordinators. Don't let his stature sway you.) (2-25-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102818/article/nine-instant-impact-receivers-who-wont-cost-a-firstround-pick
12 WRs for Packers to watch at NFL Scouting Combine (K.J. Hamler, Penn State: He’s small, but he’s going to wow teams with his straight-line speed and quickness. It’s possible he’ll be one of the receivers to get into the 4.3s, and his explosiveness in and out of breaks will be impressive. Can he also impress teams with his ball skills and tracking ability down the field? The gauntlet drill will really test him.) (2-24-20): https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/24/12-wrs-for-packers-to-watch-at-nfl-scouting-combine/
Early NFL Draft WR Rankings (Analytics) (KJ Hamler (5’9/168) is an extremely fast, but unpolished and undersized, playmaker with the potential to be a mismatch right away. He finished inside the 91st percentile in my adjusted production metric because he was productive at a top-end program despite being a very young prospect. His high-end burst and top-end speed made him a big-play waiting to happen at Penn State, particularly on crossing routes and vertical shots from both inside and out. It’s hard to get a hand on him because of his athleticism, although he does have some issues winning in traffic given his slender frame. His other weakness is his hands. He tied for the most drops (12) in the FBS because he can be a body catcher at times. In the NFL, Hamler profiles as a playmaker like Marquise Brown but needs some time to develop before he becomes a more well-rounded receiver. Predicted Overall Draft Pick: 53rd) (2-20-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/early-nfl-draft-wr-rankings-analytics
Building the perfect wide receiver prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft (Elusiveness – K.J. Hamler, Penn State: Once K.J. Hamler gets into space, he’s a near-impossible tackle for defenders who can’t match his quickness. Since so few defenders have his agility, his elusiveness will lead to a ton of explosive plays for whichever NFL team drafts him. Honorable Mention: Lynn Bowden Jr.) (2-20-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/building-perfect-wide-receiver-prospects-2020-nfl-draft/
13 NFL draft prospects with something to prove at combine (KJ Hamler, Penn State: At 5-9 and 175 pounds, Hamler will be one of the smallest and slightest receivers in the NFL. While his speed has evoked lofty comparisons to Chiefs all-purpose threat Tyreek Hill, Hamler has had repeated struggles with drops, which could considerably limit his game-breaking ability. Showing a larger catch radius while completing a clean run in drills would help assuage worries that he'll be an all-or-nothing player.) (2-19-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/19/nfl-draft-2020-combine-players-prove-jordan-love-laviska-shenault/4798364002/
Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Wide receivers (K.J. Hamler, Penn State (Suggested by: Sonja Greenfield): Hamler’s size (est. 5-9, 174) will scare away some teams, but for those in the market for a pure slot receiver, like the Lions, the Pontiac native will be near the top of the list. Explosive in and out of his routes, Hamler overwhelms man-coverage with his quickness and separation. Drops are a real concern, but for a high-volume target, it often comes with the territory.) (2-19-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/19/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-wide-receiver/
Lions NFL Combine preview: Wide receivers (KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State: A punctuation-less KJ, the former Orchard Lake St. Mary's star could be another slot option for the Lions. He should run in the mid-4.4s at the combine, but he's better defined by his short-area quickness than his long speed. He's shown an ability to get free deep, but his best trait is juking past tacklers in the open field, which is why he's also an excellent return man. ) (2-16-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/16/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-wide-receivers/4759480002/
2020 NFL scouting combine preview: wide receivers (Who needs to nail the positional workouts - KJ Hamler, Penn State: Hamler could be in the running for one of the fastest 40 times by a receiver in Indy. In 2019, he was one of the country’s best deep threats, helping take the top off of defenses for the Nittany Lions. His lack of size will work against him at around 5-9 and 175 pounds, but the biggest question might be his inconsistent hands. Consistently last season, Hamler appeared to suffer from concentration drops and unnatural hands. Pro Football Focus charted him with a 17.6-percent drop rate in 2019 — one of the highest numbers in the country. That rate was way above his 8.7-percent mark in 2018, which is still below-average. Hamler’s hand size could be an interesting measurement that answers some of those questions. But turning in strong receiving drills with few or no drops — or body catches, which are frequent on his tape — could be huge for Hamler’s evaluation. Is he Marquise Brown 2.0? Or the next John Ross or Dede Westbrook?) (2-14-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-preview-wide-receivers-130035778.html
Draft WR rankings: Lamb headlines list (Tier 2 - 9. K.J. Hamler, Penn State, 84: Hamler is one of the many incendiary wideouts in this class who seemingly plays with little rockets on his cleats. His acceleration off the snap is arguably as impressive as Lamb or Jeudy, and he sustains his threatening speed down the field. At under 6-0, he doesn't have traditional No. 1 receiver size, yet his highlight-reel plays are among the best in the class, and they're not all just deep connections down the field. Hamler has loose hips, which allow him to maintain his balance after cutting or absorbing contact in the open field, and many times in 2019, he made difficult diving catches. His tiny frame will hold him back against towering, physical cornerbacks, but Hamler does have familiarity running on the outside as well as in the slot, so he can easily be moved around to get him into advantageous situations. I'll be surprised if Hamler doesn't run somewhere in the 4.30s at the combine. He's that explosive.) (2-13-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-receiver-rankings-ceedee-lamb-at-no-1-in-absolutely-stacked-pass-catcher-group/
How teams can use draft to copy Chiefs (Hamler is probably the smallest of the group but might have the most freakish burst off the line of scrimmage. All are as threatening in the open field as they are straight down it, just like Hill. Hamler seems like a second-round pick at the early stages of the pre-draft process.) (2-4-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-how-teams-should-copy-super-bowl-champion-chiefs-by-adding-similarly-skilled-prospects/
Draft: Six best underrated WR prospects (K.J. Hamler, Penn State
Market share: 31.4 percent: A smaller wideout at just 5-9 and 176 pounds, Hamler's game is fully predicated on his electric change-of-direction skills and, most directly, his sprinter's speed. When he catches the football, look out. Anytime anyone runs away from an Ohio State secondary dripping with future first and second-round picks, you have to take notice. Hamler reached a market share of 30% as a 19-year-old redshirt sophomore -- he doesn't turn 20 until July -- so the team that drafts him will get a super-young player on a cheap rookie contract. He isn't an inherently smooth catcher of the football -- small hands likely play a role in that -- and at his size he won't outmuscle cornerbacks on 50-50 balls. But you aren't drafting Hamler to rebound the football. You're drafting him to juke and explode.) (1-28-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-bryan-edwards-tyler-johnson-among-top-six-underrated-wide-receiver-prospects/
Evaluating declaration decisions (WR K.J. Hamler (Penn State): Hamler is a big play waiting to happen. When he gets the ball in open space, the defense better have an angle or there is next to no chance he is taken down. His skill set will not be coveted by every team in the early rounds because of his size. Some are looking for a bigger, outside threat. With that being said, Hamler will have an impact in the NFL. There are comparisons being made to DeSean Jackson. NFL Draft projection: Top 25-50 pick ) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-sizing-up-early-declaration-decisions-of-tua-fromm-eason-and-more-key-prospects/
WR prospect reset: Stock up and down (Stock Down - K.J. Hamler, Penn State: Hamler is an electric athlete, there's no doubting that. But more volume to his production in 2019 would've obviously helped his stock, although the drop in quality of Penn State's quarterback play must be taken into account. Hamler finished with four straight games with fewer than 60 yards receiving, including a two-catch, 46-yard effort in Penn State's win over Memphis in the Cotton Bowl. Was the outing disastrous for his stock? No. But it likely didn't help it.) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-prospect-reset-whose-stock-is-up-and-down-who-needs-big-senior-bowl-and-combine-and-more/
Eagles 2020 draft needs, fits, picks (K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State: Hamler is a speed demon in the slot. The emphasis on adding dynamic young talents on offense could continue with the Penn State product. Roseman tapped into the local Nittany Lions outfit for running back Miles Sanders last year. Sanders has already provided big dividends for the home state team. Higgins and Hamler would sell a lot of jerseys and supply memorable moments for the loyal Eagles fan base. The middle of the second round may be a stretch to expect Hamler to be available.) (1-6-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-philadelphia-eagles-team-needs-draft-picks-prospects-to-watch/
2020 NFL Draft Late Risers: Dobbins’ stock is ascending (K.J. Hamler, Wide Receiver, Penn State (5’9″, 176 pounds): Another player who recently declared for the 2020 NFL Draft and is on the list of late risers is the explosive Penn State wide receiver K.J. Hamler. Outside of Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III, Hamler might just be the fastest player in the 2020 NFL Draft. When watching film on Hamler, two current NFL players come to mind: Baltimore Ravens’ Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar Tyreek Hill. Simply put, Hamler has elite speed and acceleration, which will make him a bonafide weapon in the NFL. In 2019, he caught 56 passes for 904 yards and 8 touchdowns, while averaging 16.1 yards per reception. He is a player that commands the attention from the opposing defense, with his rare ability to create separation with ease, and his elusiveness in the open field. He is an above-average route runner, skilled with a developed route tree. However, there are some warts when it comes to Hamler’s game. First, his size is a concern. Hamler has a small frame, and as we have seen with Hollywood Brown, when smaller receivers get hit, it has a severe impact on their availability. Secondly, Hamler has missed two seasons due to a torn ACL. With that said, there will be a great deal of NFL teams, such as the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers, that would love to draft a player with the caliber of K.J. Hamler to add a dynamic weapon to their passing attack. When I said that K.J. Hamler possesses special speed, I wasn’t kidding. Take a glimpse at the clip below and watch Hamler catch a slant on first-round prospect Shaun Wade, then accelerate into a mind-blowing gear for a 93-yard touchdown. The reason K.J. Hamler will be a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is his ability to create yardage after the catch. In the video below, his speed and ability to move like a human joystick allows him to turn an ordinary play into a game-changing touchdown.) (1-3-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/late-risers-2020-nfl-draft-dobbins-stock-is-ascending/
Bowl games bring litany of 2020 NFL Draft declarations (Penn State receiver K.J. Hamler was discussed previously as an underclassman likely to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft and that was confirmed this week. The explosive playmaker will come off the board within the first two rounds.) (1-2-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/bowl-games-bring-litany-of-2020-nfl-draft-declarations/
Penn State WR KJ Hamler declares for 2020 NFL draft (1-1-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/01/2020-nfl-draft-kj-hamler-penn-state-declares/
Draft prospects for Lions fans to watch in college football selection committee, playoff games (Penn State WR K.J. Hamler -- In a loaded wide receiver class that could see five first-round picks, Penn State’s K.J. Hamler could serve as a dangerous sleeper option. The junior hasn’t declared for the draft, but is coming in as ESPN’s No. 10 ranked receiver prospect and as a potential third-round pick. Hamler has 54 catches for 858 yards and eight touchdowns, while serving as the primary return man for the Nittany Lions. He’s only 5-foot-9 but could serve as a versatile gadget player or slot receiver with much-needed top-flight speed on offense. Pro Football Focus ranks Hamler as its No. 87 overall prospect after naming the receiver an All-American.) (12-27-19): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/12/draft-prospects-for-lions-fans-to-watch-in-college-football-selection-committee-playoff-games.html
College Football: 2019 PFF All-Big Ten Team (PUNT RETURNER - First Team: KJ Hamler, Penn State) (12-2-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2019-pff-all-big-ten-team
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 13 (Hamler isn’t an imposing figure at 5-foot-9, 176-pounds. There isn’t a DB in the country that he will bully physically, but his short, slippery frame makes him a ghost in space. Hamler is tough to get a hand on, especially once the ball is in his hands. Players as small as Hamler shouldn’t have this kind of balance. Only a step or two after catching the ball, Hamler bounces off a Maryland tackler flying in from a safety position. Hamler is able to make a slight move just before contact to soften the blow, allowing him to slip out of the tackle attempt for regaining his balance and taking off down the sideline. With a bit of shake-n-bake, Hamler makes another Maryland defender whiff. One of Hamler’s teammates picks off the last defender in the way of the goal line and springs the short speedster into the end zone. Plays like that are just a sliver of what makes Hamler one of the most explosive post-catch players in the country. Hamler isn’t just a weapon in the open field with the ball, though. Playing out of the slot at his size, Hamler is often tough to get a hand on at the line of scrimmage and throughout his early stem. As a result, Hamler is often afforded an early cushion to maximize his stunning quickness and ability to separate at a moment’s notice. Hamler is particularly deadly if he gets a step on vertical routes. Hamler is the #3 receiver to the trips set here (innermost receiver). As usual, Hamler is off the ball and afforded a few yards of cushion off the line of scrimmage from the defensive back. Hamler stems straight down the midpoint of the defensive back until slicing up and to the left. The defensive back never gets a hand on Hamler to slow him down and immediately falls behind in the play. The instant Hamler got even with the defensive back, he separated further and further with each subsequent step. Hamler turned the route into a foot race as quickly as possible, and Hamler doesn’t lose very many of those. The vertical aspect of Hamler’s game, in particular, should be an issue for his primary opponent, Ohio State slot cornerback Shaun Wade.) (11-20-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-13
2020 Draft WR Watch: Higgins rises again (12. KJ Hamler, Penn State: Stock Down. Just two grabs for 52 yards from Hamler in Penn State's difficult win against the upstart Indiana Hoosiers. His movement skills will have him on the NFL radar. ) (11-18-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tee-higgins-making-case-as-most-complete-wr-prospect-in-the-class/
Penn State's KJ Hamler missed most of the Indiana win (11-16-19): https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2019/11/penn-states-kj-hamler-missed-most-of-the-indiana-win-james-franklin-offers-an-update.html
2020 Draft WR Stock Watch: Smith erupts (12. KJ Hamler, Penn State. Hamler was a gamer in Penn State's narrow loss to Minnesota, and his movements are different. He is one of the most explosive receivers in college football and his change-of-direction ability pops on film. Plus, he has awesome ball skills, which he showed on a really difficult grab that looked like an interception initially on Saturday. On the game-sealing interception for Minnesota, Hamler beat his man to the inside in the end zone, but the pass wasn't out in front of him. The vast majority of the time, when Penn State needed a big play, it got it from Hamler in this contest. He's unreal on slants. Super-sharp cut and dynamic burst once the ball is in his hands.) (11-11-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-devonta-smith-erupts-again-ceedee-lamb-and-tyler-johnson-flourish/
The matchups to decide Penn State-Minnesota in Week 11's battle of undefeated teams (Duel for slot supremacy between WR KJ Hamler and CB Chris Williamson: KJ Hamler has been the go-to receiver for quarterback Sean Clifford and the Nittany Lions offense thus far in his redshirt-sophomore season. He has quietly pieced together a stellar season that has not received the national attention it should. Most of his production this season has come from the slot, where he has lined up on 201 snaps. On those snaps, he has received 58 targets, reeling in 34 for 561 yards and eight touchdowns, fourth-most from the slot in the nation. Hamler has produced efficiently from the slot, netting a yards per route run figure of 2.79 which ranks second in the country among receivers with at least 200 slot snaps, as well as the second-best passer rating when targeted at 136.8, both of which are just behind LSU’s star receiver Justin Jefferson. If he can keep the ball from hitting the turf (third-most drops from the slot) after hitting his hands, Hamler can torch the Minnesota secondary.) (11-8-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-matchups-to-decide-penn-state-minnesota-in-week-11s-battle-of-undefeated-teams
2020 NFL Draft: Penn State’s KJ Hamler’s explosive future (10-22-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-penn-states-kj-hamlers-explosive-future/
Six From Saturday: Trevor Lawrence Leveling Off (4. Penn State redshirt sophomore: KJ Hamler starred in the Nittany Lions’ 28–21 win over Michigan, going for 108 yards and the decisive touchdown on six catches. (He also had a long kickoff return touchdown called back.) Hamler’s absolute lightning as a player, and the comps I got for him from scouts last week indicate that. One was Tyreek Hill. The other was DeSean Jackson.) (10-22-19): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/10/22/trevor-lawrence-clemson-justin-fields-ohio-state-2021-nfl-draft
2020 Draft WR Watch: Hamler is a riser (Honorable Mention: KJ Hamler, Penn State. Among the most "sudden" and speedy wideouts in the entire country, I get vibes of DeSean Jackson while watching Hamler, Penn State's dynamic 20-year-old redshirt sophomore. He had six grabs for 108 yards and two scores in the Nittany Lions' seven-point win over Michigan, and his burst and sustained long speed were on full display on both touchdowns. He has the makings of being a big riser during the pre-draft process.) (10-22-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-minnesotas-tyler-johnson-rising-keep-an-eye-on-penn-states-k-j-hamler/
College Football Week 8: Eckrich Big Ten Team of the Week (KJ Hamler, Penn State
The Penn State wideout was targeted seven times against Michigan in Week 8. He caught six passes for 108 yards, two touchdowns and two first downs, generating a perfect passer rating when targeted.) (10-21-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-8-eckrich-big-ten-team-of-the-week
College Football Week 8 Eckrich Team of the Week (KJ Hamler, Penn State: Hamler shined on the national lights of Saturday Night Football and during their annual White Out game in Happy Valley. He was on the receiving end of six receptions, totaling 108 yards and two scores as he was truly the difference-maker for the Penn State offense in their win over Michigan.) (10-20-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-8-eckrich-team-of-the-week
When Penn State needed him most, KJ Hamler provided (10-20-19): https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/psu/2019/10/20/penn-state-football-kj-hamler-michigan-james-franklin-sean-clifford/stories/201910200176?cid=search
College Football: Inside the matchups that will decide Week 7's biggest games (KJ Hamler vs Iowa linebackers: Nittany Lions speedster KJ Hamler has taken college football by storm over the past few weeks and emerged as one of the conference's top playmaking wide receivers, if not one of the nation's best. Hamler feasts out of the slot, hauling in 18 receptions for 334 yards, including 124 yards after the catch with four touchdowns and eight first-down receptions. Iowa utilizes its linebackers and safeties a lot in coverage, as the only one of those players with a coverage grade higher than 70.5 when covering the slot is all-everything Geno Stone. He and the rest of the cast of characters in the slot certainly will have their toughest task to date in Hamler. Hawkeyes linebackers Nick Niemann and Djimon Colbert have combined to allow a 68.4% completion rate, three first downs and five total missed tackles in slot coverage in 2019. Half of Hamler's 18 receptions in the slot have gone for at least 15 yards, and he is averaging 18.6 yards per reception, the nation's highest such average from inside. Advantage Hamler.) (10-9-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-matchups-that-will-decide-week-7-biggest-games
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: Devonta Smith into the top 10 after historic performance (Honorable Mention: K.J. Hamler, Penn State: The Nittany Lions throttled Maryland on Friday night, much thanks to their defense and the play of their skill-position weapons. Hamler had six receptions for 108 yards, including an electric 58-yard catch-and-run in which he bounced off a would-be tackler, flipped on the jets, made another defender miss then accelerated into the end zone. He's only a redshirt sophomore, but Hamler has flashed serious athleticism early in the 2019 season for Penn State. ) (10-1-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-devonta-smith-into-the-top-10-after-historic-performance/
Penn State Nittany Lions: Yetur Gross-Matos projected to be a first rounder (KJ Hamler: KJ Hamler is a small, explosive receiver with home-run-hitting speed. He has a burst that he turns on in a step and leaves defenders in the dust to stretch the field. Hamler is also a terrific receiver who catches the ball with his hands and competes to make the tough catch. Hamler comes with big-play ability as a return specialist, but his size (expected to be under 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds) will limit his appeal to some teams.(8-31-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/penn-state-nittany-lions-summer-pauline/
Big Ten Preview of the 2020 NFL Draft: Buckeyes continue to churn out first-round talent post-Urban Meyer (WR KJ Hamler returns to the fold after catching five touchdown passes and averaging 18 yards per catch last season. He also averaged 26.2 yards on 20 kickoff returns.) (8-15-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/big-ten-preview-of-the-2020-nfl-draft-buckeyes-continue-to-churn-out-first-round-talent-post-urban-meyer/
Top 50 College Receivers of 2019 (15. Hamler: Slot receiver KJ Hamler has the juice, but he’ll need to clean up his game to live up to this ranking. But I believe in him. Hamler was second on this top 50 ranking in yards after the catch per reception (8.6) and he should morph into one of the top slot receivers in the country. If he has a step on a defender, it’s a touchdown.)(6-11-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/top-50-college-receivers-2019
WR Tee Higgins:
Scouting Reports:
Clemson Profile: https://clemsontigers.com/sports/football/roster/tee-higgins/
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tee-higgins?id=32194849-4738-7791-9f89-d556c4b59b9a
Draft Tek: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/tee-higgins/knG9wYzgiV
2020 NFL draft: Tee Higgins scouting report: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/09/2020-nfl-draft-tee-higgins-scouting-report/
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/tee-higgins/knG9wYzgiV
Meet the Prospect: Tee Higgins: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/meet-the-prospect-tee-higgins
Articles:
Ten NFL Draft Prospects: Running backs, wide receivers, and more (Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: Higgins is not a flawless wide receiver prospect and failed to make my top-10, but this is also a guy who does a lot of things well, and that will help him be a decent receiver in the NFL. He undoubtedly has great ball skills and contested-catch ability. That is where he will win in the NFL. Higgins uses his size well and plays with good physicality. He also runs a pretty healthy route tree. However, Higgins is just a stiff route runner and lacks any dynamic ability after the catch. He may drag a defensive back a few yards, but this is not a player you are going to expect to do a lot once the ball is caught. In addition, Higgins does struggle to separate due to the lack of route running ability. He lacks the nuances at the line of scrimmage in his releases to win off the line as well. So, as much as I wish I could like Higgins more, there are just a lot of factors that cap his ceiling. He can be good, but I do not think he will ever be great.) (4-15-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/10-nfl-draft-prospects-wide-receiver-running-back/
Potential Successors for Lions WR Marvin Jones in the 2020 NFL Draft (Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: Higgins is the antithesis of Mims. Once considered a lock for the first round, Higgins has slowly been dropping down the receiving ranks -- mostly due to athletic concerns. Outside of those question marks, Higgins knows how to high point the ball, win with little separation and he has quite the catch radius. The current cast of Lions receivers also possess similar traits. So, maybe the coaching staff would be more lenient with Higgins' flaws.) (4-15-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/potential-successors-for-detroit-lions-wide-receiver-marvin-jones-in-the-2020-nfl-draft
Virus costly to draft prospects needing face time with teams (WR TEE HIGGINS, CLEMSON: Higgins’ 6-foot-4 frame and superb hands stand out in a deep pool of receivers. Speed is the question, and a private workout might have helped. He sat out drills at the combine, saying he hurt his groin two or three weeks earlier, and he said he aggravated the injury while running a 4.54 40 at his March 12 pro day.) (4-10-20): https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/virus-costly-to-draft-prospects-needing-face-time-with-teams-041020
O'HARA'S DRAFT PREVIEW: 5 wide receivers that could interest Lions (5. Tee Higgins, Clemson. 6-4, 216. No Combine workout. Stats: 3 years, 43 games, starter last 2. 2018: 936 yards. 2019: 59 for 1,167 and 27 TDs 2018-19 combined. Background: Produces with size and strength, not speed. How he could fit Lions: Good big-body receiver, worth a look late in the first round or top of the second.) (4-9-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-draft-preview-5-wide-receivers-that-could-interest-lions-lamb
Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 26: Clemson WR Tee Higgins (4-7-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-26-clemson-wr-tee-higgins-014456363.html
Touchdown Wire's 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 offensive players (12. Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: Higgins might be the next example of people overthinking the draft process. The Clemson wideout was considered to be at the top of the second tier of receivers when the college season ended. But he did not participate in drills at the combine, and his pro day results, including a 4.54 40-yard dash and a 31-inch vertical, have some questioning his athleticism and explosiveness. But turn on the tape and you will see a prototypical NFL “X” receiver who can be a threat in the downfield passing game and who can win at the catch point. Higgins also shows more athleticism and ability after the catch on film, so the team that trusts the tape will be happy they do when drafting him.) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-offensive-players/
Tee Higgins’ testing numbers only confirm what we knew (3-14-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tee-higgins-testing-numbers-only-confirm-what-we-knew/
2020 NFL Draft: Buyer beware (Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: Tee Higgins looks the part of a first-round talent. The Clemson wideout is 6-foot-4, 216 pounds, has a huge catch radius and a knack for acrobatic plays. He logged 59 receptions in back-to-back seasons, and in 2019 finished with 1,167 yards (19.8 YPC) and 13 touchdowns. But it's one thing to dominate against ACC defensive backs, many of whom won't play beyond college. It's something else entirely to have that sort of success in the NFL against big, physical, fast defensive backs who make their living making life as difficult as possible for the wide receivers they're tasked with covering. And that brings us to our next point: Higgins has many attractive qualities but being physical isn't one of them. He also didn't regularly create separation, even on deep routes. This doesn't mean Higgins won't be a success in the NFL -- remember: D.K. Metcalf and A.J. Brown were both second-round picks last year -- just that there are questions about the totality of his game. CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs are the Tier 1 WR prospects in this draft class with Higgins, Justin Jefferson and Denzel Mims in the next tier. All six players could go in Round 1, or just three could hear their names called. And if Higgins doesn't go until the second round it'll likely be because of the reasons mentioned above, along with the fact that teams value offensive linemen more than wideouts, at least in this draft class.) (3-12-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-buyer-beware-on-jordan-love-tee-higgins-and-these-other-top-prospects/
Higgins turns in solid pro day numbers (Tee Higgins eschewed attending in last month's NFL combine, stating that he wanted time to rest and recover after the gauntlet that was Clemson's 2019 season. Higgins, who caught 25 touchdown passes during his final two seasons with the Tigers, did participate in Clemson's pro day on Thursday. He ran 40-yard-dash twice in the mid-4.5s, and his 31-inch vertical jump wasn't close to the top 15 receivers at the combine (Tulane's Darrell Mooney finished 15th among receivers with a 37-inch vertical). His more respectable 10-foot-3 inch broad jump also would have failed to crack the top 15 receivers at the combine. Higgins rebounded with a 20-yard shuttle time of 4.25 seconds, which would have been good for sixth place at the combine. Higgins, the fourth-best receiving prospect in CBS Sports' pre-draft rankings, did well in his receiving drills while showing why he is being projected as a late first-round or early second-round pick.) (3-12-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/clemson-pro-day-tee-higgins-shows-off-for-scouts-plus-results-from-isaiah-simmons-and-more/
Clemson's pro day loaded with potential Lions prospects (Tee Higgins, WR – Proven 6-foot-4 playmaker with soft hands and the ability to play X, Y or Z in an offense, though he’ll need to work on his route running and release off the line. Projections for Higgins are all over the map, so his workout numbers do matter more than most others.) (3-11-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/11/clemsons-pro-day-loaded-with-potential-lions-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft: Landing spots for PFF’s top 15 WR prospects (TEE HIGGINS, CLEMSON – NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (ROUND 1, PICK 23): The first step to wooing Tom Brady back to New England is dedicating their free agent and draft plans to getting him receiving weapons, something he obviously lacked in 2019. Snagging 6-foot-4, 216-pound Tee Higgins, who owns 34-inch arms and a massive catch radius, to man the outside would be the gift of from an angel to Brady. Over the past two seasons, Higgins has produced the second-best PFF receiving grade in college football. He’s bodied defensive backs in tight coverage situations in that stretch, being the highest-graded receiver on such plays. Not to mention, he can win after the catch too.) (3-11-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-landing-spots-pff-top-15-wr-prospects
Building an NFL receiving corps with 2020 NFL Draft class' top prospects (Tee Higgins, Clemson (Deep/Vertical): A rare combination of speed, size and hands, Tee Higgins has the skill to win on deep balls without much separation. His 34 1/8-inch arms and 6-foot-4 frame provides a massive catch radius, and that allowed Higgins to haul in 55% of his contested catches last year, the 16th-best figure among the 40 draft-eligible wideouts who saw at least 15 contested targets. During his three-year career at Clemson, he torched coverages en route to earning a ninth-ranked PFF receiving grade of 94.5 on the deep ball. On average, he was targeted 15.6 yards downfield in his career, and he posted PFF receiving grades north of 75.0 in all three years, with his best figures coming in 2018 (88.9) and 2019 (89.8).) (3-9-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-building-an-nfl-receiving-corps-with-2020-nfl-draft-class-top-prospects
TWENTYMAN: 5 pro days to watch this week (1. Clemson, March 12 - Who to watch: Wide receiver Tee Higgins didn't test at the Combine, so teams will be very eager to put some speed and explosion numbers next to his name and see where he fits into the mix. Higgins (6-4, 216) said at the Combine he's the top receiver in the draft. The tape certainly makes a case for that. How will the numbers stack up?) (3-8-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-5-pro-days-to-watch-this-week-higgins-simmons-peoples-jones
5 Lions-related takeaways from the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (Even some players who didn’t work out, whether because of injury (Florida’s Van Jefferson, son of ex-Lions WR/coach Shawn) or choice (Clemson’s Tee Higgins), are wideouts you’re going to see linked to Detroit in the coming weeks.) (3-4-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/04/5-lions-related-takeaways-from-the-2020-nfl-scouting-combine/5/
2020 NFL Combine Stock Report - Wide Receivers (Down - Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: Tee Higgins was expected to test poorly at the combine, so he didn't even bother to participate. I can understand why he would decide to wait until his pro day, but teams will certainly take notice and penalize Higgins for it with expected negative testing numbers.) (2-28-20): http://walterfootball.com/combine2020stockWR.php
NFL Combine Winners and Losers: Wide Receivers (Losers - WR Tee Higgins: Higgins decided against participating in workouts Thursday, citing rest as the reason for his lack of participation. Many were caught off guard since Higgins stated during his media session he was looking forward to running the 40-yard dash. He even had a target time in mind that he wanted to achieve when he ran the 40-yard dash. Draft analysts and scouts must now wait until March 12 -- the date of Clemson's Pro Day to evaluate Higgins further. ) (2-28-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/2020-nfl-combine-winners-and-losers-wide-receivers
NFL Combine Thursday Highlights (And, as always, we had a few players who decided not to test this week. One of those is Clemson's Tee Higgins, who decided to skip this portion; citing that he didn't have enough prep time after his long season. Higgins will likely go in Clemson's Pro Day, and probably has enough (good) tape for this to not matter. Still, a bit of a bummer hoping to see him run.) (2-28-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/nfl-combine-thursday-highlights
Winners and losers from Thursday's scouting combine drills (Losers - Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: So, this was interesting. Higgins, who caught 135 passes for 2,448 yards and 27 touchdowns in his three years with the Tigers, said during his combine media session that he was excited to run the 40-yard dash in particular. “My goal is to hit a 4.4.,” Higgins said. “A lot of guys think I’m going to run a 4.5 or 4.6 but I’m excited to change people’s minds.” And then… this happened. Resting over testing? Either something popped up in Higgins’ medical evaluation that precluded him from doing the drills, or he’ll have some ‘splainin’ to do when it comes to the reason for his change of mind. Higgins did have a scary hit from Ohio State safety Jordan Fuller in the Fiesta Bowl, and he was placed in the concussion protocol. Higgins later said that he injured his ankle, but he was good to roll against LSU in the College Football Championship, catching three passes for 52 yards and taking a run 36 yards for a touchdown in Clemson’s 42-25 loss. It’s odd that Higgins, who I believe is one of the best contested-catch receivers in this class, would have this reason for not doing the drills, and we’ll have to see if the actual cause goes any deeper.) (2-28-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/27/winners-and-losers-from-thursdays-scouting-combine-drills/
Loaded wide receiver class gives Lions options in draft ("I just have to be me," said Higgins, who caught 59 passes for 1,167 yards and 13 touchdowns for Clemson last season. "I feel like I'm the No. 1 guy. I feel like I can go to a team and just immediately impact that team and help that team get to a Super Bowl. Obviously, I'm a tall receiver (6-3). I'm going to win 50-50 balls 80-20 my way.") (2-26-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/loaded-wide-receiver-class-gives-lions-options-in-draft-jeudy-higgins-ruggs
Lions in lovely spot with 2020 NFL Draft a 'beauty contest' for receivers (But every other prospect is arguably in play, especially if you consider the possibility of the Lions trading down from No. 3 and either picking up a late first-rounder or the ammunition to move back into the bottom of that round. That's the range where Arizona State's Brandon Aiyuk, Colorado's Laviska Shenault and Clemson's Tee Higgins figure to be selected. And Higgins, at 6-foot-4, has the long frame and basketball background to win contested matchups on the outside. As he puts it, in a jump ball situation, he's coming down with it 80 percent of the time.) (2-25-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/25/detroit-lions-lovely-spot-2020-nfl-draft-a-beauty-contest-receivers/4870519002/
12 WRs for Packers to watch at NFL Scouting Combine (Tee Higgins, Clemson: If he runs and tests well at the combine, the Packers may have no shot at getting him at No. 30. Higgins has the size, deep speed and ball skills to be a sure-fire first-rounder. Good times and testing numbers might ensure he’s a top-20 pick.) (2-24-20): https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/24/12-wrs-for-packers-to-watch-at-nfl-scouting-combine/
WR, TE weigh-in: Higgins impresses (Winners - Tee Higgins, Clemson. Higgins is one of the bigger wide receivers, but he is not the biggest. His 81-inch wingspan is impressive. It is one reason why he is so comfortable winning down the field.) (2-24-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-tee-higgins-impressive-gronk-comparisons-continue-for-cole-kmet-as-wrs-tes-get-measured/
Early NFL Draft WR Rankings (Analytics) (Tee Higgins (6’3/205) is an efficient deep threat with a massive catch radius who profiles as an NFL team’s WR2 with the upside for more. As a 20-year-old last season, he averaged the third-most yards per target (13.4) in the draft class and came down with 15-of-23 deep targets for 565 yards (24.6) per PFF. His long arms and legs, plus his ability to Moss fools like he did here (video), make him a physically dominant player, which really shined at the college level. In the NFL, he’ll need to improve as a route runner because he may not be a natural separator. Elite CB prospect Jeffrey Okudah held Higgins to a 4-33-0 line in the Playoff largely because Higgins wasn’t crafty or quick enough. As a young prospect with other athletic traits, it’s certainly possible that he can improve upon those weaknesses. Until that happens, Higgins may be destined for a playmaking WR2 role as a mismatch for undersized corners at the next level. That still makes him worthy of a late Day 1 or early Day 2 pick. Predicted Overall Draft Pick: 23rd) (2-20-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/early-nfl-draft-wr-rankings-analytics
2020 NFL Combine: Wide Receiver Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (5. Tee Higgins, Clemson 6-4, 215 (1) - Why He’s Here On The List: This is what an NFL wide receiver looks like. Tall with a great frame, excellent smoothness, and with the production at an elite level to go along with all the hype of a superstar recruit, he turned into a devastating force over the last two seasons. In a draft – at least in the first round – full of blazing, smallish receivers, here’s your No. 1 target with size. What The NFL Types Want To See: Just how quick is he? His deep speed and 40 will be good enough, and the scouts all know what he can do no matter how he works out, but the more sudden he can look in the short drills, the better. Bottom Line: He averaged almost 20 yards per catch last season, led the team with 1,167 yards, and he’ll be ready to go from Day One. So what’s missing? Can he handle being beaten up a bit? He’s not the most physical of targets, but that’s nitpicking. He’s a first rounder, but an amazing workout pushes him into the top 20.) (2-20-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-wide-receiver-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
Combine: Answering the biggest questions (Who needs a huge combine the most to save/boost their draft stock? Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: A central figure in the best receiver class in a long time, Higgins is different from the other top wideouts in this class in terms of size and separation ability. With the Alabama receivers expected to scorch in the 40, and CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Reagor, and even Brandon Aiyuk bound to run somewhere between 4.35 and 4.45, Higgins could be widely considered in the second tier of the elite prospects in this class after the combine. If the 6-4 pass catcher runs any time below 4.50 and has reasonably good figures in the agility drills, he'll cement himself inside the top 25.) (2-21-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-burning-questions-answered-which-prospects-will-erupt-who-needs-a-big-workout-and-more/
NFL combine 2020: Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb headline deep crop of receivers (Tee Higgins (Clemson): Finished his career with 27 touchdown catches, which tied him for the school record with guys named DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins. Hey, not bad. At 6-foot-4, he’s a high-point nightmare for defenses in the red zone. Higgins also has experience playing all three receiver positions, and figures to go in the first round.) (2-18-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/02/nfl-combine-2020-jerry-jeudy-ceedee-lamb-headline-deep-crop-of-receivers.html
Draft WR rankings: Lamb headlines list (Tier 1 - 4. Tee Higgins, Clemson, 89: Higgins, the No. 2 receiver recruit in the country in the 2017, did not disappoint for Dabo Swinney's club, as a dangerous downfield rebounder during the rise of Trevor Lawrence at quarterback. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Higgins caught 59 passes in each of the past two seasons with a grand total of 25 touchdowns at a hefty 17.8 yards-per-catch average. After somewhat taking a back seat to freshman phenom Justyn Ross in 2018, Higgins was the clear-cut go-to target for Lawrence this past season and had seven 100-plus yard receiving games over the past two campaigns at Clemson. While not a dynamic, change-of-direction wideout, Higgins understands how to change pace in his routes to lull defenders to sleep, has fluid movement skills, and boasts the best ball skills of any pass-catcher in this class. Seriously, his catch radius is unreal. Higgins routinely reels in any pass thrown in his general vicinity and is a magician near the sidelines on back-shoulder throws and instances when he needs to extend for the football then get his feet in bounds. ) (2-13-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-receiver-rankings-ceedee-lamb-at-no-1-in-absolutely-stacked-pass-catcher-group/
2020 NFL Draft: Wide Receiver Rankings (5. Tee Higgins, Clemson: With outstanding length and a wide catch radius, Higgins has the ability to compensate for a quarterback's off-target throws. With outstanding hands and ball skills, he excels in contested-catch situations. While not the fastest receiver, Higgins is a long strider that wins in the vertical passing game. He averaged 19.8 yards per catch last season for the Tigers. With an above-the-rim style, Higgins is a red-zone weapon and he has 27 receiving touchdowns, which ties a Clemson school record shared with DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins.) (2-12-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/02/12/nfl-draft-2020-wide-receiver-rankings-best-prospects
2020 Combine Preview: Wide receiver (4. Tee Higgins, Clemson, 6-4, 215: This All-ACC performer led the Tigers in receiving with 59 catches for 1,167 yards (19.8) and 13 touchdowns. He had 12 touchdowns as a sophomore and finished his Clemson career tied for the school lead in receiving touchdowns (27) with DeAndre Hopkins and Sammy Watkins. Higgins has the ideal frame to be a mismatch weapon in the NFL with his ball skills and ability to go up and high-point the football. He'll make an immediate impact in the red zone. Likely a first-round pick.) (2-12-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2020-combine-preview-wide-receiver-jeudy-lamb-ruggs
Prospect for the Pack: Clemson WR Tee Higgins (2-11-20): https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/11/prospect-for-the-pack-clemson-wr-tee-higgins/
Back to the Future: Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft (8. Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: Yes, I have my concerns with Tee Higgins, which is why he is this low in the first place. Can he consistently separate at the next level? I have my questions about that, although he does an excellent job of using physicality in and out of stems and at the top of routes to gain that separation. Higgins is a contested-catch guy first, and that is where he will win at the next level, mainly. I do not expect him to become a route running savant or be faster than expected. However, if he does run well and test well in general, Higgins can see himself up the board. Still, I do not see Higgins as a particularly dynamic player after the catch or in general. It will cap his ceiling, but he can still be an excellent receiver at the next level with the skillset he possesses. ) (2-8-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-the-future-top-10-wide-receivers-in-the-2020-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Wide Receivers (5. TEE HIGGINS, CLEMSON (Draft Board Rank: 23rd): Higgins offers something that no other receiver in the top-five does in terms of his massive catch radius. At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, Higgins has hauled in a ton of off-target throws throughout his career. However, unlike most big receivers, Higgins can get off the line of scrimmage and separate deep. This past season, he hauled in 15 of his 23 deep targets for 565 yards, which is a freaky rate. We also saw him truck stick Kristian Fulton in the National Championship, which was just one of the 12 tackles he broke on 59 catches this season.) (1-31-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-wide-receivers
Clemson WR Tee Higgins declares for draft, possible Lions target in 2nd round (1-15-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/15/clemson-wr-tee-higgins-declares-for-draft-possible-lions-target-in-2nd-round/
Clemson WR Tee Higgins declares for 2020 NFL draft (1-15-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/15/clemson-wr-tee-higgins-declares-for-2020-nfl-draft/
PFF favorites in the 2020 NFL Draft (WR TEE HIGGINS, CLEMSON: Even though he hasn’t even averaged 100 yards a game in either this season or last season, Higgins has still graded out at an elite level for us. There are a few reasons for that. The first is that he rarely drops passes, with only six on over 120 catchable the past two seasons. The second is that he rarely plays in the second half for Clemson. Higgins actually finished sixth in the nation during the regular season averaging 3.59 yards per route. The final reason? Circus catches abound on Higgins highlight tape as he possesses some of the best ball skills in the country.) (1-14-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-under-the-radar-sleepers-prospects-2020
2020 NFL Draft: Joe Burrow showcases elite skill set, Clyde Edwards-Helaire shines in LSU's title game win (Tee Higgins, WR: It was an up-and-down night for Higgins, who only had one catch in the first half but showcased his speed, athletic talents, and power on his 36-yard touchdown rushing touchdown. He nearly made a classic Higgins high-point grab later in the game, but somehow, he feet never hit the ground in-bounds as he was spun near the sideline. While ultimately being ruled incomplete, Higgins demonstrated not only his naturally strong hands and gigantic catch radius but the awareness he has near the boundary. In mid-air, with a cornerback draped on him, Higgins looked toward the ground and tried to touch in bounds with the football because he knew he hadn't gotten a foot down. ) (1-14-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-joe-burrow-showcases-elite-skill-set-clyde-edwards-helaire-shines-in-lsus-title-game-win/
Five NFL Draft takeaways (Joe Burrow!) from the 2020 college championship (2. Do not exclude Tee Higgins from the elite WR prospects in 2020 - Who is the top receiver prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft? Oklahoma's CeeDee Lamb? Alabama's Jerry Jeudy? The conversation has been hotly contested in recent months, but do not sleep on Clemson's Higgins. He has battled injuries at various points in the season, including in both College Football Playoff games. Fans witnessed how valuable he is as he scraped out three catches for 52 yards plus the above 36-yard rushing touchdown on an end-around. There was more confidence in the team's ability to move the ball downfield with him available. The Tigers were creative getting him the ball early and it paid big dividends. Higgins also was the recipient of a controversial offensive pass interference penalty early in the fourth quarter that cost him a touchdown. The Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills stand out as potential fits in the first round. ) (1-14-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/five-nfl-draft-takeaways-joe-burrow-from-the-2020-college-football-national-championship-game/
TWENTYMAN: 10 prospects to watch in college football national championship game (4. Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: Terrific frame (6-4, 215) and ball skills make Higgins a pretty safe bet as a first-round draft pick. He has 13 touchdowns on the year and is averaging better than 20.0 yards per grab. He’s totaled 56 grabs for 1,115 yards on the year. With Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. entering the final year of their contracts, and veteran Danny Amendola a free agent this offseason, receiver is an under-the-radar need for the Lions.) (1-13-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-10-prospects-to-watch-in-college-football-national-championship-game
Top 10 draft prospects in CFP national championship game based on fit with Lions (No. 8 -- Clemson WR Tee Higgins: Tee Higgins just looks like an NFL wide receiver. He’s 6-foot-4, 205 pounds, PFF’s highest-graded wideout and is known to make a spectacular catch or two. The problem linking Higgins to Detroit is where he projects in the draft, and where the team is picking. He’s expected to be a first-rounder in an exceptionally deep receiver class. ESPN has him ranked as the No. 19 overall prospect and going at No. 14 to the Cleveland Browns. The Lions have Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones locked up through next season. Golladay led the league with 11 touchdown catches while Jones hung with him until landing on injured reserve with an ankle injury late in the year. One of the more pressing questions concerning the Lions’ interest in taking a receiver is what happens with pending free agent Danny Amendola. The veteran receiver turned in great season at the No. 3 spot after signing a one-year deal with the Lions last year. What stands out most about Higgins’ game, either way, is his absurd 19.9 yards per catch average. The junior has 56 catches for 1,115 yards and 13 touchdowns through 14 games this season.) (1-13-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/top-10-draft-prospects-in-cfp-national-championship-game-based-on-fit-with-detroit-lions.html
Detroit Lions could eye these 10 prospects in CFP title game (WR Tee Higgins, Clemson: This is one of the best wide-receiver classes in recent memory, with Alabama's Jerry Jeudy and Oklahoma's Ceedee Lamb at the top of the charts. Higgins isn't at that level of prospect, but he's a really good player who should have no trouble going in the top 50 picks. Higgins caught 56 passes for 1,115 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, though he missed a chunk of Clemson's semifinal win over Ohio State with a head injury. Scouts will keep a close eye on his matchup Monday against LSU's talented secondary. He could be a candidate for the Lions if he makes it to Round 2.) (1-13-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/13/lsu-clemson-nfl-draft-prospects-national-championship-detroit-lions/4429798002/
2020 NFL draft: Top prospects to watch in National Championship Game (WR Higgins: Higgins is a big target at the wide receiver position. At 6’4″ he can be a weapon in the red zone where things can get tight. Using his height, Higgins attacks the ball in the air at its highest point. He is a problem in space and can make defenders look foolish, double moves are deadly. Higgins also shows great concentration on some plays that leaving you scratching your head wondering how he came down with the ball.) (1-11-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/11/national-championship-game-nfl-draft-prospects-lsu-clemson-college-football-playoff/11/
Championship: Ranking the 25 best players in LSU-Clemson (6. TEE HIGGINS, WR, CLEMSON: Quietly jumping into talks as the highest-graded receiver in all of college football, Higgins showed his value to his team when they seemingly sputtered after he was injured against Ohio State. Still, he returned to action, playing sparingly against the Buckeyes and caught two crucial first downs in the process. He has the ability to take over games (see the ACC Championship Game) and has perhaps the best hands of any big man in college football.) (1-11-20): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-playoff-national-championship-ranking-the-25-best-players-in-lsu-clemson
Clemson WR Tee Higgins is 'banged-up' but vows to bring it vs. LSU (1-11-20): https://nypost.com/2020/01/11/clemson-wr-tee-higgins-is-banged-up-but-vows-to-bring-it-vs-lsu/
WR prospect reset: Stock up and down (Tee Higgins, Clemson: Higgins only had four catches for 33 yards in the CFP semifinal win over Ohio State, and while the comeback from Clemson has justifiably mostly been credited to Trevor Lawrence, the Tigers offense was night and day with and without Higgins on the field. When he returned in the second half -- after suffering what appeared to be a head injury on a nearly ridiculous sideline grab with two defenders in close -- the Clemson attack started to move the football again. Higgins has a big-time matchup with Kristian Fulton in the national title game.) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-prospect-reset-whose-stock-is-up-and-down-who-needs-big-senior-bowl-and-combine-and-more/
Evaluating declaration decisions (WR Tee Higgins (Clemson): Higgins is a big-bodied wide receiver capable of making plays on the boundary. The Clemson star has battled injuries this season, but his production when healthy is as good as anyone's. He uses his body well so that he is the only one able to go up the ladder and bring down a jump ball. The Tennessee product shows good body control and is a willing blocker for his teammates. NFL Draft projection: Top-25 pick) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-sizing-up-early-declaration-decisions-of-tua-fromm-eason-and-more-key-prospects/
LSU vs. Clemson: The top NFL draft prospects to watch in Monday's national title game (WR Tee Higgins (2020*): Higgins missed much of the Ohio State game after an awkward fall while trying to make a circus catch. He’s still the team leader with 1,115 receiving yards and 13 TDs on just 56 catches. That’s an average of nearly 20 yards a reception and four yards more per catch than he averaged in 2018 as a sophomore.) (1-9-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/lsu-vs-clemson-the-top-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-mondays-national-title-game-210434508.html
2020 NFL Draft: Top 10 prospects to watch in the National Championship (5. WR TEE HIGGINS, CLEMSON: Wide receiver Tee Higgins has taken a step forward in each of his three seasons with Clemson and is entering the National Championship as the second highest-graded wide receiver in the country (91.5). His per route production has been everything we wanted to see — Higgins’ 3.94 yards per route run sits as the fourth most in the country. His hands are arguably the best in the class, and he owns a ridiculous catch radius. On targets of 10-plus yards specifically, Higgins has hauled in contested catches at the fourth-highest rate (69.2%). In addition to being able to win at the catch point in contested situations, Higgins can do damage after the catch, posting 12 broken tackles on his 56 receptions, which paved the way to over 36% of his targets resulting in an explosive play of 15-plus yards — over 16 percentage points above the FBS average.) (1-9-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-top-prospects-to-watch-national-championship-game
NFL Draft Prospect Showdown: Championship Game (On Clemson's side is Tee Higgins. While teammate Justyn Ross may be a smidgen better, Ross is just a sophomore, which makes Higgins the best draft-eligible receiver on the squad. It’s well known that Higgins can dominate the catch point. He is 6-foot-4 and 215-pounds, and shows no reservation in using all that size to his best advantage. Sideline throws, 50-50 jump balls, fighting through traffic over the middle — it doesn’t matter, Higgins has the size and muscle to win in physical situations. The last time Higgins made an appearance on the Showdown, it was the primary talking point for him. What sets Higgins a tier above is how well he can also manipulate space as he is closing in on the ball to avoid contested situations. Sometimes they will happen regardless of what he does, but even for as well as Higgins can play in traffic, he is also exceptional at avoiding it altogether with subtle moves. For example, check out this touchdown against Texas A&M. Higgins is running a sort of wheel route up the left sideline aimed toward the back-left pylon. For most of the route, Higgins has no discernable separation. Sure, he is always kind of “open” because of his contested-catch ability, but even the best contested catch guys are going to be better when they don’t actually have to do it. Catches passes without a defended draped over your back is way easier — who knew! Anyway, just as the ball starts to spiral down toward Higgins, he stacks himself on top of the cornerback then lightly extends his arm out. Higgins has the athleticism to maintain his speed while using just enough of a push-off to slow down the cornerback by a step. Though subtle in real-time, the move gave Higgins all the space he needed to catch this pass uncontested.) (1-8-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-championship-game
Clemson's draft prospects in title game (Tee Higgins, WR: Higgins is 6-4 and around 215 pounds with ridiculous ball skills and a gigantic catch radius. But he's far from your classic tall, jump-ball wideout. He's silky smooth off the line against press coverage and is sudden with the ball in his hands. Beyond all that, he has serious long speed, so he's a threatening downfield option. Higgins currently has 56 grabs for 1,115 yards (19.9 yards per) with 13 touchdowns on the year. The Clemson offense started to mount its comeback against Ohio State after Higgins returned to the field in the second half. He has a legit No. 1 profile.) (1-7-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-national-championship-game-isaiah-simmons-tee-higgins-highlight-clemsons-draft-prospects-in-big-game/
Eagles 2020 draft needs, fits, picks (WR Higgins: Where Philadelphia is currently expected to pick is probably outside of the range necessary to securely nab Higgins. He is a high caliber player at a position of need. Reasonably speaking, the organization could part with Nelson Agholor, Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson in 2020, which would leave converted quarterback Greg Ward as their most productive returning wide receiver. Higgins would give them a talented playmaker on the edge capable of providing several touchdowns.) (1-6-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-philadelphia-eagles-team-needs-draft-picks-prospects-to-watch/
Bills 2020 draft needs, fits, picks (WR Higgins: Higgins stands 6-foot-4 and 215-ish pounds with some of the best ball skills of any receiver to enter the league in at least the last five drafts. He's smooth at the line of scrimmage beating press and when getting in and out of his breaks, so he creates separation at a good rate for someone his size. And with his long strides, Higgins is a legitimate deep threat. He's precisely what Buffalo's offense needs.) (1-5-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-buffalo-bills-team-needs-draft-picks-prospects-to-watch/
Perfect 2020 NFL Draft fits for every non-playoff team (WR Tee Higgins, Clemson: Higgins can be what they wanted Devin Funchess to be in their offense — a receiver with a massive catch radius to move the chains. Higgins has added big-play ability, though, as he averaged nearly 20.0 yards per catch this year.) (12-30-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-perfect-2020-nfl-draft-fits-for-every-non-playoff-team
Fiesta Bowl prospect preview: Ohio State vs. Clemson (Tee Higgins, WR, 6-3, 205, junior, #5: The latest in a long line of Tigers WRs poised for NFL stardom, Higgins offers smooth speed and fantastic feet to separate from man coverage. He’s 6-4/215 but moves like he’s smaller, which is a compliment. Higgins might have the biggest functional catch radius of any receiver I’ve seen since Michael Thomas at Ohio State. If it’s near him, he snags it. Lions fans will love his ability to toast DBs on the outside. He’s a dangerous runner after the catch too. Higgins will have the occasional concentration drop and needs to be more consistently physical. He’s my optimal second-round pick for the Lions at this point.) (12-28-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/28/fiesta-bowl-prospect-preview-ohio-state-vs-clemson/
TWENTYMAN: 10 players to watch in national semifinal games (7. Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: Terrific frame (6-4, 215) and ball skills make Higgins a pretty safe bet as a first-round draft pick. He has 13 touchdowns on the year and is averaging better than 20.0 yards per grab. Higgins has 52 receptions for 1,082 yards and those 13 touchdown catches. Receiver is a sneaky long-term need for the Lions.) (12-27-19): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-10-players-to-watch-in-national-semifinal-games
Draft prospects for Lions fans to watch in college football selection committee, playoff games (Other players of note: Clemson’s Tee Higgins is a dangerous big-play threat with 52 catches for 1,082 yards and 13 touchdowns. McShay has the receiver going No. 14 to the Cleveland Browns.) (12-27-19): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/12/draft-prospects-for-lions-fans-to-watch-in-college-football-selection-committee-playoff-games.html
College Football Playoff Preview: Ohio State vs. Clemson (THE MATCHUP BETWEEN CLEMSON’S WIDE RECEIVERS AND OHIO STATE'S SECONDARY COULD VERY WELL DECIDE THIS GAME - Jerry Jeudy and Ceedee Lamb get all the hype, but Clemson’s Tee Higgins has been just as great, as he currently sits fourth among all wide receivers in PFF grade (90.6). He's one of the rare players at the position who is good at both generating separation from defensive backs and producing the goods in contested-catch situations: On targets of 10-plus yards downfield, Higgins has hauled in 75% of his contested catches (nine percentage points higher than the next best Power-5 wide receiver) while he's gained more than a step of separation on over 57% of his targets (nearly 10 percentage points higher than the FBS average).) (12-27-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-playoff-preview-ohio-state-vs-clemson
Ranking the 50 best 2020 NFL draft prospects in the College Football Playoff (8. TEE HIGGINS, WR, CLEMSON (Year: Junior): There's Higgins' ball skills and then there's everyone else's in the draft class. He has dropped only five of his 116 catchable passes the past two seasons and put together a highlight reel on par with anyone's in the country. At 6-4, 215 pounds, Higgins averaged 20.8 yards per catch. In a loaded wide receiver class, Higgins has a chance to be a top-15 pick.) (12-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-ranking-best-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-in-the-college-football-playoff
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: SECOND BOWL WEEK (Higgins is good at a variety of things, but he has come this far as a prospect because of how well he dominates the catch point. He is a moving vacuum of space that consumes any pass thrown remotely near him. Whether low, high, behind, out in front, or on the sideline, Higgins has an uncanny ability to fight toward the catch point and contort his body into a winning position at the football. Though he oddly has issues catching some more ordinary passes, Higgins’ dominance in tough situations can not be overstated. Higgins is more dynamic than the standard contested-catch winner, though. He is not just a skyscraper looks for jump balls (remember Jaelen Strong?). Once Higgins gets the ball in his hands, be that after a heroic effort or on a routine pitch-and-catch, he can turn on the jets and fly past defenses. Draft Scout, who generally have the most accurate 40-yard dash predictions around, project Higgins running in the 4.36 - 4.57 range and set his average time at 4.47. For a receiver roughly 6-foot-3, 215-pounds, that is some dangerous speed. Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green, for example, ran a 4.48 at basically the same size. This matchup has the chance to be electric and perhaps the best matchup of the weekend. Okudah’s fluid, fast play style likely won’t let Higgins gain very much separation, but Higgins has the strong hands and in-air coordination to win anyway. A good portion of how this matchup goes likely hinges on how well Okudah can stand up to Higgins at the catch point. He should be able to do it better than most of Higgins’ past opponents, but there is no denying the Clemson receiver can Moss even the best of ‘em on occasion.) (12-26-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-second-bowl-week
Prospects to watch in Fiesta Bowl (Tee Higgins, WR: Higgins has otherworldly ball skills at 6-4 and 215 pounds with long arms. He's silky smooth betting press at the line of scrimmage and runs his routes like he's much smaller and glides down the field. He had 12 touchdowns at nearly 16 yards per grab in 2018 and led the Tigers with 1,082 yards at 20.8 yards per grab with 12 scores as a junior. He's a first-round lock. ) (12-23-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/fiesta-bowl-time-tv-channel-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-clemson-vs-ohio-state/
NFL Draft Big Board 1.0: Ranking the Top 10 Prospects (It feels like teams have cooled some on Jeudy, in part because of his size, and in part because there’s quality receiver depth in the first round. Both Clemson’s Tee Higgins and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb were mentioned to me as players with a good shot at going in front of Jeudy.) (12-17-19): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/12/17/nfl-draft-2020-big-board-top-10-prospects
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Pre-Bowls (Up - Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: Higgins continued his superb season with the ACC Championship. On the Tigers' first drive, he caught a pass in the flat and broke a tackle to coast into the end zone. In the second quarter, Higgins, despite being well-covered running across the end zone, was able to use his size and length to shield the defensive back away from the ball to make a short touchdown catch. Midway through the third quarter, Higgins had a long reception after adjusting to pass off the mark. Higgins finished that drive by getting open on a slant for a touchdown from 11 yards out. He totaled nine receptions for 182 yards and three touchdowns for the evening. Higgins is a big wideout who has mismatch size for the NFL alongside strong hands and quality route-running. He has superb length and height that make him a dangerous mismatch. Even when defensive backs run with Higgins, he makes catches over them using his height and long arms, and he is never truly covered. Higgins has been superb to close out this season, and for the year, he has 52 receptions for 1,082 yards and 13 touchdowns. If Higgins runs well in the 40, he could really rise, but if he has an average 40 time, he should be selected, at worst, during Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft.) (12-10-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_15.php
NFL draft: 20 prospect observations from conference title game weekend (17. Clemson WR Tee Higgins is an acrobat. He was nothing short of magnificent against Virginia in the ACC title game, making nine catches for 182 yards and three touchdowns. And did you see this sideline wizardry? Even with a loaded WR class in 2020, Higgins deserves to be at or near the top. He’s a special talent with WR1 potential in the NFL — think a slimmer version of A.J. Green. If he’s not a top-20 pick, someone is going to get an absolute steal.) (12-9-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-20-prospect-observations-from-conference-title-game-weekend-182109634.html
Tony Pauline’s Week 15 College Football Risers: Burrow, Higgins highlight list (ACC Championship Game – Tee Higgins/WR/Clemson: It was no surprise Clemson blew the doors off Virginia, or that they scored 62 points. Tee Higgins performance was no surprise either, but 7 receptions for 182 yards and 3 touchdowns is a noteworthy performance regardless of the competition. Though I still need confirmation, rumblings have Higgins leaving Clemson to take his game to the NFL next year.) (12-9-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tony-pauline-week-15-college-football-risers-burrow-higgins/
College Football Conference Championship Eckrich Team of the Week (Tee Higgins, Clemson: A perfect 9-for-9 on targets his way, Higgins totaled 182 yards and three scores as five other receptions went for a first down. He broke four tackles as well and gained 57 of his yards after the catch as his highlight-reel sideline-top-tapping reception was truly a jaw-dropper. Obviously, Trevor Lawrence saw a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeting Higgins.) (12-8-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-conference-championship-eckrich-team-of-the-week
2020 NFL Draft prospects to watch in the ACC Championship Game (Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: At 6-4 and 215, Higgins is a monster on the outside. Big play target averaged over 20 ypc in 2019 by improving his burst off the line and ability to break the first tackle after the catch. Still seems like he battles the ball at times and he almost never works the middle of the field. Could be a major red zone weapon in the NFL.) (12-7-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/07/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-the-acc-championship-game/
ACC Football Week 14: Perkins propels Virginia to Title Game (Tee Higgins, Wide Receiver, Clemson: Yet again, Tee Higgins was brilliant in Clemson’s Week 14 massacre of the South Carolina Gamecocks. Higgins hauled in three passes for 101 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The standout Clemson wide receiver has had a strong 2019 season, as he has 43 receptions, 900 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns, while averaging an mind-blowing 20.9 yards per reception. The numbers could be much bigger; however, Clemson has accumulated such a big lead in so many games this year that they either take their stars like Higgins out, or just hand the ball to Travis Etienne to eat up clock. Tee Higgins is fairly labeled as one of the best “jump ball” receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft; however, he is much more than that. The video clip below shows that Higgins does have NFL speed, as he runs past the South Carolina secondary to haul in a 65-yard touchdown reception. Higgins is a technician who plays with high football intelligence. Watch the clip below; Higgins is cognizant of where the sideline is and makes sure to give himself room to make the catch and get his feet down. The throw from Trevor Lawrence is gorgeous. Nothing has changed with Tee Higgins’ draft stock. He is a bonafide first-round selection who should hear his name called during the back half of Day One of the 2020 NFL Draft.) (12-3-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/acc-football-week-14/2/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Higgins climbs to No. 1 (1. Tee Higgins, Clemson: Stock Up - Higgins had three catches for 101 yards with two scores against South Carolina, and here's the description of all of those grabs. The first was a gorgeously timed slot fade in the end zone in which he beat press at the line, accelerated, and caught the football over his shoulder near the back pylon. The second was a deep angle route in which he ran past everyone for a long, easy touchdown. The third was a snag near the sideline and featured a Reggie Bush-ian back juke to pick up a few extra yards. Higgins is a silky smooth wideout with awesome size, plus skills to beat press, and surprising long speed. He deserves this top spot.) (12-2-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tee-higgins-overtakes-jerry-jeudy-for-no-1-spot/
College Football: 2019 PFF All-ACC Team (First Team: Tee Higgins, Clemson: No surprise here that Higgins makes First-Team in the conference as he was clearly the biggest benefactor to Lawrence's hot play down the stretch. He grabbed 43 receptions for 900 yards, moving the sticks or scoring a touchdown on 35 of those receptions. Higgins can high-point the football as well as anyone and is also an after-the-catch threat as he broke seven tackles and gained 255 of his yards after the reception. His 20.9 yards per catch ranks as the highest in the conference and in the top 10 nationally.) (12-2-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2019-pff-all-acc-team
2020 Draft WR Watch: Pittman, Mims rise (2. Tee Higgins, Clemson: Stock Steady - Higgins and the Tigers were idle and have their rivalry showdown with South Carolina on the road this Saturday.) (11-25-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-the-rise-of-michael-pittman-and-denzel-mims/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Week 12 (Up - Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: With a tremendous first half, Higgins led Clemson to a win over Wake Forest last Saturday. On the first drive of the game, Higgins got open in the front of the end zone to use his big frame for a 14-yard touchdown. In the second quarter, Higgins used his tall frame and leaping ability to make a touchdown reception over two defensive backs for another 14-yard scoring snatch. After a turnover, Higgins struck again this time with a 30-yard touchdown. He ran a nice route, heading for the corner of the end zone before slashing back across the middle of the field to get open for the score. Higgins finished with four receptions for 64 yards and three scores. For the NFL, Higgins is a big wideout who has mismatch size with strong hands and quality route-running. If Higgins runs well in the 40, he could really rise, but if he has a solid 40 time, he should be in the conversation for Day 2.) (11-19-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_12.php
2020 Draft WR Watch: Higgins rises again (2. Tee Higgins, Clemson: Stock Up - Early in the game, Higgins caught a slant for a touchdown in which he did a marvelous job getting inside position on the corner then simply boxing him out as the pass was thrown. His second touchdown was classic Higgins -- high-point the football in traffic on a wonderful demonstration of his body control. His third touchdown was an easy -- but still relatively long -- throw from Trevor Lawrence to the middle of the field in the end zone. Higgins created separation on the in-breaker. Higgins truly can do it all. ) (11-18-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tee-higgins-making-case-as-most-complete-wr-prospect-in-the-class/
Back to the Future: Denzel Mims looks to help his 2020 NFL Draft stock (Matchup to Week: Clemson WR Tee Higgins vs. Wake Forest CB Essang Bassey: Perhaps this one will go under the radar more because of who Essang Bassey is, and by the fact that he is not a big name cornerback at all, but he is a legit Top 100 player who should be a solid nickel cornerback at the next level. And that speaks volumes to his talent, but he will be facing the big-bodied Tee Higgins this week, who, despite my concerns over his athleticism, is still a size mismatch who can be too physical for smaller bodied guys. This test for Bassey is going to determine his stock significantly, and for Higgins, it could hurt his stock, but there is no reason based on his film that he should not thrive for at least a portion of this game. This play by Higgins at the catch point is precisely why he is such a good jump ball receiver. Even through contact, Higgins is fighting back towards the ball after he got significant separation, frees his hands with a bat before he goes, and skies up for this ball. As per usual, he goes and makes a great high point catch and immediately turns and clutches the football. That very thing allows Higgins to escape and make a house call on this play. Similarly, here, Higgins works from the slot, and he is more than versatile to work from there. And while he is not a truly great route runner, Higgins is very good at separating with physicality out of his breaks, which is what he does as he stems this crosser over the middle of the field. The subtle adjustment on the ball between two defenders is nice, but Higgins uses his hands and frame well, and it is why he is so dangerous. On the other hand, Bassey himself, despite only being 5’10”, has no trouble getting physical and stuffing his nose in anyone’s business. This reverse play was snuffed out by Bassey from the jump, and he does a great job of avoiding traffic and holding the edge well. He comes up with an excellent form tackle and a tackle for loss as well. Run support nickel corners are a thing in the NFL, but for Bassey’s game, it is really just a bonus. This play against Boston College earlier this year is all click and close as he reads and reacts to the quarterback throughout the whole play. He mirrors every step the receiver has on this quick out route and reads the timing of this route and makes a fantastic jump on the football. That right there is all instincts, and it is one of Bassey’s best traits.) (11-16-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/denzel-mims-cfb-week-12/
2020 Draft WR Stock Watch: Smith erupts (2. Tee Higgins, Clemson: Stock Steady - Higgins had four grabs for 73 yards and a touchdown in Clemson's rout of NC State. While not the greatest attempt to reroute a receiver, Higgins demonstrated his polished fluidity with a subtle swim move to get outside leverage against the corner initially in coverage on his touchdown before Trevor Lawrence found him down the sideline for the score. This game got out of hand in a hurry.) (11-11-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-devonta-smith-erupts-again-ceedee-lamb-and-tyler-johnson-flourish/
Sensational group of 2020 wide receiver prospects the best ever? (Tee Higgins, Clemson: The first thing you notice when you watch Tee Higgins is the tremendous size he possesses. Standing at 6’4″ tall, Higgins towers over opposing defensive backs. He offers tremendous length, which when paired with his mentality to attack the football while it is in the air, allows him to excel when it comes to the contested catch. Higgins comes from a basketball background, which is evident when you will see him box-out defenders to haul in a pass. He possesses a good blend of size, speed, and athleticism, which allows him to make big plays down the field. While Higgins seems like a surefire first-round selection in the 2020 NFL draft, he does come with some concerns. He is not a polished route-runner by any means, and the Clemson offensive scheme doesn’t require him to do much work in the middle of the field. Most of his damage is caused on the outside. With that said, teams looking for a big-bodied receiver such as the Green Bay Packers would love to get their hands on a player the caliber of Tee Higgins.) (11-5-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-prospects-best-ever/3/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Edwards, Reagor erupt (2. Tee Higgins, Clemson: Stock Up, Slightly: Higgins and the Clemson offense had no problems with Wofford, of course. The large wideout had five grabs for 74 yards with a score in the 59-14 win. On the second play from scrimmage, Higgins caught an easy out-breaker against soft zone coverage then demonstrated his springiness by making the primary coverage defender miss with a nasty juke to gain extra yardage. His touchdown was an in-breaker in which he continued across the field and walked into the end zone.) (11-4-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-bryan-edwards-jalen-reagor-showcase-depth-of-this-class/
College Football Week 10 Eckrich ACC Team of the Week (Tee Higgins, Clemson: Higgins was the highest-graded ACC wide receiver (89.0) in Week 10’s slate of games. He caught all five of his targets, each of which went for a first down. Higgins was as efficient as they come in Clemson’s blowout victory over Wofford, as he extended his nine-game streak of zero dropped passes and recorded a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeted.) (11-4-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-10-acc-team-of-the-week
Draft WR Watch: Jeudy, Shenault shine (2. Tee Higgins, Clemson: Stock Down, Slightly. Higgins' first big play of the win over Boston College was a tunnel screen in which he broke free from a defender and accelerated up the sideline. In the second quarter, he had a similar run-after-the-catch play and even used his hand on the turf to balance himself as he shook off the would-be tackler. Those were his own two grabs on a day that the Tigers rolled 59-7.) (10-29-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-jerry-jeudy-laviska-shenault-get-back-on-track/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Hamler is a riser (2. Tee Higgins, Clemson: Stock Down - Higgins had only one catch for three yards against Louisville but is dealing with a hamstring injury, an ailment that will certainly be worth monitoring.) (10-22-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-minnesotas-tyler-johnson-rising-keep-an-eye-on-penn-states-k-j-hamler/
WR Watch: Lamb dominates Texas (2. Tee Higgins, Clemson: Stock Steady - Midseason NFL comparison: Tyrell Williams. Higgins started the demolition of Florida State with a high-point grab in traffic. What else is new? Higgins is a monster. He wasn't needed much beyond that.) (10-15-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-ceedee-lamb-erupts-vs-texas-justin-jefferson-goes-bananas-vs-florida/
NFL draft winners and losers: Time to consider Oklahoma's CeeDee Lamb for top WR billing (Clemson’s Tee Higgins is having a fine season, but he left Saturday’s game against FSU with a hamstring injury.) (10-14-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-time-to-give-oklahoma-wr-cee-dee-lamb-top-billing-192212554.html
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: TCU's Jalen Reagor flashes on quiet weekend for top receiver prospects (2. Tee Higgins, Clemson: Stock Steady - Higgins and Clemson were idle and face Florida State at home on Saturday.) (10-8-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tcus-jalen-reagor-flashes-on-quiet-weekend-for-top-receiver-prospects/
NFL Draft: Tee Higgins shines and catapults his draft stock (Tee Higgins, Wide Receiver, Clemson: The 2020 NFL Draft wide receiver class is going to be one for the ages. One player that is a big part of that group is Clemson’s 6’4″ monster Tee Higgins. Higgins was essential to Clemson’s victory over North Carolina last Saturday, hauling in 6 receptions for 129 yards and a 38-yard touchdown reception that ended up being the winning score for the Clemson Tigers. What do NFL scouts like about Higgins? He is a big-bodied physical receiver who possesses an exceptional catch radius and excels when it comes to winning the contested catch. Also, Higgins is a calculated route-runner and is a natural pass-catcher. He isn’t going to wow anyone with a mind-blowing forty-yard dash time, as he will probably run in the 4.6-4.7 range – however, he doesn’t have to be open to make plays. As it stands now, Higgins is a sure-fire first-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. How high he goes depends on how the rest of the season pans out. Performances like we saw from him in Week 5, will only improve his draft projection.) (10-5-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-tee-higgins-shines-and-catapults-his-draft-stock/2/?amp
September 2019 College Players of the Month (WR Tee Higgins, Clemson — 90.4 grade: Chase and Higgins are the two highest-graded wide receivers, as they’ve combined for 42 catches, 902 yards and eight touchdowns as the go-to targets among a crowded group of receivers on their respective teams.) (10-2-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-september-2019-college-players-of-the-month
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: Devonta Smith into the top 10 after historic performance (3. Tee Higgins, Clemson: Stock Up - Higgins had six grabs for 129 yards with a score in the narrow victory over North Carolina. Two of those grabs were tremendous demonstrations of his body-control/high-point prowess. Another was a go route from the slot in which he had to contort his body back to the ball for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. Easy hands catch for Higgins.) (10-1-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-devonta-smith-into-the-top-10-after-historic-performance/
2020 NFL Draft WR Watch: Reagor moves down, Ruggs up (3. Tee Higgins, Clemson: Stock Steady - Higgins caught a 58-yard touchdown from Trevor Lawrence in the first quarter on a skinny post in which he got a nice release off the line and burned coverage downfield, although the cornerback seemingly thought there would be safety help over the top. Clemson thoroughly handled Charlotte, so Higgins' services weren't really needed after that. ) (9-24-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-colorados-laviska-shenault-tcus-jalen-reagor-move-down-after-disappointing/
PFF Rankings: Highest-graded wide receivers in college football through Week 3 (TEE HIGGINS, CLEMSON – 85.2 OVERALL GRADE: Higgins' NFL comparison in the first edition of the 2020 NFL Draft Guide – released before the season – was Kenny Golladay, and with performances like the one he had this past Saturday, it’s easy to see why. He hauled in seven catches for 150 receiving yards against Syracuse, showing off his ability to bring in contested catches downfield with his 6-foot-4 frame along with his speed on a 50-plus yard sprint through the Orange defense. For the season, Higgins is averaging 4.36 yards per route run, which is the third-highest mark among wide receivers with 50 or more routes.) (9-18-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-highest-graded-wide-receivers-in-college-football-through-week-3
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: Alabama's Henry Ruggs, Minnesota's Tyler Johnson move up WR rankings (5. Tee Higgins, Clemson: Stock up - Higgins had seven receptions for 150 yards against Syracuse, and all the reasons he's a cornerback's nightmare were on full display. Early in the game he high-pointed a football in traffic on a scramble drill and smartly kept the ball above his head as he got his feet down in bounds. Later in the first quarter, he adjusted to a back-should throw from Trevor Lawrence and flipped on the jets to accumulate major yards after the catch. Higgins gets awesome releases off press coverage, has tremendous body control and strong hands.) (9-17-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-alabamas-henry-ruggs-minnesotas-tyler-johnson-move-up-wr-rankings/
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: CeeDee Lamb moves to No. 2 spot, don't sleep on Henry Ruggs (5. Tee Higgins, Clemson: Stock Steady - In wasn't a stat-sheet filling day for Higgins against Texas A&M. But he flashed. In his four-catch, 70-yard afternoon against the Aggies of Texas A&M, Higgins got many clean releases and made a nice grab in which he showcased his hands-catching ability over the middle on an in-breaking route. Later, he was found by Trevor Lawrence down the seam and had to jump to get the football that was slightly behind him. He was a few yards short of scoring. Higgins also drew a defensive pass interference call in the red zone. He's a frightening matchup at his size, with his ability to beat the press, and his ball skills.) (9-10-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-ceedee-lamb-moves-to-no-2-spot-dont-sleep-on-henry-ruggs/
Five WRs Raiders should target (Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson: A long-legged deep threat who quickly eats up a cushion. Higgins can put his foot in the ground to get in and out of breaks, and he wins downfield because of height (6-foot-3) and athleticism. As a freshman, Higgins had 17 receptions for 345 yards (20.3 YPC) and 2 touchdowns. Last season, was his breakout campaign: 59 receptions, 936 yards (15.9 YPC) and 12 touchdowns. And now Higgins enters his junior year as one of the best players in the country. He had 4 catches for 98 yards (24.5 YPC) and a touchdown in the opener against Georgia Tech, and this high-point grab-and-YAC-for-six was the highlight. Higgins was No. 23 on our preseason Big Board.) (9-6-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-five-college-wide-receivers-the-raiders-should-target-if-they-move-on-from-antonio-brown/
2020 NFL Draft WR Watch: Jerry Jeudy, Tee Higgins, and Tylan Wallace flourish in Week 1 (5. Tee Higgins, Clemson: Stock Up - Higgins had an outstanding start to his true junior season in Clemson's drubbing of Georgia Tech. Early in the first quarter, Higgins displayed his hands-catching ability on a quick speed out and a diving grab on a low and outside third-down throw that moved the chains. With under five minutes to go in the half, Higgins blew by off coverage and came back to the football on a skinny post to snatch it away from the corner he boxed out. The 6-foot-4 receiver took the long ball to the house for a 62-yard touchdown. Higgins finished the evening with four grabs for 98 yards and the score. He's a tall, explosive speed demon who's flashed strong hands on throws outside his frame. ) (9-3-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-watch-jerry-jeudy-tee-higgins-and-tylan-wallace-flourish-in-week-1/
2020 NFL Draft: From Jerry Jeudy to CeeDee Lamb to sleepers, 14 wide receivers to keep your eyes on (Tee Higgins, Clemson (NFL comparison: Tyrell Williams) - Higgins is a towering receiver at 6-4 and 205 pounds, and the first aspect of his game that pops on film is his soft hands. Rarely -- if ever -- do you see him make a catch with his body. He reels in passes well outside his frame often in contested-catch situations and simply when a throw isn't perfectly on target. All that means Higgins has a gigantic catch radius, which after the ability to get open is a quarterback's best friend. Higgins has great long speed as well, and if given a free release, he can take the lid off any coverage. He's a gazelle in the open field, a long-strider who routinely runs away from defensive backs. And if he's not given a free release, Higgins has displayed the ability to beat press at the line of scrimmage with advanced hand work and/or quick crossover moves. Some tall, somewhat skinny wideouts typically have problems beating press at the line because of a unrefined hand work and or limited quickness to shake smaller corners. Higgins doesn't have either of those problems, which is part of the reason he's such a dangerous vertical threat. He could stand to add some strength, which would really round out his already impressive game. Higgins averaged over 20 yards per grab as a freshman and was just below 16 yards per reception on 59 catches with 12 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2018.) (8-20-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-from-jerry-jeudy-to-ceedee-lamb-to-sleepers-14-wide-receivers-to-keep-your-eyes-on/
Clemson Tigers: Travis Etienne leads offense with first round grade (Both Clemson wide receivers Amari Rodgers and Tee Higgins project as second-day picks, although they are different types of receivers. Rodgers is a little shorter and faster, while Higgins has better size and enough speed to make an impact at the next level.) (8-20-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/clemson-tigers-summer-draft-grades-pauline/
2020 NFL Draft prospects from the ACC: Clemson players lead the way, starting with Tee Higgins and Travis Etienne (Tee Higgins, WR: Higgins is 6-foot-4, 205-pound high flyer with scary downfield speed and natural ball skills. He's averaged nearly 17 yards per grab in his first two collegiate seasons and scored 12 touchdowns in 2018. He has first-round pick written all over him.) (8-14-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-from-the-acc-clemson-players-lead-the-way-starting-with-tee-higgins-and-travis-etienne/
2020 NFL Draft: Four players who could be in the next wave of first-round picks from Clemson (Tee Higgins, WR: After averaging 20.3 yards per snag on 17 receptions as a true freshman in 2017, Higgins, in a much more prominent role as a sophomore, averaged 15.9 yards per catch with 12 touchdowns on 59 grabs in 2018. A 6-foot-4, 205-pounder, Higgins tracks the football like a power forward near the rim, showing natural hands-catching ability. After the catch, he's a long-striding speedster. Also, very importantly for a decently lanky downfield burner, Higgins can get off the line against press coverage with plus agility and physicality with his hands. Justyn Ross is the household name in Clemson's receiver group after his dazzling freshman season and ridiculous national title game performance, but Higgins is an outstanding -- and 2020 eligible -- draft prospect too because of his imposing size, leaping ability, ball skills, and sheer athleticism. Another double digit touchdown season is likely for the 20-year-old true junior. He'll get first-receiver-off-the-board consideration all draft season. ) (8-9-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-four-players-who-could-be-in-the-next-wave-of-first-round-picks-from-clemson/
ACC Football: 2020 NFL Draft prospects lead preseason All-ACC (Higgins and Emezie are pass catchers with solid, big frames. Their physicality shows in the open field. They earn their mentions because of their consistent talents. The only thing holding them back from a selection is talent ahead of them (Higgins) and loss of key starters (Emezie). Overall, ACC football boasts tremendous receiver talent.) (8-7-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/acc-football-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-lead-preseason-all-acc/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Receivers (Tee Higgins (Clemson, JR) - Day 1 Projection - Athleticism/Size: Tee Higgins (6’3/205) has that lengthy receiver build and has enough speed to create separation despite not having the crispest of routes. Higgins also has graceful body control at the catch point, but he can improve his play strength and hand usage at the catch point. Off the field, Higgins was seen dunking over Clemson students during intramurals (video). That highlight is a good recap of what type of athlete we are working with. Production: Tee Higgins was an explosive, low-volume receiver as a freshman when he broke off for 345 yards on a 20.3 YPR average. As a sophomore last year, Higgins stepped into a bigger role. Higgins broke out for 936 yards and 12 touchdowns despite playing alongside future first-round receiver Justyn Ross (read about him here) and 2018 fifth-round receiver Hunter Renfrow. Higgins will have very average total production, but it’s enough to keep him in the mix as Round 1 prospect. I project Higgins for a 54-859-8 receiving line across his 12 regular-season games in 2019. Efficiency/Usage: Tee Higgins is an outside receiver -- he only played 28 snaps in the slot per PFF -- who wins downfield and in the red zone. On targets that traveled 20+ yards beyond the line of scrimmage, Higgins averaged 13.6 yards per target. And he converted 8-of-11 red zone receptions into touchdowns, the second-best rate among returning FBS receivers. With Trevor Lawrence and Higgins still both developing, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Higgins increase his already strong advanced metrics in 2019. In the NFL, Higgins profiles as an exciting, field-stretching WR2 with WR1 potential.) (7-28-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/2020-nfl-draft-stock-receivers?page=0
Top-15 2020 NFL Draft WR Rankings (4. Tee Higgins (Clemson) | 6'3/205: Higgins, a former five-star recruit, is such a gifted athlete that basketball programs were all over him before he elected to give his athletic future to football. Following a forgettable true freshman season back when Kelly Bryant was Clemson’s quarterback (he's now a fifth-year senior at Missouri), Higgins broke out last year as a sophomore. Higgins didn’t post a PFF game grade of 70.0 or more in any of Clemson’s first five games last year after posting a 74.9 season grade as a true freshman. Middling production. But after true freshman prodigy Trevor Lawrence replaced Bryant, Higgins earned game grades over 70.0 in nine of Clemson's last 10 games, over 75.0 in seven of 10, and over 78.0 in five of 10. This guy is going to be an NFL touchdown machine. Higgins is really difficult to deal with down the field and in the red zone. He’s one of the top jump-ball guys in the nation, he has a huge catch radius, and he’s surprising physical for a former basketball player. I think we're gonna see The Leap from Higgins in 2019, with a full season to work with Lawrence, the carve-it-in-stone 2021 1.1, who'll no doubt be taking a developmental jump forward himself. The biggest unknown variable regarding Higgins’ eventual draft slot is agility and fluidity drills during the pre-draft process. In the meantime, he should set out to prove that he can run a full route tree confidently now that he’s full-time working with a quarterback who has no limitations throwing the ball.) (7-19-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/top-15-2020-nfl-draft-wr-rankings
Why the 2020 NFL Draft Class of Wide Receivers Is Worthy of Your Attention (Tee Higgins, junior, Clemson: Higgins led all Clemson receivers in 2018 with 59 catches for 936 yards and 12 touchdowns. At 6' 4' and 205 pounds, he could stand to put on some weight, but his height gives him an immediate advantage against average-sized cornerbacks, and his strengths are his catch radius and leaping ability.) (7-11-19): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/07/10/nfl-draft-2020-top-wide-receivers-jerry-jeudy-laviska-shenault
Top 50 College Receivers of 2019 (Tee Higgins had one of the lowest drop rates among Power 5 receivers, but he’s also explosive and physical. In the red zone last year, Higgins scored on eight of his 11 receptions, giving him the second-most RZ touchdowns among returning FBS receivers. Higgins can also win between the 20s, especially as a lid-lifter and over the middle. His size (6’4/210), athleticism, and basketball background jump off the screen.)(6-11-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/top-50-college-receivers-2019
2020 NFL Draft: Jerry Jeudy leads rare receiver class (4. Higgins: Tee Higgins attended Oak Ridge School in Tennessee where he hauled in 18 touchdown passes during his senior campaign. Originally, Higgins committed to the University of Tennessee to play college basketball, however he eventually changed his mind and chose Clemson. Through two seasons at Clemson, Higgins has accumulated 76 receptions for 1,281 yards and 14 touchdowns. Granted that he is catching passes from the best quarterback in college football, Higgins is poised to put up exceptional numbers in 2019. Despite concerns about his speed, Higgins looks like a surefire top-20 draft selection. Physically imposing, standing at 6”4, Higgins is the perfect “jump ball” receiver as he has exceptional leaping ability and an unparalleled catch radius.) (6-6-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-jerry-jeudy-leads-rare-receiver-class/
2020 NFL Draft: ACC watch list led by Clemson and Virginia (Tee Higgins | Wide receiver | Clemson: A former top 20 national high school prospect, Tee Higgins is the new high profile Clemson Tigers wide receiver that’s set foot on Frank Howard Field. Listed at a long and lean 6’4”, 205 lbs., Higgins profiles as a target with a large catch radius and the athleticism to handle contested catches efficiently. In 2018, he notched 936 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, along with second-team All-ACC honors. Higgins is a smooth route runner that has the long speed to complement his size. Additionally, his game is highlighted by natural hands that attack the ball as it is in the air and field awareness to create after the catch. Higgins will get criticized for his lack of elite speed, as he isn’t the fastest player the ACC has seen. But he is efficient with his strides, and a tenacious runner in space that is willing to eat contact for yards. His ability to fight through contact for passes will probably be his most translatable skill coming into the pros, helping him mold into a red zone threat that will help move the chains. What really helps put him on this list, however, is his quarterback, Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence has been considered the next transcendent quarterback prospect, earning comparisons to greats like Peyton Manning. Lawrence, however, was a true freshman last year, so his growth heading into 2019 will no doubt be a big part of Higgins elevating his respective game. If Higgins takes a step forward, it will be a huge help for his 2020 NFL Draft stock. He seems like a smaller Mike Williams, current wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers. I see a more creative player in space, however, so it’ll be exciting to see his season making plays for the defending champs.) (6-5-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-acc-watch-list-led-by-clemson-and-virginia/
2020 NFL Draft: Juniors headline an explosive wide receiver class (Tee Higgins (Clemson): Higgins is coming off of a strong 2018 season that led to a national championship. With two different quarterbacks, Higgins managed to record 59 receptions, for 936 yards and 12 touchdowns. While he was not the leading receiver on his team, (freshman Justyn Ross, 1,000 yards), he was the team leader in receptions. When freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence needed a big play, he looked for Tee Higgins. In fact, Lawrence’s first touchdown pass was to Higgins. Higgins proved to be a reliable receiver for Lawrence after the first touchdown, as it was his second effort that led to the score. At 6-4, 210 pounds, Higgins has the size to be a matchup problem on the outside. Speed is not necessarily apart of his game, b he has enough speed to break away from defenders. He has a fantastic understanding of how to use his length to gain separation from defenders without pushing off. In just his first year as a starter, Higgins has continued the lineage of prolific Clemson receivers. He looks to be the next wide receiver drafted out of Clemson, joining Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins, Martavis Bryant, Ray-Ray McCloud, and Hunter Renfrow.) (5-31-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-juniors-headline-an-explosive-wide-receiver-class/
2020 NFL Draft: Jerry Jeudy leads rare receiver class (4. Higgins: Tee Higgins attended Oak Ridge School in Tennessee where he hauled in 18 touchdown passes during his senior campaign. Originally, Higgins committed to the University of Tennessee to play college basketball, however he eventually changed his mind and chose Clemson. Through two seasons at Clemson, Higgins has accumulated 76 receptions for 1,281 yards and 14 touchdowns. Granted that he is catching passes from the best quarterback in college football, Higgins is poised to put up exceptional numbers in 2019. Despite concerns about his speed, Higgins looks like a surefire top-20 draft selection. Physically imposing, standing at 6”4, Higgins is the perfect “jump ball” receiver as he has exceptional leaping ability and an unparalleled catch radius.) (6-6-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-jerry-jeudy-leads-rare-receiver-class/
2020 NFL Draft: ACC watch list led by Clemson and Virginia (Tee Higgins | Wide receiver | Clemson: A former top 20 national high school prospect, Tee Higgins is the new high profile Clemson Tigers wide receiver that’s set foot on Frank Howard Field. Listed at a long and lean 6’4”, 205 lbs., Higgins profiles as a target with a large catch radius and the athleticism to handle contested catches efficiently. In 2018, he notched 936 receiving yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, along with second-team All-ACC honors. Higgins is a smooth route runner that has the long speed to complement his size. Additionally, his game is highlighted by natural hands that attack the ball as it is in the air and field awareness to create after the catch. Higgins will get criticized for his lack of elite speed, as he isn’t the fastest player the ACC has seen. But he is efficient with his strides, and a tenacious runner in space that is willing to eat contact for yards. His ability to fight through contact for passes will probably be his most translatable skill coming into the pros, helping him mold into a red zone threat that will help move the chains. What really helps put him on this list, however, is his quarterback, Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence has been considered the next transcendent quarterback prospect, earning comparisons to greats like Peyton Manning. Lawrence, however, was a true freshman last year, so his growth heading into 2019 will no doubt be a big part of Higgins elevating his respective game. If Higgins takes a step forward, it will be a huge help for his 2020 NFL Draft stock. He seems like a smaller Mike Williams, current wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers. I see a more creative player in space, however, so it’ll be exciting to see his season making plays for the defending champs.) (6-5-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-acc-watch-list-led-by-clemson-and-virginia/
2020 NFL Draft: Juniors headline an explosive wide receiver class (Tee Higgins (Clemson): Higgins is coming off of a strong 2018 season that led to a national championship. With two different quarterbacks, Higgins managed to record 59 receptions, for 936 yards and 12 touchdowns. While he was not the leading receiver on his team, (freshman Justyn Ross, 1,000 yards), he was the team leader in receptions. When freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence needed a big play, he looked for Tee Higgins. In fact, Lawrence’s first touchdown pass was to Higgins. Higgins proved to be a reliable receiver for Lawrence after the first touchdown, as it was his second effort that led to the score. At 6-4, 210 pounds, Higgins has the size to be a matchup problem on the outside. Speed is not necessarily apart of his game, b he has enough speed to break away from defenders. He has a fantastic understanding of how to use his length to gain separation from defenders without pushing off. In just his first year as a starter, Higgins has continued the lineage of prolific Clemson receivers. He looks to be the next wide receiver drafted out of Clemson, joining Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins, Martavis Bryant, Ray-Ray McCloud, and Hunter Renfrow.) (5-31-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-juniors-headline-an-explosive-wide-receiver-class/
Scouting Reports:
LSU Profile: https://lsusports.net/sports/football/roster/justin-jefferson/20252
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/justin-jefferson?id=32194a45-4626-9287-c454-479b942cbd26
Walterfootball: https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2020jjefferson.php
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/justin-jefferson/esI1JY8rYR
2020 NFL draft: Justin Jefferson scouting report: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/04/2020-nfl-draft-justin-jefferson-scouting-report/
Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 27: LSU WR Justin Jefferson: https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-27-lsu-wr-justin-jefferson-155818471.html
Articles:
Which '20 draft prospect is everyone wrong about? (LSU's Jefferson might be the best receiver in this class - Although some draft experts have LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson slotted late in the first round, he's often the fourth or even fifth wideout off the board. That's nonsense! He is the third-best player at his position right now -- behind Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb -- but there's a very good chance he could have the biggest impact on a team from this entire WR class.) (4-23-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001110601/article/2020-nfl-draft-which-prospect-is-everyone-wrong-about-for-better-or-worse
2020 NFL Draft: The top Day 2 and Day 3 budget prospects (NEED: CRAFTY SLOT ROUTE-RUNNER - Early: WR Justin Jefferson, LSU. Later: WR Tyler Johnson, Minnesota. If you want a slot weapon with some physicality and crafty route-running chops, either Jefferson or Johnson is your man. While the former looks like a lock to go on Day 1, the latter may very well come off the board on Day 3. Johnson’s production over the past two seasons stacks up with any other receivers in the country — he finished top-10 in yards per route both in 2018 and 2019 while leading all receivers in PFF grade this past season.) (4-21-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-the-class-top-day-2-and-day-3-budget-prospects
NFL coach reportedly very high on LSU WR (4-21-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-longtime-nfl-coach-reportedly-calls-one-wr-prospect-the-best-hes-scouted-in-40-years/
Buy or Sell: Risers and Fallers in the 2020 NFL Draft (RISERS - WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON, LSU – SELL: I’ll start this off by saying that sell is a little harsh. Jefferson comes in at 32nd on the PFF Big Board, a player who we see right on that Round 1 and Round 2 border. The consensus has trended towards the idea that he is the clear-cut WR4 behind Jerry Jeudy, Ceedee Lamb and Henry Ruggs. We’re not going to buy that with the other talent at wide receiver going up against Jefferson. As of right now, we have Laviska Shenault Jr., Jalen Reagor, Michael Pittman Jr. and Tee Higgins all listed ahead of Jefferson on our Big Board. While the 4.43 40-yard dash and production he put up for LSU last season are terrific, there are still some questions about projecting him to the NFL. How does Jefferson handle press coverage, something he rarely saw in the slot for LSU last season? Can he consistently create space for himself rather than exploiting holes in zone coverage? Jefferson is a strong prospect in this class, but there are a lot of those. He hasn’t done enough to say that he’s the obvious WR4 regardless of team fit.) (4-20-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-buy-or-sell-risers-and-fallers-in-the-2020-nfl-draft
The best slot receivers available in the 2020 NFL Draft (Justin Jefferson: Jefferson rose to the occasion whenever he was asked to for LSU this past season. Sure, he had some help thanks to guys like Ja’Marr Chase, but Jefferson is such a solid player and an easy projection in the NFL. This is a guy who is savvy in his stems and works so well over the middle of the field with strong hands, large catch radius, and polished route running. His best place is most definitely in the slot, but I do think he can play on the boundary, depending on how good he is against press coverage. That was not shown all that much on film at LSU, but Jefferson did well in those limited reps. Still, Jefferson is just so solid and offers that big, reliable target from the slot that will be able to separate despite not having elite level athleticism for the position.) (4-18-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/best-slot-receivers-available-in-2020-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL Draft: Why LSU's Justin Jefferson may be the best slot receiver in the class (4-17-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-why-lsus-justin-jefferson-may-be-the-best-slot-receiver-in-the-class
PFF's list of "my guys" ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft (WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON, LSU: In a draft class loaded with talented wide receivers, Justin Jefferson stands out as the most productive slot receiver on the draft board. In 2019, Jefferson played 78% of his 937 snaps from the slot, where he led the nation with 109 slot receptions and 1,518 receiving yards. The LSU product is a fearless receiver who attacks the slant route by going into the teeth of the defense, and his 25 missed tackles forced ranked fourth-best in the nation a season ago. His coverage recognition and route conversion in LSU’s pro-style system make him an NFL-ready commodity. With an FBS-leading 92.3% contested-catch rate, Jefferson has shown a willingness to compete for the ball and win against tight coverage. His 25 touchdowns over the last two seasons is just the beginning of what should be a highly productive NFL career.) (4-17-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pffs-list-of-my-guys-for-the-2020-nfl-draft
Schein: 9 most sizzling offensive draft prospects (DON'T SLEEP ON THIS PLAYMAKER - 9. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: As everyone knows, this draft is absolutely loaded with receiver talent. I think the three listed ahead of him on this list represent the first class. But don't let that diminish Jefferson's ability to step in and dominate right away. There might be a cap on his upside, but there is hardly a downside. I just love this kid's all-around game. I love his ability to execute in the red zone and on third down. Some questioned his long speed. Then he went and ran a 4.43 40 at the combine. I think the sweet spot for Jefferson is 18-21: Miami, Las Vegas, Jacksonville, Philadelphia. He'd be dreamy for the Eagles at No. 21.) (4-13-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001109214/article/2020-nfl-draft-justin-herbert-among-9-sizzling-offensive-players
NFL Draft Rookie Wide Receiver Snapshot: Justin Jefferson could be the reliable pass-catcher Eagles or Packers need (4-10-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-rookie-wide-receiver-snapshot-justin-jefferson-could-be-the-reliable-passcatcher-eagles-or-packers-need-170531653.html
Gil Brandt: Pro comps for top 5 receiver prospects (3) Justin Jefferson, LSU (Pro comparison: Cooper Kupp (65.3 catches per year, 865.3 receiving yards per year, 13.2 yards per catch, 7 receiving touchdowns per year, 2017-19).): Neither Jefferson nor Kupp were highly recruited coming out of high school, though they both come from families of athletes. Jefferson's father, John, was a college basketball player, and Jefferson's brothers, Jordan and Rickey, played football at LSU. Kupp's father, Craig, meanwhile, played in the NFL, and I drafted his grandfather, Jake, to play for the Cowboys in 1964. Running mostly possession routes, Jefferson caught 111 passes for 1,540 yards and 18 scores in 2019. He has a knack for making acrobatic catches; Jerry Sullivan, Jefferson's former position coach at LSU, raves about him. Jefferson had a great workout at the NFL Scouting Combine (4.43-second 40-yard dash, 37.5-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-6 broad jump). He's very quick, strong and smart. His best position is the slot, and like Kupp, he excels at creating separation coming out of the break. Jefferson will catch a lot of passes for many years.) (4-9-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001108875/article/2020-nfl-draft-prospectpro-comparisons-for-top-wide-receivers
Scouting breakdown: Why LSU's Justin Jefferson is more than a slot receiver (4-6-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/06/scouting-breakdown-why-lsus-justin-jefferson-is-more-than-a-slot-receiver/
Touchdown Wire's 2020 N FL Draft rankings: Top 25 offensive players (11. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: A stellar performance at the combine has propelled Jefferson into the first-round discussion, but the truth is that based on film alone, the LSU wideout should have already been in that mix. Jefferson moved to the slot last season in Joe Brady’s passing game and was a threat at all levels of the field. He is also a beast at the catch point, and his rate in contested-catch situations is among the best in the class. But he is not solely a slot receiver. LSU used him on the boundary in 2018, and he showed the ability to beat press coverage on the outside as well. That, coupled with his size and speed, makes him a versatile threat at the next level.) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-offensive-players/
Draft This, Not That: 2020 NFL Draft Edition (Need a playmaking WR? Draft Justin Jefferson instead of CeeDee Lamb. Lamb is an absolute whiz after the catch, no doubt about it. He’s the best WR in this class at transitioning instantly from receiver to runner. It’s why Lamb will be a first-round pick and perhaps the first WR drafted. Don’t feel bad if your team misses out, however. Justin Jefferson offers roughly 98 percent of what Lamb does after the catch and should be available a round later. There are times when I would argue Jefferson is a better prospect overall, too. Jefferson and Lamb both project best as slot receivers who can also play outside, preferably flanking a flexed TE. Lamb is a half-step quicker off the line, but Jefferson is more economical in his movement off the snap. He showed at LSU he has a bigger catch radius and is just as good against press coverage, something Lamb rarely saw in the wide-open expanses of the Big 12 in Lincoln Riley’s precision offense. Jefferson is a little bigger and has a little more giddyup in “being chased” mode, and like Lamb he’s an alpha dog personality. He’s more experienced at running NFL routes against NFL-style defenses. Lamb’s ceiling is higher, but Jefferson is better than snow crab to Lamb’s Alaskan king. Most NFL fans--and teams--won’t be able to taste much of a difference.) (4-2-20): https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3255/Draft-This-Not-That-2020-NFL-Draft-Edition
Justin Jefferson: 5 things to know about the 2020 NFL Draft prospect (3-26-20): https://www.foxnews.com/sports/justin-jefferson-5-things-to-know-about-the-2020-nfl-draft-prospect
Draft: Buyer beware prospects (Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU - Why: Schemed production in 2019. Jefferson exploded onto the scene -- like many LSU offensive players -- in 2019 with 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns. But Jefferson is the quintessential example of why market share is a better measure of production than basic figures. He accounted for just 25.4% of the Tigers' passing offense, a rate that falls short of the 30% threshold recent history has shown correlates to No. 1 receiver type success at the NFL level. And, sure, he shared a wideout room with Biletnikoff Award winner Ja'Marr Chase, which must be considered. But so should how Jefferson accumulated his 1,540 receiving yards. His film shows an insane amount of his yardage coming on a deep, uncovered over route against zone from the slot or a screen or quick in-breaker on a RPO. In short, the combination of brilliant offensive coordinator Joe Brady and the immaculate season from Joe Burrow had much to do with Jefferson's high-volume production than what the pass catcher did individually. And much has been made about Jefferson's production in contested-catch scenarios last season. Per Pro Football Focus, he converted 12 of 13 contested-catch opportunities to lead all wide receivers in this draft class with a 92.3% rate in that vital category. But in tracking those instances on film, I noticed many of the plays possibly deemed contested-catch situation wins for Jefferson were simply more about pinpoint ball placement from Burrow and cornerbacks not finding the football as opposed to a high-point rebound over a defender. At 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds with 4.43 speed, good yards-after-the-catch skill and some wiggle at the line, Jefferson is far from a bad prospect. I just believe he'll be over-drafted if he goes in Round 1 because he's unlikely to land in such a perfect environment in the NFL and was never truly the No. 1 target at LSU. More specifically, despite his wiggle he's typically re-routed easily by press coverage, doesn't play to his speed as a route-runner and is unlikely to rock in the contested-catch situations like he did in 2019 because the footballs won't repeatedly fall into his chest in the NFL.) (3-26-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-buyer-beware-dandre-swift-justin-jefferson-and-these-other-top-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft: Landing spots for PFF’s top 15 WR prospects (JUSTIN JEFFERSON, LSU – GREEN BAY PACKERS (ROUND 1 PICK 30): Aaron Rodgers’ Super Bowl window is getting smaller and smaller as he’ll turn 37 next season and is coming off his fourth-lowest-graded season of his 12 years as Green Bay’s starter. And to get back to the big game, he desperately needs another reliable wide receiver to throw to other than Davante Adams. We here at PFF aren’t nearly as high on Justin Jefferson as other scouts and media outlets for three primary reasons: (1) most of his production was schemed through underneath routes or from finding a hole in the zone (815 such yards led the FBS by nearly 100), (2) he faced press coverage on just 17% of his routes in 2019 and (3) when he did go up against defensive backs in single coverage, he performed poorly, producing just the 60th best receiving grade in 2018 and failing to crack the top 100 on such plays in 2019. That being said, Jefferson in the slot for Green Bay is exactly what Rodgers needs, as the Packers' receivers generated just the 23rd best grade in the slot. While we are low on Jefferson, he still has great ball skills, can sell double moves like a charm and can break tackles after the catch better than most.) (3-11-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-landing-spots-pff-top-15-wr-prospects
Building an NFL receiving corps with 2020 NFL Draft class' top prospects (Justin Jefferson, LSU (Chain Mover)
Justin Jefferson led the nation in both receptions (109) and receiving yards (1,518) from the slot in 2019. He played 78% of his snaps from the slot, where he was a prominent chain mover; he forced 24 missed tackles on his receptions while averaging 6.4 yards after the catch per reception, and he moved the chains on 70 of those 109 receptions. Jefferson also proved that he could fight for the ball by coming down with 92.3% of his contested targets in 2019, the best rate among the 144 draft-eligible receivers who saw at least 10 contested targets on the year. Teams shouldn't hesitate to use him in key situations at the NFL level.) (3-9-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-building-an-nfl-receiving-corps-with-2020-nfl-draft-class-top-prospects
Justin Jefferson surprised NFL teams with 4.43 40 (3-3-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001105078/article/justin-jefferson-surprised-nfl-teams-with-443-40
Stock up, stock down for prospects after the NFL Scouting Combine (Up - WR Justin Jefferson, LSU: We have been bullish on Justin Jefferson in the past, and he tested exactly how he needed to in order to creep up boards. The biggest concern with Jefferson’s play at LSU is how much of his production was schemed. He finished 2019 with 815 receiving yards that came from routes underneath the coverage or from finding a hole in zone coverage. Not to mention, Jefferson benefitted from having the most accurate quarterback in the country — his rate of catchable targets was the highest in the FBS at 90%. A more promising stat was how he fared in contested situations, as he snagged 10 of 11 such targets in 2019. While we aren’t as high on Jefferson as others, he’s checked the athleticism box.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-stock-up-stock-down-for-prospects-after-the-nfl-scouting-combine
2020 NFL Draft: Player comps for PFF's top wide receivers and tight ends (JUSTIN JEFFERSON: MARVIN JONES: Both guys are a touch thin and not the most physically imposing, but if you throw the ball up to them, chances are they’re coming down with it. They have enough speed to win deep when necessary and are almost never going to let the ball hit the turf. If there was one word that could describe both, it would be “smooth.”) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-2020-nfl-draft-player-comps-for-pffs-top-wide-receivers-and-tight-ends
Notes: Delpit opinions vary, more (Listeners of the Pick Six Podcast -- CBS Sports' daily NFL podcast, be sure to subscribe -- might remember me stating LSU's Justin Jefferson was moving to the front of the second wide receiver group -- behind Oklahoma's CeeDee Lamb and Alabama's Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III. Jefferson cemented himself in that discussion with a strong combine performance. He will overtake Clemson's Tee Higgins slightly in my next rankings update.) (3-2-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-combine-2020-notes-xavier-mckinney-over-grant-delpit-two-offensive-linemen-on-the-rise-and-more/
TWENTYMAN: 10 players who impressed at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (8. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: The production from Jefferson last season jumps off the page (111 catches, 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns). The 6-foot-1, 202-pound receiver ran a 4.43 in the 40 and stood out in the on-field drills. This is a loaded receiver class. Teams are going to find difference makers all the way into the end of Day 2 of the draft, and potentially into Day 3.) (3-2-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-10-players-who-impressed-at-the-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-simmons
5 players who killed it at NFL combine, including one the Lions may take (WR Justin Jefferson, LSU: No position in the draft is deeper or better than wide receiver. Oklahoma's CeeDee Lamb and the Alabama duo of Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy are vying to be the first receiver picked, but Jefferson did his part to separate from the next pack when he ran a 4.43-second 40 at 6 feet 1 and 202 pounds. Widely considered the second-best receiver at LSU, behind sophomore Ja'Marr Chase, Jefferson was somewhat overlooked entering the combine. He left looking like a first-round choice after an impressive day testing and in on-field drills.) (3-2-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/02/nfl-combine-winners-isaiah-simmons-jonathan-taylor/4927901002/
2020 NFL Draft: Isaiah Simmons, Justin Jefferson, CJ Henderson among 10 biggest winners at combine (Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: We LOVE Justin Jefferson. We loved him before the combine, but worried that he might test slower than NFL teams would like. Well, we spoke to him on the CBS Sports HQ set on Tuesday before he ran his 40 and he assured us he would "surprise a lot of people" with his 40 time. Jefferson blazed a 4.43 and that was after measuring 6-foot-1, 202 pounds. This is where we remind you that Jefferson played primarily from the slot last season, where he was one of Joe Burrow's favorite targets. We asked him about facing very little press coverage from the slot and he said he played outside early in his LSU career, where he regularly got off the line of scrimmage with little trouble. For us, Jefferson came into the week as a second-rounder but he's now firmly in the Round 1 conversation, and if he lands in a place like New Orleans or New England, look out.) (3-2-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-isaiah-simmons-justin-jefferson-cj-henderson-among-10-biggest-winners-at-combine/
NFL combine winners, losers: One player stands alone (Winners - 2. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: So much for the questions about his athleticism. The 6-1, 202-pound target notched a sterling set of numbers in testing: a 4.43-second 40 (tied for eighth among receivers), 37 1/2-inch vertical leap and 10-4 broad jump. Jefferson also had perhaps the smoothest on-field workout of any player at his position, highlighting his primary value as a trusted outlet for any quarterback. His potential place in the first round is looking increasingly secure.) (3-2-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/03/02/nfl-combine-winners-losers-isaiah-simmons-top-performer-players/4922351002/
Winners and losers from the 2020 scouting combine (Winner: Justin Jefferson: Jefferson, the LSU slot receiver, had some incredible items on his resume as the Combine beckoned. Per Pro Football Focus, he posted a 92.3% contested catch rate, forced 23 missed tackles, had the most catches from the slot and had the most yards from the slot, among receivers last season. Solid, but how would the wideout test out in Indianapolis? As it turns out, incredibly well. Jefferson ran a blazing 4.43 40-yard dash, a top ten time to go with what he produced on film during LSU’s run to a national championship. Not to be satisfied with a great 40-yard dash, Jefferson showed some explosiveness with a vertical of 37.5” and a broad jump of 10’6”, both very good for the wide receiver position. While he was used primarily out of the slot by the Tigers, with his size (6’1” 202) Jefferson could be used as both a slot or a Z type receiver in the NFL. His speed, explosiveness and size make him a boundary threat on the outside, but that combination will make him a difficult assignment for many slot cornerbacks in the NFL. His resume, now complete with size, impressive testing and production, coupled with his positional versatility makes him a very attractive option for NFL offenses.) (3-1-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/01/winners-and-losers-from-the-2020-scouting-combine/
2020 NFL Scouting Combine Team Thoughts on Workouts (After CeeDee Lamb, the next wideout who had the most independent teams say he helped himself was LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The 6-foot-1, 202-pound Jefferson ran faster than expected in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.43 seconds. A few different evaluators were raving about him, and team sources also said that Jefferson interviewed well at the combine.) (2-29-20): https://walterfootball.com/combine2020blog.php
2020 NFL Combine Stock Report: Running Backs (Risers - 4. Justin Jefferson - 111 receptions and 4.42 speed should lock in a Day 1 selection.) (2-28+20): https://walterfootball.com/combine2020stockRB.php
2020 NFL Combine Stock Report - Wide Receivers (Up - Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: If it weren't for Chase Claypool, Justin Jefferson would've been the talk of the first group of receivers at the combine. Jefferson posted some strong testing numbers - 4.43 40, 37.5 vertical, 10-6 broad jump - and had a strong week overall, both on the field and in the team interview rooms.) (2-28-20): http://walterfootball.com/combine2020stockWR.php
Winners, losers from Day 1 of 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (Winner – Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: Jefferson was primarily coveted for his savvy route running ability, but he showed that there is more to his game after running a 4.44 40.) (2-28-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/gallery/nfl-combine-winners-losers-day-1-justin-herbert-denzel-mims-jalen-hurts-henry-ruggs/
NFL Combine winners and losers: Chase Claypool dominates on Day 1 of workouts (Winner: Justin Jefferson
Jefferson, one of the Burrow's favorite targets at LSU last season, flashed at the right time. The 6-1, 202-pound receiver ran a 4.43 in the 40 and stood out in the on-field portion. That will make him an attractive addition to any offense. Jefferson had 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns for the 2019 national champions. He won't need those $100 bills from Odell Beckham Jr. going forward; Jefferson will be making more than enough money soon.) (2-28-20): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-2020-winners-losers/pgwsi7z45ewe1r3go97x5ies1
2020 NFL combine: Winners and losers from receiver and tight end drills; Denzel Mims and Chase Claypool shine (Winners - Justin Jefferson, LSU. Jefferson doesn't look to be very fast with plus burst on film, but he was very fast and had plenty of burst at the combine with a 4.43 in the 40, a 37.5-inch vertical and a 126" broad jump. Don't be surprised when Jefferson goes in Round 1 in April.) (2-28-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-winners-and-losers-from-receiver-and-tight-end-drills-denzel-mims-and-chase-claypool-shine/
Winners and losers from Thursday's scouting combine drills (Winners - Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: Before he ran his drills on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium, Justin Jefferson got a little moral support from his quarterback — a guy whose name may be familiar. Yeah, well, it worked. Jefferson, who exploded in 2019 with 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns in LSU’s national championship campaign last season, continued that momentum with a 4.43 40-yard dash at 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds. He also posted a 37.5-inch vertical jump and a 126-inch broad jump. Moreover, Jefferson was aggressive and definitive when making his catches, especially in the gauntlet drill. Jefferson came into this environment with an obvious confidence that permeated his performance, and he likely made himself some money tonight, because everything you saw in the drills transfers to the tape.) (2-28-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/27/winners-and-losers-from-thursdays-scouting-combine-drills/
Combine workouts: QBs deliver, WR class shines (The depth of the class was even more on display. LSU's Justin Jefferson an outstanding 4.43-second 40 for a player of his size and continued to excel during the on-field drills, and he could be ticketed for a spot in the first round if he did enough to set himself apart from the second tier at the position.) (2-28-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-combine-results-qbs-wrs-tes-run-40-yard-dash-take-part-in-drills-and-turn-heads-on-thursday/live/
Daniel Jeremiah's 2020 NFL Scouting Combine takeaways (Justin Jefferson, LSU (No. 36 to Giants): Jefferson ranks at No. 16 on Jeremiah's top-50 draft prospect rankings. The WR had quite an impressive day receiving high praise from D.J. after running a 4.43 40. "That is huge. That's the most important time that we've seen today. He's a great player on tape and now you've got some big-time legitimate speed on record to back it up.") (2-28-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001103989/article/daniel-jeremiahs-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-takeaways
Loaded wide receiver class gives Lions options in draft (Others, like Jefferson, want to show teams they can fit into any role. "Just being able to move both inside and outside," Jefferson said of wanting to show off his versatility this week. "Show that I can play anywhere on the field.") (2-26-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/loaded-wide-receiver-class-gives-lions-options-in-draft-jeudy-higgins-ruggs
12 WRs for Packers to watch at NFL Scouting Combine (Justin Jefferson, LSU: College football’s slot master could put to rest any concerns about his speed and separation ability with good times in Indy. Keep an eye on him during receiver drills. Based on his college tape, he’s going to look like a natural catching the football.) (2-24-20): https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/24/12-wrs-for-packers-to-watch-at-nfl-scouting-combine/
Prospect for the Pack: LSU WR Justin Jefferson (2-20-20): https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/20/prospect-for-the-pack-lsu-wr-justin-jefferson/
Early NFL Draft WR Rankings (Analytics) (Justin Jefferson (6’1/185) is a young, elite SEC producer who profiles as a slot receiver with plus route running and athleticism. He was the primary slot receiver and go-to target for the most prolific offense in college football history, which led to a 98th percentile adjusted production score for the 20-year-old prospect. His 11.5 yards per target average was among the best in the class last year, and he only trails Jerry Jeudy in 15+ yard receptions over the last two seasons. On tape, he wins on short-area routes with nuanced route running and creates yards after the catch with his competitive attitude despite lacking elite top-end speed. That’s where he’ll do most of his damage in the NFL, but he can win downfield thanks to his hands and ability to make in-air adjustments. It’s possible that Jefferson ends up as the best slot receiver in this stacked draft class. Predicted Overall Draft Pick: 32nd) (2-20-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/early-nfl-draft-wr-rankings-analytics
Building the perfect wide receiver prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft (Releases / Beating Press Coverage – Justin Jefferson, LSU: While Justin Jefferson played a lot of snaps from the slot and bunch alignments, teams still tried to test him with press coverage. Whenever they did so, his flexibility and length combination allowed him to separate at the line of scrimmage with ease. Honorable Mention: Tyler Johnson.) (2-20-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/building-perfect-wide-receiver-prospects-2020-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL Combine: Wide Receiver Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (6. Justin Jefferson, LSU 6-2, 192 (2) - NFL Combine What Matters: Yeah, Joe Burrow was amazing, but it helped that he could throw the ball into the area of a receiver as good as Jefferson and the play would be made. He’s just the right combination of skills to be someone’s No. 1 receiver, and best of all, he’s going to be a great value at the end of the first round or early in the second … unless he blows up his workout.) (2-20-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-wide-receiver-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
How the top wide receiver prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft use their eyes to win (Jefferson: You will hear wide receiver coaches sell the phrase “the eyes tell lies” to their young receivers. That will carry from high school all the way right up to the NFL. They smack on it in every drill and practice. It is essential to success as a wide receiver at any level. Justin Jefferson shows you can use it here on the goal line. He faces a cornerback who is head-up and plays on the inside breaking route right as soon as he sees Jefferson’s eyes fire inside. Jefferson is keying the inside with his eyes before he even breaks out of his stance. That is a fantastic set up to break open by Jefferson, and he gets this defensive back to bite big time.) (2-19-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-top-wide-receiver-prospects-use-eyes-to-win/
Draft WR rankings: Lamb headlines list (Tier 2 - 8. Justin Jefferson, LSU, 84: Jefferson played second fiddle to Biletnikoff winner Ja'Marr Chase in LSU's legendarily prolific passing offense quarterbacked by Joe Burrow, and repeatedly was found on deep crossers, slants, and screens during the Tigers' perfect, national-title winning season. Listed at 6-3 and 193 pounds, Jefferson is lanky-ish and plays with a basketball style against press coverage, attempting to win with shoulder fakes and wide crossover moves instead of hand use, efficient steps, or power. Despite the gigantic outburst in receiving production, Jefferson isn't one of the consensus top wideouts because much of his production was schemed, brilliant play designs and RPOs got him open for Burrow to find him, and he predominately spent his time in the slot. Also, he doesn't look to be noticeably fast, especially compared to his 2020 draft class contemporaries. ) (2-13-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-receiver-rankings-ceedee-lamb-at-no-1-in-absolutely-stacked-pass-catcher-group/
Back to the Future: Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft (6. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: Justin Jefferson is a technical receiver to his core. His route running is fantastic. He knows how to set cornerbacks up to fail and deceive them with his feet, head, and eyes. And once he gets the ball in his hands, watch out. Jefferson is a guy who might not be a spectacular athlete or, in general, a flashy player on a lot of his plays, but he is a guy who you can immediately see being a productive receiver in the NFL. He has all the traits to become a quintessential number two receiver. He has a lot of questions to answer in terms of his releases simply because he worked so much out of the slot with free releases, but he still has upside at the next level. ) (2-8-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-the-future-top-10-wide-receivers-in-the-2020-nfl-draft/
LSU’s Justin Jefferson declares for NFL draft after ‘perfect year' (1-151-15-21-151-15-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/ls-us-justin-jefferson-declares-for-nfl-draft-after-perfect-year-212017121.html
Six From Monday: Wrapping up the College Football Playoff National Championship (Outside of Burrow, there may not be a player who helped himself from a draft perspective more this year, on either of those rosters, than LSU WR Justin Jefferson, who’ll likely declare for the draft in the coming days and go in the Top 50 or so picks in April. He finished Monday with nine catches for 106 yards, and one ankle-breaking juke.) (1-14-19): https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/01/14/joe-burrow-lsu-college-football-championship-2020-nfl-draft
TWENTYMAN: 10 prospects to watch in college football national championship game (7. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: Burrow’s go-to man all year, wide receiver Justin Jefferson, caught 102 passes for 1,434 yards with 18 touchdowns. He had 14 grabs for 227 yards and four touchdowns in LSU’s semifinal win over Oklahoma. He’s not in the same athletic category as Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy, but not many are. Jefferson’s proven this season he can be a big-time playmaker and workhorse at the position.) (1-13-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-10-prospects-to-watch-in-college-football-national-championship-game
Top 10 draft prospects in CFP national championship game based on fit with Lions (No. 7 -- LSU WR Justin Jefferson: Justin Jefferson turned in one of the most productive seasons in all of college football this season. The junior developed a lethal connection with Burrow on his way to 102 catches for 1,434 yards and 18 touchdowns. Jefferson is ranked as Kiper’s No. 7 receiver, while McShay has him going at No. 15 to the Indianapolis Colts. It would need to be a monumental Day 2 steal or by way of a trade out of the third-overall pick, much like Higgins, for Jefferson to make sense for the Lions. His size (6-foot-3), production and ability out of the slot should have him on every team’s shortlist when it comes to the loaded class at wide receiver.) (1-13-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/top-10-draft-prospects-in-cfp-national-championship-game-based-on-fit-with-detroit-lions.html
Detroit Lions could eye these 10 prospects in CFP title game (WR Jefferson: Jefferson had the game of a lifetime in LSU's semifinal win over Oklahoma, catching 14 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns. He has 102 catches on the season and has been Burrow's favorite target, but he's not considered the same caliber of prospect as Jeudy, Lamb or Higgins. Still, Jefferson has good size at 6 feet 3, and the Lions will be looking for a long-term answer at receiver to play behind Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones in 2020.) (1-13-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/13/lsu-clemson-nfl-draft-prospects-national-championship-detroit-lions/4429798002/
2020 NFL draft: Top prospects to watch in National Championship Game (WR Jefferson: As much fun as Joe Burrow has been this season for the Tigers, Justin Jefferson has been a big beneficiary of that stellar play. Not that Burrow is the only reason for the success, Jefferson has given opposing corners fits all season long. His double-moves down the field have created so many big plays for the Tigers. His size and explosiveness translates well to the next level, he has the potential to be a playmaker in the NFL.) (1-11-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/11/national-championship-game-nfl-draft-prospects-lsu-clemson-college-football-playoff/3/
Championship: Ranking the 25 best players in LSU-Clemson (8. JUSTIN JEFFERSON, WR, LSU: Jefferson's ability to take over a game was never more apparent than in his performance against Oklahoma when he scored four touchdowns through the air against the Sooners. Still, he showed glimpses of this before, as he went for over 150 yards and three scores against Texas way earlier this year. He finished only three games without scoring a touchdown but hauled in at least five receptions in all but two games in 2019; his ridiculous 83.6% catch rate is by far the best mark among receivers with at least 65 targeted passes.) (1-11-20): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-playoff-national-championship-ranking-the-25-best-players-in-lsu-clemson
Back to the Future: 2020 National Championship Preview (Matchup to Watch: LSU WR Justin Jefferson vs. Clemson CB A.J. Terrell: This is the matchup to watch in terms of what Clemson plans on doing with Terrell. Terell has not gotten a ton of work from the slot, and with Ja’Marr Chase also being a threat, I do not expect Terrell to shadow Jefferson. Make no doubt about it, these two are going to have an absolute heavyweight fight on the outside when they are matched up. Both have eaten up on the lesser competition and can slide into this year’s draft as potential top-50 picks if they end up testing well. The film both of them have put out is quite impressive. Jefferson has a way of winning with his quickness and route-running ability. He does get this corner turned around as he makes a fluid stutter-stop to threaten the in-route, but instead goes in and up once the corner commits and gets turned around. However, the point of this clip is to show that Jefferson is not just all finesse but that he can climb the ladder and get that ball in contested situations too. Terrell has a ton of length, but Jefferson does a great job to adjust to this ball and high point this thing, and that is why he comes up with it. Here he is last week working out of the slot, which is his true home. Jefferson has made a living out of dusting safeties and slot corners out of the slot because of the quickness on his cuts. And what that does is open up the vertical aspect of the field for him as well since he is always threatening something underneath that has already burnt guys earlier that game. It is the same old story here. Jefferson knows the cushion he has, cuts early enough so he can flatten this slant out towards the open field to split the two defenders and then just wills his way after the catch. He will create a lot of havoc after the catch, too. He is dynamic.) (1-11-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-the-future-2020-national-championship-preview/
LSU vs. Clemson: The top NFL draft prospects to watch in Monday's national title game (WR Justin Jefferson (2020*)
The junior has 102 catches for 1,434 yards to go with those 18 touchdowns. He’s nearly doubled his catch total from 2018 when he had 54 catches for 875 yards and six scores as a sophomore and could join an incredibly stacked receiving class if he declares for the 2020 NFL draft.) (1-9-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/lsu-vs-clemson-the-top-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-mondays-national-title-game-210434508.html
WR prospect reset: Stock up and down (Stock up - Justin Jefferson, LSU: As has been the case for essentially everyone on the LSU offense, Jefferson has experienced a remarkably productive season. However, a large chunk of his production came on wide-open deep crossers from the slot or quick underneath routes. Against Oklahoma, in a game in which he scored four touchdowns in the first half, Jefferson was able to demonstrate his contested-catch skills down the field. He finished with 14 snags for 227 yards and the four scores, which absolutely boosted his stock a great deal. At 6-foot-3 and around 200 pounds, Jefferson looks one of the premier big slots in this class. ) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-prospect-reset-whose-stock-is-up-and-down-who-needs-big-senior-bowl-and-combine-and-more/
2020 NFL Draft: Top 10 prospects to watch in the National Championship (8. WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON, LSU: After his 227-yard, four-touchdown performance against Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff semifinal, Justin Jefferson seems to be a lock to be off the board before the end of the second round. Some other experts in the NFL draft world have Jefferson as a first-round pick, but there should be some reservations there, as most of his production has come from holes in zone coverage. Jefferson has the second-most yards and catches from such instances, and the target density map below can attest to that. He has to beat man-to-man coverage on a consistent basis to warrant a high selection. That being said, Jefferson is lethal with an ounce of separation and an open field ahead of him. His 22 broken tackles are tied for the fourth most, and his 643 yards after the catch were the seventh most.) (1-9-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-top-prospects-to-watch-national-championship-game
Evaluating declaration decisions (WR Justin Jefferson (LSU): Jefferson was a big play threat for the National Champion Tigers all season long. His body control downfield is tremendous. He has become a more nuanced receiver showing his hands late so the defensive back does not have a chance to rip it out. The Louisiana native blocks with good leverage down the field. There are several teams with a need for the position, so there is a good chance he lands in the first round. NFL Draft projection: Top 25-50 pick) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-sizing-up-early-declaration-decisions-of-tua-fromm-eason-and-more-key-prospects/
NFL Draft Prospect Showdown: Championship Game (Jefferson is on the larger side for slot WRs. At 6-foot-3, 192-pounds, Jefferson is a lean and lanky fellow, but moves with the smooth hips and short-area quickness of a much smaller receiver. While it’s a stretch to say Jefferson is Michael Thomas, he is sort of shaped from the same mold and serves a similar role in LSU’s offense. Jefferson thrives on routes that break right around five to seven yards. Slants, option routes (like the first clip), shallows, and outs are all right in Jefferson’s wheelhouse. His ability to accelerate up through is stem, sink his hips, and smoothly shoot out to a new direction without giving opposing defenders a clear window to get a read on him can be devastating. Additionally, Jefferson isn’t too shabby down the field either. Pure speed isn’t really where Jefferson wins, but he does very well to pinpoint the ball at the catch point and make acrobatic efforts to find the ball, no matter where it is. It’s no accident that QB Joe Burrow was able to find back-shoulder passes to Jefferson (and Ja’Marr Chase) all year long. In the pure player vs player matchup, Jefferson likely comes out with a slight edge. For as wonderful as Simmons is, a slot WR of Jefferson's caliber should be able to have a solid day. The real value with Simmons, however, is that he can move around everywhere and should provide unique solutions to problems that 15-or-so other defenses have not been able to solve against LSU this season.) (1-8-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-championship-game
LSU's draft prospects in the CFP title (Justin Jefferson, WR: The Louisiana native has risen into the first round conversation with strong play this season. Jefferson shows quick feet and creates separation for himself. When the ball is in the air, he displays great body control and good hands. Last season, Jefferson was showing his hands too early on routes, which would allow the defender to make a play on the ball. He has improved leaps and bounds in that category this season. Jefferson has some wiggle after the catch and also does a great job of blocking for his teammates. The junior is a tough player who loves the game. He is the No. 48 player overall in the CBS Sports composite rankings. It is a strong year for wide receiver prospects so that could ultimately hurt his eventual draft stock.) (1-7-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-national-championship-game-joe-burrow-grant-delpit-highlight-lsus-draft-prospects/
NFL Prospects to Watch in the College Football National Championship (One of those two—Justin Jefferson—is draft-eligible and likely a top-50 pick.) (1-7-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/01/07/nfl-draft-2020-prospects-lsu-clemson-college-football-national-championship
Bowl games bring litany of 2020 NFL Draft declarations (LSU Tigers off to the NFL - In addition to star safety Delpit, two other LSU Tigers made news on Saturday as potential 2020 NFL Draft entries. Both linebacker Phillips and wide receiver Jefferson have been instrumental pieces in LSU’s National Title run this season, and now it appears they will take their talents to the next level. Pauline reported Saturday that both players look set to enter the NFL Draft. A decision will likely follow their upcoming game against Clemson. Phillips could be selected as early as round two, while Jefferson has an excellent chance to hear his name at the end of round one. The Tigers’ big-play WR finished the regular season with 14 touchdown receptions before adding four more against Oklahoma on Saturday. Take a look below at the barrage of big plays made by the LSU receiver against the Sooners.) (1-2-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/bowl-games-bring-litany-of-2020-nfl-draft-declarations/
Six From Saturday: NFL Draft Prospects Shine in College Football Playoff Semifinals (3. As for LSU, I wouldn’t say Joe Burrow was the player who helped himself most draft-wise on their roster Saturday, mostly because you can’t go higher than first overall—and he was No. 1 heading into the game. So give me Tiger junior receiver Justin Jefferson, who had 14 catches for 227 yards and four touchdowns against Oklahoma. One college scouting director said on Sunday, “I think Jefferson was probably a solid third round player before the game, but he made himself a ton of cash yesterday. Probably a top 40-50 player now in a loaded WR class.”) (12-31-19): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/12/31/nfl-draft-2020-college-football-playoff-semifinals
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Bowls (Up - Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: The opening round of the college football playoff will definitely help Jefferson's draft grade, as he had his way with the Oklahoma secondary. On LSU's opening possession, Jefferson caught a slant and then powered through a tackle from a few yards out to reach the ball over the goal line for a 19-yard touchdown. After a dropped pass, Jefferson caught another touchdown pass, running straight by a safety to get open for a 35-yard strike. Early in the second quarter, Jefferson notched his third touchdown, adjusting well to a pass along his back shoulder to reel in the score from just over 40 yards out. Jefferson caught his fourth touchdown after an Oklahoma interception, adjusting to an underthrown pass with the cornerback having his back to the ball. Jefferson hauled in the ball and then backpedaled into the end zone. Against Oklahoma, Jefferson totaled 14 receptions for 227 yards and four touchdowns. He overwhelmed the Sooners' secondary with his size, quickness, body positioning, and late hands. The 2020 NFL Draft is absolutely loaded with wide receivers so Jefferson may not be a first-round pick, but this tape improves his chances of going on Thursday night and, at the very least, should help him to be a more secure second-round pick.) (12-31-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_18.php
LSU WR Justin Jefferson catches 4 1st-half touchdowns in Peach Bowl (12-28-19): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/12/28/justin-jefferson-nfl-draft-peach-bowl-college-football-playoff-lsu-oklahoma/
Peach Bowl prospect preview: LSU vs Oklahoma (Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU, 6-3, 192, junior, #2: Even though Jefferson isn’t the top option at receiver on the Tigers offense (hello, sophomore Ja’Marr Chase) he’s still talented enough to be drafted on the second day of the draft. Jefferson is comfortable lining up all over the field, easily tracking and high pointing the deep ball, as well as making an impact after the catch with the ball in his hands. He also has a lethal stab-step.) (12-28-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/28/peach-bowl-prospect-preview-lsu-vs-oklahoma/
Five Things to Know About Justin Jefferson, LSU's Breakout Receiver (12-28-19): https://www.si.com/college/2019/12/28/justin-jefferson-lsu-wide-receiver-facts-playoff-peach-bowl
Prospects to watch in the Peach Bowl (Justin Jefferson, WR: Jefferson has benefited from a more pass-happy attack this season. He displays good body control and quick feet in and out of breaks. The Louisiana native does a good job of showing his hands late so the defensive back has less time to make a play on the football. One aspect of his game that has improved is his blocking. He does a surprisingly adequate job creating opportunities for his teammates. Jefferson joins a group of receivers that has a chance to land within the first round but could also last late into Day 2. It is a deep year for the position group.) (12-23-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/peach-bowl-time-tv-channel-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-oklahoma-vs-lsu/
College football's best at everything on offense (BEST WR BY ROUTE - Crossers: Justin Jefferson, LSU: Jefferson was the country's best on crossing routes, finishing the season with 15 receptions for 334 yards, leading the country in both metrics. Three of those receptions went for a score and he finished with nine explosive plays of at least 15 yards or more on crossers, forcing three missed tackles after the fact.) (12-14-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-best-at-everything-on-offense
Potential Lions draft prospects to watch in the SEC Championship game (Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: He gets overlooked in a deep WR class, but Jefferson was probably the best receiver in the NCAA in 2019. Jefferson catches everything near him with exceptional hands, strength through contact and body control. He’s fantastic over the middle and has some potential to work from the slot despite being 6-2. Lacks elite speed and he’s not a blocker, which is why he projects to Day 2.) (12-7-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/07/potential-lions-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-the-sec-championship-game/
Back to the Future: Stokes vs Jefferson lead championship week slate (Matchup to Watch: LSU WR Justin Jefferson vs Georgia CB Eric Stokes: LSU and Georgia will have a fantastic battle between a talented wide receiver corps for LSU and a very talented cornerback group for Georgia, which is headed by the matchup between juniors Justin Jefferson and Eric Stokes. Both have been great this year and playmakers, with Jefferson eclipsing over 1000 receiving yards and Stokes being straight up lockdown not only the outside but also showing versatility and moving into the slot at times. Stokes has excelled in both roles, just like Jefferson has been in all the roles he is asked to do in that Tigers offense. Jefferson moves into the slot as well as play at the X-receiver position. One of my favorite traits of Jefferson, though, is by far his blocking. Sure, he runs excellent routes and has a magnificent route tree in addition to good athleticism, but he plays like he is a player off the top of the trash heap and goes hard every play. Out of a stacked alignment here, Jefferson takes on a defensive back and makes a great effort at blocking here for Clyde Edwards-Helaire. It is the little things that make me higher on a player, and all-out effort like this by Jefferson is one of those things. Add to that some insane after the catch ability with his open-field dynamic ability, vision, and elusiveness. This is an incredibly sharp and fluid cut that Jefferson executes to get this Alabama defender turned around en route to getting a great first down. Jefferson is a well-rounded receiver. As for Stokes, there is still a lot to like about him, even if he is criminally underrated at this point. There is not enough talk about him, but he bails here with a clear inside shade on the wide receiver and clearly trusts his transitions and hips to turn and make this play should it go outside. It is a hitch, and the target does head outside, but Stokes mirrors and produces a fluid hip flip to stay here. These are NFL traits that will translate. Stokes is 6’1″ but plays with the tenacity of a tiny slot cornerback. Georgia sends him on blitzes a lot, and he is an excellent blitzer, so it is no question as to why they do it. Here he comes screaming off the edge and forces a critical fumble here against Tennessee. The more versatility you have, the better, and Stokes has it in spades.) (12-7-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ncaa-conference-championship-week-stokes-vs-jefferson/
2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the Incredibly Deep Wide Receiver Class (6. Jefferson: Jefferson is just a good football player. He won't "wow" you with his physical gifts, but he's an excellent route-runner, seems to catch everything thrown at him, and finds ways to get open without out-running or out-muscling the man across from him. At 6-foot-3 and 192 pounds, Jefferson needs to get bigger to deal with the physicality at the next level. But he's put up big numbers this year, catching 81 passes for 1,092 yards and 13 touchdowns. He'd be an excellent No. 2 in the NFL next season with some room to grow.) (12-3-19): https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/nfl-draft-receivers-ranked-2020-jerry-jeudy-ceedee-lamb-01dv3zsx80fb
2020 Draft WR Watch: Higgins rises again (11. Justin Jefferson, LSU: Stock Up. Once again, Jefferson was overshadowed by his sophomore teammate Ja'Marr Chase, but the junior had a strong effort in another offensive explosion against another SEC opponent for LSU. Jefferson had two short touchdown receptions, one a bubble screen, one a slant. Jefferson also had a 48-yarder on a deep crosser and finished with nine catches for 112 yards.) (11-18-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tee-higgins-making-case-as-most-complete-wr-prospect-in-the-class/
2020 Draft WR Stock Watch: Smith erupts (11. Justin Jefferson, LSU: Stock Steady. Jefferson was overshadowed by his sophomore teammate Ja'Marr Chase, who had six catches for 140 yards and a score but did have 79 yards on seven snags of his own, including a few on critical third downs. There was a drop on a pass toward the sideline, and his typical YAC specialty wasn't there against Alabama's defense.) (11-11-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-devonta-smith-erupts-again-ceedee-lamb-and-tyler-johnson-flourish/
PFF Rankings: The top 25 players in the LSU-Alabama matchup (5. JUSTIN JEFFERSON, WR, LSU: Even among the talented cast of receivers in this game, Jefferson has stood out this season. He's the highest graded of the seven wide receivers in this list and has put up 23 explosive plays of at least 15 yards or more this season, ranking third in the country. He's tied atop the leaderboard among all FBS receivers with a 100% contested-catch percentage, hauling in all seven opportunities this year.) (11-7-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-the-top-25-players-in-the-lsu-alabama-matchup
Create-a-team: Selecting the best units from Alabama vs LSU (Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Terrace Marshall Jr. vs Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Henry Ruggs, Jaylen Waddle: LSU has the best wide receiver trio in the country, hands down. The only problem is, Alabama has the best quartet of wide receivers in the country and that isn't even close. Smith (502), Jeudy (379), Ruggs (312) and Waddle (224) are all in the top third in terms of yards after the catch and three of those four (Smith, 12.0; Ruggs, 12.0; Waddle, 10.7) earn at least double-digit yards after the catch per reception. Those figures are unheard of to have such production from so many talented players in college football. Chase, Marshall and Jefferson are terrific in their own right but the Alabama receivers are too special. The Verdict: Jeudy, Ruggs, Smith, Waddle. This WR quartet has proven that they're not only the best group of four receivers in 2019 but perhaps ever as this season has been as dominant a season by a group of receivers that we've seen in some time, maybe ever.) (11-6-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-create-a-team-selecting-the-best-units-from-alabama-vs-lsu
2020 Draft WR Watch: Edwards, Reagor erupt (10. Justin Jefferson, LSU: Stock Steady. Jefferson actually had a good game against Alabama last year, despite LSU not scoring any points. He reeled in six passes for 81 yards. The Crimson Tide awaits this weekend.) (11-4-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-bryan-edwards-jalen-reagor-showcase-depth-of-this-class/
PFF College Football Heisman Watch after Week 9 (9. WR JUSTIN JEFFERSON, LSU (Last Week: n/r): Leading the country with 23 explosive plays of at least 15 yards, Jefferson is every bit of a true No. 1 WR in college football, on the same roster as two other potential No. 1 WRs for any other team that isn't named Alabama. Jefferson has 38 receiving conversions of a first down (29) or a touchdown (9) as he's efficiently moved the sticks more often than not and scored some impressive touchdowns. He's got a full route tree that he runs with relative ease and impressive catch radius as he's hauled in 100% of the contested targets thrown his way in 2019, obviously leading the country in that regard as he couldn't do any better in contested situations than he is right now.) (10-30-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pff-heisman-watch-after-week-9
Draft WR Watch: Jeudy, Shenault shine (10. Justin Jefferson, LSU: Stock Down. Jefferson had seven catches for 60 yards in the hard-fought, three-point win over Auburn, and his biggest grab came in the third quarter on a deep over from the slot. Ja'Marr Chase stood out in this one for LSU with eight catches for 123 yards.) (10-29-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-jerry-jeudy-laviska-shenault-get-back-on-track/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Hamler is a riser (10. Justin Jefferson, LSU: Stock Steady. LSU's offensive eruption continued against Mississippi State, and Jefferson reeled in eight passes for 89 yards with a touchdown. He showed off his stop-and-start skills often in this game, with a variety of jerk routes in the short range, and his score was a post pattern from the slot.) (10-22-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-minnesotas-tyler-johnson-rising-keep-an-eye-on-penn-states-k-j-hamler/
College Football Week 8: Eckrich SEC Team of the Week (Justin Jefferson, LSU: Jefferson continued his lights-out season by catching all eight of his targets for 89 yards, a touchdown and 152.6 passer rating when targeted. Five of those eight receptions went for first downs and he also forced three missed tackles.) (10-21-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-8-sec-team-of-the-week
WR Watch: Lamb dominates Texas (10. Justin Jefferson, LSU: Stock Up (Midseason NFL comparison: Davante Adams): Jefferson went for 10-123-1 in LSU's huge win at home against Florida. On his score, he made himself available in the front corner of the end zone. He also had a long gain on a deep crosser in which his explosiveness was on full display. At 6-3 and 192 pounds, with four 100-yard games on his 2019 resume, this junior is a serious NFL prospect right now.) (10-15-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-ceedee-lamb-erupts-vs-texas-justin-jefferson-goes-bananas-vs-florida/
College Football Week 7: Eckrich SEC Team of the Week (Justin Jefferson, LSU: Just like his receiving mate above, Jefferson continued his lights-out season by catching all 10 of his targets for 123 yards and a touchdown for a 151.3 passer rating when targeted.) (10-13-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-7-sec-team-of-the-week
2020 NFL draft: 5 prospect matchups to watch in Week 7 (LSU WR Justin Jefferson vs. Florida CB C.J. Henderson: Arguably the biggest game of Week 7 is LSU vs. Florida: two teams ranked in the top-10 looking to rise up even further in the rankings. Among the best prospect matchups in Death Valley will be Justin Jefferson and C.J. Henderson. Jefferson has had a fantastic start to the 2019 season, catching 30 passes for 547 yards and seven receptions in five games. A fluid and elusive wideout with great ability after the catch, he has been Joe Burrow’s favorite target in the midst of his rise to becoming a first-round target. His 6-foot-3, 192-pound frame gives him a size advantage over opposing defensive backs, and his body control makes him a tough weapon to cover. Henderson is currently nursing an ankle injury, but he is likely to play Saturday night. As one of the best cover corners in the country, his hip fluidity, straight-line speed and willingness to battle it out in physical catch situations has made him a potential first-round prospect in the eyes of some. Listed at 6-foot-1, his length will match up well against the lanky Jefferson. When two SEC powerhouses march onto the field, you know that the action will feature a handful of potential NFL prospects. Jefferson and Henderson will get the chance to each prove themselves to front offices in their matchup.) (10-11-19): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/10/11/2020-nfl-draft-5-prospect-matchups-to-watch-in-week-7/
NFL draft: Pac-12 QB, plus two standout wideouts top our prospects to watch this week (LSU WR Justin Jefferson vs. Florida
Last week was a showcase for Justin Jefferson, who torched Utah State. Even failing to haul in one pass Jefferson said after the game he should have had, the junior wide receiver caught nine passes (on 11 targets) for 155 yards and two scores. Earlier in the season, he had an even bigger statistical night: nine grabs for 163 yards and three TDs. The 6-3, 195-pound Jefferson is impressing with his production, but to me it’s where he’s catching passes that should be noted: over the middle. Twenty-seven of Jefferson’s 30 grabs on the season have been inside the hash marks, according to Pro Football Focus. There was talk entering the season that the thinner-framed wideout was best as a deep-ball and double-move specialist. But his work settling underneath zones and working in crowded parts of the field has been very impressive. Jefferson is developing into a more well-rounded wideout, and his danger as a playmaker hasn’t been reduced at all. He’s separating better against man coverage, using leverage to get free of press coverage and varying his routes nicely. Jefferson has become QB Joe Burrow’s most trusted target, so you can bet they’ll try connect several times in this one.) (10-10-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-pac-12-qb-plus-two-standout-wideouts-top-our-prospects-to-watch-this-week-182008812.html
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 7 (Florida CB C.J. Henderson vs LSU WR Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Terrace Marshall Jr.: Premier SEC matchups are never lacking in top-tier battles between future pros. Both teams have NFL Draft prospects littered throughout the entire roster, but the most inspiring clash is between Florida CB C.J. Henderson and LSU’s trio of WRs. Only Justin Jefferson is eligible for 2020 among the three, but all of them are future top-100 picks and will provide Henderson with a challenge.Jefferson is the primary threat in LSU’s three-headed monster of a wide receiver corps. Through six weeks (five games, for LSU), Jefferson is top-ten in the country in both yards (547) and touchdowns (7). Standing at 6-foot-3, 192-pounds, the junior is a bit of an unusual fit at slot receiver, but in LSU’s new-look offense, it works. Jefferson is a natural at finding creases through the middle of the defense as well as gliding down the seams on vertical routes. He is not a sharp route runner the way many expect a slot receiver to be, but his ability to stress defenses vertically and horizontally is vital to opening up the Tigers passing game. Chase is not far behind Jefferson. Though Chase has fewer raw yards and touchdowns, he has also played one fewer game than Jefferson, so his yards-per-game is actually slightly higher than Jefferson. The difference is not big enough to serve any purpose beyond splitting hairs, but it’s insane that LSU have two WRs who are near the top among all WRs in the country. ) (10-9-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-7
2020 NFL Draft Stock week 6 (Up - Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU: Jefferson continued his breakout season as a draft prospect with nine receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns against Utah State. He completely outclassed the Utah State secondary with speed, size, and mismatch ability, which all combine to make him very difficult to cover. Jefferson has the speed and athleticism to get separation and uses his height and length to make catches over defensive backs. The 6-foot-3 receiver is never really covered given his size, length and athleticism. The Utah State tape will help Jefferson to grade out as an early-round pick.) (10-8-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_06.php
PFF Rankings: Highest-graded wide receivers in college football through Week 3 (JUSTIN JEFFERSON, LSU – 90.1 OVERALL GRADE: After coming in on last week’s list as the second-highest graded wide receiver, Jefferson continued his stretch of dominant play with another stellar performance against a vastly overmatched Northwestern State. On 27 routes run, Jefferson was targeted six times and brought in five of those passes, all of them for first downs. On the season, Jefferson has caught 100% of his contested catch opportunities, has forced seven missed tackles after the catch and is averaging well over three receiving yards per route run (3.82). If he keeps stringing together performances like he has so far, Jefferson’s draft stock will remain on the rise.) (9-18-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-highest-graded-wide-receivers-in-college-football-through-week-3
PFF Rankings: Highest-graded wide receivers (JUSTIN JEFFERSON, LSU – 88.5 OVERALL GRADE: Following a massive performance in LSU’s high-stakes showdown with the Longhorns, Jefferson finds himself as the second-highest graded FBS wide receiver through college football’s second week of action. The Joe Burrow-to-Jefferson connection has been perfect to start the season, notching a passer rating of 158.3 on his targets. When you look at the skillset that he has flashed through the first two games, it isn’t hard to see why. Jefferson has been elusive in the open field with five missed tackles forced, explosive downfield with 17.9 yards per reception and strong at the catch point with three contested catches that have gone for touchdowns.) (9-11-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-highest-graded-wide-receivers-in-college-football-through-week-2
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: CeeDee Lamb moves to No. 2 spot, don't sleep on Henry Ruggs (Honorable Mention: Justin Jefferson, LSU: Jefferson was the recipient of a handful of stellar throws from Joe Burrow in LSU's monstrous win on the road at Texas, but the junior wideout also absorbed a big hit in the end zone on his first touchdown, made an outrageous, leaping back-shoulder grab for a score, and took an intermediate connection to the house to seal the game on a 3rd and 17 late. After averaging 16.2 yards per catch in 54 receptions with six scores as a sophomore, Jefferson has 14 snags for 250 yards with four scores through two games.) (9-10-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-ceedee-lamb-moves-to-no-2-spot-dont-sleep-on-henry-ruggs/
BOOMS AND BUSTS: WEEK TWO (Boom - LSU WR Justin Jefferson -- 163 yards receiving, three touchdowns -- vs. Texas: We could really mention the whole wideout core for the Tigers, and let's give a shoutout to Ja'Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr. who both went over a hundred yards in the shootout with the Longhorns. Jefferson was the best, however, and he made the biggest play of the game on a 61-yard touchdown with just over two minutes left to give the Tigers a 45-31 lead. Burrow deserves a ton of credit for his improvement and for getting the ball to his playmakers, but Jefferson -- along with Marshall and Chase -- give him some awful good targets to throw to. ) (9-8-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/weekend-recap/booms-and-busts-week-two
College Football Week 2 Eckrich Team of the Week (Justin Jefferson, LSU: In making history for the Tigers, Jefferson was one of three receivers with 100 or more yards through the air as Jefferson was the most impressive of the trio. He hauled in nine receptions for 163 yards and three scores including 66 yards after the catch and four more additional first-down receptions.) (9-8-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-college-football-week-2-eckrich-team-of-the-week
Top 50 College Receivers of 2019 (31. Jefferson: Justin Jefferson was a stud on first downs last year. In fact, 59% of his yards and half of his touchdowns came on them. I’m not completely sure what to make of that, but I think this is just a product of his offense, one that is expected to change this season. If LSU modernizes with Joe Burrow now comfortable as the starter, Jefferson stands to benefit. If Jefferson shows more athleticism, he could be a riser.)(6-11-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/top-50-college-receivers-2019
WR Denzel Mims:
Scouting Reports:
Baylor Profile: https://baylorbears.com/sports/football/roster/denzel-mims/9325
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/denzel-mims?id=32194d49-4d62-4399-5aee-b92ce1fc40e6
2020 NFL draft: Denzel Mims scouting report (3-4-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/04/2020-nfl-draft-denzel-mims-scouting-report/
Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 21: Baylor WR Denzel Mims (4-11-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-21-baylor-wr-denzel-mims-225514387.html
Articles:
Draft sleepers: 10 prospects to snag after Round 1 (Mims (Production Score: 70. Athleticism Score: 99. OVERALL DRAFT SCORE: 82): In one of the deepest wide receiver classes in recent memory, Denzel Mims is a name to watch early in the second round -- if he's not taken in the first. Ranked as Jeremiah's 46th overall player, Mims offers a unique blend of size, speed, quickness and length, earning a maximum 99 athleticism score from the NGS model. At 6-3, 207 pounds with 33 7/8-inch arms, Mims blazed a 4.38 40, while posting premium figures in the vertical leap (38 1/2 inches) and the broad jump (10 feet, 11 inches). Even more impressive: His 6.66 three-cone, which was the best mark at this year's combine. Mims scored eight-plus touchdowns in each of his three seasons as a starter (70 production score). The depth of this wideout crop will push enticing prospects further down the board than their talent would typically suggest. In the second round, Mims would be a great value pick to a WR-needy team.) (4-22-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001110490/article/2020-nfl-draft-sleepers-day-2-standouts-day-3-hidden-gems
2020 NFL Draft: Isaiah Wilson leads group of first-round sleepers (Denzel Mims, Wide Receiver – Baylor: The 2020 wide receiver group has the potential to be historically good. Jerry Jeudy (Alabama), Henry Ruggs III (Alabama), and CeeDee Lamb are the headliners of this group, and should all be selected within the top-15 picks of the draft. Next in line is LSU’s Justin Jefferson, who should find himself selected within the top-20. After that, it is wide open, with names such as Brandon Aiyuk (Arizona State) and Tee Higgins (Clemson), but one player whose draft stock is ascending is Baylor’s Denzel Mims. Mims’ performance at the Reese’s Senior Bowl skyrocketed his draft stock. He displayed impressive explosiveness and sound route-running ability. He possesses soft hands and consistently wins the contested catch. He is a big-bodied target, standing at 6’3″ and weighing in at 207 pounds, who can also bring a physical brand of football to the table. There are plenty of receiver-needy teams scheduled to pick at the end of the first round, such as the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Baltimore Ravens that would make great landing spots for Mims.) (4-17-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-isaiah-wilson-leads-group-of-first-round-sleepers/
2020 NFL Draft News and Rumors from Tony Pauline (WR Denzel Mims to be selected higher than some expect?
When I’ve done radio interviews around the country over the past few weeks, the host continues to ask me if I expect any surprises in the draft. There’s one that continues to be a distinct possibility in talking with people around the league – Baylor receiver Denzel Mims could be selected much earlier than most expect. One league source told me yesterday many teams look at Mims as the “complete package” at receiver, and why not? He’s sturdier than Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs, faster than CeeDee Lamb and just as good coming away with the contested grab as Justin Jefferson. Some relay the concern that Mims played in the Big 12, the same conference as Lamb. And while that may be true, Mims turned in three days of tremendous Senior Bowl practices. So, where could Mims end up? I’m told both the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos are very high on Mims. The Raiders are expected to take receivers early and often in the draft’s opening rounds. And while the consensus has Denver taking Ruggs if he’s available, I’m told the team is just as high on Mims. And while there is a belief that Mims could be selected earlier than most project, there is also an opinion that if he’s not chosen by the 26th pick, he could slide into the top part of Round 2.) (4-15-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-news-rumors-tony-pauline/
Potential Successors for Lions WR Marvin Jones in the 2020 NFL Draft (Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: Mims was widely considered a Day 2 prospect until he blew up at the NFL combine. Running a sub-4.4 40-yard dash with his size is quite impressive, and may cause him to be off the board by the time the Lions are on the clock in the second round (No. 35 overall). The Lions got a good look at Mims at the Senior Bowl, during which his body control and uncanny ability to come down with difficult catches were on display. He will likely need to develop his route tree. But, given that he won't start in Detroit right away, he'll have an ample amount of time to continue to develop.) (4-15-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/potential-successors-for-detroit-lions-wide-receiver-marvin-jones-in-the-2020-nfl-draft
Boom or bust: The 15 riskiest prospects in NFL draft (WR Denzel Mims, Baylor: Standout performances at the Senior Bowl and combine helped vault Mims into the discussion for the first round. The 6-3, 207-pound target can get downfield in a hurry thanks to his rapid acceleration and long strides, and he comfortably contorts his body to haul in difficult catches. Mims' knack for big plays, however, is hard to reconcile with his all-too-frequent failure to capitalize on easy ones, as he has been plagued by drops. He also ran a limited variety of routes at Baylor and didn't show sufficient attention to detail.) (4-10-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/04/10/nfl-draft-2020-riskiest-players-jordan-love-justin-herbert/5122245002/
NFL Draft Rookie Wide Receiver Snapshot: Meet the next physical beast at WR, Denzel Mims (4-9-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-rookie-wide-receiver-snapshot-meet-the-next-physical-beast-at-wr-denzel-mims-163744646.html
2020 NFL Draft Superlatives: Wide Receivers (BEST JUMP BALL: DENZEL MIMS, BAYLOR - Honorable Mentions: Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty & Chase Claypool, Notre Dame: With a 38.5-inch vertical and a 6-foot-3 frame, Mims has been a circus-catch machine over the past couple of seasons. While honorable mention Antonio Gandy-Golden actually leads the nation with 35 contested catches over the past two seasons, Mims faced a little stiffer competition and isn’t too far behind with 31. Mims is not only tall, but long as well with 33 ⅞-inch arms.) (4-8-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-2020-nfl-draft-superlatives-wide-receivers
Meet Denzel Mims, the next generation of Baylor WR prospects (4-7-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/07/nfl-draft-prospects-2020-denzel-mims-baylor-interview/
Touchdown Wire's 2020 N FL Draft rankings: Top 25 offensive players (14. Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: A player enjoying a tremendous pre-draft process is Mims, the Baylor wide receiver. Building off a strong performance at the Senior Bowl, Mims brought his track background to the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium, posting elite numbers like a 4.38 40-yard dash and a broad jump of 10 feet, 11 inches. He is a true force in the vertical passing game, with the speed to run away from defenders but the savvy to stack cornerbacks on his back and shield them from the football. Mims also adjusts extremely well to the ball in flight, making him a factor in the back shoulder game. He did not run the most diverse route tree, so the team that drafts him will need to keep that in mind, but as far as vertical threats go, he’s one of the best in the class.) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-offensive-players/
2020 NFL Draft: Landing spots for PFF’s top 15 WR prospects (DENZEL MIMS, BAYLOR – PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (ROUND 1, PICK 21): There wasn’t a more disappointing receiving unit in the NFL last year than the Philadelphia Eagles' group, and there have been rumors that their highest-graded wide receiver from the season, Alshon Jeffery, could be on his way out. Regardless if he stays or if he goes, the Eagles need a new face in the wide receiver corps, as they were the least valuable unit of the 32 teams. One of the biggest risers on the PFF big board throughout the last few months has been Denzel Mims, who tore up the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine. Mims is far from a separation getter — he owns one of the three highest rates of contested targets seen since 2018 among FBS receivers at 33.3% — and has thrived despite that by ranking second in PFF receiving grade in tight coverage since 2018. And before you Eagle fans say, “Oh great, another J.J. Arcega-Whiteside who did nothing in 2019,” give him time to develop first. Second, keep in mind that Mims projects considerably well in PFF’s model. As Dr. Eric Eager said in he and George Chahrouri’s analytics mock draft, Mims has a couple of his comps as DeAndre Hopkins and D.J. Chark Jr.) (3-11-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-landing-spots-pff-top-15-wr-prospects
Building an NFL receiving corps with 2020 NFL Draft class' top prospects (Denzel Mims, Baylor (Deep/Vertical): If you’re looking for a Randy Moss prototype who can just go get it, look no further than Denzel Mims. At 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds, he burst off the ball with 4.38 speed to earn a PFF receiving grade of 89.1 on deep balls to go with a career average of 15.8 yards per reception. In 2019, he tied for second with 20 contested catches, and he also came down with a very impressive 48.8% of his contested-catch opportunities — more than five percentage points greater than the average among draft-eligible wideouts. He has raw explosive ability and body control and has displayed a penchant for spectacular catches — his big-play ability on vertical routes seemed routine.) (3-9-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-building-an-nfl-receiving-corps-with-2020-nfl-draft-class-top-prospects
Finding Fits For NFL Scouting Combine Standouts (WR Denzel Mims, Baylor: Here’s the thing; fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, well you probably are a receiver from Baylor. For that reason alone, Mims will never be in the first round conversation. That said, still a great combine for the former Bear. Mims posted a 4.38 40 while also hitting 38.5 on the vertical jump. After one of the best outings in Mobile, the 1,000-yard target has the speed to win a deep threat, but smart hands that allow him to succeed in coverage. His 6-foot-3 frame will let him fight off against aggressive cornerbacks while his route running is polished. I don’t trust drafting Baylor receivers on the first day anymore after Corey Coleman burned me, but Mims is a more polished prospect. Ultimately though, I think a team could trade back into the first round to snag him late with someone like Seattle. The Jets need a player with Mims skill set. If they don’t trade up Thursday night, they will early Friday if he’s there. Perfect Fit: New York Jet) (3-6-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/finding-fits-for-nfl-scouting-combine-standouts/
2020 NFL Draft: Player comps for PFF's top wide receivers and tight ends (DENZEL MIMS - (BRAYLON EDWARDS): This isn’t the most favorable comp on its face, but Edwards was pretty freaky coming out of Michigan. He simply never quite developed and ended up hanging his QBs out to dry with a disastrous drop problem. Mims has some drops himself, but not to the level of Edwards. The high-end athleticism with legit size is the commonality here. Mims and Edwards can simply out-jump any cornerback tasked with guarding them. Let’s hope Mims doesn’t follow the same route in the league that Edwards did.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-2020-nfl-draft-player-comps-for-pffs-top-wide-receivers-and-tight-ends
Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III didn’t break records but sits alone as fastest in loaded WR class (Mims might not continue floating under the radar for much longer. The Baylor standout comes in at 6-foot-3, 207 pounds with all-around athletic marks. Mims, a fifth-year senior, ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, hit 38.5 inches on his vertical leap and an impressive 6.66-second mark in the three-cone drill.) (3-2-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/03/alabamas-henry-ruggs-iii-didnt-break-records-but-sits-alone-as-fastest-in-loaded-wr-class.html
2020 NFL COMBINE: WINNERS AND LOSERS (Winners - Baylor WR Denzel Mims: Don’t make the Calvin Johnson comparisons. Please. For your sake, my sake, and everyone else’s sake, do not make the Calvin Johnson comparisons. With that out of the way: Denzel Mims put together one of the best wide receiver Combine profiles we have ever seen aside from the demigods (Megatron, Julio Jones). Sure, sure, Mims’ short-shuttle was lackluster, but the Baylor pass-catcher earned marks in the 90th percentile or better in the 40-yard dash, broad jump, vertical jump, and three-cone drill. In fact, Mims had the best three-cone drill among all 2020 NFL Combine participants Granted, this was a particularly bad year for all participants of agility drills, but still, coming in first no matter the bar is impressive. It’s unlikely Mims’ stellar Combine was enough to lift him above Jerry Jeudy and/or CeeDee Lamb, but it does firmly cement his case as WR3. Mims’ film at Baylor shows a fast, sharp vertical threat with absurd ability to pluck the ball out of the air from any angle. Mix that with an all-time stellar Combine and it’s tough to find anyone beyond Jeudy and Lamb who stack up.) (3-4-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/2020-nfl-combine-winners-and-losers
Stock up, stock down for prospects after the NFL Scouting Combine (Up - WR Denzel Mims, Baylor: The 6-foot-3, 207-pound receiver far exceeded everyone’s expectations throughout testing. Mims posted far and away the best three-cone of any wide receiver in attendance while also tying for the third-best 40-yard time at 4.38. In the NFL, Mims is going to be the outside vertical threat ready to body any defensive back on a contested ball. In fact, he posted the sixth-highest receiving grade of 2019 on such targets. He may have a really bad drop issue (24 drops over the course of his career), but Mims can torch a lot of defensive backs off the line in press coverage with that speed.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-stock-up-stock-down-for-prospects-after-the-nfl-scouting-combine
TWENTYMAN: 10 players who impressed at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (6. Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: Measured in at 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds and ran the 40 in 4.38 seconds, which was tied for third among all receivers. He led all pass catchers with a 6.66-second three-cone drill. Mims caught 182 passes for 2,901 yards and 28 touchdowns over the past three seasons.) (3-2-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-10-players-who-impressed-at-the-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-simmons
Stock report from the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (Up - WR Denzel Mims, Baylor: The 6-foot-3, 207-pound receiver far exceeded everyone’s expectations throughout testing. Mims posted far and away the best three-cone of any wide receiver in attendance while also tying for the third-best 40-yard time at 4.38. In the NFL, Mims is going to be the outside vertical threat ready to body any defensive back on a contested ball. In fact, he posted the sixth-highest receiving grade of 2019 on such targets. He may have a really bad drop issue (24 drops over the course of his career), but Mims can torch a lot of defensive backs off the line in press coverage with that speed.) (3-2-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/02/stock-report-2020-nfl-scouting-combine/4927380002/
All-Combine Team: Who shined at each position? (Denzel Mims, Baylor (Best team fits: Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears.): Mims raised his draft profile via a standout performance at the Senior Bowl, but with the Baylor product standing at a hair under 6-foot-3 and weighing 207 pounds, folks didn't quite expect him to put up lofty workout numbers. Folks were wrong. Mims ran a 4.38 40, shined through the majority of his on-field workout and put up a nice vertical leap of 38 1/2 inches. His catches weren't perfect, but he's assembled quite a pre-draft resume.) ( 3-2-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104947/article/2020-allcombine-team-which-nfl-draft-prospects-owned-indy
Jordan Love's comp; Okudah's inspiration; Mayfield on CeeDee and more (A reunion between coach and receiver looming? How this wide receiver group shakes out will be fascinating. As a receiver who can run (4.42 40), Notre Dame's Chase Claypool is just one player who improved his stock in Indy. And it will be fun to watch all three days of April's draft to see how teams choose among a wide receiver group that includes Lamb, Jeudy, Ruggs, Baylor's Denzel Mims, Clemson's Tee Higgins and a long list of others. By the way, Mims told me Matt Rhule, who left Baylor to become the Carolina Panthers head coach this offseason, was a father figure to him and helped him learn how to handle adversity. What a story it would be if Mims wound up in Charlotte.)(3-2-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104990/article/jordan-loves-comp-okudahs-inspiration-mayfield-on-ceedee
FINDING VALUE IN THE 2020 NFL COMBINE (Denzel Mims and Jalen Reagor both recorded incredible profiles (94th and 93rd percentile), and others like Henry Ruggs III and Donovan Peoples-Jones might do the same after completing a full workout at their respective pro day.) (3-2-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/finding-value-2020-nfl-combine
3 Takeaways from 2020 NFL Combine (The receiving corps could be among the deepest in the history of the NFL - By all accounts, the level of talent available at the wide receiver position will allow teams to add significant offensive talent in the later rounds. Denzel Mims is an explosive wide receiver for Baylor who racked up yards and big plays routinely. At the Combine, Mims recorded a 38.5-inch vertical leap and he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds.) (3-2-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/three-takeaways-from-2020-nfl-combine-for-detroit-lions
NFL combine winners, losers: One player stands alone (Winners - 7. Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: Overdue for recognition as one of the promising receiver prospects in his class, Mims looked like one of the most athletically imposing pass catchers in Indianapolis. At 6-3 and 207 pounds, he secured a 4.38-second 40 that tied for third best among all receivers and led his position with a 6.66-second three-cone drill. Known as a great jump-ball target, he also landed a 38 1/2-inch vertical and 10-11 broad jump. Capping the night with a solid session catching the ball, Mims bolstered his case to go early in the second round.) (3-2-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/03/02/nfl-combine-winners-losers-isaiah-simmons-top-performer-players/4922351002/
NFL scouting combine winners and losers (Winners - Baylor WR Denzel Mims: There might not have been a player who helped himself more at the event than Mims, who tested as an elite athlete relative to his size and position. A 4.38 40 was the banner number, but Mims’ most shocking result was his 6.66 3-cone drill — a top-10 percentile result for a player who measured 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds. Throw in strong results on the bench and in the jumping drills, and Mims killed it almost across the board. (His 20-yard shuttle time of 4.43 was the lone disappointment.) Some of that was evident on his tape in college, but scouts as recently as December were giving him grades in the third- and fourth-round range. Now it’s hard to believe that he’ll fall out of the first 50 or 60 picks, and the right team might take him late in the first round.) (3-1-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-scouting-combine-winners-and-losers-001301927.html
Winners and losers from the 2020 scouting combine (Winner: Denzel Mims - Every draft season there are a number of prospects that simply ace the pre-draft cycle, boosting their stock as they run the gauntlet from the postseason circuit through the Combine. Denzel Mims from Baylor is a candidate for such accolades. The wide receiver turned heads down in Mobile during the Senior Bowl, when he demonstrated consistent prowess in the vertical passing game. Benjamin Solak, writing for The Draft Network, described one of Mims’ practice sessions this way: What he has shown is separation ability over the last few days, and it’s been better than many experienced after viewing his tape. Mims wins on downfield routes because he has a clean release at the line of scrimmage, explosive first steps to generate a downfield stack and an inherent knack for ball-tracking early maintaining leverage. He knows just the right speed to finish his route so that he can stay between the corner and the football. Now let’s look at what Mims accomplished in Indianapolis. He posted a 4.38 40-yard dash, the third-fastest time among wide receivers. His 38.5” vertical was tenth among wide receivers. His 10’11” broad jump was fourth-best among wide receivers, and to close things out his 6.66 three-cone time was the best for his position group. Scouts may have questions about his ability to separate based on his game film, but he started to answer those questions with a solid week at the Senior Bowl and when you factor in his testing, Mims is looking more like a first round target.) (3-1-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/01/winners-and-losers-from-the-2020-scouting-combine/
2020 NFL Combine Risers And Fallers (Risers - 3. Denzel Mims - Now might be a top-50 pick after running a 4.38 forty with a 131 broad.) (2-28-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/2020-nfl-combine-risers-and-fallers
NFL scouting combine winners and losers (Winners - Baylor WR Denzel Mims: There might not have been a player who helped himself more at the event than Mims, who tested as an elite athlete relative to his size and position. A 4.38 40 was the banner number, but Mims’ most shocking result was his 6.66 3-cone drill — a top-10 percentile result for a player who measured 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds. Throw in strong results on the bench and in the jumping drills, and Mims killed it almost across the board. (His 20-yard shuttle time of 4.43 was the lone disappointment.) Some of that was evident on his tape in college, but scouts as recently as December were giving him grades in the third- and fourth-round range. Now it’s hard to believe that he’ll fall out of the first 50 or 60 picks, and the right team might take him late in the first round.) (3-1-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-scouting-combine-winners-and-losers-001301927.html
Winners and losers from the 2020 scouting combine (Winner: Denzel Mims - Every draft season there are a number of prospects that simply ace the pre-draft cycle, boosting their stock as they run the gauntlet from the postseason circuit through the Combine. Denzel Mims from Baylor is a candidate for such accolades. The wide receiver turned heads down in Mobile during the Senior Bowl, when he demonstrated consistent prowess in the vertical passing game. Benjamin Solak, writing for The Draft Network, described one of Mims’ practice sessions this way: What he has shown is separation ability over the last few days, and it’s been better than many experienced after viewing his tape. Mims wins on downfield routes because he has a clean release at the line of scrimmage, explosive first steps to generate a downfield stack and an inherent knack for ball-tracking early maintaining leverage. He knows just the right speed to finish his route so that he can stay between the corner and the football. Now let’s look at what Mims accomplished in Indianapolis. He posted a 4.38 40-yard dash, the third-fastest time among wide receivers. His 38.5” vertical was tenth among wide receivers. His 10’11” broad jump was fourth-best among wide receivers, and to close things out his 6.66 three-cone time was the best for his position group. Scouts may have questions about his ability to separate based on his game film, but he started to answer those questions with a solid week at the Senior Bowl and when you factor in his testing, Mims is looking more like a first round target.) (3-1-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/01/winners-and-losers-from-the-2020-scouting-combine/
2020 NFL Combine Risers And Fallers (Risers - 3. Denzel Mims - Now might be a top-50 pick after running a 4.38 forty with a 131 broad.) (2-28-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/2020-nfl-combine-risers-and-fallers
2020 NFL Combine winners: Wide receivers (Denzel Mims, Baylor, 6-3, 207: The Lions value a wide receiver’s 3-cone time (measuring quickness/speed when altering direction) above any other measurement, with seven of their nine rostered receivers having run a time below 6.9-seconds. Most of the top wide receivers skipped the agility drills at this year’s Combine, but among the 22 who ran the 3-cone, only Mims broke the 6.9-second mark, running a very impressive 6.66 seconds. Add in Mims’ on-field performance and other Combine measurements, 4.38 second 40-yard-dash, 38.5″ vertical jump, and 10-11 broad jump, and it’s easy to see why he could end up being among the top wide receivers selected on Day 2.) (2-28-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/28/2020-nfl-combine-winners-wide-receivers/
2020 NFL Scouting Combine: Risers and fallers from the QB, WR and TE drills (Risers - WR Denzel Mims: Denzel Mims destroyed the Senior Bowl, and then he destroyed the Combine — he's proved that he is one of the most athletic big-body wide receiver prospects in this class. Mims was one of the best contested-catch receivers in the FBS last season, as his 90.2 receiving grade on such plays was one of the 15 best in the country. That being said, his route-running ability and hands are still causes for concern. He dropped a whopping 13% of his catchable targets over the last two years, and a lot of his production was built upon vertical routes. Mims was a top-32 prospect in our eyes entering the week, and he will most likely remain as one.) (2-28-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-risers-and-fallers-from-the-qb-wr-and-te-drills
2020 NFL combine: Winners and losers from receiver and tight end drills; Denzel Mims and Chase Claypool shine (WR winners - Denzel Mims, Baylor. At this point in time, no prospect has done more for his draft stock during the pre-draft process than Mims. After a dazzling Senior Bowl week, Mims easily had the most dynamic workout among the receivers at the combine. Tying for the second-fastest 40 time and easily having the quickest three cone equates to elite explosion and change-of-direction ability, and his 38-inch vertical absolutely shows up on film. Mims will now get first-round buzz.) (2-28-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-winners-and-losers-from-receiver-and-tight-end-drills-denzel-mims-and-chase-claypool-shine/
NFL Combine Winners and Losers: Wide Receivers (Winners - WR Denzel Mims: Mims was an explosive wide receiver for Baylor who racked up yards and big plays routinely. At the Combine, Mims recorded a 38.5-inch vertical leap and he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds.) (2-28-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/2020-nfl-combine-winners-and-losers-wide-receivers
Winners, losers from Day 1 of 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (Winners - Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: At 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, Mims ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, a 6.66 3-cone drill and posted a 38.5-inch vertical, 10-foot-11 broad jump and 16 reps on the bench press with 34-inch arms.) (2-28-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/gallery/nfl-combine-winners-losers-day-1-justin-herbert-denzel-mims-jalen-hurts-henry-ruggs/
2020 NFL Combine Stock Report - Wide Receivers (Up - Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: Speaking of wide receiver prospects who will need another look, Denzel Mims tested very well athletically. He had the fastest 3-cone time of any receiver at the combine with a 6.66. That's incredible for someone of his size (6-3, 207). Mims, who has a very wide catch radius, ran a 4.38 40 and posted a broad jump of 10-11.) (2-28-20): http://walterfootball.com/combine2020stockWR.php
NFL Combine Winners and Losers: Wide Receivers (Winners - WR Denzel Mims: Mims was an explosive wide receiver for Baylor who racked up yards and big plays routinely. At the Combine, Mims recorded a 38.5-inch vertical leap and he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds.) (2-28-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/2020-nfl-combine-winners-and-losers-wide-receivers
Winners, losers from Day 1 of 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (Winners - Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: At 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, Mims ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, a 6.66 3-cone drill and posted a 38.5-inch vertical, 10-foot-11 broad jump and 16 reps on the bench press with 34-inch arms.) (2-28-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/gallery/nfl-combine-winners-losers-day-1-justin-herbert-denzel-mims-jalen-hurts-henry-ruggs/
2020 NFL Combine Stock Report - Wide Receivers (Up - Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: Speaking of wide receiver prospects who will need another look, Denzel Mims tested very well athletically. He had the fastest 3-cone time of any receiver at the combine with a 6.66. That's incredible for someone of his size (6-3, 207). Mims, who has a very wide catch radius, ran a 4.38 40 and posted a broad jump of 10-11.) (2-28-20): http://walterfootball.com/combine2020stockWR.php
NFL Combine Thursday Highlights (Mims also deserves mention. His 4.38 second time came after measuring at 6-foot-3, 207-pounds. The former Baylor star has some questions about his hands and route-running, but the height/weight/speed combo is sure to intrigue teams.) (2-28-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/nfl-combine-thursday-highlights
Nine instant impact receivers who won't cost a first-round pick (Denzel Mims, Baylor: The 6-3, 206-pound wideout is a big target who plays with a lot of physicality. It's hard to know what his game speed is because Mims often out-muscled his opponents in college. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but the NFL is full of grown men who are just as strong if not stronger than Mims. Expect the young man's 40 to be under the microscope in Indy.) (2-25-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102818/article/nine-instant-impact-receivers-who-wont-cost-a-firstround-pick
12 WRs for Packers to watch at NFL Scouting Combine (Denzel Mims, Baylor: He’s one of the many sneaky good receiver prospects in this class. He’s a natural catching the football and should test well in Indy. Expect Mims to rise up boards coming out of the combine. He’d be a terrific fit for the Packers at No. 62.) (2-24-20): https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/24/12-wrs-for-packers-to-watch-at-nfl-scouting-combine/
Prospect for the Pack: Baylor WR Denzel Mims (2-24-20): https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/24/packers-draft-profile-baylor-wr-denzel-mims-2020-draft/
Building the perfect wide receiver prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft (Catch Radius – Denzel Mims, Baylor: Denzel Mims is more than a contested-catch receiver, but his ability to make absolutely preposterous receptions along the boundary is one of the most impressive traits for any receiver in this draft class. Get the ball in the air close to him and he’s coming down with it. Honorable Mention: Collin Johnson.) (2-20-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/building-perfect-wide-receiver-prospects-2020-nfl-draft/
11 NFL draft sleepers to watch at scouting combine (Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: In any other year, Mims likely would have little trouble receiving recognition as a massively talented pass catcher. Yet in the deepest and most talented group in this draft, he's overshadowed to the point of not being considered in the top 10 at his position. With his long strides and leaping ability, Mims already looks capable of thriving in a vertical passing attack. Continued development in his route running will help the 6-3, 208-pound target unlock additional dimensions to his game.) (2-20-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/20/nfl-draft-2020-sleeper-players-prospects-combine/4811922002/
2020 NFL Combine: Wide Receiver Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (13. Denzel Mims, Baylor 6-3, 206 (3): NFL Combine What Matters: There’s a chance he could slide into the top 50 if he’s quick through the short drills and catches everything in sight in future workouts. He’s a deep ball thriller who can change games, but does he have the short-range explosiveness compared to the others in a deep class?) (2-20-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-wide-receiver-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
2020 NFL Draft prospects who can use the NFL Combine to rise (Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: Denzel Mims has seen his own draft stock rise after a strong Senior Bowl campaign, as more and more are starting to see his impressive combination of size and speed at the receiver position. All that said, Mims’ prowess isn’t quite catching on in all corners just yet. He used the Senior Bowl to show off his ability to beat press coverage and his route running nuance, and at the NFL Combine, Mims can solidify his athletic profile with strong testing in crucial drills like the 40-yard dash and the short shuttle. At 6-foot-3, 206, with an all-encompassing wingspan, Mims already has traits to like. At the NFL Combine, he can show he’s the complete package.) (2-5-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-combine-prospects-rise/
Draft WR rankings: Lamb headlines list (10. Denzel Mims, Baylor, 83: Another springy wideout, Mims is a somewhat large downfield perimeter weapon with hops and high-level concentration to make circus grabs on long balls. While his nearly 6-3 frame doesn't allow him to really sink and rapidly change directions, he has just enough wiggle -- and plenty of physicality -- to combat press coverage, and he demonstrated sick route-running ability at the Senior Bowl. Mims was a reliable big-play option on RPOs, digs, slants, and go routes during his career in Waco. During his final three seasons, he scored 28 touchdowns while averaging just under 16 yards per catch. While he'll be 23 during his rookie season, the Baylor product broke out in his age 19/20 season when he averaged 17.8 yards per catch during a 1,087-yard campaign.)(2-13-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-receiver-rankings-ceedee-lamb-at-no-1-in-absolutely-stacked-pass-catcher-group/
Back to the Future: Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft (7. Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: Here is the biggest riser in my top-10 wide receivers from the Senior Bowl. Denzel Mims was the best receiver in Mobile and that week has catapulted him up to this slot. Mims had already put out a lot of good tape at Baylor. He has a height, weight, and speed combination that never really was all that fair. His nuances were not great, but he had the physicality to separate and win the contested catches, just like he did all the time at Baylor. In Mobile, however, we saw quick feet, and he did a great job of separating from every cornerback he faced that week. He was unstoppable. There are some questions he still has to answer about the nuances of position to me, but Mims has firmly put himself in the conversation to be picked in the second round.) (2-8-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-the-future-top-10-wide-receivers-in-the-2020-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL Draft prospects who can use the NFL Combine to rise (Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: Denzel Mims has seen his own draft stock rise after a strong Senior Bowl campaign, as more and more are starting to see his impressive combination of size and speed at the receiver position. All that said, Mims’ prowess isn’t quite catching on in all corners just yet. He used the Senior Bowl to show off his ability to beat press coverage and his route running nuance, and at the NFL Combine, Mims can solidify his athletic profile with strong testing in crucial drills like the 40-yard dash and the short shuttle. At 6-foot-3, 206, with an all-encompassing wingspan, Mims already has traits to like. At the NFL Combine, he can show he’s the complete package.) (2-5-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-combine-prospects-rise/
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Wide Receivers (8. DENZEL MIMS, BAYLOR (Draft Board Rank: 31st): After Laviska Shenault, Mims has arguably the best combination of size and explosiveness at the receiver position in the draft class. While he ran a bit of a limited route tree at Baylor, he showed out in a big way on a more complete tree at the Senior Bowl. He won 94% of his routes and had the highest grade of any receiver in attendance during the one-on-ones that week — those are eye-opening numbers that saw him make a big leap up our board.) (1-31-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-wide-receivers
Making money: 12 NFL draft prospects who boosted their stock most at the Senior Bowl (Baylor WR Denzel Mims: Don’t want to go overboard here, as I extolled the virtues of Mims in my Wednesday practice report. But his performance was consistently very good to excellent all week. Coming into the week, the 6-2 3/4, 206-pound Mims was earning fourth-round grades from a few teams we spoke with. One evaluator immediately after the weigh-in also remarked to me he thought Mims’ frame looked “maxed out.” But with his ability to glide to separation and with each contested catch downfield, Mims helped his cause — zero doubt about it. Even in a crowded WR field, he looks every bit of a top-100 pick.) (1-27-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/making-money-12-nfl-draft-prospects-who-boosted-their-stock-most-at-the-senior-bowl-170546233.html
Back to Future: Adam Trautman leads group of Senior Bowl risers (Baylor WR Denzel Mims: I can’t talk about the top risers of the Senior Bowl without talking about the best wide receiver down in Mobile. Denzel Mims was on another level from everyone this week, and while he had beautiful contested catches and body control, much like his film has shown throughout the year, his ability to separate this week was seriously impressive. Mims did everything right. He dismantled press, used his physicality to separate, and his athleticism was an unstoppable matchup for every cornerback he faced there all week. Mims has always shown an adeptness to use his physicality out of his breaks, and he did it quite well against TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney in their matchup earlier this year. With a strong Senior Bowl and a potentially strong combine coming down the pipeline for Mims, he could play himself right into the Day Two discussion even in a loaded receiver class.) (1-24-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-future-adam-trautman-leads-group-of-senior-bowl-risers/
8 potential Lions fits who were big winners at Senior Bowl practices (WR Denzel Mims (Baylor): The Lions have bigger needs than at receiver, but don’t discount the need either. Danny Amendola is a pending free agent in the slot, while veteran No. 2 Marvin Jones has just one year left on his contract. That’s an issue for a Lions team that still very much lives and dies by the right arm of Matthew Stafford. The good news for them is this draft is deep at receiver, which should push good players down the board. One I like a lot for them is Mims, who had an outstanding week of practice. He wins deep balls and contested balls consistently, much as Jones does for Detroit. But he’s also bigger than Jones, at 6-foot-2 and 206 pounds, and was separating from damn near every corner on the field all week. He could also still be available in the third round because of the depth of this receiver class, the same round in which Detroit found Kenny Golladay. And I’d be very intrigued to see them on the same field. Speaking of which) (1-24-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/8-potential-lions-fits-who-were-big-winners-at-senior-bowl-practices.html
Biggest risers and fallers at the 2020 Senior Bowl (RISERS - Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: Weighing in at 6-foot-2, 206 pounds, Baylor wideout Mims is a bigger receiver with legit explosiveness in and out of his breaks. He blew the doors off some of the Senior Bowl cornerbacks with his burst at the line of scrimmage and hand usage through the route. He dominated the one-on-one drills and logged zero drops in what should be a week that sends him up draft boards.) (1-24-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-senior-bowl-risers-fallers-2020
Biggest takeaways from a week of Senior Bowl practices (Even though none of our top-three tackles or top-six wide receivers were down in Mobile, both those groups still dominated their peers on the opposite side of the ball. Houston offensive tackle Josh Jones, Ohio State wide receiver K.J. Hill, and Baylor’s Denzel Mims all looked like they could step on an NFL field tomorrow and be quality starters.) (1-24-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-senior-bowl-takeaways-2020
2020 Senior Bowl: 10 players whose great week of practice will only improve their NFL Draft stock (Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: We've been saying for months that the 2020 wide receivers class is deep. That was confirmed in Mobile and Mims had a breakout week. The Baylor wideout is 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, and caught everything thrown in his direction. He high-pointed the ball well, showed off a huge catch radius, got in and out of his breaks like someone 3-4 inches shorter, and routinely beat 1-on-1 coverage, often early in the route. This was from Thursday's practice but just as easily could've been from the two previous sessions:) (1-24-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-senior-bowl-10-players-whose-great-week-of-practice-will-only-improve-their-nfl-draft-stock/
Kinlaw and other rising prospects at the 2020 Senior Bowl (Denzel Mims, Wide Receiver, Baylor (Height: 6’3″, Weight: 215 pounds): There is not a deeper group in the NFL Draft than wide receiver. This class is absolutely loaded with the likes of Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb, Laviska Shenault, Tee Higgins, Brandon Aiyuk, and Henry Ruggs III. However, Baylor’s Denzel Mims is making a statement at Senior Bowl practices, which will have him climbing draft boards. He has impressive size, runs crisp routes, and excels at the contested catch. When it comes to “high pointing” the football, Mims is among the best from the wide receiver class. One area of improvement you notice from watching him this week versus watching his film is in creating separation. Pro Football Network draft guru Tony Pauline on Mims, “Incredible hand use to separate and catching everything in sight.” I mentioned Mims’ ability to “high point” the football, which is evident in the clip below. Mims is a good athlete that plays a physical brand of football. He is an alpha, who isn’t afraid to go after the football. Here is a clip that highlights Mims’ ability to use his body to shield the defender and protect his catch point. He uses his big frame well, allowing himself to be open even when he is covered. Mims entered this year’s Senior Bowl week as a fringe third-round prospect. However, his strong showing in Mobile has elevated him into the round-two discussion. For teams looking for a big, physical, and athletic receiver to bolster their receiving corps, Mims fits the bill.) (1-24-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/kinlaw-and-other-rising-prospects-at-the-2020-senior-bowl/
2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Report: North Team (Tuesday - Mims came in as my highest-ranked receiver in the Senior Bowl and did not disappoint. He dominated 1 on 1s all day long and showed off in the 7 on 7s. I thought he was the most impressive finisher and showed off his explosiveness in the drills. Separated against almost every DB he went off against. He had his issues with drops during the regular season but he caught every pass I saw go his way in the drills, which is encouraging for that problem being fixed at the next level. Wednesday - Mims was the best player on the North team today that I saw. One of my biggest knocks on him coming into Senior Bowl week was his concentration. He had a few drops on tape but so far he’s been excellent in that area. I haven’t noticed a dropped pass at all this week. He demonstrated his phenomenal catch radius on a gorgeous play on the sideline that had the entire crowd oohing. He’s the player whose stock I would say has increased the most of any wide receiver this week. Thursday - Mims was again the best player I saw on the field today during BOTH practices. He’s been virtually uncoverable and explosive. None of the DBs could keep up with him in reps. He’s made some serious noise and at the very least has many scouts scrambling to go back to his tape. One of the biggest winners, if not the biggest winner, of the Senior Bowl. Analysis: Denzel Mims was the best receiver in Mobile all week long. I was a massive fan of Mims, coming into the week with a second round grade on him, and it’s hard to dispute that grade with the performance he had this week. Nobody could cover him. He showed off explosiveness, physicality, and his route-running was excellent in drills. I’m not surprised he was good – I’m just upset that the cat is out of the bag on him now.) (1-24-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-reeses-senior-bowl-practice-report-north-team/
2020 Senior Bowl – North Practice Report (This is one of the deepest groups of pass catchers the Senior Bowl has seen in quite some time but there isn’t a clear-cut standout like Deebo Samuel last year. Any list of the top performers at the position will likely include Baylor WR Denzel Mims though. In fact, an argument can be made that Mims has been one of the most impressive prospects in Mobile regardless of position. Consistency was an issue for Mims in college but hasn’t been a problem this week, with Mims routinely making plays. Mims is a tall, lanky wideout with an outstanding catch radius and the ability to go up and get the ball. Because of his length Mims doesn’t always appear to be moving extraordinarily fast but rest assured the former track star can take the top off a defense. As more than one defensive back has learned the hard way this week. Mims gets lost in the shuffle to a degree amidst all the talented wideouts in this class, but that should start to chance with this Senior Bowl performance. Coming in Mims was viewed as a fringe Day 2 / Day 3 value on most draft boards but his stock is heading North and that momentum now makes a spot in the Top 100 overall more likely than not.) (1/23/20): http://draftcountdown.com/2020/2020-senior-bowl-north-practice-report-1-23-20/
Senior Bowl 2020 recap: Wide receivers turn in a dominant performance on Day 3 (Baylor's Denzel Mims has been the most impressive pass catcher in Mobile and built on two strong efforts Tuesday and Wednesday with an outstanding, well-rounded performance inside South Alabama's practice facility Thursday. Mims was a track star in high school and routinely won down the field at Baylor. He showcased his nuanced ability to beat press coverage at the line with the suddenness to free himself to make room to kick it into top gear. It's a huge plus for Mims to prove to be capable of getting open at the short and intermediate levels here in Mobile to add to his standing as a straight-line burner. He's also essentially caught everything, including passes outside his frame with his arms extended over his head and out in front of him.) (1-23-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2020-recap-wide-receivers-turn-in-a-dominant-performance-on-day-3/
Live from the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl: Thursday Practice Observations (2:13 pm ET: Baylor WR Denzel Mims made another phenomenal one-handed grab in the corner of the end zone that generated a ton of applause; OBJ-like extension. He beat CB Essang Bassey on it. – AJ Schulte) (1-23-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/live-from-the-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-thursday-practice-observations/
2020 Senior Bowl: Winners, losers from Day 2 practices (Winners - Winner – Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor: The most efficient receiver today was Mims. He did an excellent job of separating in a variety of ways, whether that was with release moves at the line of scrimmage or exploding vertically, Mims was open and catching everything that he was being thrown. He even had a catch over Troy Pride, Jr., who was another winner.) (1-22-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/22/2020-senior-bowl-winners-losers-from-day-2-practices/
NFL draft winners and losers: Jordan Love stepped up Day 2 at the Senior Bowl (Winners - Baylor WR Denzel Mims (North team): We mentioned the earlier Love hookup, but that wasn’t Mims’ best catch of the day. These two hooked up on a gorgeous fade down the left sideline in 11-on-11 work. Mims gained separation on Iowa CB Michael Ojemudia, high-pointed the ball and hauled it in despite crashing to the ground. That’s two strong days from Mims, who stepped it up another notch on Wednesday. The 6-2 3/4, 206-pound wideout has 33-inch arms, underrated speed and quickness, and he uses his hands very nicely to keep defenders at bay. He has been a standout in every phase. Mims also seems to get into his breaks nicely, and he had DBs grabbing at his jersey most of the practice. If he keeps this up through Saturday’s game, then Mims will go into the NFL scouting combine with a lot of momentum. Most scout grades I’ve heard have been in the fourth-round range, but it wouldn’t stun me if he rises above that.) (1-22-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-jordan-love-stepped-up-day-2-at-the-senior-bowl-020123216.html
Senior Bowl: Josh Jones dominates (For some offensive skill-position talent love, Baylor's Denzel Mims was a downfield monster Wednesday, creating instant separation with martial arts-like hand work at the line and suddenness and sustained speed down the field. He also reeled in a few passes in contested-catch situations.) (1-22-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2020-josh-jones-dominates-in-trenches-denzel-mims-scorches-down-the-field/
Draft WR rankings: Lamb headlines list (10. Denzel Mims, Baylor, 83: Another springy wideout, Mims is a somewhat large downfield perimeter weapon with hops and high-level concentration to make circus grabs on long balls. While his nearly 6-3 frame doesn't allow him to really sink and rapidly change directions, he has just enough wiggle -- and plenty of physicality -- to combat press coverage, and he demonstrated sick route-running ability at the Senior Bowl. Mims was a reliable big-play option on RPOs, digs, slants, and go routes during his career in Waco. During his final three seasons, he scored 28 touchdowns while averaging just under 16 yards per catch. While he'll be 23 during his rookie season, the Baylor product broke out in his age 19/20 season when he averaged 17.8 yards per catch during a 1,087-yard campaign.)(2-13-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-receiver-rankings-ceedee-lamb-at-no-1-in-absolutely-stacked-pass-catcher-group/
Back to the Future: Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft (7. Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: Here is the biggest riser in my top-10 wide receivers from the Senior Bowl. Denzel Mims was the best receiver in Mobile and that week has catapulted him up to this slot. Mims had already put out a lot of good tape at Baylor. He has a height, weight, and speed combination that never really was all that fair. His nuances were not great, but he had the physicality to separate and win the contested catches, just like he did all the time at Baylor. In Mobile, however, we saw quick feet, and he did a great job of separating from every cornerback he faced that week. He was unstoppable. There are some questions he still has to answer about the nuances of position to me, but Mims has firmly put himself in the conversation to be picked in the second round.) (2-8-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-the-future-top-10-wide-receivers-in-the-2020-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL Draft prospects who can use the NFL Combine to rise (Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: Denzel Mims has seen his own draft stock rise after a strong Senior Bowl campaign, as more and more are starting to see his impressive combination of size and speed at the receiver position. All that said, Mims’ prowess isn’t quite catching on in all corners just yet. He used the Senior Bowl to show off his ability to beat press coverage and his route running nuance, and at the NFL Combine, Mims can solidify his athletic profile with strong testing in crucial drills like the 40-yard dash and the short shuttle. At 6-foot-3, 206, with an all-encompassing wingspan, Mims already has traits to like. At the NFL Combine, he can show he’s the complete package.) (2-5-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-combine-prospects-rise/
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Wide Receivers (8. DENZEL MIMS, BAYLOR (Draft Board Rank: 31st): After Laviska Shenault, Mims has arguably the best combination of size and explosiveness at the receiver position in the draft class. While he ran a bit of a limited route tree at Baylor, he showed out in a big way on a more complete tree at the Senior Bowl. He won 94% of his routes and had the highest grade of any receiver in attendance during the one-on-ones that week — those are eye-opening numbers that saw him make a big leap up our board.) (1-31-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-wide-receivers
Back to Future: Adam Trautman leads group of Senior Bowl risers (Baylor WR Denzel Mims: I can’t talk about the top risers of the Senior Bowl without talking about the best wide receiver down in Mobile. Denzel Mims was on another level from everyone this week, and while he had beautiful contested catches and body control, much like his film has shown throughout the year, his ability to separate this week was seriously impressive. Mims did everything right. He dismantled press, used his physicality to separate, and his athleticism was an unstoppable matchup for every cornerback he faced there all week. Mims has always shown an adeptness to use his physicality out of his breaks, and he did it quite well against TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney in their matchup earlier this year. With a strong Senior Bowl and a potentially strong combine coming down the pipeline for Mims, he could play himself right into the Day Two discussion even in a loaded receiver class.) (1-24-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-future-adam-trautman-leads-group-of-senior-bowl-risers/
8 potential Lions fits who were big winners at Senior Bowl practices (WR Denzel Mims (Baylor): The Lions have bigger needs than at receiver, but don’t discount the need either. Danny Amendola is a pending free agent in the slot, while veteran No. 2 Marvin Jones has just one year left on his contract. That’s an issue for a Lions team that still very much lives and dies by the right arm of Matthew Stafford. The good news for them is this draft is deep at receiver, which should push good players down the board. One I like a lot for them is Mims, who had an outstanding week of practice. He wins deep balls and contested balls consistently, much as Jones does for Detroit. But he’s also bigger than Jones, at 6-foot-2 and 206 pounds, and was separating from damn near every corner on the field all week. He could also still be available in the third round because of the depth of this receiver class, the same round in which Detroit found Kenny Golladay. And I’d be very intrigued to see them on the same field. Speaking of which) (1-24-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/8-potential-lions-fits-who-were-big-winners-at-senior-bowl-practices.html
Biggest risers and fallers at the 2020 Senior Bowl (RISERS - Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: Weighing in at 6-foot-2, 206 pounds, Baylor wideout Mims is a bigger receiver with legit explosiveness in and out of his breaks. He blew the doors off some of the Senior Bowl cornerbacks with his burst at the line of scrimmage and hand usage through the route. He dominated the one-on-one drills and logged zero drops in what should be a week that sends him up draft boards.) (1-24-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-senior-bowl-risers-fallers-2020
Biggest takeaways from a week of Senior Bowl practices (Even though none of our top-three tackles or top-six wide receivers were down in Mobile, both those groups still dominated their peers on the opposite side of the ball. Houston offensive tackle Josh Jones, Ohio State wide receiver K.J. Hill, and Baylor’s Denzel Mims all looked like they could step on an NFL field tomorrow and be quality starters.) (1-24-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-senior-bowl-takeaways-2020
2020 Senior Bowl: 10 players whose great week of practice will only improve their NFL Draft stock (Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: We've been saying for months that the 2020 wide receivers class is deep. That was confirmed in Mobile and Mims had a breakout week. The Baylor wideout is 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, and caught everything thrown in his direction. He high-pointed the ball well, showed off a huge catch radius, got in and out of his breaks like someone 3-4 inches shorter, and routinely beat 1-on-1 coverage, often early in the route. This was from Thursday's practice but just as easily could've been from the two previous sessions:) (1-24-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-senior-bowl-10-players-whose-great-week-of-practice-will-only-improve-their-nfl-draft-stock/
Kinlaw and other rising prospects at the 2020 Senior Bowl (Denzel Mims, Wide Receiver, Baylor (Height: 6’3″, Weight: 215 pounds): There is not a deeper group in the NFL Draft than wide receiver. This class is absolutely loaded with the likes of Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb, Laviska Shenault, Tee Higgins, Brandon Aiyuk, and Henry Ruggs III. However, Baylor’s Denzel Mims is making a statement at Senior Bowl practices, which will have him climbing draft boards. He has impressive size, runs crisp routes, and excels at the contested catch. When it comes to “high pointing” the football, Mims is among the best from the wide receiver class. One area of improvement you notice from watching him this week versus watching his film is in creating separation. Pro Football Network draft guru Tony Pauline on Mims, “Incredible hand use to separate and catching everything in sight.” I mentioned Mims’ ability to “high point” the football, which is evident in the clip below. Mims is a good athlete that plays a physical brand of football. He is an alpha, who isn’t afraid to go after the football. Here is a clip that highlights Mims’ ability to use his body to shield the defender and protect his catch point. He uses his big frame well, allowing himself to be open even when he is covered. Mims entered this year’s Senior Bowl week as a fringe third-round prospect. However, his strong showing in Mobile has elevated him into the round-two discussion. For teams looking for a big, physical, and athletic receiver to bolster their receiving corps, Mims fits the bill.) (1-24-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/kinlaw-and-other-rising-prospects-at-the-2020-senior-bowl/
2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Report: North Team (Tuesday - Mims came in as my highest-ranked receiver in the Senior Bowl and did not disappoint. He dominated 1 on 1s all day long and showed off in the 7 on 7s. I thought he was the most impressive finisher and showed off his explosiveness in the drills. Separated against almost every DB he went off against. He had his issues with drops during the regular season but he caught every pass I saw go his way in the drills, which is encouraging for that problem being fixed at the next level. Wednesday - Mims was the best player on the North team today that I saw. One of my biggest knocks on him coming into Senior Bowl week was his concentration. He had a few drops on tape but so far he’s been excellent in that area. I haven’t noticed a dropped pass at all this week. He demonstrated his phenomenal catch radius on a gorgeous play on the sideline that had the entire crowd oohing. He’s the player whose stock I would say has increased the most of any wide receiver this week. Thursday - Mims was again the best player I saw on the field today during BOTH practices. He’s been virtually uncoverable and explosive. None of the DBs could keep up with him in reps. He’s made some serious noise and at the very least has many scouts scrambling to go back to his tape. One of the biggest winners, if not the biggest winner, of the Senior Bowl. Analysis: Denzel Mims was the best receiver in Mobile all week long. I was a massive fan of Mims, coming into the week with a second round grade on him, and it’s hard to dispute that grade with the performance he had this week. Nobody could cover him. He showed off explosiveness, physicality, and his route-running was excellent in drills. I’m not surprised he was good – I’m just upset that the cat is out of the bag on him now.) (1-24-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-reeses-senior-bowl-practice-report-north-team/
2020 Senior Bowl – North Practice Report (This is one of the deepest groups of pass catchers the Senior Bowl has seen in quite some time but there isn’t a clear-cut standout like Deebo Samuel last year. Any list of the top performers at the position will likely include Baylor WR Denzel Mims though. In fact, an argument can be made that Mims has been one of the most impressive prospects in Mobile regardless of position. Consistency was an issue for Mims in college but hasn’t been a problem this week, with Mims routinely making plays. Mims is a tall, lanky wideout with an outstanding catch radius and the ability to go up and get the ball. Because of his length Mims doesn’t always appear to be moving extraordinarily fast but rest assured the former track star can take the top off a defense. As more than one defensive back has learned the hard way this week. Mims gets lost in the shuffle to a degree amidst all the talented wideouts in this class, but that should start to chance with this Senior Bowl performance. Coming in Mims was viewed as a fringe Day 2 / Day 3 value on most draft boards but his stock is heading North and that momentum now makes a spot in the Top 100 overall more likely than not.) (1/23/20): http://draftcountdown.com/2020/2020-senior-bowl-north-practice-report-1-23-20/
Senior Bowl 2020 recap: Wide receivers turn in a dominant performance on Day 3 (Baylor's Denzel Mims has been the most impressive pass catcher in Mobile and built on two strong efforts Tuesday and Wednesday with an outstanding, well-rounded performance inside South Alabama's practice facility Thursday. Mims was a track star in high school and routinely won down the field at Baylor. He showcased his nuanced ability to beat press coverage at the line with the suddenness to free himself to make room to kick it into top gear. It's a huge plus for Mims to prove to be capable of getting open at the short and intermediate levels here in Mobile to add to his standing as a straight-line burner. He's also essentially caught everything, including passes outside his frame with his arms extended over his head and out in front of him.) (1-23-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2020-recap-wide-receivers-turn-in-a-dominant-performance-on-day-3/
Live from the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl: Thursday Practice Observations (2:13 pm ET: Baylor WR Denzel Mims made another phenomenal one-handed grab in the corner of the end zone that generated a ton of applause; OBJ-like extension. He beat CB Essang Bassey on it. – AJ Schulte) (1-23-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/live-from-the-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-thursday-practice-observations/
2020 Senior Bowl: Winners, losers from Day 2 practices (Winners - Winner – Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor: The most efficient receiver today was Mims. He did an excellent job of separating in a variety of ways, whether that was with release moves at the line of scrimmage or exploding vertically, Mims was open and catching everything that he was being thrown. He even had a catch over Troy Pride, Jr., who was another winner.) (1-22-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/22/2020-senior-bowl-winners-losers-from-day-2-practices/
NFL draft winners and losers: Jordan Love stepped up Day 2 at the Senior Bowl (Winners - Baylor WR Denzel Mims (North team): We mentioned the earlier Love hookup, but that wasn’t Mims’ best catch of the day. These two hooked up on a gorgeous fade down the left sideline in 11-on-11 work. Mims gained separation on Iowa CB Michael Ojemudia, high-pointed the ball and hauled it in despite crashing to the ground. That’s two strong days from Mims, who stepped it up another notch on Wednesday. The 6-2 3/4, 206-pound wideout has 33-inch arms, underrated speed and quickness, and he uses his hands very nicely to keep defenders at bay. He has been a standout in every phase. Mims also seems to get into his breaks nicely, and he had DBs grabbing at his jersey most of the practice. If he keeps this up through Saturday’s game, then Mims will go into the NFL scouting combine with a lot of momentum. Most scout grades I’ve heard have been in the fourth-round range, but it wouldn’t stun me if he rises above that.) (1-22-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-jordan-love-stepped-up-day-2-at-the-senior-bowl-020123216.html
Senior Bowl: Josh Jones dominates (For some offensive skill-position talent love, Baylor's Denzel Mims was a downfield monster Wednesday, creating instant separation with martial arts-like hand work at the line and suddenness and sustained speed down the field. He also reeled in a few passes in contested-catch situations.) (1-22-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2020-josh-jones-dominates-in-trenches-denzel-mims-scorches-down-the-field/
Live observations from Wednesday’s 2020 Senior Bowl Practice (3:05 pm ET: WR Denzel Mims is tearing it up in practice today. Will skyrocket up draft boards with good combine/pro day workouts. – Tony Pauline. 2:59 pm ET: Denzel Mims with a phenomenal grab on the sideline…of course. He has one or two of those each game. – AJ Schulte. 2:24 pm ET: Denzel Mims has been unstoppable this morning. They’ve resorted to holding Mims, but he still catches everything; such a big, athletic receiver. – Tony Pauline. 2:18 pm ET: Baylor WR Denzel Mims caught a gorgeous over the shoulder pass that had the crowd “oooh-ing.” He toasted Troy Pride, the best cornerback on the North team. – AJ Schulte) (1-22-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/live-from-the-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-wednesday-practice-observations/
2020 Senior Bowl Day 1 Practice and Weigh-In Notes (Denzel Mims didn't have any highlight-reel plays in the one-on-one drills, but he flashed explosiveness and strong hands throughout.) (1-22-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-senior-bowl-day-1-practice-and-weigh-in-notes
Senior Bowl recap: Kinlaw wins on Day 1 (Baylor's Denzel Mims unsurprisingly made big plays down the field on go routes, something he did often with the Bears over the past three seasons.) (1-21-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2020-javon-kinlaw-dominates-hybrid-defenders-zack-baun-and-josh-uche-shine-on-day-1/
Live from the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl: Tuesday Practice Observations (5:04 ET: Baylor WR Denzel Mims and OSU WR KJ Hill have started strong today. Continuing to impress. – AJ Schulte. 4:53 ET: North WR’s Denzel Mims (Baylor) and Michael Pittman Jr. (USC) living up to the hype. – Tommy Call III) (1-21-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/live-from-the-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-tuesday-practice-observations/
Five Big 12 players who will rise after the Senior Bowl (Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: I’m stunned at the general lack of buzz about Baylor’s Denzel Mims up to this point. That will change after Mobile. I’ve written about Mims and why I believe his skill set will translate immediately to the NFL, and I’m certain scouts will notice these same traits in practice. It’s a stacked receiver class at the top, but with a good performance in practice, Mims can slide into the second tier of wide receivers in the 2020 draft class.) (1-21-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/five-big-12-players-who-will-rise-after-the-senior-bowl/
PFF 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Preview: players to watch, draft implications, schedule, team rosters and more (Those two can be the biggest risers of the group, but both Michael Pittman Jr. and Denzel Mims are two of the premier prospects of the group. Pittman Jr. is projected to be a second-round selection in PFF’s latest draft guide, owning a massive catch radius and some of the best hands in the country by dropping just five of his 176 catchable targets in his career. As for Mims, he currently sits in the third-round range. He doesn’t get any separation but uses his 6-foot-3 frame to win consistently in tight coverage, slotting in as the seventh highest-graded receiver in tight coverage last season.) (1-20-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-preview-players-to-watch-draft-implications-schedule-team-rosters
Senior Bowl preview: Lions are coaching a big group of big, talented receivers (Denzel Mims is “small” compared to the others above, but nobody would ever consider the Baylor blazer as a small receiver. He’s a well-muscled 6-3 and 215, and he’s got a track background that shows when he can get a step on the outside. He’s rawer as a receiver but has a very high ceiling and should be one of the most entertaining players to watch in practice sessions.) (1-19-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/18/senior-bowl-preview-lions-are-coaching-a-big-group-of-big-talented-receivers/
Scouting the 2020 Sugar Bowl: Baylor Bears vs. Georgia Bulldogs (With that in mind, the most exciting match-up in this game now turns to Baylor receiver Denzel Mims against the Georgia duo of Richard LeCounte and J.R. Reed. Related: Looking for more college football analysis? Be sure to head over to our NFL Draft section, featuring myself and the rest of the PFN Staff. While I have Mims graded as a 5th/6th round pick, I expect he’ll move a round or two north on the board in the lead up to the draft. I’m told the big receiver will run much faster than anyone expects during the combine, possibly in the 4.3’s, and his stock will take off. J.R. Reed is a hard-hitting safety that knocks the stuffing out of opponents but plays to one speed. Reed is faster and has much better ball skills but will struggle matching up against Mims physically.) (1-1-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/scouting-2020-sugar-bowl-baylor-bears-georgia-bulldogs/
Prospects to watch in Sugar Bowl (Denzel Mims, WR: Mims is a home run hitter at 6-3 and 215 pounds, which makes him an intriguing prospect. While not a twitchy, intricate-route separator, the senior does know how to use some wiggle and strong hands at the line to defeat press coverage, and once he has room to run, he flips on the jets and can really fly. Plus, down the field, Mims has shown the ability to make ridiculous grabs outside his frame. He led Baylor with 61 receptions for 945 yards and 11 scores this season.) (12-31-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/sugar-bowl-time-tv-channel-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-baylor-vs-georgia/
Scouting the 2020 Sugar Bowl: Baylor Bears vs. Georgia Bulldogs (With that in mind, the most exciting match-up in this game now turns to Baylor receiver Denzel Mims against the Georgia duo of Richard LeCounte and J.R. Reed. Related: Looking for more college football analysis? Be sure to head over to our NFL Draft section, featuring myself and the rest of the PFN Staff. While I have Mims graded as a 5th/6th round pick, I expect he’ll move a round or two north on the board in the lead up to the draft. I’m told the big receiver will run much faster than anyone expects during the combine, possibly in the 4.3’s, and his stock will take off. J.R. Reed is a hard-hitting safety that knocks the stuffing out of opponents but plays to one speed. Reed is faster and has much better ball skills but will struggle matching up against Mims physically.) (1-1-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/scouting-2020-sugar-bowl-baylor-bears-georgia-bulldogs/
Prospects to watch in Sugar Bowl (Denzel Mims, WR: Mims is a home run hitter at 6-3 and 215 pounds, which makes him an intriguing prospect. While not a twitchy, intricate-route separator, the senior does know how to use some wiggle and strong hands at the line to defeat press coverage, and once he has room to run, he flips on the jets and can really fly. Plus, down the field, Mims has shown the ability to make ridiculous grabs outside his frame. He led Baylor with 61 receptions for 945 yards and 11 scores this season.) (12-31-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/sugar-bowl-time-tv-channel-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-baylor-vs-georgia/
13 NFL draft sleepers to watch during bowl season (Baylor WR Denzel Mims: It doesn't take long to see why the 6-3, 215-pound former track standout will command NFL teams' attention in the coming months. With ample speed to run underneath deep throws and a massive catch radius to haul in errant passes, Mims can make life easy for a quarterback who will trust him downfield. His relative lack of polish as a route runner, however, leaves him behind the top tier of receivers in what is shaping up to be a loaded class at the position. After being held without a catch against Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game, the senior will be looking to cap his career by making a statement against a stingy Georgia defense that ranks fourth in yards allowed (274.2 per game).) (12-12-19): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/12/12/nfl-draft-2020-college-bowl-season-sleepers-detroit-lions/4407952002/
2019 Big 12 Championship: Preview, Prospects, and Prediction (When Baylor is on offense, they will be relying on senior playmaker WR Denzel Mims. I’ve broken down Mims earlier this season, but I’ll say again that Mims remains criminally underrated. He caught two touchdowns against the Sooners the last time these two teams met and is an electric deep-threat receiver. He’s already accepted his Senior Bowl invite and will need to put forth another outstanding game for Baylor if they want to beat Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship.) (12-5-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2019-big-12-championship-preview-prospects-and-prediction/
Grading 2020 Senior Bowl invites (WR DENZEL MIMS, BAYLOR: Mims came onto the scene back in 2017 with a 61-catch, 1,087-yard season. After catching a case of the dropsies in 2018 that saw him drop 11 of 66 catchable, Mims is back to form with 57 catches, 888 yards and 11 scores so far this year. He’s been pumped targets in Baylor’s offense and has the fourth-most contested targets in the nation (15 catches on 34 attempts). He’s incredibly explosive, but his upright routes and limited tree are concerning.) (11-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-grading-2020-senior-bowl-invitees
Back to the Future: Denzel Mims looks to help his 2020 NFL Draft stock (Player to Watch: Baylor WR Denzel Mims: There is a specific hive here at Pro Football Network that loves Denzel Mims. My fellow draft writer AJ Schulte wrote a piece calling Mims an ‘underrated star,’ and I could not agree more. Mims is a sure-fire day two talent that seems to be flying under the radar. He has not, as it is known currently, received a Senior Bowl invite, and Mims has a great height-weight-speed combination that makes him one of the most terrifying wide receivers to face in college football. And it is not just that athleticism that makes Mims so intriguing; it is the fact that he knows how to use his size well. There are concerns with his hands and his ability to handle press coverage, but Mims has been huge for this Baylor squad this year. Plays like this show off that unreal athleticism. He is a raw route runner right now as this shows off, but his pure speed and burst out of his breaks allow him to get significant separation on this play. Again, not a sharp break by any means, but this is the type of athletic traits that make NFL teams go wild. He then makes a good catch away from his frame but a considerable gain. Speed and burst like this translate well as a deep threat in the NFL. Again, Mims does nothing special off the line in his releases, but his body control and ball skills are on display here. If there is truly an elite trait that Mims has, ball skills and body control are probably the two things that would fall under that category. His ability to make a spinning catch to the back shoulder and still get both feet down to make it look as effortless as he does is a great trait to have. He high points this away from his body and immediately protects it away from the defender. An NFL level play by a guy with NFL level ball skills and body control, and that could give Oklahoma fits this Saturday.(11-16-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/denzel-mims-cfb-week-12/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Pittman, Mims rise (Honorable Mention: Denzel Mims, Baylor: After a 1,000-plus yard, nearly 18-yards-per-catch 2017, Mims was on the draft radar heading into 2018. He had somewhat of a down year a season ago, and has already eclipsed his production from last year. Against Texas, the 6-3, 215-pound wideout hit a big play on a slant, high-pointed a slant for a touchdown then, in a critical situation in the fourth quarter, displayed his athleticism on a back-shoulder grab down the field in tight coverage as the safety flew down from center field. In the third quarter, on a fourth and five, Mims made a stupid reception near the boundary on a low and away throw that was forced, a fine demonstration of his awareness and the strength in his hands. Oh, and this performance against Texas came after he scored two touchdowns against Oklahoma last week. Mims is a baller.) (11-25-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-the-rise-of-michael-pittman-and-denzel-mims/
Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims is an underrated star (11-14-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/baylor-wide-receiver-denzel-mims-is-an-underrated-star/
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 11 (Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims may present a particularly troubling matchup for Gladney, though. Mims is 6-foot-3, 215-pounds and as coordinated as a Cirque Cu Soleil performer. While his long speed is also a useful tool, Mims wins many of his matchups through ball-tracking and coordination up against the boundary. Mims has a rare ability to find the ball at the highest spot and contort his body to pluck it out of the air. Gladney has the skill set to keep up with Mims’ pace, but beating him at the catch point may not go as well. It genuinely does not make sense that Mims can reach out like this in both instances while maintaining the awareness and control to keep himself in bounds. It’s not like Mims is doing so in a weak spot in zone coverage, either. Mims is getting jammed up against the sideline by a defender and still finds ways to bring each pass in. The drawback with Mims is that he’s a rather linear player. Mims can run verticals, posts, and comebacks on the sideline, but not a whole lot else. He does not have a full route tree and is instead limited to a small handful of vertical routes. In fairness, that may be more a product of Baylor’s offense than Mims’ inability, but it’s a fair criticism until proven otherwise. Regardless of how the matchup goes, the final score won’t look good for Gladney. Baylor are a considerably better team than TCU right now and should be able to beat the Horned Frogs. That being said, in the 15-ish times Gladney and Mims directly face off against each other, Gladney’s all-around speed and physicality should outshine Mims’ ability to catch passes on the sideline. Advantage: Gladney) (11-6-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-11
College Football Week 10 Eckrich Big-12 Team of the Week (Denzel Mims, Baylor: One of three Big-12 wideouts to eclipse 90 yards receiving in Week 10, Mims caught 5-of-7 targets for 94 yards, a touchdown and a 153.3 passer rating when targeted.) (11-4-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-10-big-12-team-of-the-week
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 8 (Baylor WR Denzel Mims vs Oklahoma State CB A.J. Green: Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Baylor have an elite offense led by a promising future pro at wide receiver. From Kendall Wright to Josh Gordon to Corey Coleman, Baylor had no shortage of wide receiver talent head to the NFL over the past decade. The latest name to soon be added to that list is Denzel Mims. Mims did not get to shine a whole lot while the program was in turmoil and trying to recover from the fallout of the Art Briles era. Now that Matt Rhule and his staff have turned things around, Baylor’s 6-0 sheds a bright light on Mims. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound receiver plays with impeccable body control and a knack for finding the ball no matter where it is. Mims is not necessarily the bully Mike Evans is, but he does flash some of the acrobatics and range that Michael Thomas has.Players as big as Mims are not supposed to float this way. Mims’ ability to turn around, find room on the sideline, locate the ball in the air, and still come down with two feet in bounds while the ball hands over the sideline is a hell of a feet. There are not many NFL wide receivers who can make this effort consistently, much less wide receivers in Mims’ size range. Along with Thomas, someone like Allen Robinson comes to mind as a data point for a large wide receiver with a small wide receiver’s body control. Mims is not the route runner either of these two players are, but these acrobatic catches are valuable. While Mims is not fleet of foot with respect to route running and creating space, he is a heck of a threat if he can pick up some steam. On vertical routes or intermediate routes over the middle, Mims can be a threat to separate in space and/or be a problem once the ball is in his hands. In that sense, Mims reminds a bit of Kenny Golladay. Here is an example of how Mims can be an imposing figure when working the sideline vertically. Mims does nothing special in regards to earning positioning, but he carries himself down the sideline well and is a tough player to contest with when it comes time to fight for the ball. While the cornerback does falter here and underplay the ball, Mims does well to keep his pace and find the ball at a point that is both high and in a spot that allows him to comfortably continue his forward movement into the end zone. Playing that tight to the sideline, making that catch without breaking stride is a tougher balancing act than it looks. Mims flashes that fluid and powerful movement once let loose in the open field as well. A handful of times this season, Mims has caught a pass over the middle and took off for a handful of extra yards. On two separate occasions in this clip, Mims shows off ridiculous acceleration for a guy his size. The first occasion is as soon as Mims brings in the pass. Once the ball is in his possession, Mims clears an extra 10 yards and threatens a sprint through the two safeties to get to the goal line. Mims then decides for a different route, cutting back to the left side to attack the pylon. After making a few people miss, the striding Baylor receiver turns the corner around a final defender and bursts up the field in an effort to barrel through the goal line. Mims does not quite make it across, but it’s not to be taken for granted how easy Mims made it look to go from the 18-yard line to the 1-yard line the way he did. Assuming things go well for Mims from here on out, a Day 2 selection is a strong possibility. His size, control, and open-field speed can be a problem for defenses, even if some of the finer parts of his game need work. Wide receivers often take a year or two to fully adjust to the NFL anyway, so grouping Mims is not so much as a slight as it is saying he’s not quite a special player the way, say, Jerry Jeudy is. Across from Mims on Saturday will be an under-the-radar senior trying to earn himself a spot back in the conversation: Oklahoma State cornerback A.J. Green. At 6-foot-1 and 190-pounds, Green is not at that much of a size disadvantage against Mims relative to most cornerbacks. Green also plays with a physical, aggressive demeanor that may serve to offset some of the natural size and strength advantages Mims tends to have against opponents.At the top of the screen, Green is in tight press coverage against an isolated Texas Tech wide receiver. Green does not get the strongest jam off at the snap, but he does bat down the wide receiver’s hands and prevent the wide receiver from getting his chest. Doing so allows Green to stay in a tight position without losing much ground when the receiver does try to push off from a weaker point of contact. The wide receiver tries to lean into Green and create some distance with a push off at the route break, but Green hardly falls off the wide receiver. Green quickly recovers from the push and closes on the catch point immediately, knowing that he can attack and be physical because the receiver ran a slant route and the ball has to be out immediately on that route. Green faces almost no chance of arriving early, so he just fires off and gets an arm across the wide receiver’s chest. Maybe Green’s technique, especially at the line of scrimmage, was not quite perfect, but he’s got the right idea in mind. Something to keep in mind on Saturday is that Green is not a cornerback who gets locked into one side of the field. Depending on the matchup or game plan, Green can move to either side of the field and follow the best wide receiver threat. Green even has a handful of snaps out of the slot from a select few matchups. Assuming that trend holds in this matchup, do not expect Mims to escape Green by being moved around the formation. Green may not necessarily follow on every snap, but these two players should be directly facing off plenty of times throughout the day. For now, however, Green is a step behind Mims as a prospect. Unless Mims is suddenly cast as purely a short-area and underneath player in this game, he should be able to beat Green on a few occasions either down the field or with an acrobatic catch near the sideline. Green, while an impressive press cornerback, is going to look worse the further down the field he is targeted. Advantage: Mims) (10-16-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-8
Five possible Lions 2020 draft prospects: Week 6 (Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: An under-the-radar receiving prospect, Mims' production, paired with his size, is generating some early-season buzz. After averaging more than 900 yards and eight touchdowns the past two campaigns, he's taking his game to another level as a senior. Through the Bears first four outings, Mims already has 24 grabs for 355 yards and five scores. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds with long arms, the frame will remind Lions fans of Kenny Golladay. Mims has a good feel for route running, and even when he doesn't get separation, he's shown the ability to make difficult catches in close quarters.) (10-4-19): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/04/five-possible-detroit-lions-2020-draft-prospects-week-6/3838970002/
Big 12: Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, and Kansas State Summer Grades (Denzel Mims is in the mold of many recent Big 12 receivers, as he’s a big-bodied wideout who relies on physical strength to beat opponents rather than speed or quickness. Mims catches the ball well, but he’s a loper with no semblance of burst or ability to truly separate from opponents, which is the primary reason I grade him as a late-round prospect.) (8-31-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-12-summer-grades-tony-pauline/
Big 12 Preview of 2020 NFL Draft: Top prospects loaded with WRs, leading with CeeDee Lamb, Collin Johnson (WR Denzel Mims: Mims is a long-legged strider who gets out of breaks quickly despite his size. He's smooth in his routes, great on comebacks, has soft hands, is incredibly tough to bring down and shows good hand usage to beat press coverage. He's one of the best high-point and contested catchers in college football and is his size and athleticism makes him tough to defend on back-shoulder throws. Mims also gets after it as a blocker, which he'll have to do consistently at the next level. In his previous two seasons, Mims has combined for 116 receptions for 1,881 yards and 16 touchdowns.) (8-20-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/big-12-preview-of-2020-nfl-draft-top-prospects-loaded-with-wrs-leading-with-ceedee-lamb-collin-johnson/
Top-15 2020 NFL Draft WR Rankings (14. Denzel Mims (Baylor) | 6'2/208
A track, star who moonlighted on the hardwood in high school, Mims is something of a post-hype sleeper after taking a backseat to the NFL cameo Jalen Hurd shot in Waco in 2018. Mims should be healthy in 2019 after undergoing hand surgery in the spring. Hopefully all is well, because those hands are his money-makers. Mims bring a bloated catch radius, good speed and impressive body control to his craft.) (7-19-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/top-15-2020-nfl-draft-wr-rankings
Big 12’s Top-25 NFL Draft Prospects: It’s a deep class (7. Mims: Denzel Mims is a budding star and far too disrespected nationally.) (7-30-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-12s-top-25-nfl-draft-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft: Best prospects on each Big 12 team (Baylor Bears: WR Denzel Mims: Denzel Mims has all the tools and ability to be a top-level wide receiver at the next level. He’s in line for a breakout season this year for the Baylor Bears. With his consistently improving technique as a route-runner and his leadership for the Bears in place, Mims is a player I’m keeping an eye on this season. He’s a Senior Bowl candidate player and one that will impress coaches and scouts while down in Mobile.) (7-16-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-top-prospect-on-big-12-team/
Top 50 College Receivers of 2019 (Denzel Mims has a track and basketball background, and it’s easy to see that on tape. He works well in space and can jump with the best of them, making Mims a threat to beat defenders downfield and over the middle. However, Mims is not as consistent as the receivers ranked ahead of him, especially in traffic. I believe Mims can actually improve on that given his size (6’3/205) and athletic ability, but I couldn't justify ranking him higher. If Mims plays to potential, he can be a Day 2 pick next year.)(6-11-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/top-50-college-receivers-2019
Top-15 2020 NFL Draft WR Rankings (14. Denzel Mims (Baylor) | 6'2/208
A track, star who moonlighted on the hardwood in high school, Mims is something of a post-hype sleeper after taking a backseat to the NFL cameo Jalen Hurd shot in Waco in 2018. Mims should be healthy in 2019 after undergoing hand surgery in the spring. Hopefully all is well, because those hands are his money-makers. Mims bring a bloated catch radius, good speed and impressive body control to his craft.) (7-19-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/top-15-2020-nfl-draft-wr-rankings
Big 12’s Top-25 NFL Draft Prospects: It’s a deep class (7. Mims: Denzel Mims is a budding star and far too disrespected nationally.) (7-30-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-12s-top-25-nfl-draft-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft: Best prospects on each Big 12 team (Baylor Bears: WR Denzel Mims: Denzel Mims has all the tools and ability to be a top-level wide receiver at the next level. He’s in line for a breakout season this year for the Baylor Bears. With his consistently improving technique as a route-runner and his leadership for the Bears in place, Mims is a player I’m keeping an eye on this season. He’s a Senior Bowl candidate player and one that will impress coaches and scouts while down in Mobile.) (7-16-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-top-prospect-on-big-12-team/
Top 50 College Receivers of 2019 (Denzel Mims has a track and basketball background, and it’s easy to see that on tape. He works well in space and can jump with the best of them, making Mims a threat to beat defenders downfield and over the middle. However, Mims is not as consistent as the receivers ranked ahead of him, especially in traffic. I believe Mims can actually improve on that given his size (6’3/205) and athletic ability, but I couldn't justify ranking him higher. If Mims plays to potential, he can be a Day 2 pick next year.)(6-11-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/top-50-college-receivers-2019
Scouting Reports:
Michigan Profile: https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/roster/donovan-peoples-jones/19060
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/donovan-peoples-jones?id=32195045-4f60-4060-aa06-be3909ebff80
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/donovan-peoples-jones/WtNFv0qGJk
Draft Profile: Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones: https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/nfl-draft-profile-of-michigan-wr-donovan-peoples-jones
Articles:
What NFL draft mags say about U-M, MSU players (Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR: Lindy’s: No. 17 prospect, fourth round. “Very good player after the catch and as a punt returner … vision in the open field helps him find creases … plays outside and in the slot, excelling at both … strong through contact … good red zone target … capable of tracking deep balls in the air … can be inconsistent and sloppy with his route running … will struggle at times with attacking the football, which can allow passes that should be caught to be broken up … times when he disappears from games.” Athlon: No. 10 prospect, second-third round. “A sturdy underneath receiver with the potential to become something more … dynamic ability with the ball in his hands … strength and twitch to bust through tackles and turn short passes into long gains … he’ll work over the middle … can adjust to the ball downfield and make the difficult catch … gets off clean against press coverage thanks to quick hands … very good as a punt returner … too often lets the ball get into his frame … relied on athleticism more than refined route running.”) (4-19-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/18/nfl-draft-michigan-michigan-state-2020-prospects/5158543002/
2020 NFL draft: Donovan Peoples-Jones scouting report (3-17-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/17/2020-nfl-draft-donovan-peoples-jones-scouting-report/
2020 NFL draft: QB Jalen Hurts lands inside our top 100 (93. Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (6-foot-2, 212 pounds): Yahoo Sports draft grade: 5.77. The lowdown: A better athlete than productive wide receiver, Peoples-Jones is one of the trickier evaluations in the entire class. You see the former 5-star recruit’s flashes on tape, plus the high-end athleticism he displayed at the combine. One could think “first-round prospect.” But his inconsistencies are too hard to ignore with poor receiving production, dropped passes and route running that requires fine-tuning. They don’t make too many more physically impressive specimens at wideout than DPJ, who has good size (including 33 1/2-inch arms and 10 1/2-inch hands), great vertical speed for that size (4.48-second 40) and outstanding explosiveness (stunning vertical- and broad-jump numbers of 44 1/2 and 139 inches, respectively). Here is a 17-year-old Peoples-Jones box-jumping 55 inches like he’s playing hopscotch. Despite being blessed with rare physical traits, he seldom took over games. Peoples-Jones scored three TDs against a bad SMU defense in 2018 and totaled only 11 receiving TDs in his other 36 games. He had three catches — all 20 yards or longer — for 69 yards and a TD against one of the better secondaries in the country. But he also dropped three passes in the game; even slightly rainy conditions can’t excuse that. Some NFL team will want to tap into that elite potential, including his strong punt-return ability, figuring that more consistent QB play and time to develop could make him a later bloomer, a la DeVante Parker in Miami. By the numbers: In 37 college games, Peoples-Jones had only two games with more than six catches and none with more than 90 receiving yards. Interesting fact: Peoples-Jones had a 3.9 GPA in high school at respected Cass Tech, and he entered college saying he wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon after football. Draft range: Peoples-Jones, despite all his questions, will land in the top-100 picks.) (3-9-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-draft-jalen-hurts-lands-inside-our-top-100-231949502.html
TWENTYMAN: 5 pro days to watch this week (3. Michigan, March 13 - Who to watch: Wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones had the kind of week in Indy that makes teams go back to the tape to try and find out why the physical traits didn't lead to more production for the Wolverines. Peoples-Jones recorded a 44.5-inch vertical at the Combine, a half inch off the all-time record. He also had an impressive 11-foot-7 broad jump and ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-2 and 212 pounds. He never had more than 47 receptions, 612 yards or eight touchdowns in a single season at Michigan. A good on-field workout at his pro day to match those combine numbers will go a long way to improving Peoples-Jones' stock among a stacked class of receivers.) (3-8-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-5-pro-days-to-watch-this-week-higgins-simmons-peoples-jones
Redskins should stick with Dwayne Haskins; NFL combine risers (Back in 2015, Peoples-Jones became the first underclassmen to win the Nike Football Ratings Championship with a 149.49 SPARQ score. The five-star recruit was the No. 1 wide receiver in the Class of 2017, per 247Sports, with Tee Higgins and Jerry Jeudy at Nos. 2 and 3. DPJ impressed scouts with his size and explosive athleticism as a big-bodied playmaker at Cass Tech High School in Detroit. At Michigan, Peoples-Jones didn't live up to the hype as a game changer at the position, but he did flash enough playmaking ability to intrigue scouts as a height-weight-speed prospect. The 6-foot-2, 212-pounder amassed over 2,100 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns in three years as a receiver/punt returner for the Wolverines. DPJ bullied smallish defenders on the outside with his size-strength combination, while exhibiting outstanding ball skills and hand-eye coordination. He routinely came down with acrobatic grabs on back-shoulder fades along the sideline and impressed evaluators with his sneaky running skills in the open field. He has a knack for breaking tackles in traffic while also flashing surprising breakaway speed and burst for a big receiver. Peoples-Jones' combination of skills not only makes him an intriguing option as an outside receiver, but NFL coaches have also suggested a potential role as a big slot. "He was a big-time recruit coming out of high school with outstanding talent," an AFC wide receiver coach said. "He has all of the physical tools to be a top receiver, but he didn't put it together at Michigan. If he gets with the right program that allows him to play to his strengths as a player, there's no reason why he shouldn't be a solid starter in the league. "He has the tools, but he needs to know how to use them." Watching Peoples-Jones work out in Indy, it was easy to fall in love with his potential. He is an explosive athlete (4.48 40, 44.5-inch vertical leap, 11-foot-7 broad jump) with soft hands and outstanding ball skills. Although he isn't a polished route runner at this point, Peoples-Jones' potential as a vertical threat and red-zone weapon could make him an enticing option for a team looking to add size to its receiving corps.) (3-6-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001105494/article/redskins-should-stick-with-dwayne-haskins-nfl-combine-risers
Why Donovan Peoples-Jones' stunning athleticism isn't enough to sway NFL teams (3-6-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2020/03/06/michigan-football-donovan-peoples-jones-nfl-combine-draft/4956489002/
Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III didn’t break records but sits alone as fastest in loaded WR class (Peoples-Jones, on the other hand, did it with his 44.5-inch vertical jump. It was the third-best mark ever among receivers and the second-highest since 2006. The Detroit native measured in at 6-foot-2, 212 pounds and with a mid-round grade from Kiper.) (3-2-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/03/alabamas-henry-ruggs-iii-didnt-break-records-but-sits-alone-as-fastest-in-loaded-wr-class.html
Notes Delpit opinions vary, more (Coming into the week, I singled out Florida State running back Cam Akers and Michigan wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones as a couple of skill players who could impress and rise. Akers certainly improved his stock. He has joined that top tier of running backs that should be taken on Day 2. Peoples-Jones was very impressive as well. He nearly jumped out of the building after running a 4.48 40-yard dash.) (3-2-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-combine-2020-notes-xavier-mckinney-over-grant-delpit-two-offensive-linemen-on-the-rise-and-more/
3 Takeaways from 2020 NFL Combine (Michigan's Donovan Peoples-Jones impressed many with his workout at the Combine.) (3-2-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/three-takeaways-from-2020-nfl-combine-for-detroit-lions
2020 NFL Combine Stock Report: Running Backs (Risers - 5. Donovan Peoples-Jones - Posted 99th percentile jumps (44.5 vert, 139 broad) at 212 lbs.) (2-28+20): https://walterfootball.com/combine2020stockRB.php
Soft-spoken Donovan Peoples-Jones lets drills do the talking at NFL Combine (2-28-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/2020/02/28/soft-spoken-donovan-peoples-jones-lets-drills-do-talking-nfl-combine/4906575002/
2020 NFL Combine winners: Wide receivers (Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan, 6-1.5, 212: Peoples-Jones measured out as the top wide receiver at both jumping drills. His 11-7 broad jump was incredibly impressive, but Peoples-Jones’ 44.5″ vertical jump was the second-best since 2006, third-best in NFL Combine history among the wide receivers group, and tied for seventh-best in NFL Combine history regardless of position.) (2-28-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/28/2020-nfl-combine-winners-wide-receivers/
NFL Combine Winners and Losers: Wide Receivers (Winners - WR Donovan Peoples-Jones: With a vertical jump recorded at 44.5-inches and a 40-yard dash timed at 4.48 seconds, Peoples-Jones impressed many with his workout at the Combine. Peoples-Jones struggled with an injury in his junior year at Michigan. He recorded 34 receptions, 438 yards, and six touchdowns in his final year for the Wolverines. ) (2-28-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/2020-nfl-combine-winners-and-losers-wide-receivers
2020 NFL combine: Winners and losers from receiver and tight end drills; Denzel Mims and Chase Claypool shine (Winners - Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan. If you were wondering if DPJ could dunk, the answer is yes. At right under 6-foot-2, the former top recruit almost scraped the top of Lucas Oil Stadium with a 44.5-inch vertical, and his 139-inch broad jump tied for the longest among all receivers. We now know Peoples-Jones will enter the NFL as one of the most explosive receivers in the league.) (2-28-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-winners-and-losers-from-receiver-and-tight-end-drills-denzel-mims-and-chase-claypool-shine/
Donovan Peoples-Jones Puts Up The Top Jumps At The Combine (2-28-20): https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/02/28/donovan-peoples-jones-puts-up-the-top-jumps-at-the-combine/
NFL Combine Thursday Highlights (Michigan's Donovan Peoples-Jones was far from slow with his 4.48 second time, but it was with his jumps that the wideout really impressed on Thursday. Peoples-Jones was able to put up a sensational 44.5 inch vertical on Thursday that was easily the top score of anyone regardless of position. In fact, that's the best vertical since Chris Conley's 45" recording in 2015, and the second best since 2006. The 6-foot-2, 212-pounder also had the best broad jump of the day with a 139-inch result. It's never been a question of talent with Peoples-Jones, but the production -- in large part because of injuries -- hasn't always been there. Thursday was a friendly reminder of what he's capable of.) (2-28-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/nfl-combine-thursday-highlights
Winners and losers from Thursday's scouting combine drills (Winners - Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan: The combine worked out very well for Peoples-Jones, who caught 103 passes for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns over three years for the Wolverines in a limited passing offense. While he struggled to gain separation on the field, Peoples-Jones set himself apart with his measurements on this field. This won’t eliminate the questions about his game tape, but it’ll have people talking more about him as more than a career backup.) (2-28-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/27/winners-and-losers-from-thursdays-scouting-combine-drills/
Lions in lovely spot with 2020 NFL Draft a 'beauty contest' for receivers (On the second day of the draft, the Lions again have a wealth of choices, including a couple of local products in KJ Hamler and Donovan Peoples-Jones. Peoples-Jones, a Detroit native who spent the past three years at the University of Michigan, didn't hide his excitement about the opportunity to play for the Lions. "The Lions, growing up there, going to Michigan, maybe if I went to Detroit, that would mean everything," Peoples-Jones said. "I love the Lions, I love everything about the Lions." ) (2-25-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/25/detroit-lions-lovely-spot-2020-nfl-draft-a-beauty-contest-receivers/4870519002/
Donovan Peoples-Jones: 'It would mean everything to me' to join the Lions (2-25-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/25/donovan-peoples-jones-2020-combine-detroit-lions/
WR, TE weigh-in: Higgins impresses (Winners - Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan. Peoples-Jones is a player who could really improve his stock this week. He is incredibly long and his wingspan is impressive for someone of his size. He should run well later this week as well.) (2-24-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-tee-higgins-impressive-gronk-comparisons-continue-for-cole-kmet-as-wrs-tes-get-measured/
Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones’ NFL draft stock takes a dive (2-20-20): https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2020/02/michigan-wr-donovan-peoples-jones-nfl-draft-stock-takes-a-dive.html
2020 NFL Combine: Wide Receiver Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (21. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan 6-2, 208 (4) - NFL Combine What Matters: He’s got all the ability for an NFL team to fall in love, but the production was never there. Big, really fast, really smart, and with good enough hands, there’s a shot he turns into a good pro after a somewhat disappointing Michigan career. However, he’s not shifty enough and he wasn’t able to turn into a special playmaker considering his potential and skills.) (2-20-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-wide-receiver-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
13 NFL draft prospects with something to prove at combine (Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan: One of the most touted recruits to sign with Michigan in the last several years, Peoples-Jones didn't make quite the impact many expected of the former five-star prospect. Though the blame for the shortage of production doesn't rest fully with him given the caliber of the Wolverines' quarterback play, the 6-2, 208-pound target has to build a case at the combine that he's capable of more than his résumé shows. And unless he flashes more explosiveness, he might be saddled with the possession receiver label.) (2-19-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/19/nfl-draft-2020-combine-players-prove-jordan-love-laviska-shenault/4798364002/
Draft WR rankings: Lamb headlines list (Tier 3 - 12. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan, 82: Peoples-Jones is a tall wideout with good build who can really run for his size and has a flair for making the outrageous diving grab. While he appears to be a high-caliber athlete, he's not deft at creating separation and is more of a build-up speed receiver than a dynamic accelerator. He was the No. 1 receiver recruit in the nation (ahead of Higgins and Jeudy) in the class of 2017 but never really lived up to the hype at Michigan.) (2-13-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-receiver-rankings-ceedee-lamb-at-no-1-in-absolutely-stacked-pass-catcher-group/
Back to the Future: Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft (9. Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan: My fellow draft analyst Matt Valdovinos is a big fan of Donovan Peoples-Jones, and I had to see why for myself. The guy can play, and he really should be getting more buzz than he is getting right now. This guy has robust athletic tools to work with at the next level. Peoples-Jones combines his deep speed and big-play ability with good footwork and an expansive release set that allows him to win deep and then stack the cornerback. He has fantastic hands and body control, so those back shoulder fades are money with him. And most importantly to me, I liked the hip sink and ability to separate he showed on tape. He has a lot of wonderful things on tape that make me think he is going to be extremely solid. There are some downsides to his game, especially his lack of physicality, and he needs work against press coverage, but he is a guy being slept on right now.) (2-8-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-the-future-top-10-wide-receivers-in-the-2020-nfl-draft/
Eleven Michigan football players earn NFL combine invites (Intrigue also remains around Ruiz and Peoples-Jones, a pair of underclassmen who forfeited their final year of eligibility to enter the draft. Ruiz is considered a smart, athletic center, while Peoples-Jones’ athleticism (keep in mind, he was a former five-star recruit) makes him a potential fit in the NFL.) (2-7-20): https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2020/02/eleven-michigan-football-players-earn-nfl-combine-invites.html
Post 2020 Senior Bowl Notebook (On personal rankings, I’m higher than most draft media on these players: Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones. Top-level athlete. Not a draftable talent at wide receiver to me. He could make up for that as a return specialist.) (1-29-20): https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3246/Post-2020-Senior-Bowl-Notebook
Evaluating declaration decisions (WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (Michigan): Peoples-Jones is electric with the ball in his hands. There is always a chance that he takes it to the house. He also has great body control and has cleaned up his footwork at the snap from a year ago. His stock will likely be elevated at the NFL combine when he gets to show off his athletic traits. NFL Draft projection: Day 2 pick) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-sizing-up-early-declaration-decisions-of-tua-fromm-eason-and-more-key-prospects/
WR prospect reset: Stock up and down (Likely to be forgotten until the combine - Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan: I have a feeling Peoples-Jones is going to go earlier than people expect. He never lived up to the top-recruit hype at Michigan but is probably going to test pretty darn well at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds with athleticism that does show up on film as a route-runner. Consistency evaded him in college, but he runs like a deer and flashed polished ball-tracking capabilities in college.) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-prospect-reset-whose-stock-is-up-and-down-who-needs-big-senior-bowl-and-combine-and-more/
Looking at 10 potential fits between Michigan players, Detroit Lions in 2020 draft (WR Donovan Peoples-Jones: Donovan Peoples-Jones turned in three up and down seasons in Ann Arbor but officially threw his name into the draft after Michigan’s loss in the Citrus Bowl. The Detroit native caught 34 passes for 438 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games this season. Peoples-Jones caught 47 balls for 612 yards with eight touchdowns last year as a sophomore. The 6-foot-2, 208-pound receiver is a former five-star recruit and also has experience as a punt returner. Danny Amendola is a pending free agent in Detroit, while Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay are under team control through next season. The Lions spent a sixth-round pick on Travis Fulgham last year, and he was credited with no catches and two drops on three targets as a rookie. Marvin Hall remains under team control through 2020, while Chris Lacy is locked up through 2021. Peoples-Jones is an intriguing prospect with a desirable combination of length and athleticism, not to mention experience on special teams.) (1-9-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/looking-at-10-potential-fits-between-michigan-players-detroit-lions-in-2020-draft.html
Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones declares for 2020 NFL draft (1-4-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/04/2020-nfl-draft-donovan-peoples-jones-michigan-declares/
Michigan Football Grades Citrus Bowl Alabama (Wide Receiver: C-. Donovan Peoples-Jones and Nico Collins both have to decide within the next 18 days on if they are going to the NFL or returning to Michigan for their senior year. Collins played well with four catches for 48 yards, but Peoples-Jones only could get one catch for 34 yards. That kind of performance won’t help his draft stock if he plans on declaring for the NFL.) (1-2-20): https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/02/michigan-football-grades-vrbo-citrus-bowl-alabama/
Citrus Bowl Preview: Top 14, 2020 draft prospects from Michigan (Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, 6-2, 211, #9, junior: Peoples-Jones gets most of the national love because of his dynamic athleticism but his evaluations are all over the map. Some analysts like ESPN’s Todd McShay and Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller view him as a potential first-rounder, while Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling a⁷nd The Athletic’s Dan Brugler see him as more of a potential third-rounder. Peoples-Jones would check off a lot of boxes for the Lions. He can play outside and in, is a vertical threat, tracks the ball well, has NFL level acceleration, can high point and win the 50/50 ball, is a strong open-field runner, and a reliable punt returner. But, he needs to improve his catch point, letting the ball get into his body too often.) (1-1-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/01/citrus-bowl-preview-top-14-2020-draft-prospects-from-michigan/
Draft prospects in the the Citrus Bowl (Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR: Peoples-Jones has great athleticism and has been really effective in the past two years. There is more to pull from his game though. His footwork at the snap can improve as well. He can be used in a variety of ways as well from returning punts as a freshman to jet sweeps, screens and more. ) (12-31-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/citrus-bowl-time-tv-channel-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-michigan-vs-alabama/
Which Michigan prospects will leave early for the 2020 NFL draft? (WR Donovan Peoples-Jones – Leaves: The other star wide receiver getting attention is Donovan Peoples-Jones. Peoples-Jones had a slow start at Michigan during his freshman year, but in 2018 he broke out and had another good year this season. While his numbers aren’t impressive to receive a first-round grade, if he can do well at the combine, he could see himself as a second-round pick. In his three years at Michigan, Peoples-Jones has 102 catches for 1,293 yards with 14 touchdowns, along with 88 punt returns for 745 yards and two touchdowns. Peoples-Jones made some spectacular catches this season and his potential alone is the reason why he could declare.) (12-27-19): https://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/26/michigan-football-predicting-2020-returns/
Draft Wire's latest mock draft pairs Lions with Donovan Peoples-Jones in 3rd round (12-14-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/14/draft-wire-detroit-lions-mock-draft-donovan-peoples-jones/
13 NFL draft sleepers to watch during bowl season (Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones: A Citrus Bowl matchup that could have been heavy on NFL draft talent might end up lacking in the star department, depending on whether Alabama and Michigan's top players decide to sit out the game to avoid injury risk. Peoples-Jones hasn't announced his intention, but the former five-star recruit could use the game as a stage to display his tantalizing tools after being hobbled by a foot injury early in the year and finishing just third on the team in receiving yards (404). And though returning to school could help stabilize his stock if he's able to string together more consistency and production, there are no guarantees that a passing attack that also limited fellow receivers Nico Collins and Tarik Black will take a significant step forward.) (12-12-19): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/12/12/nfl-draft-2020-college-bowl-season-sleepers-detroit-lions/4407952002/
College Football Week 14: 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Notes (Stock Down - WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan: Shea Patterson kept pumping DPJ targets, and the junior receiver continually came up small. He brought in three passes for 69 yards and a touchdown on the day. That doesn’t sound too bad until you realize he was targeted 12 times, dropped three passes and didn’t catch a single one of his four contested targets. For a player whose production was already a serious question mark, given that he's managed only 409 yards on the year, this performance isn’t going to help.) (12-4-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-14-2020-nfl-draft-scouting-notes
NFL draft winners and losers: Auburn's Derrick Brown shows he's an elite prospect (Stock down: Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones: It’s hard to draw them up much better than DPJ, who looks like an NFL receiver when he moves. The talent is undeniable, as are the smarts — he’s a great student who has talked about pursuing medicine down the road. Peoples-Jones, however, is a massive tease as a prospect, and the OSU game was a clear indication of that. He was an effective blocker in this game when asked. But Peoples-Jones also was targeted 12 times Saturday and came away with only three catches — with at least three drops. Sure, one was a TD, but that inconsistency drives scouts batty. He has first-round talent but fourth- or fifth-round tape. Tough evaluation.) (12-2-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-auburns-derrick-brown-enters-elite-territory-183831449.html
Back to the Future: Okudah vs. Peoples-Jones leads list of CFB matchups to watch (Matchup to Watch: Ohio State CB Jeffrey Okudah vs. Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones: This seems like one of those matchups that everyone is looking forward to at this moment, and it is not just draftniks that are highlighting this matchup. Jeffrey Okudah has made a name for himself as perhaps the best cornerback in all of college football while Donovan Peoples-Jones is a former highly touted recruit and widely known receiver, even in Michigan’s loaded receiving corps. Okudah is at this point a consensus top ten player on many big boards while Peoples-Jones has slid into the background and become somewhat of a sleeper in the draft analyst world. That does not mean he should be a sleeper, though, especially in such a deep wide receiver corps such as Michigan, Peoples-Jones might be the best out of all of them. And Okudah, who has two great running mates in Damon Arnette and Shaun Wade, is probably the best out of them as well. For Okudah, it is plays like that which make him so good. He follows the rollout in pursuit of the play flow to the short side of the field, but the click and close on this route are fantastic. Okudah reads it right away and is in a terrific position to jump this crosser over the middle of the field because he reads this right away due to the route combination. Simply staying in the hip pocket and making the interception is the icing on top of it all. This is a peak Okudah play. He keeps his hips disciplined and mirrors every move this wide receiver makes and funnels him up to some help he has in the deep half of the field. That still does not deter him from staying right in the hip pocket here and making a great play the catch point, though. Okudah plays at the high point of the pass and plays through the receiver’s hands, getting the ball out as a result. On the opposite end, there is a big reason why Donovan Peoples-Jones has gained his following in the draft community. A big reason is that Peoples-Jones has good size, but more so, his releases and footwork are top-notch. On the outside here, Peoples-Jones eats up the corner’s cushion and gets on his toes to then makes a smooth cut toward the outside to gain the leverage. He then stacks the cornerback, and from there, all he has to do is break a tackle for an easy touchdown. Similar play, but this is a one-on-one play in the end zone on a fade, and all Peoples-Jones has to open up here is a window for this ball to be fired in. He eats up that cushion and gets the back-shoulder window once he cuts outside. But his ability to eat up the cushion meant the cornerback had to respect the skinny post, and Peoples-Jones does a great job to open up this window. Thus, a great process to get this touchdown.) (11-30-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-the-future-okudah-vs-peoples-jones-leads-list-of-cfb-matchups-to-watch-in-week-14/
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 14 (Peoples-Jones won’t necessarily be the type of receiver to threaten Okudah vertically like that, though. Peoples-Jones, being as he is a tweener between the slot and outside alignment, is more of a chain-mover than he is an explosive play generator. Rather than sheer speed or lightning quickness, Peoples-Jones wins more through physicality through his routes and his ability to adjust to the ball. Slants, curls, 10-yard outs, fades, and crossers make up the majority of Peoples-Jones’ route tree. Though he does have some decent ability to snap off his routes at the top, he more regularly wins by not giving up his frame at the line of scrimmage and being able to use his 6-foot-2, 208-pound frame to shield defenders off the ball. Fighting over the ball in the air is where these two will likely duke it out, assuming Okudah allows himself to be targeted in this matchup at all. While Peoples-Jones does do a fine job of shielding from defenders and stretching out to make acrobatic catches, only a few players in the country can match Okudah’s ball skills. As far as cornerbacks go, it may just be LSU’s Derek Stingley who can compare to Okudah’s ability to locate and get a hand on the ball in the air from any position. Okudah is the clear favorite in this matchup. Peoples-Jones is fighting to earn himself a top-100 draft slot, while Okudah may go as high as the top-5 assuming the NFL Combine and interview process goes well for him. Advantage: Okudah) (11-27-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-14
Six From Saturday: Justin Herbert’s Flaws on Display in Loss to Arizona State (5. Michigan’s receivers—in particular, Nico Collins—have come to life the last few weeks and will be on the NFL’s radar. Donovan Peoples-Jones is another, despite middling production in his three years in Ann Arbor. He’s a freak athlete, and he graduates in December, which will make the junior eligible to play in an all-star game and showcase what he can do physically.) (11-26-19): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/11/26/justin-herbert-joe-burrow-2020-nfl-draft-six-from-saturday
Michigan football's Donovan Peoples-Jones suits up vs. Wisconsin (9-21-19): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2019/09/21/michigan-football-donovan-peoples-jones-injury/2400851001/
Michigan without Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tru Wilson vs. Army (9-7-19): https://www.mlive.com/wolverines/2019/09/michigan-without-donovan-peoples-jones-tru-wilson-vs-army.html
Michigan's star receiver Donovan People-Jones out for season opener (He had a walking boot on his right foot) (8-31-19): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2019/08/31/michigan-football-donovan-peoples-jones-injury/2182525001/
NFL Draft: Michigan’s dangerous triple-threat at wide receiver (Donovan Peoples-Jones: Donovan Peoples-Jones (DPJ) is currently the best player in this trio. He has solid size standing at 6’2 and and weighing in at 208 pounds. With excellent athletic ability, he’s a YAC monster and a threat as a returner. He also possesses excellent hands and body control, making him a positive in contested catch situations. On top of everything, he’s a very intelligent football player. He finds his way back to the quarterback on broken plays, and he’s a very willing blocker. His blocking technique could really use some work, as could his route running. He varies his releases and creates separation but can get lazy running his routes and has a tendency to curve the top breaks of his routes. The physical profile matches that of dominant NFL receivers, but the production leaves much to be desired. It’s difficult to blame this on DPJ because he’s dealt with sub-par quarterback play and the offense has a featured a heavy dose of running the football. However, he’s still been the most productive receiver on the team. A jump in production this season could be exactly what DPJ needs to become one of the best receivers in this class. Donovan Peoples-Jones is currently my fifth ranked wide receiver for the 2020 NFL Draft.) (8-31-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/triple-threat-nfl-draft-michigan-receiving-trio/
2020 NFL Draft: From Jerry Jeudy to CeeDee Lamb to sleepers, 14 wide receivers to keep your eyes on (Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan (NFL comparison: Jordan Matthews): Just ahead of Jeudy and Higgins, Peoples-Jones was the No. 1 receiver recruit in the country in the 2017 class, per 247 Sports. And while he hasn't risen as astronomically as the No. 2 and No. 3 wideouts in that class, he's certainly on the draft radar heading into his true junior season. Though DPJ only accounted for 21.8 percent of Michigan's receiving yards in 2018, he flashed the natural hands, deceptive long speed, and especially excellent body control, all of which were likely major parts of why he was such a highly touted recruit. From a skill standpoint, did Peoples-Jones improve as a wideout from his freshman season? I didn't see a major jump, but that could be coming in 2019, as his statistics did get noticeably better from 2017 to 2018. His releases are good, not great. More power in his upper body and nuance when swiping cornerback's hands away would allow him to take the next step as a wideout. With big-bodied teammate Nico Collins -- Michigan's leading receiver last season -- still in the mix, Peoples-Jones is unlikely to be the program's clear-cut No. 1. But at a sleek 6-2 and 208 pounds with smooth hips and above-average speed for his size, DPJ has the makings of a riser during the pre-draft process.) (8-20-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-from-jerry-jeudy-to-ceedee-lamb-to-sleepers-14-wide-receivers-to-keep-your-eyes-on/
Big Ten Preview of the 2020 NFL Draft: Buckeyes continue to churn out first-round talent post-Urban Meyer (Receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones will look to improve his draft stock in 2019 after catching 47 passes for 612 yards and eight touchdowns last year while averaging 13 yards per catch.) (8-15-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/big-ten-preview-of-the-2020-nfl-draft-buckeyes-continue-to-churn-out-first-round-talent-post-urban-meyer/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Receivers (Donovan Peoples-Jones (Michigan, JR) - Day 2 Proj. - Athleticism/Size: Donovan Peoples-Jones (6’2/214) is going to test well, especially in weight-adjusted speed. In high school, DPJ ran a 4.45 forty and had a 106 speed score, good for a 90th percentile score among NFL-caliber high school recruits. He also had a sweet dunk over three people years ago (video) and was easily able to reach 52-inches on a box jump (video). Peoples-Jones looks incredibly strong, too. Production: Donovan Peoples-Jones was moderately involved as a freshman (22 catches and 227 yards) and was a little more productive as a sophomore last year (47-612-8). His market share numbers do look better than his total production, but it would still be nice to see a big 2019 campaign. However, that may prove to be difficult with prospects Nico Collins and Tarik Black stealing looks. I project Peoples-Jones for 53 receptions, 692 yards, and six touchdowns in 2019. A season like that would make his analytical profile weaker than other prospects I project for Day 2 selections. Efficiency/Usage: Per PFF, Donovan Peoples-Jones played 60% of his snaps outside, but he was slightly more efficient in the slot (see table below). As you’d expect from his slot/outside splits, Peoples-Jones was more productive underneath. He averaged 10.2 yards on targets 1-19 yards beyond the line of scrimmage, compared to 8.3 yards per target on deep shots. 20+ yard targets are usually more efficient, so it’s something to watch for in 2019. Overall, Peoples-Jones looks like an athletic, starting-caliber slot or outside receiver who has an outside chance of becoming an NFL team’s WR1.) (7-28-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/2020-nfl-draft-stock-receivers?page=0
Top-15 2020 NFL Draft WR Rankings (15. Donovan Peoples-Jones (Michigan) | 6'1/208: A ballyhooed five-star recruit out of Detroit, Peoples-Jones was a Michigan football folk hero before he ever stepped on the field for the Michigan Wolverines. But Peoples-Jones thoroughly underwhelmed as a freshman after Tarik Black went down with an injury, failing to provide Michigan’s sputtering aerial attack with a much-needed WR1. After proving too raw to make a difference as a true freshman, Peoples-Jones bounced back in a big way as Shea Patterson’s go-to receiver in 2018. He’s a slick athlete with feet sharp enough to cut defensive backs in the open field after the catch. In 2019, we’ll find out if Peoples-Jones is more than the Rashan Gary of receivers – he’s got the physical talent, now he has to stop disappearing for stretches. A part of that will involve embracing the idea that football is a tackle sport.) (7-19-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/top-15-2020-nfl-draft-wr-rankings
Top 50 College Receivers of 2019 (33. Peoples-Jones: Donovan Peoples-Jones is an interesting player. Sometimes he’ll line up in the slot, but he also finished towards the top of the list in percentage of targets downfield. Perhaps there’s an identity issue. Perhaps Peoples-Jones is just pretty good at everything but hasn’t developed an elite go-to move. With Michigan’s offense expected to incorporate more spread concepts, I’m expecting Peoples-Jones to have a much-improved season, but he’s very much a projection.)(6-11-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/top-50-college-receivers-2019
Scouting Reports:
USC Profile: https://usctrojans.com/sports/football/roster/michael-pittman-jr-/10501
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/michael-pittman?id=32195049-5422-8050-a8f8-f5210135a4b3
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/michael-pittman-jr/QByEvli1ih
2020 NFL draft: Michael Pittman, Jr. scouting report: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/09/2020-nfl-draft-michael-pittman-jr-scouting-report/
Articles:
Which '20 draft prospect is everyone wrong about? (Two offensive players who should be higher on draft boards - The second guy who has been underrated this spring is USC receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Anyone who doesn't think Pittman is a first-round pick is wrong. This kid is a beast -- 101 catches for 1,275 yards and 11 TDs in 13 starts last season -- and has the pedigree. Thanks to his family's history in the NFL, Pittman Jr. knows what it takes to make an impact and conducts himself as a pro.) (42-23-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001110601/article/2020-nfl-draft-which-prospect-is-everyone-wrong-about-for-better-or-worse
2020 NFL Draft News and Rumors from Tony Pauline (Underrated – Michael Pittman Jr./WR/USC: One team has Pittman graded as a top-15 player on their draft board. He was a terrific pass catcher on the college field, and his Scouting Combine workout surprised everyone. And while Pittman is not expected to land in round one, most feel he’ll be off the board early in the second frame.) (4-22-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-news-rumors-tony-pauline/
Michael Pittman Jr. Can't Catch a Pass (4-20-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/04/20/michael-pittman-jr-coronavirus-2020-draft
Why Mel Kiper says these 6 players are his favorites from the 2020 NFL Draft class (3. Wide receiver: Michael Pittman Jr., USC (Projected: No. 56 pick to the Dolphins): “This kid’s 6-[foot]-4, 220 pounds, ran 4.52 [in the 40-yard dash] at the combine, which was better than people thought. He’s a route-runner, he catches everything, he’s got a catch radius.”) (4-20-20): https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/04/nfl-draft-top-prospects-mel-kiper-espn
2020 NFL Draft: PFF's High-Floor/Low-Ceiling Team (WR – MICHAEL PITTMAN JR., USC: Blending advanced route-running with plus physical tools is a recipe for success in the NFL. Pittman’s 6.96 3-cone at 223 pounds is damn good, and it shows up again and again on tape with his ability to cut on dimes. Physicality, catch radius and suddenness like that is a high-floor trio.) (4-17-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-pffs-high-floor-low-ceiling-team
Potential Successors for Lions WR Marvin Jones in the 2020 NFL Draft (Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC: Pittman, yet another large wideout, has above average quickness -- especially for a player of his size. He has a developed route tree, and is a player who is almost always open due to his catch radius. He has soft, reliable hands, too. On top of all that, he is known as a high-character individual who could also provide plenty of special teams value -- should he wait his turn for offensive snaps. This is a player I could see the Lions highly coveting.) (4-15-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/potential-successors-for-detroit-lions-wide-receiver-marvin-jones-in-the-2020-nfl-draft
2020 NFL Draft: 10 prospects who won't get picked high enough (WR MICHAEL PITTMAN JR., USC: Among those to creep up the PFF draft board is Pittman, who has played his way, in our opinions, to a first-round grade largely because of his near-perfect ball skills. The 6-foot-4 Pittman has dropped just 2.8% of his career catchable targets, owns an insane catch radius and can adjust to any off-target throw to snag what would typically be an incomplete pass. His route-running is impressive for his size, too. Pittman’s Combine testing was just the icing on the cake — running a 1.51-second 10-yard split and 4.52-second 40-yard at 6-foot-4, 223 pounds is not too shabby.) (4-10-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-2020-nfl-draft-10-prospects-who-wont-get-picked-high-enough
Touchdown Wire's 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 offensive players (18. Michael Pittman, WR, USC: Pittman is a receiver who might be flying under the draft radar right now but perhaps not for much longer. He got the benefit of playing is pass-heavy offense, but the traits he displays as a WR are going to turn heads in scouting departments. He attacks the football at the high point, adjusts very well to the ball in flight and makes almost violent cuts on his routes, particularly on curls, comebacks and hitches. He also tracks the ball extremely well in flight, making him a threat in the vertical passing game. Pittman is not the biggest threat after the catch, and was used almost exclusively on the left side of the offense which might make for a big of an adjustment, but he has solid tools that translate well to the pro game.) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-offensive-players/
2020 NFL Draft: Wide receiver value outside of round one (Michael Pittman, Jr. (Projection: Third round, 2019 Stats: 101 receptions, 1,275 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns): Michael Pittman, Jr., the son of a former NFL running back, is an intriguing prospect that could be a great value in the draft. He is a big-bodied player, possessing a great combination of length and size. He has plus ball skills, runs a great route tree, and oozes red zone potential due to his ability to box out defenders. His outstanding catch radius is attractive, as is his ability and willingness as a blocker. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Pittman ran an official 4.52 40-yard dash time. The clip below will show how Michael Pittman Jr. excels in the red zone. There are some weaknesses in Pittman’s game, however, which is why he will not be selected in the first or second round. His speed and ability to accelerate are quite pedestrian. His lack of upper-echelon speed limits his ability to create separation and create yards after the catch. Overall, there is a lot to like about Pittman’s game. His NFL pedigree, ability to be coached, and approach to the game make him an intriguing prospect. Teams that are looking for a receiver with size and ability to contribute immediately will be fans of Pittman. It is likely that he will hear his name called early in the third round of the 2020 Draft.) (4-1-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tremendous-value-at-wide-receiver-2020-nfl-draft/
If Lions go for Jeff Okudah, here are 10 second-round options that make sense (Michael Pittman, WR, USC: A big-bodied outside receiver, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Pittman isn't going to do a lot of damage on deep balls, but he's an efficient intermediate option who runs good routes and uses his frame to maximize his opportunities. Pittman caught 101 passes last season, hauling in better than 75 percent of the balls thrown in his direction, while dropping just five. He also forced more than a dozen missed tackles. And at his size, you know you're going to get better than average blocking on the perimeter.) (3-31-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/31/if-detroit-lions-go-jeff-okudah-here-10-second-round-options-make-sense/5087218002/
Breaking down the talented second tier of wide receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft class (THE BIG DOGS - Michael Pittman Jr., USC: Pittman is my bet for this year’s most overthought prospect. You can chase high-end athletic tools all you want, but give me guys like Pittman who know the receiver position like the back of their hand. He can not only separate on the underneath and intermediate route trees, but Pittman is terrific at using his size to stack cornerbacks down the football field. In terms of completeness at the receiver position, Pittman is right up there with anyone in the draft class. What really separates him are his hands. He’s dropped only five passes on 176 catchable targets in his career.) (3-16-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-breaking-down-2020-nfl-draft-class-talented-second-tier-wide-receivers
2020 NFL draft: QB Jake Fromm, despite his flaws, cracks our top 70 rankings (66. USC WR Michael Pittman Jr. (6-foot-4, 223 pounds): Yahoo Sports draft grade: 5.84. The lowdown: The son of former NFL running back Michael Pittman has carved out his own path to the NFL as a receiver prospect following a dominant senior season. Pittman cut his teeth early in his career on special teams while working his way up the depth chart. His development was slowed in part by a serious ankle sprain as a sophomore and a shoulder injury in 2018 as a junior that caused him to miss two games. Pittman put it all together in his senior season — despite three quarterbacks seeing extensive action — catching 101 passes for 1,275 yards (a 12.6-yard average) and 11 TDs in 13 games, highlighted by a showcase performance against a very good Utah defense. Despite starting QB Kedon Slovis getting hurt on the second play from scrimmage that night, Pittman hauled in 10 passes for 232 yards and a 77-yard score. Pittman possesses good hands (five drops on 254 career targets), strong route-running skills, a good understanding of spacing, physicality and the ability to bring down contested catches. USC used Pittman on a variety of routes — short, medium and long — and he found ways to make plays all over the field. He excelled on post-corner routes and was very effective on fade routes and skinny posts, or “glance” routes. Perhaps leaning on his father’s DNA as a former running back, Pittman also is a strong runner after the catch, seemingly breaking multiple tackles every game last season. His play speed is a question, and Pittman appeared to lack an extra gear in the open field and wasn’t able to run past a lot of defensive backs in college. But he ran a good 40 (4.52 seconds) and 3-cone drill (6.96 seconds) at the combine. Over the past 20 years, only 41 wide receivers 220 pounds or heavier ran a sub-4.55 40 and a sub-7 3-cone; nearly 40 percent of those players were picked in the first 65 selections. His injury concerns must be vetted, and he might always be considered a possession receiver. Pittman, who turns 23 in October, should provide an immediate impact on his NFL team, provided he’s not asked to play outside of his strengths. He also brings the potential to be a gunner or jammer on special-teams coverage units, on a “hands team” and also possibly as a returner (three punt returns for 100 yards, and a 78-yard TD in 2017). By the numbers: Pittman caught four or more passes in every game in 2019, surpassing the 104-yard mark on five separate occasions. Interesting fact: Pittman suffered through a stutter as a child, which caused him anxiety at the time, but he worked through it. From first through sixth grade, Pittman left his regular classes to attend speech therapy. “I guess you could say it was embarrassing at the time, because you're getting kids looking at you and wondering what’s wrong with you,” Pittman told Yahoo Sports at the Senior Bowl. “But I had to do it. I knew I had to. I’d try to come up with words and just couldn’t make my mouth move how I wanted.” And now? “Mostly no problem now,” he said. “The [therapy] worked, I think. Every now and then I have a moment or something, but I can usually get through it. I’ve tried to talk a lot [in front of media] just to work through those little moments.” Draft range: Round 2) (3-12-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-draft-qb-jake-fromm-despite-his-flaws-cracks-our-top-70-rankings-031636688.html
2020 NFL Draft: Landing spots for PFF’s top 15 WR prospects (MICHAEL PITTMAN JR., USC – NEW YORK GIANTS (ROUND 2, PICK 36): First and foremost, the Giants' receiving unit performed a lot better than we all thought in 2019. Despite missing some time, Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate and Darius Slayton all produced PFF grades above 70.0. That being said, there is still room for improvement, particularly on the outside, where the Giants ranked 23rd in receiving grade and 27th in expected points added per target. Michael Pittman Jr. would plug that hole right up and is exactly who the Giants should take at Pick 36. At 6-foot-4, Pittman owns a massive catch radius and has some surefire hands — he dropped only five of his 176 catchable targets in his career at USC. His route running was elite for his size and well refined. Let’s not forget Pittman destroyed the Combine with a 4.52 40-yard, 4.14 20-yard shuttle and 3.96 three-cone too. We should take the Combine with a grain of salt, but it verifies his athleticism, which we saw with his route-running on the field.) (3-11-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-landing-spots-pff-top-15-wr-prospects
Building an NFL receiving corps with 2020 NFL Draft class' top prospects (Michael Pittman, USC (Red-zone threat): Entering the draft after accruing a career contested-catch rate of 44.4%, Michael Pittman Jr. has all the makings of a red-zone weapon. At 6-foot-4 with 32 1/2-inch arms, Pittman hauled in 101 receptions on 133 targets in 2019, and his wicked wingspan helped him earn him a PFF career receiving grade of 90.6 on passes that traveled at least 20 yards downfield. Like a true power forward, Pittman displayed great body control to adjust on imperfect passes. He is able to stack smaller defenders on vertical routes, where he regularly dominated at the catch point. Pittman isn’t much of a yards-after-the-catch guy, but ring him up on the back-shoulder fade.) (3-9-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-building-an-nfl-receiving-corps-with-2020-nfl-draft-class-top-prospects
2020 NFL Draft: Player comps for PFF's top wide receivers and tight ends (MICHAEL PITTMAN JR.: ALSHON JEFFERY: To get by without separation ability down the football field in today’s NFL, you better be pretty darn good at everything else. Both Pittman and Jeffery fall into this category. Pittman said at the Senior Bowl that even when he’s not open, he’s open. Both share that contested catch ability and both use their physicality to separate underneath and at the intermediate range.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-2020-nfl-draft-player-comps-for-pffs-top-wide-receivers-and-tight-ends
2020 NFL Scouting Combine: Risers and fallers from the QB, WR and TE drills (Risers - WR Michael Pittman: You don't often see a 6-foot-4, 223-pound receiver run routes as well as Michael Pittman. And the same athletic ability that aids his route-running showed up on the field in Indy on Thursday night, as he posted the fourth-best three-cone and second-best 20-yard shuttle. Entering the week, Pittman was among the 40 best prospects on PFF's big board, primarily because of his reliable hands and insane catch radius. Over the course of his career, Pittman dropped just five of his 176 catchable targets and showed the ability to bring in some off-target passes that others just couldn't. We knew that he had solid straight-line speed, and we figured he'd test well this week, but he still managed to exceed our expectations.) (2-28-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-risers-and-fallers-from-the-qb-wr-and-te-drills
2020 NFL Combine Stock Report - Wide Receivers (Up - Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC: Michael Pittman Jr., son of Michael Pittman Sr., had a very strong combine. He had the fourth-fastest 3-cone time among all receivers (6.96), which was surprising, given his 6-4, 223-pound frame. Pittman also ran a strong 4.52 40 to go along with a 36.5-inch vertical.) (2-28-20): http://walterfootball.com/combine2020stockWR.php
2020 NFL combine: Winners and losers from receiver and tight end drills; Denzel Mims and Chase Claypool shine (Winners - Michael Pittman, USC. Pittman was one of a few receivers to go under the magical 7.00-second threshold in the three-cone drill at 6-4 and 223 pounds. The 4.52 and 36.5-inch vertical with that the size profile were impressive too. ) (2-28-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-winners-and-losers-from-receiver-and-tight-end-drills-denzel-mims-and-chase-claypool-shine/
Nine instant impact receivers who won't cost a first-round pick (Michael Pittman Jr., USC: I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm not happy about the way Pittman handled a few Utah defensive backs this past season. As a former Ute and a strong supporter of Utah athletics, my fingers hurt typing this man's evaluation. In all seriousness, though, Pittman is a big target (6-3, 219 pounds) who a lot of teams covet. He's quick but must run a good 40 and three-cone drill to separate himself in this deep receiver class.) (2-25-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102818/article/nine-instant-impact-receivers-who-wont-cost-a-firstround-pick
Jordan Love: The next Mahomes? Five big-bodied receiver prospects who could make major waves. (Michael Pittman, USC: The 6-4, 220-pound pass catcher plays like a bull in a china shop on the perimeter. He mauls defensive backs with the ball in his hands, and his overall physicality makes him a nightmare to defend in one-on-one matchups.) (2-21-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102695/article/teddy-bridgewaters-best-fits-jordan-love-the-next-mahomes
2020 NFL Combine: Wide Receiver Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (9. Michael Pittman, USC 6-4, 220 (3) - NFL Combine What Matters: If you’re looking for your late Day Two value pick at receiver, here you go. He’s an NFL-caliber No. 1 target as long as he’s surrounded by great deep speed. A great – or even a good one – will move him up, but he’ll be a pro’s pro. Yes, USC changed around the offense to help the passing game, but he was dominant despite a revolving door last season at quarterback.) (2-20-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-wide-receiver-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
2020 NFL scouting combine preview: wide receivers (Who needs to nail the athletic testing - Michael Pittman Jr., USC: There are a few receivers who need some good workouts to solidify their statuses in such a deep class. But we’ll nominate Pittman, who has a chance to lock down a second-round draft slot with strong testing. Some NFL scouts question his straight-line speed and lateral quickness, so turning in solid-to-good times in the 40-yard dash (and 10-yard split) and the 3-cone drill would go a long way toward answering those concerns. Pittman has an NFL pedigree (his father, Michael, played running back in the NFL for 11 years), great size (6-4, 219), strong production (with three different quarterbacks last season) and very good hands. But scouts still want to know just how gifted an athlete he is.) (2-14-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-preview-wide-receivers-130035778.html
Draft WR rankings: Lamb headlines list (Tier 4 - 17. Michael Pittman, USC, 79: Son of Michael Pittman Sr., former NFL running back, Pittman was blessed with above-average athleticism compared to other 6-4, 220-ish pound wide receivers. He has strong hands and gets open more frequently than you would expect for a sizable, outside option. He lacks in the explosiveness department yet finds a way to accumulate yards after the catch. In 2019, Pittman caught 101 passes with 11 touchdowns at 12.6 yards per reception.) (2-13-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-receiver-rankings-ceedee-lamb-at-no-1-in-absolutely-stacked-pass-catcher-group/
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Wide Receivers (9. MICHAEL PITTMAN JR., USC (Draft Board Rank: 39th): Pittman doesn't have the same separation ability down the field as the others ranked above him on this board, but his dominant trait is his ball skills — the man just does not let the ball hit the turf if it's in his vicinity. He has only five drops on 176 catchable passes in his career, and he's excellent at using his physical dominance at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds to separate underneath and at the intermediate level. If you're looking for a possession/red-zone receiver in this class, Pittman is your guy.) (1-31-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-wide-receivers
2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Report: North Team (Thursday - Pittman did not practice on Thursday Analysis - Pittman underwhelmed in Mobile. He largely failed to generate separation and his hands, which were his best asset, were shaky at best. His week ended with little applause with a DNP on Thursday. He has the tape to suggest he’ll still be a good weapon and receiver at the next level, but this wasn’t a stellar week for Pittman.) (1-24-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-reeses-senior-bowl-practice-report-north-team/
Biggest takeaways from a week of Senior Bowl practices (38. Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC: Pittman was yet another receiver with a ho-hum week. He absolutely bullied some of the smaller corners this week, but had Troy Pride Jr. in his hip pocket on anything downfield. Speed and separation ain’t necessarily his game and he even said as much in the interviews. Even when he’s not open, Pittman can still make plays.) (1-24-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-senior-bowl-takeaways-2020
Senior Bowl: Day 3 (A foot injury has knocked USC WR Michael Pittman Jr. out of action for Saturday's game, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. According to multiple scouts, Pittman performed well enough in practice to help his draft value. Although his speed remains a concern, his route running was described as smooth by an AFC scout and he excelled in making contested catches.) (1-23-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001098817/article/2020-senior-bowl-top-7-nfl-draft-winners-from-week-of-practice
Live from the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl: Thursday Practice Observations (2:11 pm ET: USC WR Michael Pittman Jr isn’t suited up to practice. Just observing from the sideline. – AJ Schulte) (1-23-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/live-from-the-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-thursday-practice-observations/
2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Report: North Team (Pittman had another strong showing today, but didn’t improve on anything from yesterday. Troy Pride got him on a couple routes in the 7 on 7s. He made a great adjustment while tracking an underthrown and errant pass from Shea Patterson that he just missed. Pittman has been overall solid but hasn’t dramatically upped his stock so far.) (1-22-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-reeses-senior-bowl-practice-report-north-team/
2020 Senior Bowl: Wednesday's North Team Practice Report (USC wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. had a mixed practice. He was better in the team scrimmage, but in the early going did not impress. Pittman needs to improve his ability to get off jams in the NFL. As a pro, he is a big possessional receiver who does not have game breaking speed, so getting physical and winning the fight at the line of scrimmage is critical for him to become a starter at the next level.) (1-22-20): http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2020practice3.php
2020 Senior Bowl Day 1 Practice and Weigh-In Notes (Former USC standout wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. performed well in the interview process and had a handful of impressive reps in the one-on-one drills. His torching of Bassey was easily his best play of the day.) (1-22-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-senior-bowl-day-1-practice-and-weigh-in-notes
2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Report: North Team (Pittman had a good day to open the practice session. He dusted Nebraska’s Lamar Jackson to kick things off, and then made Wake Forest’s CB Essang Bassey fall to the dirt after he toasted him off of the line of scrimmage. There were plenty of concerns about Pittman’s agility and speed, but he answered those concerns well today. He only caught about half of his targets however, which is more drops than he had on the season.) (1-21-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-reeses-senior-bowl-practice-report-north-team/
Senior Bowl recap: Kinlaw wins on Day 1 (On offense, after a slow-ish start in which he failed to create separation, USC's big-bodied wideout Michael Pittman won effortlessly at the intermediate level and down the field en route to getting the football thrown his way.) (1-21-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2020-javon-kinlaw-dominates-hybrid-defenders-zack-baun-and-josh-uche-shine-on-day-1/
Live from the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl: Tuesday Practice Observations (4:53 ET: North WR’s Denzel Mims (Baylor) and Michael Pittman Jr. (USC) living up to the hype. – Tommy Call III. 4:50 ET: Nebraska CB Lamar Jackson having a rough start, to put it nicely. Dusted by USC WR Michael Pittman Jr., and OSU WR KJ Hill had him spinning around like a washing machine. – AJ Schulte) (1-21-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/live-from-the-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-tuesday-practice-observations/
Complete guide to the 2020 Senior Bowl (Aiyuk, Pittman and Edwards are all physical pass-catchers with solid frames who are open even when they’re covered. All three have the well-rounded skill set and polish to be immediate starters at the next level.) (1-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/20/senior-bowl-preview-2020-nfl-draft/
PFF 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Preview: players to watch, draft implications, schedule, team rosters and more (Those two can be the biggest risers of the group, but both Michael Pittman Jr. and Denzel Mims are two of the premier prospects of the group. Pittman Jr. is projected to be a second-round selection in PFF’s latest draft guide, owning a massive catch radius and some of the best hands in the country by dropping just five of his 176 catchable targets in his career.) (1-20-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-preview-players-to-watch-draft-implications-schedule-team-rosters
10 players who could interest the Lions at the Senior Bowl (WR Michael Pittman Jr. (USC): Another marquee player under Detroit’s purview this week is Pittman, who just wasted the Pac-12 for 101 catches, 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s a potential first-round talent, but a deep receiver pool at the top of the draft could push him into Day 2. If that happens, he could be a tantalizing fit for Detroit. The club has bigger immediate needs, but there are long-term concerns at receiver too with Marvin Jones heading into a contract year. At 6-foot-4, Pittman has the length Detroit craves on the perimeter and could cause all kinds of matchup problems when paired with the 6-4 Kenny Golladay.) (1-20-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/10-players-who-could-interest-the-lions-at-the-senior-bowl.html
TWENTYMAN: 10 North Team prospects to watch at Senior Bowl (7. Pittman: A big receiver (6-4, 220) who was the go-to man in the Trojans passing game this past season. Pittman caught 101 passes for 1,275 yards (12.6 average) and 11 touchdowns. The Lions could certainly be on the lookout for a receiver with Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. entering the final year of their contracts, and Danny Amendola headed to free agency.) (1-19-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-10-north-team-prospects-to-watch-at-senior-bowl
Senior Bowl preview: Lions are coaching a big group of big, talented receivers (The most prominent name is Michael Pittman Jr. from USC. The son of the former NFL running back grew up impressively. At 6-4 and 220, he’s a physical presence on the outside of the formation. He has some Kenny Golladay to his game, a contested catch master who wins with strength, length and guile more than speed or quickness. As a plus, Pittman is an exceptional blocker in the run game.) (1-19-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/18/senior-bowl-preview-lions-are-coaching-a-big-group-of-big-talented-receivers/
These Senior Bowl players all make sense for the Detroit Lions (WR Michael Pittman Jr., USC: Pittman is another borderline first-round pick who the Lions will work with on the North team. He had a dominant senior season with 101 catches for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns, but this is a loaded wide receiver draft, which could make Pittman available early in Round 2. He’s not a burner, but he has the size the Lions love at the position at 6-foot-4 and would pair nicely with Kenny Golladay.) (1-18-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/18/detroit-lions-senior-bowl-2020-jordan-love/4498660002/
WR prospect reset: Stock up and down (Notable Senior Bowl Participants - Michael Pittman, USC: The 6-foot-4 senior closed on a tear with four 100-plus outings in his last six. At his size, with his length, Pittman is going to naturally be a jump-ball specialist. But in his final year with the Trojans, he showcased crisp route-running skills and just how difficult he can be to bring to the turf once the ball is in his hands. ) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-prospect-reset-whose-stock-is-up-and-down-who-needs-big-senior-bowl-and-combine-and-more/
Iowa dominates USC 49-24 in the 2019 Holiday Bowl (Hawkeyes cornerback Michael Ojemudia accounted for five solo tackles and two pass deflections in locking down Trojans star receiver Pittman. The future NFL receiver accounted for six receptions for 53 yards and lost a key fumble.) (12-28-19): https://lastwordoncollegefootball.com/2019/12/28/iowa-dominates-usc-49-24-in-the-2019-holiday-bowl/
2019 College Bowl Preview: Holiday and Cheez-It Bowls (USC wide receiver Michael Pittman is a big-play threat despite lacking elite play speed. He’s a good route runner and displays top-notch ability at the catch point, but doesn’t have much of an athletic ceiling. I would expect to hear his name in the first three rounds, but he could go lower like Kelvin Harmon if he doesn’t test well.) (12-27-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2019-college-bowl-preview-holiday-and-cheez-it-bowls/
Prospects to watch in Holiday Bowl (Michael Pittman, WR: While he'll have some competition for this label, Pittman is a candidate to be the most underrated receiver prospect in what is -- as you've heard countless times this season -- an absolutely loaded receiver group. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Pittman has outstanding size and plays to every inch and pound of it via his dominance in contested-catch targets and in the red zone with power forward-like box out skills. Despite his tall frame, he sinks well when breaking off his initial route stem which leads to a decent amount of separation on short and intermediate routes. After 758 yards at 18.6 yards per grab with six scores in 2018, Pittman proved he can be a high-volume producer this year with 1,222 yards on 95 grabs. He'll be a hot commodity on Day 2 of the draft, and with a strong pre-draft process, the first round is not out of the question.) (12-20-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/holiday-bowl-time-tv-channel-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-usc-vs-iowa/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Pre-Bowls II (Up - Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC: Pittman has gone under the radar to a degree because USC has had a down year, but he has been one of the best wideouts in college football this season. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder is a size mismatch for the NFL wgo could serve as a flanker receiver to work the short and intermediate part of the field. Pittman has 95 receptions for 1,222 yards and 11 touchdowns entering the bowl game this season. Some team sources say they see Pittman being a third-round pick because he has speed limitations for the NFL, but others think he could go higher than the third round.) (12-17-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_16.php
College football's best at everything on offense (BEST WR BY ROUTE - In: Michael Pittman Jr., USC: On 12 targeted in routes, Pittman led the nation in overall grade and hauled in 10 catches for 135 yards. The epitome of a converter, Pittman scored two touchdowns on such patterns and churned out a first down on the other eight catches. He saw the nation's best passer rating when targeted (153.1) on in routes as well.) (12-14-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-best-at-everything-on-offense
2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the Incredibly Deep Wide Receiver Class (7. Pittman: Pittman has jumped up draft boards as a senior, turning in a fantastic finale to his college career. At 6-foot-4 and 223 pounds, the USC wideout is big, has a huge catch-radius and seems to suck up every throw around him. He's been a big-play threat all season and racked up excellent numbers despite being part of a loaded receiver group. The 2019 Biletnikoff finalist finished his season with 95 receptions for 1,222 yards and 11 touchdowns. He's got average speed that plays up because of his size and he has the ability to get open with his quality route-running. Pittman is also really strong and regularly turns short passes into solid gains with a physical running style. Pittman is likely a solid second-round pick and profiles as a Mike Evans-type wideout in the NFL.) (12-3-19): https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/nfl-draft-receivers-ranked-2020-jerry-jeudy-ceedee-lamb-01dv3zsx80fb
College Football: 2019 PFF All-Pac-12 Team (First Team: Michael Pittman Jr., USC: Pittman Jr. concluded his season with the most receiving yards in the conference and the sixth-most in the nation with 1,216. He also nabbed 11 touchdowns (tied for second), 14 missed tackles forced (tied for fourth) and a passer rating of 124.6 when targeted (fourth) — all of which were top-five marks in the Pac-12 among qualifying receivers. He was able to produce such stellar numbers despite losing starting quarterback JT Daniels in Week 1 and having a freshman in Kedon Slovis at the helm of the offense.) (12-2-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2019-pff-all-pac-12-team2020 Draft WR Watch: Higgins climbs to No. 1 (9. Michael Pittman, USC: Stock Steady - Pittman and the Trojans were off over the weekend after their win over UCLA a week ago, but won't play in the Pac 12 title game because of Utah's win over Colorado. At 8-4, a decently high profile bowl game awaits for USC.) (12-2-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tee-higgins-overtakes-jerry-jeudy-for-no-1-spot/
PFF College Football: 25 observations ahead of Week 14 (WR Michael Pittman Jr. — 83.3 overall grade: The Graham Harrell offense has greatly benefited Pittman Jr. His current 2019 total of 95 receptions is 25 more than he had in the previous three years combined. He’s been especially dominant the last three weeks, catching 37-of-45 targets for 424 yards and three touchdowns. Further, he has only three drops on 122 targets.) (11-29-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-25-observations-ahead-of-week-14
Pac-12: Who are the biggest breakout draft prospects? (WR Michael Pittman, USC: A Senior Bowl invitee, Pittman has had a sensational season for the Trojans and joins a long list of other talented USC wide receivers to hit the NFL. He’s a good athlete with a knack for making the tough catches. I like the extra work he does as a physical run blocker, and he doesn’t shy away from contact in this area. I think Pittman would work best as a big slot weapon and should get frequent red-zone targets.) (11-28-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/analyzing-the-biggest-pac-12-breakout-draft-prospects/
Grading 2020 Senior Bowl invites (WR MICHAEL PITTMAN JR., USC: Pittman possesses one of the most impressive catch radii in the entire country, as well as some of the best hands. He has only three drops on 144 catchable passes in his entire college career.) (11-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-grading-2020-senior-bowl-invitees
2020 Draft WR Watch: Pittman, Mims rise (Michael Pittman has been on fire of late for the USC Trojans, and the big-bodied wideout with NFL bloodlines has worked his way into the top 10 of my wideout rankings. 9. Michael Pittman, USC: Stock Up - After an honorable mention nod a week ago, Pittman jumps into the top 10. He's been damn good this season and has three-straight games of 100-plus receiving yards, including a 13-grab, 104-yard, two-touchdown masterpiece in the rivalry win over UCLA. Early in the second quarter, he demonstrated the luxuries afforded by his 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame and plus ball skills on a high-point grab down the sideline. In the fourth, Pittman's suddenness was on display on an outside screen in which he planted his foot in the ground and accelerated up the field for a first down. Of course Pittman isn't the twitchiest receiver in the class, but he has good quicks for a wideout his size and plays to every inch of his 6-4 frame in contested-catch situations.) (11-25-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-the-rise-of-michael-pittman-and-denzel-mims/
College Football Week 12: 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Notes (Michael Pittman has been on fire of late for the USC Trojans, and the big-bodied wideout with NFL bloodlines has worked his way into the top 10 of my wideout rankings. 9. Michael Pittman, USC: Stock Up - After an honorable mention nod a week ago, Pittman jumps into the top 10. He's been damn good this season and has three-straight games of 100-plus receiving yards, including a 13-grab, 104-yard, two-touchdown masterpiece in the rivalry win over UCLA. Early in the second quarter, he demonstrated the luxuries afforded by his 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame and plus ball skills on a high-point grab down the sideline. In the fourth, Pittman's suddenness was on display on an outside screen in which he planted his foot in the ground and accelerated up the field for a first down. Of course Pittman isn't the twitchiest receiver in the class, but he has good quicks for a wideout his size and plays to every inch of his 6-4 frame in contested-catch situations. ) (11-19-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-week-12-2020-nfl-draft-scouting-notes
2020 Draft WR Watch: Higgins rises again (Honorable Mention: Michael Pittman, USC: The 6-4, 220-pound Pittman had 11 catches for 180 yards and two -- relatively easy -- touchdowns in the victory on the road over the Cal Bears on Saturday. The stat-stuffing performance came after Pittman went for 146 yards on 13 receptions against Arizona State. He's super long, has filled out his frame, typically snags a long ball each game -- he did Saturday down the middle of the field -- and runs crisp routes for a big man.) (11-18-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tee-higgins-making-case-as-most-complete-wr-prospect-in-the-class/
BOOMS AND BUSTS: WEEK 12 (Booms - USC WR Michael Pittman Jr. -- 11 receptions, 180 yards receiving, touchdown -- at Cal: Mr. Pittman is having himself a heck of a season, and he had no issues finding openings against a pretty talented Cal secondary. In his last two games, he has picked up 24 receptions for 326 yards, and he's gone over 140 yards in three-of-four contests. There are a lot of quality players that Kedon Slovis can throw the ball to right now, but at this moment, it's Pittman who is putting up the unrealistic numbers.) (11-17-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/weekend-recap/booms-and-busts-week-12
College Football Week 9: Eckrich Pac-12 Team of the Week (Michael Pittman Jr., USC: Way back on Friday night, Pittman and the Trojans outlasted and outscored the Colorado Buffaloes. On eight targeted passes, he ripped off seven catches for 156 yards, two scores and three first downs. He gained 75 of his yards after the catch, including the game-winning catch-and-run effort that gave USC the victory to keep pace in the conference race.) (10-28-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-9-eckrich-pac-12-team-of-the-week
College Football Week 9 Eckrich Team of the Week (Michael Pittman Jr., USC: Way back on Friday night, Pittman and the Trojans outlasted and outscored the Colorado Buffaloes as Pittman himself tallied a similar stat line to Jennings. On eight targeted passes, he ripped off seven catches for 156 yards, two scores and three first downs. He gained 75 of his yards after the catch including the game-winning catch-and-run effort that gave USC the victory to keep pace in the conference race.) (10-27-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-9-eckrich-team-of-the-week
College Football Week 4: 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Notes (Stock up - WR Michael Pittman Jr., USC: When all was said and done, Pittman finished with 10 catches for 232 yards and a score. He also hauled in both contested catch opportunities. His body control at the catch point was probably the most impressive thing about his performance Friday night, but his willingness to use his size advantage along his routes will bode well for him at the next level, as well.) (9-24-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-college-football-week-3-2020-nfl-draft-scouting-notes
College Football Week 4: Eckrich Pac-12 Team of the Week (Michael Pittman Jr., USC: Friday night saw Pittman's best game as a collegiate, hauling in 10 receptions for 232 yards and five first-down catches. He scored on a long 77-yard bomb in which he nabbed a contested catch and rattled off several yards after the catch. He was a valuable go-to target for third-string QB Matt Fink.) (9-23-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-4-eckrich-pac-12-team-of-the-week
NFL draft winners and losers: Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor, Notre Dame's Cole Kmet rising (For the Trojans, WRs Michael Pittman Jr. and Vaughns were both great. So was Amon-Ra St. Brown, the brother of Packers WR Equanimious St. Brown, who will be draft-eligible next year. Despite the injury to USC’s top two quarterbacks this season and some shaky OL play in this one, all three wideouts stepped up and made plays when needed. Pittman was especially impressive. The 6-4, 225-pounder isn’t the quickest player on the field, but he battles, wins matchups with physicality and competes to make plays. Pittman caught 10 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown in this one and absolutely helped his cause.) (9-23-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-wisconsins-jonathan-taylor-notre-dames-cole-kmet-rising-175054048.html
NFL Draft Risers and Sliders: Week 4 (Risers - Michael Pittman Jr., WR USC: I gave Pittman a last day grade entering the season, which is about two rounds later than scouts. While I like his pass-catching skills, his speed, quickness, and ability to separate from defenders concerns me. However, I am told scouts on hand for the Trojans game Friday night do not share my concern after watching the big-bodied receiver. Pittman blasted a talented Utah secondary for 10 receptions, 232 receiving yards, and 1 TD. He beat down opponents and found ways to separate on the field. I am told he is faster in the forty than the 4.6-second time scouts have estimated. If that’s true, Pittman could land in the second day of the draft.) (9-23-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-risers-and-sliders-week-4/
College Football Week 4 Eckrich Team of the Week (Michael Pittman Jr., USC: Friday night saw Pittman's best game as a collegiate, hauling in 10 receptions for 232 yards and five first-down catches. He scored on a long 77-yard bomb in which he nabbed a contested catch and rattled off several yards after the catch. He was a valuable go-to target for third-string QB Matt Fink.) (9-22-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-4-eckrich-team-of-the-week
College Football: Week 4 Pac-12 Takeaways (Despite losing his second quarterback of the season, WR Michael Pittman Jr. had arguably the best game of his career, hauling in 10 receptions for 232 yards that included a 77-yard touchdown.) (9-21-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-4-pac-12-takeaways
Dominant efforts from top NFL prospects highlight USC’s upset of No. 10 Utah (He also had plenty of help, including from USC's best NFL draft prospect, wide receiver Michael Pittman, Jr., who caught 10 passes for 232 yards and a touchdown. The gaudy yardage total is the 5th highest in a single game in USC's storied history. As you can see in the video below, the 6-4, 225 pound Pittman does not simply rely on his height and leaping ability to beat defenders. He times his leap perfectly and showed terrific balance through contact, strength to brush past arm tackles and just enough speed to finish the play. The reason why he currently ranks 8th on DraftScout.com’s list of senior wide receivers is that scouts question his true speed, with estimates ranging from the mid 4.5s to mid 4.6s. As this closer look at the same play demonstrates, however, Pittman plays faster than he may run in shorts, with the subtle shifts as a route-runner leaving defenders on their heels. It is attention to detail one might expect from Pittman, Jr., the son of a former NFL running back of the same name, who played 11 years in the league.) (9-21-19): https://mavensports.io/nfldraftscout/news/dominant-efforts-from-top-nfl-prospects-highlight-usc-s-upset-of-no-10-utah-1p0KPfbZHkCujSoNhupr0A/
USC Trojans: Pittman Jr. could struggle at the next level (Michael Pittman Jr.: Some scouts are very high on receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and grade him as a potential third-round selection, but I disagree. The big-bodied wideout is a dependable pass-catcher who wins out in battles, but he comes with limited quickness and speed — he reportedly runs in the 4.6s — and will struggle to separate at the next level.) (9-1-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/usc-trojans-summer-grades-pauline/
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 1 (Pittman Jr, in particular, has the juice to expose Bryant down the field. With a stunning 18.5 yards per reception last season, Pittman Jr. was one of the scariest deep threats in the country — with a true freshman quarterback, mind you. Now that quarterback J.T. Daniels has gone through another offseason to get comfortable in the offense, Pittman’s potential to pop the top off the secondary becomes more pronounced than before.) (8-28-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-1
2020 NFL Draft prospects from the Pac-12: Oregon's Justin Herbert the headliner, but keep an eye on Utah (Michael Pittman Jr., WR: Pittman's arrow has been pointing up since he stepped on USC's campus, and he turned in a dynamic junior season with 48 grabs for 758 yards (25.3 percent market share) with a team-high six touchdowns. He's steadily filled out his frame throughout his time in SoCal, and now is listed at a reasonable 6-4 and 220 pounds, but doesn't play like a normal tall, stiff wideout. No, Pittman isn't going to lose corners on a route with two breaks, yet he's smooth enough to generate separation when needed and is dynamic for his size in the open field with the ball in his hands. With another season as the Trojan's top target on what should be an improved offense under true sophomore J.T. Daniels, and Pittman should move onto the draft radar because of his catch radius and athletic gifts.) (8-16-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-from-the-pac-12-oregons-justin-herbert-the-headliner-but-keep-an-eye-on-utah/
2020 NFL Draft: USC receivers look to carry the strong NFL pedigree (Michael Pittman Jr.: The higher touted of the two, Michael Pittman Jr. received a third-round grade from the NFL Draft advisory board. He returns as the team’s leading receiver and the Pac 12’s leader with an astounding 18.5 yards per catch. Still, he decided to forego the 2019 NFL Draft in what was a surprising decision. With Pittman you’re getting that big body on the outside in his 6’4”, 220-pound frame. He uses his length to his advantage when working vertically. Not a natural separator, Pittman often relies on a pesky longarm to keep his opponent off-kilter. Long and rangy, he offers a mismatch in contested situations with the physicality to boot. As a route runner Pittman is adequate at getting in and out of his breaks. Although for a big man he moves quite well. However, I was most impressed with the depth in his breaks. Pittman showed a strong grasp of spacing when operating over the middle of the field. Coupled with his length, Pittman provides a huge throwing window for his quarterback. He also has the strong hands to pluck balls away from his body into his frame. Perhaps his greatest trait is his competitive toughness. As much as you’ll see him fighting through contact for the ball, you’ll see him dragging defenders and fighting for extra yards just as frequent. He’s a struggle to bring down and battles for additional yardage on every touch. Although, his extra will after the catch resulted in a couple of fumbles last year. The son of former longtime NFL running back, Pittman looks to follow in his father’s footsteps. After already receiving a third-round grade from the advisory board, it’s a good bet that he ends up a day two pick in 2020. However, it’s a class littered with uberly talented juniors, which could force Pittman down the board a bit. The reliable chain mover has shown a lot of promise as the go-to guy in USC’s offense. Now in an air raid system, Pittman will see a much heavier dose in the passing game as he looks to leave Los Angeles as a 1,000-yard receiver.) (6-13-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-usc-wrs-look-to-carry-the-strong-nfl-pedigree/?amp
Top 50 College Receivers of 2019 (21. Pittman: Michael Pittman Jr. only had one drop in 2018 despite only catching 53% of his 77 targets. Part of that falls on J.T. Daniels -- historical data suggests Daniels will be better in 2019 -- but it’s just the nature of how Pittman is used at USC. 37% of Pittman’s targets last year came on passes traveling more than 20 yards downfield, so his completion percentage will remain low. But don’t get that confused with skills. On Pittman’s 29 deep targets, he averaged 12.7 yards.)(6-11-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/top-50-college-receivers-2019
WR Jalen Reagor:
Scouting Reports:
TCU Profile: https://gofrogs.com/sports/football/roster/jalen-reagor/5766
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jalen-reagor?id=32195245-4133-8982-9a32-957d59a1e153
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/jalen-reagor/BdQaY3TtVR
Walterfootball: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2020JReagor.php
2020 NFL draft: Jalen Reagor scouting report: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/04/2020-nfl-draft-jalen-reagor-scouting-report/
Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 24: TCU WR Jalen Reagor: https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-24-tcu-wr-jalen-reagor-013540847.html
Articles:
Five draft prospects who could go earlier than you think (Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: After the big three (Oklahoma's CeeDee Lamb and Alabama's Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs) and probably LSU's Justin Jefferson, it's anyone's guess who the fifth receiver will be off the board. Arizona State's Brandon Aiyuk and Baylor's Denzel Mims have been popular names in recent mock drafts, but there's also some love for Reagor (5-11, 206), who had 148 catches for 2,248 yards and 22 touchdowns in 39 games (25 starts) over three seasons despite substantial challenges around him. "He's a really good player," an NFC coordinator said. "He played with possibly one of the worst college football quarterbacks I've ever seen in my life. That makes his film pretty bad." Echoed another coordinator: "The Reagor kid is interesting because his quarterback play was so atrocious. It's hard to put that on him. But he wasn't consistent either. He's got return ability, too, so that's where he separates himself a little bit." Reagor scored twice on 15 punt returns last season. He ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at the combine, where he showed off freaky athletic ability with a 42-inch vertical and 11-6 broad jump.) (4-21-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001110154/article/2020-nfl-draft-five-players-who-could-be-firstround-surprises
2020 All-Juice team includes Jalen Hurts, J.K. Dobbins and Kenneth Murray (Can you say “juice,” “juice” and “more juice”? Reagor (5-11, 206) can fly, and while his 2019 stats were middling — 43 catches, 611 yards and five touchdowns — the Horned Frogs’ quarterback play wasn’t great. His 2018 season — 72 catches, 1,061 yards, nine touchdowns — is more consistent with who he is as a player. Like Jeudy, Reagor had some focus drops this year, but he’s electric with the ball in his hands, adept at making defenders miss and he has the downfield speed to get behind a defense and bend coverage his way. There is no shortage of teams who need a deep threat, and it wouldn’t be a stretch if a team wanted to take Reagor higher than this grade, like in the top 40. Grade: 6.7) (4-20-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-all-juice-team-includes-jalen-hurts-jk-dobbins-and-kenneth-murray-151125586.html
PFF's list of "my guys" ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft (WR JALEN REAGOR, TCU: At first glance, Reagor isn’t a prospect who numbers-based analysts love. He averaged fewer than 50 receptions per year and never surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. However, adjusting Reagor’s numbers for poor quarterback play reveals an elite prospect: he led his team in receiving yards and touchdowns as an 18-year-old true freshman and accounted for over 40% of his team’s receiving production his sophomore season. Reagor looked like a plus athlete on the field, and despite a “disappointing” 4.47-second 40 at the combine, his performance ranked second among top prospects according to my projected WAR model. A receiver with Reagor’s versatility and production belongs in the top tier with Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs III.) (4-17-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pffs-list-of-my-guys-for-the-2020-nfl-draft
O'Hara DRAFT PREVIEW: 5 wide receivers that could interest Lions (Sleeper 1: Jalen Reagor, TCU. 5-11, 206. 4.48 Combine 40. Stats: 3 years, starter last 2. Career: 148 catches, 2,248 yards, 22 TDs. Also 2 TDs rushing, 2 on returns. Background: Averaged 9.3 yards on 35 career rushes, 15.2 on 148 catches, 24.2 on 13 kickoff returns, 17.8 yards on 23 punt return.How he could fit Lions: High average however he touches the ball.) (4-9-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-draft-preview-5-wide-receivers-that-could-interest-lions-lamb
2020 NFL Draft Superlatives: Wide Receivers (BEST DEEP THREAT: JALEN REAGOR, TCU - Honorable Mentions: Henry Ruggs III, Alabama & John Hightower, Boise State: I know what you’re thinking: how is the player who runs a 4.27-second 40-yard dash not a shoo-in for this? Well, because that 4.27 speed led to only 10 deep receptions over the past two seasons. With Reagor, that figure was 18 and he was missed on more open opportunities than any other receiver in this class. Reagor’s 42-inch vertical and 11-foot, 6-inch broad jump are far more indicative of his ability to separate downfield than his 4.47-second 40-yard dash.) (4-8-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-2020-nfl-draft-superlatives-wide-receivers
Touchdown Wire's 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 offensive players (15. Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: In contrast to the downfield, vertical threats like Denzel Mims and Tee Higgins, Reagor is the more prototypical West Coast receiver. He has great footwork off the line of scrimmage and against press coverage, and his burst on cuts, as well as after the catch, makes him a very explosive and dangerous receiving threat. His footwork enables him to get over the top of defenses, particularly on double-move routes. He has struggled with drops at times, so that will be something to watch as he transitions to the NFL, but teams running West Coast systems will covet what he brings to the table.) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-offensive-players/
Pro Day Dilemma: Who Is Missing Out (TCU WR Jalen Reagor: Jalen Reagor occupies an odd space wherein his NFL Combine was not as bad as it initially seemed, while still not being nearly as impressive as it was supposed to be. On the positive side, Reagor crushed the jump drills, which bodes fairly well for an explosive receiver who likes to work down the field as a deep threat. Reagor's 4.47s 40-yard dash was a bit lackluster, but in all honesty, it is still a decent time, even if he surely would have been looking to improve upon it at his Pro Day. Where Reagor really needed help was with his agility drills. Like many players who participated in agility drills this year, Reagor completely fell apart. Assumed to be an agile, quick wide receiver, Reagor measured in below the 10th percentile in both the three-cone drill and the short-shuttle. In fairness to Reagor, some other big names such as Jerry Jeudy tanked in the agility portion as well, but Reagor has not earned himself quite the same level of leeway a clear star such as Jeudy has. Reagor needed the testing numbers to confirm what many believe him to be on film, but with his agility numbers being so poor, especially for a smaller receiver (5'11/206), there is legitimate reason to be concerned. The blazing TCU deep threat could have turned out a better agility showing at the Pro Day, but alas.) (3-25-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/pro-day-dilemma-who-missing-out
Underrated NFL prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft (Jalen Reagor, Wide Receiver – TCU Horned Frogs: The 2020 wide receiver group is one of the best classes we have seen in NFL history. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr. has stated that he could see as many as 25 receivers go in the first three rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft. Players such as Jerry Jeudy (Alabama), Henry Ruggs, III (Alabama), CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma), Tee Higgins (Clemson), and Justin Jefferson (LSU) headline the list. However, there is far more talent than those players. Due to extreme depth at the wide receiver position in the 2020 NFL Draft, one player being overlooked is Jalen Reagor. Reagor is a big-play machine, possessing blazing speed and reliable hands. He is dangerous in space, often creating yards after the catch in large chunks. One thing that may surprise you, given his smaller stature, is that he excels at the contested catch. When you watch tape of Reagor, the two things that consistently stand out are his explosiveness and play-making ability. One knock on Reagor is his limited route tree, but as the clip below will highlight, that wart is completely overblown. In fact, due to his quickness and suddenness, it is likely that he can develop into an effective route runner. For my money, Jalen Reagor is a top-50 selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. He is a play-making machine who will thrive in a vertical passing attack. Teams such as the New York Giants and the Indianapolis Colts would be wise to consider Reagor at the beginning of round two.) (3-25-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/underrated-nfl-prospects-2020-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL Draft: Landing spots for PFF’s top 15 WR prospects (JALEN REAGOR, TCU – DENVER BRONCOS (ROUND 1, PICK 15): Any Denver wide receiver not named Courtland Sutton was a liability on the field in 2019. Sutton saw the most targets in the offense and produced one of the 15 best receiving grades in the NFL last year. After Sutton, the Broncos second-most targeted receiver was DaeSean Hamilton and he ranked 93rd of 98 in PFF receiving grade. In other words, they desperately need a WR2, and snagging Jalen Reagor in the first round could solve that. Reagor’s box score stats aren’t going to impress you by any means. He was targeted 88 times and caught only 43 of them for 611 yards and five touchdowns. As usual, though, you should never trust the box score. Reagor saw a catchable target just 61.4% of the time, which ranks 118th among 120 wideouts to see at least 80 targets. His athleticism and ability to win at the catch point was apparent when the ball was in his hands or when he was thrown an accurate pass. Over the past two years, Reagor has generated an explosive play of 15-plus yards on 51.6% of his catches — the second-highest rate in college football and nearly 20 percentage points above the FBS average.) (3-11-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-landing-spots-pff-top-15-wr-prospects
Building an NFL receiving corps with 2020 NFL Draft class' top prospects (Jalen Reagor, TCU (Deep/Vertical): During his three seasons at TCU, the speedy Jalen Reagor earned a career 86.3 grade on deep passes while posting a contested-catch rate of 42.1%. Reagor plays bigger than his 5-foot-11, 195-pound frame, and his 42-inch vertical jump and his 11-foot-6 broad jump show that he has all the tools necessary to be fearless at the point of attack. He caught all eight of his catchable targets 20-plus yards downfield last year, and he racked up 294 receiving yards in the process. A former track and field athlete, Reagor is a tough competitor with the horsepower to go get it when it counts.) (3-9-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-building-an-nfl-receiving-corps-with-2020-nfl-draft-class-top-prospects
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Combine (Down - Jaelen Reagor, WR, TCU: Reagor had a mildly disappointing combine performance. He was expected to run in the low 4.4s or 4.3s and checked in with a 4.47-second time. That is a fast 40 which illustrates his deep speed, but Reagor looked a bit too heavy at 5-foot-11, 206 pounds. In the field drills, he dropped some passes and seemed to be pressing. Reagor could easily rebound at his pro day with a faster time and better showing in the field drills. Still, in the 2020 NFL Draft's loaded receiver class, Reagor could end up slipping to the second day.) (3-3-20): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_25.php
5 whose bad week won't hurt stock (Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: Reagor is a candidate for strangest performance at the 2020 combine. He weighed in at just under 5-foot-11 and 206 pounds, with a chiseled frame. Then, despite hype he could run in the 4.2s or 4.3s, he ran 4.47. After that, we saw his bonkers 42-inch vertical and 138-inch broad jump -- which tied for the second-highest and third-furthest measurements respectively at the receiver spot. Later, Reagor's 7.31 in the 3-cone was posted. What the? His jumps were in the 97th and 98th percentiles at his position over the past 21 years. His 3-cone -- fifth percentile. At times on film, Reagor is incredibly slippery, but his explosive is apparent on basically every snap. While his three-cone time doesn't match with the change-of-direction ability on film, Reagor did test like a rather explosive athlete, and the team that picks him will be doing so because of how well he can stretch the field and hit big plays after the catch on short throws catches thanks to his burst and long speed. It would not surprise me if he's still selected in the first round, because most teams will realize that he likely bulked up to fill out his frame for the combine, which sapped some of the twitch and overall speed.) (3-3-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-why-the-combine-for-jalen-reagor-a-j-epenesa-and-other-prospects-shouldnt-hurt-their-stock/
O'HARA: Wide receivers put on a show at 2020 Combine (Jalen Reagor of TCU left no doubt about his intentions when asked in his media interview if he expected to beat Henry Ruggs III of Alabama. "That's my plan," Reagor said. "He runs after me. I'm going to set the bar for him."Reagor didn't set it high enough with a time of 4.47 seconds, but he can't feel too bad about it. Ruggs beat everybody with a Combine-best time of 4.27 seconds.) (3-3-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-wide-receivers-put-on-a-show-at-2020-combine-ruggs-aiyuk
2020 NFL Combine Stock Report - Wide Receivers (Down - Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: Jalen Reagor is supposed to be a blazer, but the combine numbers didn't back up that perception. He ran a disappointing 4.47 40, then basically walked the 3-cone, finishing with a ghastly time of 7.31, which was in the fifth percentile. Reagor looked like he put on some weight, which would explain his poor runs. It must now be asked if this was intentional, because if it wasn't, it's a horrible look that Reagor came into the combine out of shape. Also, I can't get over the 3-cone time. A result like that makes me wonder if Reagor even prepared for it, which is another bad sign.) (2-28-20): http://walterfootball.com/combine2020stockWR.php
Winners, losers from Day 1 of 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (Loser – Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: It was a mixed day for Reagor. He jumped well, but that is about it. Reagor was touted as the fastest wideout in the draft and while it may be different on the field, it did not reflect during the testing portion. He ran a 4.47 40 and 7.31 3-cone.) (2-28-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/gallery/nfl-combine-winners-losers-day-1-justin-herbert-denzel-mims-jalen-hurts-henry-ruggs/
NFL Combine Winners and Losers: Wide Receivers (Losers - WR Jalen Reagor: His 40-yard dash left some draft analysts wondering if his weight gain following the season hindered his speed and performance. He reportedly weighed in 10 pounds heavier than at TCU. The 4.47 and 4.50 40-yard dash times were slower than expected. Reagor's times in the three-cone drill (7.31 seconds) and 20-yard shuttle (4.46 seconds) were also disappointing. He did excel in the jumps, as he recorded a 42" vertical jump and 11’6” in the broad jump.) (2-28-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/2020-nfl-combine-winners-and-losers-wide-receivers
2020 NFL combine: Winners and losers from receiver and tight end drills; Denzel Mims and Chase Claypool shine (Losers - Jalen Reagor, TCU. This is nitpicking to a certain degree because Reagor did post a 42-inch vertical and tied for the highest broad jump at 139 inches. But there was 4.30 hype for him, and he ran 4.47... then he timed in a slow 7.31 in the three cone which doesn't match up with his film at all.) (2-28-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-winners-and-losers-from-receiver-and-tight-end-drills-denzel-mims-and-chase-claypool-shine/
NFL Combine Thursday Highlights (But alas, there were some disappointments in this group. TCU's Jalen Reagor posted a 4.47 second time, far slower than expected from a wideout who ran past defensive backs in the Big 12 the last three years. Expect a much better time at his Pro Day, and he was one of the better jumpers in Indy on Thursday.) (2-28-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/nfl-combine-thursday-highlights
Combine workouts: QBs deliver, WR class shines (TCU's Jalen Reagor disappointed with his 40 but plays faster, and he had his moments in the drills) (2-28-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-combine-results-qbs-wrs-tes-run-40-yard-dash-take-part-in-drills-and-turn-heads-on-thursday/live/
Daniel Jeremiah's 2020 NFL Scouting Combine takeaways (Jalen Reagor, TCU (No. 48 to Jets): Reagor was one of Jeremiah's top five candidates to break Ross' 40 record, but the receiver ran a 4.47 on Thursday, tied for 15th among WRs. "It looked like Reagor got a little too thick. I saw how well he ran on tape, but it didn't really match up today.") (2-28-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001103989/article/daniel-jeremiahs-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-takeaways
11 prospects who should dominate the scouting combine drills (Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: Not only has Reagor been timed in the 4.3s pre-combine, he’s a potentially electric deep threat who could easily get a top-50 grade from a lot of people if he’s able to lap the field in the 40 and other drills. Reagor’s production didn’t match his athleticism at TCU for a number of reasons, and most of those reasons were beyond his control. But he is a fascinating prospect for those teams looking to replicate what the 49ers did with Deebo Samuel last season on everything from deep posts to jet sweeps.) (2-27-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/27/11-prospects-who-should-dominate-the-scouting-combine-drills/
Henry Ruggs III, Jalen Reagor look to leave loaded class in dust as WRs take center stage (2-27-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/02/henry-ruggs-iii-jalen-reagor-look-to-leave-loaded-class-in-dust-as-wrs-take-center-stage.html
Jeremiah: 5 candidates to break combine 40 record (4. Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU (Combine workout night: Thursday): Reagor was an absolute home run hitter in the TCU offense. I have him just outside my top-50 big board, but he could generate some first-round buzz with his workout. He is going to post an incredibly impressive 40 time. He's been timed consistently in the mid-to-low 4.3s, and I expect him to be in that range on Thursday evening. He had some issues with dropped passes this past season, but his speed is very intriguing to a lot of teams around the league.) (2-26-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001103261/article/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-five-candidates-to-break-40-record
2020 NFL Scouting Combine: Notable quotes and analysis from Day 1 (“Jalen Reagor really hammered home that his versatility is a big strength, said he has experience playing outside, slot, RB and QB dating back to high school — he's eyeing a much more versatile role in the NFL than his at TCU.” – Austin Gayle. Over the course of his three-year career with the Horned Frogs, Reagor lined up on the outside on 84% of his total offensive snaps. He's among the elite receivers in this class as far as athleticism goes, and he is in the running for quickest 40-yard dash time on Thursday with 4.2 seconds being the target. The production was less than ideal for Reagor in 2019, but we can't forget about the all-around bad situation he was in at TCU. In addition to being limited to the outside, Reagor saw the fourth-worst rate of accurate targets according to PFF's QB charting process.) (2-25-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-notable-quotes-and-analysis-from-day-1
TCU WR Jalen Reagor senses 'a lot of interest' from Packers at combine (2-25-20): https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/25/tcu-wr-jalen-reagor-senses-a-lot-of-interest-from-packers-at-combine/
Confident Jalen Reagor expects to run blazing 40-yard dash, says Packers 'seem interested' (2-25-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/confident-jalen-reagor-expects-to-run-blazing-40-yard-dash-says-packers-seem-interested-235700871.html
Nine instant impact receivers who won't cost a first-round pick (Jalen Reagor, TCU: The only question I have is: What can't he do? He boasts lightning speed with scoring potential from anywhere on the field. More impressive is his work ethic. Coaches will not have to teach Reagor that quality because it's clearly part of his DNA. Projected to be a Day 2 selection, Reagor will be an impact player for the team who drafts him.) (2-25-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001102818/article/nine-instant-impact-receivers-who-wont-cost-a-firstround-pick
Which NFL draft prospect will run fastest 40-yard dash time at 2020 Combine (Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: Though he's perhaps the most prominent threat to best Ruggs in the 40, Reagor might be poised to fare even better in other drills. A high school long jump champion, he should also post top numbers in the broad jump, vertical leap and three-cone drill. Reagor was clocked at 4.29 by his coaches last year, though bulking up from 195 pounds to 206 might slow him down. Former Horned Frogs teammate Jeff Gladney is also a candidate to secure one of this year's top times.) (2-25-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/25/nfl-draft-fastest-40-time-combine-henry-ruggs-javelin-guidry/4858095002/
12 WRs for Packers to watch at NFL Scouting Combine (Jalen Reagor, TCU: He’s going to run in the 4.3s. Book it. He is an instant accelerator who also possesses rare buildup speed. But Reagor won’t only ace the 40-yard dash – he should put up big numbers in all the jumps and short-area quickness drills. Don’t be surprised if he’s one of the big winners in Indy and cements himself as a first-round pick.) (2-24-20): https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/24/12-wrs-for-packers-to-watch-at-nfl-scouting-combine/
Combine: Answering the biggest questions (Who will run the fastest? Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: Reagor should measure in close to Ruggs, and there were times during the TCU star's college career when he created distance while running away from cornerbacks in the Big 12. Also, in a 2018 matchup inside Jerry World against cornerback factory Ohio State, Reagor looked like the fastest player on the field. While Ruggs seems more likely to run in the 4.20s, Reagor could sneak into that prestigious range. A time in the low 4.30s is expected.) (2-21-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-burning-questions-answered-which-prospects-will-erupt-who-needs-a-big-workout-and-more/
Early NFL Draft WR Rankings (Analytics) (Jalen Reagor (5’11/195) is an explosive, undersized outside playmaker with a track background who wins downfield but struggled in his final season, making him a boom-or-bust prospect with upside. He “broke out” as an 18-year-old freshman (33-576-8), ascended as a sophomore (72-1,061-9), and then tanked last season (43-611-5 with a 6.9 yards per target average, by far the worst among the top receiver prospects of the class). Playing with a struggling freshman quarterback contributed to the down season, but his team share of receiving yards declined from 38% to 25% last year and that can’t be put on the quarterback change. Ultimately, he had a slightly above average adjusted production score (62nd percentile), which does pass the historical minimum threshold. On tape, he has fantastic get off speed, leaping ability, and body control. Those traits led to him catching 23-of-50 contest-catch opportunities over the last two seasons per PFF (that’s good). In the NFL, those contested catches may not fully translate to the league given his size, so he’ll need to improve upon his releases instead of relying on his competitiveness to win. What will translate is his athleticism and that’s what makes him a potential playmaking WR2 on Sundays. Predicted Overall Draft Pick: 36th) (2-20-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/early-nfl-draft-wr-rankings-analytics
Building the perfect wide receiver prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft (Vertical Explosiveness – Jalen Reagor: Jalen Reagor has the juice. While running routes on the vertical plane his combination of short-area quickness and straight-line speed is special, as well as his ball skills to finish downfield. Expect his immediate NFL role to be a field stretcher, whether from the outside or the slot. Honorable Mention: Brandon Aiyuk) (2-20-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/building-perfect-wide-receiver-prospects-2020-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL Combine: Wide Receiver Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (8. Jalen Reagor, TCU 5-11, 195 (2) - NFL Combine What Matters: Throw in his ability as a return man to go along with his playmaking ability, and he’ll be a fun toy for a coaching staff to play with. Get the ball in his hands and he’ll do something with it. He won’t be physical, and he might not be a No. 1 target, but he’s a special weapon who could crush as part of a strong offensive puzzle.) (2-20-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-wide-receiver-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
Prospect for the Pack: TCU WR Jalen Reagor (2-19-20): https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/19/packers-draft-profile-tcu-wr-jalen-reagor-2020-nfl/
How the top wide receiver prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft use their eyes to win (Reagor: I talked about the sluggo route earlier with Ruggs, but here are both Jalen Reagor and Isaiah Hodgins doing a fantastic job of selling the route with their eyes. Hodgins does this incredibly well. It is in rhythm on a ‘one, two, three’ step beat, and it is efficient. But his eyes are driving his entire body with him. He looks back for the football, and he squares up inside. That is the epitome of eye manipulation and springs him wide open. Reagor, who is the faster of the two by far, does not sell this as hard, but he has the same step cadence, and the eyes drive his body with him. The sell is not nearly as hard, but right out of the break, everything says slant. He commits his shoulders, and he commits his eyes. Those eyes are looking right back at his quarterback. And that is why the corner comes down and takes the bait.) (2-19-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-top-wide-receiver-prospects-use-eyes-to-win/
11 NFL draft prospects who could spark big combine buzz (8. Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: The combine could serve as a national re-emergence for Reagor, whose electric play was inhibited in 2019 by TCU's erratic passing attack. The DeSean Jackson comparisons come easy for the 5-11, 195-pound big-play threat, as he forces defenses to respect his deep speed and offers significant value as a returner. His times in the 40-yard dash and three-cone drill should be among the best of the week, though his on-field work might be even more important given concerns about his drops. ) (2-18-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/18/nfl-draft-2020-combine-top-players-buzz-henry-ruggs/4785928002/
NFL draft watch: 10 targets for Lions in Round 2 (WR Reagor: Like Henderson, I had Reagor going in the first round of my first mock draft, but the wide receiver position is so loaded this year that he could be available early in Round 2. Reagor is a big-time playmaker who would complement Kenny Golladay nicely with his deep speed. Marvin Jones has just one more year left on his contract, so the Lions need to plan for the future with a player who also can contribute at the position now.) (2-17-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/16/10-players-detroit-lions-could-target-round-2-nfl-draft/4759338002/
Draft WR rankings: Lamb headlines list (Tier 2 - 7. Jalen Reagor, TCU, 86: Reagor is a smaller but rocked up and incredibly slippery, blazing fast wideout who plays bigger than his size thanks to high-quality ball-tracking and jump-ball skills in traffic. He would likely be more universally liked had he played with better quarterback play during his time at TCU, and in 2018, when his passers were adequate, the speedster did have 1,061 yards on 72 catches (14.7 yards per) with nine touchdowns. To provide proper context on his 611-yard junior campaign, it represented the same percentage of his team's receiving yards (25%) as Justin Jefferson's 1,540 yards for LSU (25.5%) in 2019. Crazy, right? There are some concentration drops on Reagor's film which are, in a way, counteracted by a handful of high-point grabs with coverage on him down the field. His super-smooth movements look so effortless -- both as a route runner and after the catch -- as is the case with his acceleration down the field. Reagor is a natural separator at all levels of the field and provides return ability.) (2-13-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-receiver-rankings-ceedee-lamb-at-no-1-in-absolutely-stacked-pass-catcher-group/
Back to the Future: Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft (4. Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: And not far behind one speedster is the other dynamic coverage alterer that has a lot of similar traits to Ruggs. Jalen Reagor saw a dip in his production this year, but it was far from his fault. Reagor improved on film this year in a lot of areas. I thought Reagor’s ball-tracking and ball skills improved a lot throughout this season. There are still some issues with concentration drops that pop themselves up as pesky issues, but Reagor has been flagged by the NFL for some route-running concerns as well. I think Reagor has a decent amount of nuance in his breaks and is not purely built off of speed. This is a guy that is master of releases at the line, and his start-stop ability is among the best in this class. After the catch, Reagor is a terror with physics-defying cuts all over his tape. This is a guy that can rise higher up my board if he can answer some of his issues with drops over the course of the draft process. His field drills in Indianapolis are going to be a critical evaluation point on how good his hands are. ) (2-8-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-the-future-top-10-wide-receivers-in-the-2020-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL Draft prospects with the most to prove at the combine (JALEN REAGOR, WR, TCU: The quarterback situation Reagor had in 2019 was flat-out bad. Among draft-eligible wide receivers, Reagor saw the fourth-lowest rate of catchable targets at 61.4% (for perspective, that’s 12% lower than the average; the highest rate was Justin Jefferson at 89.6%). At the same time, he had his fair share of errors too by posting the 10th-worst drop rate in this year’s class at 13%. His speed though is something rare, as Reagor reportedly ran a 4.29-second 40 last offseason. If he doesn’t drop a ball and runs a time as quick as that, Reagor could secure a first-round spot – but at the same token, his stock could fall further down if his gauntlet drill is poor.) (2-7-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-with-the-most-to-prove-at-the-combine
TCU's Jalen Reagor could be a steal in the 2020 NFL Draft (2-6-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/tcus-jalen-reagor-could-steal-185950649.html
2020 NFL Draft prospects who can use the NFL Combine to rise (Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: If you’ve got “I want it all” playing in your head ahead of the 2020 NFL Combine, then there’s one wide receiver prospect you want in Indianapolis: Jalen Reagor. Reagor has serviceable size at 5-foot-11, 195, and he maximizes his frame with stellar long speed, acceleration, elusiveness as a runner, and vertical explosion at the catch point. He should blow all the mobility drills out of the water, and send scouts daydreaming about his upside in a modern offense.) (2-5-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-combine-prospects-rise/
How teams can use draft to copy Chiefs (Reagor is a similar incendiary burner with scary juking skills in space. Hamler is probably the smallest of the group but might have the most freakish burst off the line of scrimmage. All are as threatening in the open field as they are straight down it, just like Hill. Ruggs is likely to go in the first round. Reagor too. Hamler seems like a second-round pick at the early stages of the pre-draft process.) (2-4-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-how-teams-should-copy-super-bowl-champion-chiefs-by-adding-similarly-skilled-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Wide Receivers (6. JALEN REAGOR, TCU (Draft Board Rank: 28th): Reagor has the off-the-charts explosiveness that saw him go for over 1,000 yards as a true sophomore in 2018. He was very much hampered by his quarterback situation in 2019, though, as he saw the fourth-highest rate of off-target passes of any receiver in the country. However, his raw stats don't tell the whole story, as he can't just get open down the field, but he can also win 50-50 balls despite his size. He's hauled in 23 of his 50 contested-catch opportunities over the past two seasons.) (1-31-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-wide-receivers
Latest news and rumors around the NFL from the Shrine Game (Jalen Reagor may slip in the 2020 NFL Draft: Jalen Reagor of TCU is sometimes mentioned as a first-round player but scouts are concerned about his route running skills. While no one questions Reagor’s speed or athleticism, word from Shrine was teams will closely inspect his route running abilities in workouts leading up to the draft. They are concerned he’s an undersized, straight-line pass catcher.) (1-16-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/latest-news-and-rumors-around-nfl-from-shrine-game/
Evaluating declaration decisions (WR Jalen Reagor (TCU): Reagor shows quick footwork at the snap and does a good job of finding gaps in the opponent's zone. There are concerns with his ball security, however. Opinions on the wide receiver run a wide range, but he could land in the second round if a team deems him the right fit. NFL Draft projection: Day 2 pick ) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-sizing-up-early-declaration-decisions-of-tua-fromm-eason-and-more-key-prospects/
WR prospect reset: Stock up and down (Likely to be forgotten until the combine - Jalen Reagor, TCU: Reagor is arguably the biggest enigma in the entire receiver class. In terms of speed and sudden movement that equates to easy separation as well as major yards-after-the-catch production, the former TCU star is close to Jeudy. Seriously. But his quarterback situation was brutal in college, so his statistics don't pop. As a junior, Reagor will wait until the combine to showcase his athletic talents.) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-prospect-reset-whose-stock-is-up-and-down-who-needs-big-senior-bowl-and-combine-and-more/
Patriots 2020 draft needs, fits, picks (Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: Reagor is the quintessential Patriots-style receiver. He's small, lightning quick, and flashed tremendous ball skills in contested-catch situations despite rarely having a size advantage. Reagor's game is based on the ability to create separation with ease and yards after the catch.) (1-5-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-new-england-patriots-team-needs-draft-picks-prospects-to-watch/
Raiders 2020 draft needs, fits, picks (Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: The Raiders never got a regular-season snap out of Antonio Brown, and in terms of on-field style, Reagor is a similar wideout. He's smaller but super-sudden and flashed tracking the football into his hands on long balls during his career at TCU that was hindered production-wise by bad quarterback play. Round 1 isn't out of the question for Reagor, but he's likely to land in Round 2.) (1-3-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-raiders-team-needs-draft-picks-prospects-to-watch-for-las-vegas/
5 wide receivers who could make sense for Detroit Lions’ offense in NFL draft (TCU WR Jalen Reagor -- The junior has declared for the draft after enduring a tough season with multiple starting quarterbacks at TCU. Despite this instability, Jalen Reagor still caught 43 passes for 611 yards with five touchdowns. He added 14 carries for 89 yards while returning 15 punts for 312 yards and one impressive touchdown. His production dipped this season from an impressive 72-catch, 1,061-yard sophomore campaign. “Defenses knew where Reagor was lining up snap after snap, as 653 of his 786 snaps last season came at right outside wide receiver,” ESPN writes. "From there, TCU coaches made no effort to get the ball into their most dynamic playmaker’s hands; Reagor was targeted on only 11 screens. “In fact, 162 players in college football have seen more screen targets this year than Reagor. For a receiver who will almost surely run in the 4.3s and have a vertical jump around 40 inches, that’s difficult to believe.” He could fall into the second round due to his drop off in production, but the intangibles and sheer athleticism are there. If Detroit decides to move on from Amendola or Jones, keep an eye out on Reagor’s name as a potential fit.) (12-13-19): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/12/5-wide-receivers-who-could-make-sense-for-detroit-lions-offense-in-nfl-draft.html
College Football Week 14: 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Notes (WR Jalen Reagor, TCU: Few receivers had things go worse for them in 2019 despite full health. After going over 1,000 yards last year, Reagor was targeted 89 times this season and hauled in only 43 for 616 yards. TCU’s QBs simply couldn’t put it on Reagor accurately down the field, and they threw him all of 11 screens all year. We’ll trust the promise he showed as a sophomore, but it will be difficult to see a team drafting him in the first anymore with his lack of production. That likely means he’ll be a steal in our eyes.) (12-4-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-14-2020-nfl-draft-scouting-notes
Tony Pauline CFB Week 15 Mailbag: Isaiah Simmons and Alex Leatherwood expected to enter 2020 NFL Draft (In early November, you reported that TCU WR Jalen Reagor would enter the NFL Draft. On Monday, he announced his intention to do just that. Now that his name is in the mix, where do you see him going in the NFL Draft compared to someone like Henry Ruggs or other similar size/speed guys? First, let me say I am not as high on Ruggs as others and I would grade him lower than prospects like Jalen Reagor, K.J. Hamler, and CeeDee Lamb. Ruggs is a great sprinter but not a great receiver and a beneficiary of the talent around him. Presently I have Reagor graded as a second-day pick, likely somewhere in the middle of round two. That will change either way depending on how he works out – forty, shuttles, three-cone, and route running at the combine. I like Reagor and think he will be effective on the flanks, in the slot, or as a return specialist in the NFL. As more underclassmen receivers enter the draft – and I expect K.J. Hamler and CeeDee Lamb will enter the draft as well as Jerry Jeudy – Reagor will get pushed down the board a bit.) (12-4-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tony-pauline-cfb-week-15-mailbag-simmons-leatherwood-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the Incredibly Deep Wide Receiver Class (10. Reagor: Reagor is a deep threat with elite speed who largely plays on the perimeter despite being under-sized. At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Reagor will likely line up in the slot at the next level. The TCU junior is quick off the line and fast when he's free of press coverage, meaning he can be an effective deep-threat. He doesn't stand out as a route-runner so that must improve, but he's got good hands and can likely be an asset on special teams. His draft stock has stagnated a bit this year, as he's only caught 43 passes for 611 yard and five touchdowns with two punt return scores. If he adds strength and improves as a route-runner he projects as a solid slot option in the NFL.) (12-3-19): https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/nfl-draft-receivers-ranked-2020-jerry-jeudy-ceedee-lamb-01dv3zsx80fb
College Football: 2019 PFF All-Big 12 Team (PUNT RETURNER - First Team: Jalen Reagor, TCU) (12-2-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2019-pff-all-big-12-team
2020 Draft WR Watch: Higgins climbs to No. 1 (7. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Up, Slightly
Reagor had six catches for 57 yards and displayed his insane athletic gifts on a 70-yard punt return, his second such score of the season. Early in the game, he was hit as he tried to catch a slant, the ball popped up into the air and was intercepted. Not totally his fault, but it was a pass that should've been caught. Reagor got open on a comeback in the first half ... but the ball skipped to him. Yes, I'm a broken record with this, but with better quarterbacking, we could've seen an electric season from the bouncy, dynamic Reagor. Instead, we got 43 catches for 611 yards with five scores. With TCU missing out on a bowl game and Reagor only a junior, expect him to hover well below the radar for the early portions of draft season until the combine.) (12-2-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tee-higgins-overtakes-jerry-jeudy-for-no-1-spot/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Pittman, Mims rise (8. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Stock Down. Reagor has the talent to be an elite receiver prospect, and his quarterback play isn't great. But the latter fact doesn't excuse him from barely showing up on the stat sheet some weeks. He had one grab for nine yards against Oklahoma, his third one-catch game of the year. ) (11-25-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-the-rise-of-michael-pittman-and-denzel-mims/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Higgins rises again (8. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Steady. As has been typically the case this season, Reagor didn't have a high-volume performance, yet he put his stamp on the tight win over Texas Tech with a 55-yard touchdown in which his long speed was on full display, and he even had to extend his arms and the grab was made with his hands with ease.) (11-18-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tee-higgins-making-case-as-most-complete-wr-prospect-in-the-class/
College Football Week 10: 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Notes (WR Jalen Reagor, TCU: In a loaded receiver class, Reagor is looking more and more like a candidate to return to school for his senior year. Against Baylor this past week, he hauled in only one of seven targets for eight yards while adding two drops. Even if TCU were to make a bowl (they’re 4-5 right now), Reagor is still only on pace for 667 yards on the year. While his quarterbacks haven’t done him any favors, there are valid concerns about Reagor’s catch radius and contested ability after this year.) (11-12-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-week-10-2020-nfl-draft-scouting-notes-2
2020 Draft WR Stock Watch: Smith erupts (8. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Down. Reagor was slippery on his lone catch -- for eight yards -- against Baylor, and he fell forward for a first down. And as usual, his quarterback play hindered his production. There was an in-breaking route in the end zone in which Reagor created some separation. Low throw. Incomplete. He was open on a deep comeback earlier in the game too but an underneath defender intercepted the pass. This Baylor-TCU game was out of the twilight zone as a defensive battle that was 9-9 at the end of regulation. However, Reagor cooled off in a big way after a solid two-game stretch.) (11-11-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-devonta-smith-erupts-again-ceedee-lamb-and-tyler-johnson-flourish/
College Football Week 10 Eckrich Big-12 Team of the Week (Jalen Reagor, TCU: Reagor hauled in seven of his 11 targets against Oklahoma State and finished the week as the conference's only receiver to top 100 yards receiving (he put up 128).) (11-4-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-10-big-12-team-of-the-week
2020 Draft WR Watch: Edwards, Reagor erupt (5. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Up. [Marv Albert voice] "He's heating up." After a slow start to the season, Reagor has really flashed his full skill set the past two weeks. He made two contested catches against Iowa State a week ago then went off for 128-yards on seven grabs in the loss to Oklahoma State, and the output included two more legitimate leaping, high-point grabs down the field. The first was a double move that should've been a walk-in touchdown. The second featured a defender in tight coverage. Reagor also ran a gorgeous flag route toward the sideline after getting an inside release from the outside receiver spot. The production is starting to come around for this super-talented receiver.) (11-4-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-bryan-edwards-jalen-reagor-showcase-depth-of-this-class/
2020 NFL Draft: Add Eason and Reagor to first-round mix (Speedy WR looks to make the leap: Another ultra-talented prospect looking to make the leap to the NFL after this season is TCU WR Jalen Reagor. Based on Reagor’s underwhelming 2019 season, this may come as a surprise to some in the draft community. The 5’11”, 195-pound speedster lit up the college football world in 2018, accumulating 1,231 total yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. He was also electric on punt and kick returns as well for the Horned Frogs. Reagor was a favorite of the draft community following the 2018 season and looked destined to be a top 2020 NFL Draft prospect at the WR position. However, the junior has struggled to the tune of only 25 catches for 326 yards and four scores. Reagor’s struggles can be chalked up to the growing pains experienced by TCU’s young QB, Max Duggan, a true freshman that has started the entire 2019 season. The punt return game is one area that Reagor has vastly improved in 2019. This skill will be Raegor’s calling card early in his NFL career, and he looks like the best available for the 2020 NFL Draft. After averaging a modest 12.1 yards per return last season, Raegor is averaging a robust 19.3 in 2019. His shift and burst is almost impossible to contain in the open field and separates him from the other return men and WRs in this draft. On Saturday, Reagor exploded for seven catches and 128 yards in the loss to Oklahoma State. The first comparison that comes to mind when I watch Raegor is Kansas City’s Tyreek Hill. Another former Big 12 receiver, Hill is also undersized for the position but makes up for it with his extreme speed, agility, and burst. He can even win contested balls against bigger corners with his explosive leaping ability and suddenness. For a speedy receiver, Hill is also an outstanding route runner with great hands. Reagor has the same type of skill, and you can see some of that explosiveness on this run below. Reagor could easily hear his name called on day one of the draft due to his overall ability as a multipurpose offensive threat and return man. Reagor has the elite speed and playmaking ability that NFL teams are looking for, and his workout numbers are pretty impressive. An organization such as the Oakland Raiders would be an excellent fit for him.) (11-4-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-add-eason-and-reagor-to-first-round-mix/
Jalen Reagor headed to locker room. Injured his back on 37-yard catch. (11-2-19): https://mobile.twitter.com/drewdavison/status/1190736728274952192
Draft WR Watch: Jeudy, Shenault shine (6. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Steady. In the first quarter, Reagor was open down the middle of the field but severely underthrown on a pass that was intercepted. In the third, he ran by the cornerback covering him down the sideline for an easy 44 yard touchdown but only had one other catch on the day. The 2-44-1 stat line is kinda/sorta par for the course for Reagor this year, and it's not all his fault.) (10-29-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-jerry-jeudy-laviska-shenault-get-back-on-track/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Hamler is a riser (6. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Up, Slightly. Reagor had a nice statistical output against Kansas State given the state of his quarterback play. He went for 85 yards on eight catches, three of which came on TCU's final drive of the game. One of those receptions was a ridiculous snag in which he took the ball away from an underneath defender who leaped for the interception. Reagor is as twitchy as they come and has plus ball skills.) (10-22-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-minnesotas-tyler-johnson-rising-keep-an-eye-on-penn-states-k-j-hamler/
WR Watch: Lamb dominates Texas (6. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Steady (Midseason NFL comparison: Stefon Diggs): Reagor and TCU were idle over the weekend and make a trip to the Little Apple this Saturday to take on Kansas State.) (10-15-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-ceedee-lamb-erupts-vs-texas-justin-jefferson-goes-bananas-vs-florida/
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: TCU's Jalen Reagor flashes on quiet weekend for top receiver prospects (6. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Up. Reagor had four catches for 69 yards and two touchdowns in TCU's loss on the road to Iowa State, and three of the grabs were of the highlight-reel variety. With the score 28-3 in the third quarter, he made a contested catch down the middle of the field on a long ball. A few plays later, he snatched the football over his head on a fade in the end zone -- and the decision to throw a sub 6-foot-0 wideout a fade says a lot about what TCU thinks about Reagor's ball skills. As the Horned Frogs tried to mount a comeback, Reagor made another reception in traffic in the end zone on a go route. It was his best performance since the season opener in late August. ) (10-8-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tcus-jalen-reagor-flashes-on-quiet-weekend-for-top-receiver-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: Devonta Smith into the top 10 after historic performance (7. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Down, Slightly. On the last play of the first quarter, Reagor fumbled a punt, scooped it up, made a few subtle cuts, then erupted down the field for a long touchdown. You do not want to see him in space. He only had one grab for 15 yards.) (10-1-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-devonta-smith-into-the-top-10-after-historic-performance/
2020 NFL Draft prospect Rankings: Top-five players at each offensive position (3. Jalen Reagor: Reagor’s numbers may not have measured up to some of the other wideouts in this class so far, but it’s not necessarily been his fault. He’s been missed three times wide open down the football field already this season. There’s no doubt he hasn’t helped himself either with two drops and going 0-4 on contested catches, but he’s still separating at an elite level.) (9-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-2020-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-on-offense
2020 NFL Draft WR Watch: Reagor moves down, Ruggs up (6. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Down. Two catches. Two yards. Reagor's quarterback situation is far from ideal, and the TCU coaching staff needs to make him the unquestioned focal point of the offense, especially a close one like this was. He also pieced together a nice punt return.) (9-24-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-colorados-laviska-shenault-tcus-jalen-reagor-move-down-after-disappointing/
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: Alabama's Henry Ruggs, Minnesota's Tyler Johnson move up WR rankings (4. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Up, Slightly. Reagor was held back by TCU's quarterback situation (again) against Purdue on Saturday. He had three catches for 29 yards, but that didn't tell the story of how Reagor played. Early in the game, he had a step on a defender down the sideline but was overthrown. Should've been a long touchdown. There was a similar play later in the second half, although it likely wouldn't have been a score. Reagor demonstrated freaky juking ability on some short catches and made a ridiculous cut on an easy comeback.) (9-17-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-alabamas-henry-ruggs-minnesotas-tyler-johnson-move-up-wr-rankings/
Five possible Detroit Lions 2020 draft prospects: Week 3 (Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU (No. 1): There will never be a time where speed isn't a valued commodity in football and Reagor has it in spades. Expected to run in the low 4.3s when he's measured at the combine, he utilizes that skill to regularly leave opposing cornerbacks in the dust on deep routes. But the 5-foot-11, 195-pounder is more than just a vertical threat. A solid route runner, he can do damage a variety of ways, including out of the slot. He had five catches in TCU's opener and is coming off a season where he registered 1,061 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He also has kick and punt return on the resume, showing big-play potential in both roles.) (9-13-19): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/09/13/five-possible-detroit-lions-2020-draft-prospects-week-3/2302979001/
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: CeeDee Lamb moves to No. 2 spot, don't sleep on Henry Ruggs (4. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Steady. Reagor and the Horned Frogs were idle this week but head to West Lafayette to face Purdue this Saturday. Reagor vs. Rondale Moore! We can't wait.) (9-10-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-ceedee-lamb-moves-to-no-2-spot-dont-sleep-on-henry-ruggs/
2020 NFL Draft WR Watch: Jerry Jeudy, Tee Higgins, and Tylan Wallace flourish in Week 1 (4. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Steady. Reagor had five catches for 71 yards in TCU's victory over Arkansas Pine-Bluff, the biggest play coming on a 37-yard touchdown in which he effortlessly flew past coverage into the end zone. Reagor's speed is so natural. He doesn't look to be pressing at all, yet glides past everyone on the field. Reagor is part of what will be an epic receiver battle in two weeks when the Horned Frogs travel to West Lafayette, Indiana to take on Rondale Moore and Purdue.) (9-3-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-watch-jerry-jeudy-tee-higgins-and-tylan-wallace-flourish-in-week-1/
TCU Horned Frogs: Reagor and Niang lead with third round projections (Jalen Reagor: Jalen Reagor is tops on our TCU board, and the junior is a smaller receiver with game-breaking ability. Reagor is quick, has a burst of speed and shows a second gear that allows him to run away from defenders. He’s effective running after the catch, does a good job on reverses and has return skills. Reagor has a bit of a small frame, but if he continues to improve on the field his draft stock will move north.) (8-31-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tcu-horned-frogs-summer-grades-pauline/
Big 12 Preview of 2020 NFL Draft: Top prospects loaded with WRs, leading with CeeDee Lamb, Collin Johnson (WR Jalen Reagor: An explosive playmaker, Reagor had 72 catches for 1,061 yards and 15 touchdowns last season (13 receiving, 2 rushing). His footwork allows him to win at the line of scrimmage, and at the top of his route, and he's electric with the ball in his hands. But there's more: Reagor also returns kicks and punts, and he can line up in the backfield too. Reagor wins at all levels and in myriad ways, which makes him an obvious name to watch ahead of the '18 campaign.) (8-20-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/big-12-preview-of-2020-nfl-draft-top-prospects-loaded-with-wrs-leading-with-ceedee-lamb-collin-johnson/
2020 NFL Draft: From Jerry Jeudy to CeeDee Lamb to sleepers, 14 wide receivers to keep your eyes on (Jalen Reagor, TCU
(NFL comparison: Stefon Diggs): Reagor is a 5-11, 195-pound nightmare to tackle in the open field. His movements are the smoothest of any receiver prospect in the 2020 class. The TCU star was blessed with incredible long speed to go along with instant acceleration off the line and once he has the football in his hands. After averaging 17.5 yards per catch with eight scores as a freshman in 2017, Reagor more than doubled his reception total (33 to 72) and accumulated 1,061 yards with nine touchdowns in 2018. And those 1,061 yards don't even tell the whole story about how productive he was. Reagor accounted for 38.5 percent of the Horned Frog receiving yards, a super-high figure for a wideout in what likely was his second-to-last collegiate season. Despite his lack of imposing size, Reagor's leaping ability and ball skills made him surprisingly effective in contested-catch situations, but in general, he was significantly held back by a wildly inaccurate quarterback duo at TCU last season. Because of his twitchiness, forward lean, and ease at which he changes directions, you want Reagor running double moves or intermediate routes with multiple breaks. He is an elite separation-generating receiver prospect.) (8-20-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-from-jerry-jeudy-to-ceedee-lamb-to-sleepers-14-wide-receivers-to-keep-your-eyes-on/
Big 12: All-Conference Offensive team filled with NFL Draft prospects (WR Jalen Reagor, TCU: Reagor is an explosive playmaker for the Horned Frogs and was their only receiving threat last season. With a potentially upgraded situation at QB, Reagor has a chance to put up even more numbers. With 4.3, nearing 4.2, speed, Reagor is one of the deadliest receivers in the country. His production and talent make him an easy selection.) (8-13-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-12-all-conference-offensive-team-filled-with-nfl-draft-prospects/
Big 12’s Top-25 NFL Draft Prospects: It’s a deep class (4. Reagor: Niang as the best prospect on the TCU roster next to WR Jalen Reagor due to Niang’s pass protection chops. Reagor is an electric playmaker in the mold of D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel and carried the TCU offense last season.) (7-30-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-12s-top-25-nfl-draft-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Receivers (Jalen Reagor (TCU, JR) - Day 2 Projection - Athleticism/Size: Jalen Reagor (5’10/196) reportedly can run a 4.29 forty (!!!), can squat 620 pounds, and can bench and clean 380 pounds. That’s exactly how a Day 2 prospect can slide into the first round, something that’s on the table for the Horned Frog. Reagor could be a 95th percentile athlete. Production: Jalen Reagor should pass all production metrics after totaling 576 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman and 1,061 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore last year. Reagor also added 170 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, something he should continue to do in the NFL on sweeps given his elite speed. In 2019, I project Reagor for a 71-1,037-6 receiving line with another 100 or so yards as a runner. Efficiency/Usage: Jalen Reagor primarily played outside last year, where he finished just outside the top-10 in 25+ yard plays (11). His insane speed and craftiness make him a difficult cover on deep targets in particular. In 2018, Reagor averaged 15.6 yards on his 26 20+ yard targets per PFF. In the NFL, Reagor should emerge a team’s No. 2 as a quality field-stretcher with a chance of becoming a true WR1.) (7-28-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/2020-nfl-draft-stock-receivers?page=0
Top-15 2020 NFL Draft WR Rankings (5. Jalen Reagor (TCU) | 5'11/195: The son of Montae Reagor, who played in NFL for nine seasons and won a Super Bowl ring with the Colts in 2006, Jalen is a blur of an athlete who already has a nice catalogue of breathtaking runs in the open field. Reagor has sort of been lost in the shuffle among this high-wattage receiver class, in part because TCU’s bumbling quarterback corps didn’t help him out much last year. Reagor ran a 4.32 in high school and was the Texas state long jump champion during his prep days. He has similar holy-cow athleticism to Jeudy. If he played at Alabama, Reagor would be getting quite a bit more pub right now. Per PFF, Reagor actually received more downfield targets than Jeudy last year. TCU’s quarterbacks left a ton of yards on the field when they couldn’t hit Reagor after he’d torched some hapless Big 12 corner. Circumstance alone – the depth of the 2020 receiver class, plus the non-ideal circumstances he’s playing in -- may conspire to make Reagor available at a discount next April. It’s possible that some team will get 96.3% of Jeudy by waiting til the end of Round 1 to take Reagor.) (7-19-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/top-15-2020-nfl-draft-wr-rankings
Why the 2020 NFL Draft Class of Wide Receivers Is Worthy of Your Attention (Jalen Reagor, junior, TCU: The word most scouts use to describe Reagor is explosive. He’d be a household name like Jeudy is, if he’d had a quarterback as good as Tua Tagovailoa. Instead, Reagor caught passes from a trio of TCU quarterbacks last season, and still scored nine touchdowns and put up 1,040 yards. His speciality is the vertical route tree, and he’s at the top of this draft class at creating separation.) (7-11-19): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/07/10/nfl-draft-2020-top-wide-receivers-jerry-jeudy-laviska-shenault
2020 NFL Draft: Offensive stars anchor TCU’s 2019 roster (WR Jalen Reagor: It’s very easy to stand out on a poor offensive unit. It’s even easier when you are a top-tier recruit on a team filled with 3-stars. That was Jalen Reagor last season for the Horned Frogs. He was the centerpiece of their offense, accounting for 39% of TCU’s receiving yards last season as well as leading the team in touchdowns. Reagor had 1,231 yards from scrimmage last season. No other TCU player accounted for more than 721 (RB Sewo Olonilua). His play was simply outstanding last season for TCU, and he’s receiving first-round buzz already because of this. The NFL loves speed, especially in their receivers. Guys like Marquise Brown, DJ Moore, John Ross, and Will Fuller have all been picked in the first round due to their gifted speed on the field. Jalen Reagor has elite speed and then some. The first game I watched of the TCU team was the Baylor game. To say he stood out in a big way that game is an understatement. Reagor had plenty of exciting moments for TCU, despite playing for a mediocre passing game. Hopefully, another season for TCU can help them figure out to throw the ball more to Reagor in time for him to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft.) (6-25-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-offensive-stars-tcu-2019/
2020 Draft fits for NFC North teams (Green Bay Packers (Biggest need: Receiver) - The fit: TCU WR Jalen Reagor: Reagor had a hefty 38.6% receiving-yard market share in 2018 -- significantly higher than big-name sophomore pass catchers Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb -- and did so as a 19 year old. He even led TCU in receiving with 575 yards as an 18-year-old freshman in 2017 while averaging 17.5 yards per grab with eight touchdowns. Reagor is exceptionally explosive on the field. He separates at all levels and racks up yards after the catch with ease. Also, quite impressively for being a sub 6-0 receiver, Reagor proved to be reliable in contested-catch situations last season. His leaping ability helps him a great deal in that area. More so than anything else, you do not want to see Reagor in space if you're a defensive back. Check this ridiculous play against Baylor in which his athleticism, vision, balance, and speed were on full display. With Marques Valdez-Scantling, Equanimeous St. Brown and J'Mon Moore, the Packers have three second-year pros they grabbed in the middle to back end of the 2018 Draft who are all raw, size/speed specimens. While Scantling and St. Brown flashed as rookies, Scantling finished the season with only 38 receptions despite playing 64.3% of the snaps. St. Brown caught 21 passes. With Randall Cobb gone, and Geromino Allison set to hit free agency in 2020, even if MVS becomes a trustworthy No. 2 to Davante Adams, the Packers will need another quality receiver for the twilight of Rodgers' career. Reagor would bring Cobb-like quickness and the deep speed to accentuate Rodgers' vertical-passing prowess in Green Bay.) (6-24-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-fits-for-nfc-north-teams-players-to-watch-this-college-season-whod-be-ideal-need-fillers/
Top 50 College Receivers of 2019 (7. Reagor: Jalen Reagor is one of the best receivers to the intermediate and deep parts of the field. Reagor had 11 plays of 25+ yards last year, placing him near the top 10 among returning FBS receivers. But his quickness and lateral ability also make him a threat at the line of scrimmage. Clearly the best offensive player on TCU, Reagor will be getting schemed against every week, but he’ll still be one of the most productive players in the country. If you are on #TeamSeparation, then you are on #TeamReagor.)(6-11-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/top-50-college-receivers-2019
Scouting Reports:
Alabama: https://rolltide.com/sports/football/roster/henry-ruggs-iii/5465
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/henry-ruggsiii?id=32195255-4731-8217-5970-b4a47789eeaf
Walterfootball: https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2020hruggs.php
Draftwire: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/12/04/2020-nfl-draft-henry-ruggs-iii-scouting-report/amp/
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/henry-ruggs-iii/9PMNe2V0Ag
Articles:
Henry Ruggs has heard “constantly” from Raiders, Broncos, 49ers (4-22-20): https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/04/21/henry-ruggs-has-heard-constantly-from-raiders-broncos-49ers/
Latest draft rumors: Buy or sell? (Henry Ruggs will be the first WR drafted: Buy - After months believing receivers would fly off the board early and often in this class, we've collectively realized the receiver madness is most likely to begin at No. 11 overall with the Jets. But who could be first off the board? Our very own Pete Prisco believes it'll be Henry Ruggs, and I do too. Had either Jeudy or Lamb exploded at the combine, that wouldn't be the case. But neither did. And, hilariously, Ruggs "disappointed" in the 40 with a time of 4.27 but had a 42-inch vertical and a 131-inch broad jump, measurements in the 97th and 94th percentiles respectively at the position. He has a Tyreek Hill level of explosiveness. Despite Jeudy and Lamb living on the draft radar longer, Ruggs has the get-up-and-go I think will catapult him in front of those prospects on night No. 1 of the draft. And it wouldn't shock me if a team traded up to get him. That's the type of game-breaking talent Ruggs has, because he's not just a burner, he boasts a large catch radius relative to his size and runs crisp routes. The Raiders at No. 12 overall seem like the most likely sweet spot for Ruggs. And, yes, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if the Jets just took him a pick before that.) (4-21-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-rumors-buying-or-selling-the-latest-buzz-on-tua-tagovailoa-jeffrey-okudah-and-more/
Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 16: Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III (4-15-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-16-alabama-wr-henry-ruggs-iii-023000838.html
Schein: 9 most sizzling offensive draft prospects (THREE GAME-CHANGING WIDEOUTS - 6. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama: Speed! Speed! Speed! And more speed! Did I mention he's fast? Yeah, Ruggs posted the top time in the 40-yard dash at this year's NFL Scouting Combine, with a lightning-quick 4.27, and even that felt a bit disappointing. Given how absurdly fast the dude looks on the gridiron -- destroying all defenders' angles with obscene acceleration -- Ruggs had many believing he'd threaten John Ross' all-time record of 4.22. Must be nice to run a "slow" 4.27 ... Ruggs isn't just a speed merchant, either. He has great hands and a knack for the big play. In his 98 career receptions at Alabama, he scored a whopping 24 touchdowns. He's dangerous on all levels of the field and can be a terror on jet-sweep concepts. I think there's a very realistic chance he goes in the 11-12-13 Jets/Raiders/Niners range. If he doesn't (New York could go tackle, and the Raiders defense), I cannot see how he gets past Denver at 15. Can't imagine Drew Lock would mind a field-stretching dynamo to complement emerging star Courtland Sutton. Miami will do backflips if Ruggs is there at No. 18.) (4-13-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001109214/article/2020-nfl-draft-justin-herbert-among-9-sizzling-offensive-players
Draft's top WR? Jerry Jeudy receives only 1 vote (Ruggs brings element that can't be matched - Henry Ruggs is my No. 1 receiver in this year's draft class simply because he changes the game the most. He brings a different kind of speed that will give defenses major problems -- remember, he ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and was disappointed. He's like the Cheetah, Tyreek Hill, but bigger and stronger. That's a dangerous skill set. Ruggs is a combination of two of NFL's top deep threats - One of these players will elevate an offense to different heights, and as good as Jeudy and Lamb are, they aren't the lightning-in-a-bottle player that you can't take your eyes off. Ruggs is. The speedster is a combination of DeSean Jackson and Tyreek Hill. He has home run ability from anywhere on the field.) (4-10-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001108898/article/2020-nfl-draft-who-should-be-the-first-wide-receiver-selected
Gil Brandt: Pro comps for top 5 receiver prospects (5) Henry Ruggs, Alabama (Pro comparison: Darrius Heyward-Bey (20.2 catches per year, 289.7 receiving yards per year, 14.3 yards per catch, 1.6 receiving touchdowns per year, 2009-2018).): Ruggs, of course, ran the fastest 40 at the combine (4.27 seconds), and his speed must be respected. But he doesn't seem to play as fast as that time would indicate; you would expect someone with that kind of speed to register a heckuva lot more than 10.5 yards after the catch per reception, which was Ruggs' mark (just the third-best in the SEC!) in 2019. He needs space to catch the ball, and he was really the third receiver at Alabama, with the Crimson Tide designing certain plays for him -- like lining him up on one side and having him run across the field -- to create that space. Ruggs is unusual in that he catches the ball in his hands when jumping but traps it in his stomach when catching short passes. Ruggs' comp, Heyward-Bey, was overdrafted in 2009, going seventh overall to the Raiders after running a 4.3 40 at the combine, and he never impacted the game like his speed said he should have.) (4-9-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001108875/article/2020-nfl-draft-prospectpro-comparisons-for-top-wide-receivers
NFL Draft Rookie Receiver Snapshot: Speedster Henry Ruggs III far from a one-dimensional player. (4-8-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-rookie-wide-receiver-snapshot-speedster-henry-ruggs-iii-far-from-a-onedimensional-player-151143471.html
Touchdown Wire's 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 offensive players (7. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama: “Speed kills.” “You can’t teach speed.” Whatever your favorite sports cliche about speed is, dust it off and bring it to your evaluation of Ruggs. The Alabama wideout has speed to burn and showed that both on film and at the Scouting Combine, where he posted a blazing 4.24 40-yard dash. Ruggs has more than just the jets in his toolkit; he is a solid route-runner, tracks the ball well in the vertical game and is unafraid to work over the middle. But when you have the potential to take a simple slant route to the house on any given snap, you’re going to be coveted in the NFL.) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-offensive-players/
2020 NFL Draft: Landing spots for PFF’s top 15 WR prospects (HENRY RUGGS III, ALABAMA – INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (ROUND 1, PICK 13): It’s still up in the air as to who will be under center for Indianapolis come Week 1, but whoever it is should be brought in through free agency as opposed to reaching for Justin Herbert or Jordan Love at Pick 13 — where the Colts should instead take a wide receiver. Out of all 32 NFL teams in 2019, the Colts owned the second-least valuable wide receiver unit. Taking speedster Henry Ruggs III, who our analytics team absolutely loves, would be an immediate upgrade on the outside and form a top-tier duo with T.Y. Hilton. Ruggs is clearly one of the most explosive receivers after the catch and can make plays in traffic as good as anyone in the class. Ruggs had a low target share as a result of being teammates with Jeudy as well as top 2021 draft prospects DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle. As my colleague Ben Linsey said last week, Ruggs’ production is an outlier — no other receiver with a target rate below 20% the last two years managed to average more than 11.0 yards per target other than Ruggs, who sat at 12.0. Trust us on this one Indianapolis — Ruggs over Herbert or Love is the way to go.) (3-11-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-landing-spots-pff-top-15-wr-prospects
Building an NFL receiving corps with 2020 NFL Draft class' top prospects (Henry Ruggs III, Alabama (Chain Mover): Ruggs is a true ankle breaker as a route runner, and he will likely excel both as a vertical threat and as a slot weapon. Like Tyreek Hill, he would provide immediate production for any creative play-caller; he averaged 17.4 yards per catch over the course of his career — with 9.0 of those yards coming after the catch — and he scored on 24 of 98 career receptions. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, he has the size and balance to bounce off tacklers, while his 4.27 speed allows him to destroy pursuit angles en route to the end zone. Ruggs can catch it in front of you, or he can catch it behind you, all while yielding the same impressive results.) (3-9-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-building-an-nfl-receiving-corps-with-2020-nfl-draft-class-top-prospects
2020 NFL Draft: Henry Ruggs is worth an early first-round pick (3-6-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-henry-ruggs-is-worth-an-early-first-round-pick
2020 NFL Draft Board: PFF's Post-Combine Risers/Fallers (TICKED THE BOXES - WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama: The 4.27s 40-yard dash was obviously nice, but we knew he was fast. The 42” vertical showed a little more something that wasn’t really his game at Alabama. In a class full of explosive wideouts, Ruggs is in his own tier at the top) (3-4-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-board-pffs-post-combine-risers-fallers
Stock up, stock down for prospects after the NFL Scouting Combine (Up - WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama: This was expected. Henry Ruggs III clocked the fastest 40 time of the week at 4.27 and separated himself from other wide receivers in this loaded class. Ruggs played with some of the best talent in the country at Alabama as part of what might have been the best receiving corps in history, and he consequently saw a low target share. That said, Ruggs made the most of that situation and shined when given the opportunity to make a play with the ball in his hands. When removing targets behind the line of scrimmage in 2019, Ruggs produced the second-most yards after catch per reception of any FBS receiver at 11.5. Overall, Ruggs produced an explosive play of 15-plus yards on 38.2% of his targets in 2019, which was the highest rate in college football. The speed is legit, and if he gets a step on his coverage defender, look out because he’ll explode for big gains.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-stock-up-stock-down-for-prospects-after-the-nfl-scouting-combine
2020 NFL Draft: Player comps for PFF's top wide receivers and tight ends (HENRY RUGGS: SANTANA MOSS: Moss was a blur coming out of Miami back in the day. Even surrounded by speed, Moss always looked like he was playing in fast forward. He went on to have multiple 1,000-yard seasons for the Jets and Redskins, but his skill set was one that’s only grown in value as passing offenses have evolved. The speed at 4.3 — or in Ruggs’ case, sub-4.3 — plays at any level when it comes paired with legit hands like both possess.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-2020-nfl-draft-player-comps-for-pffs-top-wide-receivers-and-tight-ends
Jordan Love's comp; Okudah's inspiration; Mayfield on CeeDee and more (The fastest man's ... disappointment? Let's consider how fast Alabama's Henry Ruggs III is. The guy runs a 4.27 40 -- and is disappointed. "I'll take it," he told me, immediately after. "I don't have a choice." The hamstring injury he sustained was disappointing for all of us. Watching Ruggs perform field drills alongside college teammate Jerry Jeudy would have been fun. File this in the "not surprising" department: When I spoke to Jeudy and Ruggs, they agreed that the difficulty of their Alabama practices -- beginning with spirited regular sessions between defensive backs and wide receivers -- made them better receivers, tougher receivers and better route-runners.)(3-2-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104990/article/jordan-loves-comp-okudahs-inspiration-mayfield-on-ceedee
Alabama’s Henry Ruggs III didn’t break records but sits alone as fastest in loaded WR class (Peoples-Jones, on the other hand, did it with his 44.5-inch vertical jump. It was the third-best mark ever among receivers and the second-highest since 2006. The Detroit native measured in at 6-foot-2, 212 pounds and with a mid-round grade from Kiper.) (3-2-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/03/alabamas-henry-ruggs-iii-didnt-break-records-but-sits-alone-as-fastest-in-loaded-wr-class.html
FINDING VALUE IN THE 2020 NFL COMBINE (Denzel Mims and Jalen Reagor both recorded incredible profiles (94th and 93rd percentile), and others like Henry Ruggs III and Donovan Peoples-Jones might do the same after completing a full workout at their respective pro day. On Reagor, his profile is eerily similar to D.K. Metcalf’s. Excellent straight-line speed, outstanding jumps and poor agilities. One difference? Reagor is four inches shorter. Perhaps a team can utilize Reagor in similar ways as Metcalf - everything built off a vertical line, and Metcalf was able to build on that base week after week. However, the back shoulder or redzone contested catches might be much more difficult without that height.) (3-2-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/finding-value-2020-nfl-combine
All-Combine Team: Who shined at each position? (Henry Ruggs, Alabama (Best team fits: Washington Redskins, New York Giants, Detroit Lions, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles.): Ruggs makes the team because of his blazing-fast 4.27 40-yard dash. The wideout also posted explosive marks in the vertical leap (42 inches) and the broad jump (10-foot-11) before sitting out of on-field workouts with an undisclosed injury, but his sprint was good enough to land him here, even if he wasn't happy with the result. Everything in Lucas Oil Stadium stopped when Ruggs approached the starting line, and he'll remain among the most highly coveted receivers in this class because of his rare straight-line speed.) ( 3-2-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104947/article/2020-allcombine-team-which-nfl-draft-prospects-owned-indy
Speed proves all the rage in NFL Scouting Combine week (Running back Jonathan Taylor promised to run the 40-yard dash in under 4.4 seconds. He did. Receiver Henry Ruggs III came, literally, a few ticks away from matching the fastest time recorded in the event’s 35-year history.) (3-2-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/03/01/speed-proves-all-rage-nfl-scouting-combine-week/4926939002/
NFL combine winners, losers: One player stands alone (11. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama: A 4.27-second 40 is hardly disappointing; the time is tied for the fourth best of any player since 2003, when the combine first began tracking data. Yet Ruggs had an even loftier goal: breaking Bengals receiver John Ross' record of 4.22 seconds. Though he fell short of that mark, the 5-11, 188-pound speedster was clearly one of the biggest standouts in Indianapolis, as he also posted a 42-inch vertical leap and 10-11 broad jump.) (3-2-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/03/02/nfl-combine-winners-losers-isaiah-simmons-top-performer-players/4922351002/
32 things we learned from NFL scouting combine (16. Of course, the fastest 40 this year came courtesy of Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III, who had hoped to take down John Ross' combine record (4.22) but clocked in at 4.27. Still, Ruggs and Utah DB Javelin Guidry (4.29) were the only prospects in 2020 to crack 4.3 ... or even 4.35.) (3-2-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/03/02/nfl-draft-combine-32-things-we-learned/4883247002/
2020 NFL Scouting Combine Team Thoughts on Workouts (One team also said that Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs, and Southern Miss wide receiver Quez Watkins helped themselves with their combine workout.) (2-29-20): https://walterfootball.com/combine2020blog.php
2020 NFL Combine Stock Report: Running Backs (Risers - 2. Henry Ruggs - His speed (4.27), jumps (41 vert, 131 broad), and hands (10.2) are all strong.) (2-28+20): https://walterfootball.com/combine2020stockRB.php
Combine Notes: Ruggs Separates, Hurts and Herbert Impress (Word from the field was that Alabama WR Henry Ruggs was actually a little upset with the 4.27 he posted in the 40 on Thursday night. I’ve heard he expected to be a touch faster than that. The silver lining is that he can count this one as a win, regardless of whether or not he reached a goal or broke a record. There was some question about how players would handle the workouts being at night, and some players posted times a little less impressive than some expected. Both Texas’s Devin Duvernay (4.39) and TCU’s Jalen Raegor (4.47) were categorized with Ruggs coming into Indy. Ruggs separated himself once he got here. And now Ruggs stands to benefit, with teams starting to see players of his type a little more favorably, given the impact Tyreek Hill has had the last couple of years.) (2-28-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/02/28/nfl-combine-henry-ruggs-separats-justin-herbert-jalen-hurts
2020 NFL Scouting Combine: Risers and fallers from the QB, WR and TE drills (Risers - WR Henry Ruggs III: We knew Henry Ruggs III was going to run the fastest 40-yard dash of the night. Ruggs comes in at No. 16 overall on PFF's draft board; he is a crisp route-runner, and he is explosive after the catch. Over the course of his three-year career, Ruggs hauled in 98 catches and averaged 9.0 yards after the catch per reception, generating a passer rating of 151.4 and recording 44 explosive plays of 15-plus yards in the process. He isn't passing Jerry Jeudy or CeeDee Lamb, but he might have locked himself into being one of the first four receivers off the board, which is fair in our eyes.) (2-28-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-risers-and-fallers-from-the-qb-wr-and-te-drills
5 plays that prove Henry Ruggs' blazing 40 speed wasn't a fluke (2-28-20): https://ftw.usatoday.com/2020/02/nfl-combine-henry-ruggs-40-yard-dash-highlights-alabama
Alabama DBs Xavier McKinney and Shyheim Carter give scouting reports on Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III (2-28-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/28/alabama-dbs-xavier-mckinney-and-shyheim-carter-give-scouting-reports-on-jerry-jeudy-and-henry-ruggs-iii/
2020 NFL Combine Stock Report - Wide Receivers (Up - Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama: Henry Ruggs aimed to break John Ross' 40-yard combine record. He didn't quite get there, but he was close, blazing a 4.27. He also notched a 42-inch vertical and a 10-11 broad jump. Ruggs looked great, strengthening his potential to be chosen in the top 15 of the 2020 NFL Draft. I have him slotted at No. 15 to Denver in my 2020 NFL Mock Draft.) (2-28-20): http://walterfootball.com/combine2020stockWR.php
Winners, losers from Day 1 of 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (Winner – Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama: Speed kills. Ruggs posted a 4.28 40, marking the fastest among all wide receivers. He also had a 42-inch vertical jump, and a 10’11 broad jump, both of which put him in the top five among receivers.) (2-28-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/gallery/nfl-combine-winners-losers-day-1-justin-herbert-denzel-mims-jalen-hurts-henry-ruggs/
NFL Combine winners and losers: Chase Claypool dominates on Day 1 of workouts (Winner: Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy
Ruggs didn't break the 40-yard dash record, but he clocked in at 4.28 and 4.31, respectively, on his two runs. Ruggs suffered a quad injury in the process, but that shouldn't affect his status. Jeudy, who was Alabama's most consistent receiver the past two years, ran a 4.45. That was faster than Oklahoma's CeeDee Lamb, who ran a 4.50. Crimson Tide receivers have a proven track record with stars such as Julio Jones and Amari Cooper, and Ruggs and Jeudy both figure to join those two as first-rounders.) (2-28-20): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-2020-winners-losers/pgwsi7z45ewe1r3go97x5ies1
TIM AND MIKE: Combine Day 4 observations (Catching the leaders? Wide receiver Henry Ruggs III of Alabama may have improved his stock by running a 4.27 40 Thursday night. Most analysts went into the Combine thinking Ruggs was the No. 3 receiver behind Alabama teammate Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb of Oklahoma. Ruggs has good hands to go with fast feet. –Mike O'Hara) (2-28-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-combine-day-4-observations-ruggs-claypool-love
Ruggs falls short of 40-yard dash record at combine; runs a 4.27 (2-27-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/henry-ruggs-40-yard-dash-time-nfl-draft-prospect-falls-short-of-beating-john-ross-combine-record/
NFL Combine Thursday Highlights (Ruggs not fastest ever, but still pretty fast - If you listened to interviews with Alabama WR Henry Ruggs prior to Thursday, you know he had one goal: Beat the record 4.22 second time that Cincinnati Bengals WR John Ross put up at the 2017 combine. Ruggs wasn't able to do that, but he still was easily the fastest wideout that ran the 40-yard dash, putting up an official time of 4.27 seconds in the event. That ties for the seventh-best time ever recorded, and it's the fastest time from a wideout that we've seen since Ross in 2017. Ruggs also posted strong jumping results compared to the group; showing off a 42-inch vertical and a 131-inch broad jump, good for third and fifth among all participates on Saturday. There weren't exactly questions about the 5-foot-11, 188-pound wideout's athleticism coming into Thursday, but Ruggs proved that he's an electric athlete, and it bodes well for his chances of coming off the board on Day 1 in this loaded wide receiver draft class.) (2-28-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/nfl-combine-thursday-highlights
Combine workouts: QBs deliver, WR class shines (The star of Thursday night was Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III, who recorded a blazing time of 4.27 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Unfortunately, that came five-hundredths of a second short of matching the combine record of 4.22 seconds, set by top-10 pick John Ross. While his time was far and away the best of the night, Ruggs was openly disappointed with his 40 time, which he will look to surpass during Alabama's pro day next month -- if healthy. The speedy receiver prospect was unable to continue after his 40s and could be seen with an ice pack around his quad. That injury prevented Ruggs from taking part in the rest of the on-field drills, which means scouts were deprived the chance to see some of this year's big-armed QBs air it out to the fastest man in the class.) (2-28-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-combine-results-qbs-wrs-tes-run-40-yard-dash-take-part-in-drills-and-turn-heads-on-thursday/live/
Daniel Jeremiah's 2020 NFL Scouting Combine takeaways (Henry Ruggs III, Alabama (No. 21 to Eagles): In his highly anticipated 40-yard dash, Ruggs blazed to a 4.27, not quite breaking John Ross' record of 4.22 but impressing nonetheless. Jeremiah said after Ruggs' 40 that he "was in the mix" to be the first receiver off the board. Unfortunately, Ruggs did not finish drills, missing some position work with a bag of ice wrapped around his right thigh.) (2-28-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001103989/article/daniel-jeremiahs-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-takeaways
11 prospects who should dominate the scouting combine drills (Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama: Ruggs is the odds-on favorite to break Ross’s 4.22 40-yard dash time if anyone does it in this combine, and when you watch him zoom past cornerbacks on deep routes and take simple receiver screens to the house, it’s an easy pick. Ruggs has already been timed in the mid-4.2s pre-combine. Ruggs said this week that he wants to be known as more than a speed guy, and that also shows up on tape, but when he gets ready to run his 40 (and, if he breaks Ross’s record, throw the finger up in celebration, as he said), it’ll be must-see TV.) (2-27-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/27/11-prospects-who-should-dominate-the-scouting-combine-drills/
Henry Ruggs III, Jalen Reagor look to leave loaded class in dust as WRs take center stage (2-27-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/02/henry-ruggs-iii-jalen-reagor-look-to-leave-loaded-class-in-dust-as-wrs-take-center-stage.html
Early Combine Headlines (Henry Ruggs eyeing 40-yard dash record: As it should be. The draft universe has been waiting for Ruggs to challenge Ross’ 4.22-second dash for a while, now. He was reportedly clocked in the 4.20-second range last year, during Alabama’s spring combine. And we imagine he’s been training for it pretty hardcore of late. Ruggs will try to make good on his confidence -- and our anticipation -- under a Thursday night spotlight. If you’re looking beyond Ruggs -- it’s difficult to look beyond him given the expectations, here -- we’ll highlight three names to keep in mind for sub-4.30-second 40’s -- Jalen Reagor, LeVante Bellamy and Tony Pride. All three have been timed at least as fast as 4.30 seconds, though you inevitably have to take school marks with a slight grain of salt. If we were to offer up a prediction as to whether or not Ruggs steals the island from Ross, we will be the party pooper sitting in the corner swaying ever-so-slightly to old ballads by The Cure and predict that the record will still be standing come Friday morning. It would take a blisteringly perfect run for Ruggs to reign supreme, here. Running 40 yards in 4.22 seconds is a feat. But, we’ll allow a pause in our ever-pessimistic world view, it would be pretty awesome if Ruggs not only beat Ross’ record, but ran the dash in under 4.20 seconds. That would be kind of magical.) (2-26-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/early-combine-headlines
NFL's next fastest player? Alabama WR Ruggs eyes record time (2-26-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/26/henry-ruggs-fastest-40-yard-dash-time-nfl-draft-alabama/4873866002/
Jeremiah: 5 candidates to break combine 40 record (1. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
(Combine workout night: Thursday): When I watch Alabama's offense, I can't take my eyes off Henry Ruggs. His speed leaps off the screen, both at the line of scrimmage and after the catch. He obliterates pursuit angles down the field and does so in effortless fashion. While in high school, Ruggs broke the Alabama state record in the 100 meters (10.58). Running the 40 last spring, he was timed in the 4.2s by NFL scouts. He is a legitimate threat to break Ross' record.) (2-26-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001103261/article/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-five-candidates-to-break-40-record
Which NFL draft prospect will run fastest 40-yard dash time at 2020 Combine (Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama: Though it's difficult to crown any one player as a clear front-runner for the fastest 40 time, Ruggs is the leading candidate. The 5-11, 188-pound target turned 24 of his 98 career catches into touchdowns, regularly outrunning top-tier defensive backs in the Southeastern Conference. Ruggs notched a 4.25 40 last summer at Alabama's junior day and said he believes he can improve upon it. Even if he doesn't break Bengals receiver John Ross' combine record of 4.22, Ruggs will be the most closely watched player during the drill. ) (2-25-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/25/nfl-draft-fastest-40-time-combine-henry-ruggs-javelin-guidry/4858095002/
10 prospects who should light up the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama: Listed at 6-0, 190 pounds, Ruggs might possess the best pure speed in the entire 2020 class. Ruggs is a receiver with acceleration that’s truly rare. Most collegiate cornerbacks simply could not match his steps. In fact, he recently put that speed on tape when he absolutely destroyed some of his Alabama teammates in a 4×100 relay. Ruggs reportedly ran a 4.25 as a junior at Alabama, and is the favorite to be the fastest player in this year’s 40 yard dash. The only question that remains is whether or not he could break John Ross’ record of 4.22 seconds. We’re excited to find out.) (2-22-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/22/nfl-scouting-combine-top-prospects-draft-isaiah-simmons-chase-young-henry-ruggs/
Combine: Answering the biggest questions (Who will run the fastest? Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama: Ruggs is the unquestioned headliner in the combine's most hyped event. He looked like an Olympian in the hyper-fast SEC during his time at Alabama, as he scored 24 times on 100 career touches for the Crimson Tide. Like most blazing fast human beings, Ruggs has an electric get off, quickly shifts into second gear, and his afterburners leave everyone else in the dust.) (2-21-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-burning-questions-answered-which-prospects-will-erupt-who-needs-a-big-workout-and-more/
Early NFL Draft WR Rankings (Analytics) (Henry Ruggs (6’0/190) is a rare athlete who wins behind the line of scrimmage and on vertical routes thanks to his sub-4.3 speed, making him a potential matchup nightmare, big-play threat, and special teams ace. At Alabama, he was a secondary receiver to Jerry Jeudy and Devonta Smith (that’s a red flag), but he still tested out in the 85th percentile in my predictive adjusted production metric because he was young, played on a great team, and was extremely efficient. His 13.5 yards per target average was the second best in the class, only trailing CeeDee Lamb. On tape, it’s clear he’s the fastest player on the field (video), which allows him to win behind the line of scrimmage on screens/sweeps and down the field. He’ll need to fine-tune his game to beat physical corners given his lack of size and inexperience (98 career receptions), but he can be a difference maker right away in the NFL with his speed and start/stop ability alone. Predicted Overall Draft Pick: 17th) (2-20-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/early-nfl-draft-wr-rankings-analytics
Building the perfect wide receiver prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft (Speed – Henry Ruggs III, Alabama: I’ve already written extensively about Henry Ruggs III and his elite straight-line speed. Back in high school, Ruggs III once broke the Alabama 7A state record in the 100-meter dash in his second career track meet. His speed shows up both in his route running and after the catch. Honorable Mention: Jeff Thomas.) (2-20-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/building-perfect-wide-receiver-prospects-2020-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL Combine: Wide Receiver Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (2. Henry Ruggs, Alabama 6-0, 190 (1) - Why He’s Here On The List: Be incredibly disappointed if he’s not the fastest player in Indianapolis. Be incredibly disappointed, too, if he doesn’t flirt with the 4.22 all-time 40 time. He’s got good hands and he’s not just a speed guy, but teams will want him to go for the one big home run swing per game. As a kick returner, runner, and a receiver, just get him the ball and let him go. What The NFL Types Want To See: As strange as this might sound, how quick and fluid is he? He’s going to blaze away in the low 4.3s in the 40 – if not better – but does he have the elite quickness in the short drills, too? Bottom Line: No, he might not be a true No. 1 alpha-target in an offense, but receives with his talent to go along with his ridiculous wheels will make him a devastating part of an already good part of a puzzle. Think a bigger Tyreek Hill and a more productive Will Fuller – he’s going to be an offensive coordinator’s Christmas morning.) (2-20-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-wide-receiver-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Wide receivers (Henry Ruggs III, Alabama (Suggested by: Bryce Rossler): If the Lions acquire a mid-to-late first-round pick in a trade up or trade back, Ruggs will be very appealing because of his game-changing speed. Like Jeudy, Alabama moved him all over the field and asked him to operate at all three levels, forcing the defensive to account for him. An offense won’t need Ruggs to be a high volume target, as his presence on the field will make defenses uncomfortable because when he is targeted there is always the potential for fireworks.) (2-19-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/19/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-wide-receiver/
How the top wide receiver prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft use their eyes to win (Ruggs: How about his teammate at Alabama, Henry Ruggs III? Yeah, he follows that same traveled path that Jeudy, Devonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle all went down as well. This is a sluggo route, and I would be hardpressed to find a route where your eyes are more important. Ruggs does a great job of using his head and shoulders here to sell the slant. It looks great, the pad level and his entire momentum are carrying him inside. His eyes are looking straight inside towards the middle of the field hook/curl defender as a means to get this defensive back to bite. One thing Ruggs could have done even better is to pan towards Tua Tagovailoa on this play and act like he was getting the ball for a slant. That would have sold it even more and allowed him to just walk-in for a touchdown. But still, the power of the eyes is undeniable.) (2-19-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-top-wide-receiver-prospects-use-eyes-to-win/
Henry Ruggs Favored To Run Fastest Combine 40 (2-18-20): https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/02/18/henry-ruggs-favored-to-run-fastest-combine-40/
NFL combine 2020: Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb headline deep crop of receivers (Henry Ruggs III (Alabama): Don’t go to the bathroom when this guy toes the line for his 40-yard dash. He just might blaze the fastest time of the year, with some predicting he could go sub-4.3. John Ross is the only receiver to have done that since 2000.) (2-18-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/02/nfl-combine-2020-jerry-jeudy-ceedee-lamb-headline-deep-crop-of-receivers.html
11 NFL draft prospects who could spark big combine buzz (2. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama: Maybe the most anticipated individual drill will take place when Ruggs steps to the line to run his 40-yard dash. His former Crimson Tide teammates already are touting his ability to break Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross' combine record of 4.22 seconds, and the speedy receiver himself said last year he believes he can improve on last year's Alabama junior day time of 4.25 seconds. Ruggs' track speed — he set the 7A state record for the 100 meters at 10.58 seconds — also translates to the field, where he repeatedly broke long gains out of slants and screens in addition to hauling in deep passes. On one touchdown against South Carolina last year, Ruggs said he was clocked at 24.3 miles per hour, which would have easily been the fastest speed of any NFL ball carrier last year, according to Next Gen Stats.) (2-18-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/18/nfl-draft-2020-combine-top-players-buzz-henry-ruggs/4785928002/
Lions NFL Combine preview: Wide receivers (Henry Ruggs III, Alabama: A contender to run the fastest 40 this year, Ruggs consistently blew the doors off opposing defenses with his vertical route running, averaging 17.5 yards per catch during his college career. If he manages to run under 4.3, like some of his former teammates are predicting, he'll lock himself into the middle of the first round. ) (2-16-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/16/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-wide-receivers/4759480002/
Draft WR rankings: Lamb headlines list (Tier 1 - 3. Henry Ruggs, Alabama, 90: Ruggs is a real threat to break John Ross' record time of 4.22 in the 40-yard dash. His speed on the field is easy to notice, even when running routes in the same receiver group as Jeudy. While not a particularly high-volume pass catcher during his time at Alabama (98 catches in three years), Ruggs had a bananas touchdown rate, as 24 of those 98 receptions went for scores. And, he scored on a 75-yard end around in 2019. Importantly, Ruggs isn't just a linear speedster. His film shows twitchy movements off the line and when running short or intermediate routes. There will be some questions about the fact that he only having five games with at least five catches over the past two seasons, but no one on planet Earth will question Ruggs' burst and elite top gear. ) (2-13-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-receiver-rankings-ceedee-lamb-at-no-1-in-absolutely-stacked-pass-catcher-group/
2020 NFL Draft: Wide Receiver Rankings (3. Henry Ruggs III, Alabama: Not only is Ruggs fast, but he is a legitimate threat to the Combine's 40-yard dash record (John Ross, 4.22). Scouts clocked the former state (AL) sprinting champion in the "4.25 range" at Alabama's junior pro day last March. With rare acceleration and run-after-catch ability, Ruggs is a threat to take any slant to the house. Through his three seasons at Alabama, Ruggs averaged 17.91 yards and scored on one-quarter of his 100 career touches. While speed is his most deadly weapon, he has improved as a route-runner and adjusts well to the football.) (2-12-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/02/12/nfl-draft-2020-wide-receiver-rankings-best-prospects
2020 Combine Preview: Wide receiver (3. Henry Ruggs III, Alabama, 6-0, 190: Alabama was loaded at receiver with Jeudy, Ruggs and DeVonta Smith. Ruggs averaged 18.7 yards per catch and scored seven times on 40 receptions. Ruggs is a speedster, who recorded 11 touchdowns in 2018, and is also a very good kickoff return man. His long speed is a weapon and it should serve him well taking the top off defenses at the next level. His 40-yard dash should be fun to watch. Likely a first-round pick.) (2-12-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2020-combine-preview-wide-receiver-jeudy-lamb-ruggs
Back to the Future: Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft (3. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama: The fastest guy in the class is right here. Henry Ruggs is going to run a time that is bonkers at the combine, and because we all expect that, I do not think his stock is going to be affected all that much by his performance at the combine. However, since Ruggs has turned into a bit of polarizing prospect, I want to layout just why I have Ruggs this high. He is not a fantastic route runner, but he is by no means a bad one. He has a good route tree and has the releases to still create separation for himself through those means. His ball tracking and contested-catch skills are especially useful for a guy who does not play with a ton of physicality. He can climb the rack and play above the rim. However, I use the term ‘magnetism’ for wide receivers a lot. That means, is this guy going to be a coverage alterer and force defenses to change their entire scheme just for him? The answer with Ruggs is a big yes! Ruggs is such a dynamic player that teams will have mold gameplans around him, and that alone makes him incredibly dangerous.) (2-8-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-the-future-top-10-wide-receivers-in-the-2020-nfl-draft/
How teams can use draft to copy Chiefs (Ruggs looked like the fastest player in college football this season, and wasn't stiff whatsoever. His change-of-direction capability rounds him out on the field, as he can't simply be double-teamed over the top. Reagor is a similar incendiary burner with scary juking skills in space. Hamler is probably the smallest of the group but might have the most freakish burst off the line of scrimmage. All are as threatening in the open field as they are straight down it, just like Hill. Ruggs is likely to go in the first round. Reagor too. Hamler seems like a second-round pick at the early stages of the pre-draft process.) (2-4-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-how-teams-should-copy-super-bowl-champion-chiefs-by-adding-similarly-skilled-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Wide Receivers (4. HENRY RUGGS, ALABAMA (Draft Board Rank: 20th): Ruggs is in a very similar boat to Shenault in that his production comes with some question marks, but Ruggs at least has the excuse that he played with a teammate who ranks higher than him on this list along with two more teammates who are likely to make this list in 2021. Ruggs only has 98 career catches, but an incredible 24 of those have resulted in touchdowns. The Alabama wideout might legitimately have sub-4.3 speed the way he changes angles from defensive backs. He's averaged 9.0 yards after the catch for his career, and he possesses game-breaking big-play ability.) (1-31-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-wide-receivers
2020 NFL Draft prospects similar to Super Bowl stars (Tyreek Hill (Comparison: Henry Ruggs, Alabama): Hill is kinda like the Mahomes version of the receiver position. There's really not anyone strolling this planet right now with his raw talent. Hill is the twitchiest player in the NFL and has Olympic-level speed. Plus, he can go up and get it, which is another reason he's been such an illustrious play-maker during his time with the Chiefs. Ruggs has Hill characteristics. First off, he's stupidly fast. I mean, he made everyone in the SEC look like they were running in mud during his time at Alabama. Secondly, he's not just a linear track star with a helmet on. Check Ruggs running routes,and you get glimpses of Hill-like change of direction. And there were a few instances of outstanding ball tracking too. Depending on which link you click, Hill ran somewhere in the 4.21-4.29 range at his West Alabama pro day in 2016, and I don't think one scout in Indianapolis nor any draft analyst will be surprised if Ruggs is clocked in the 4.2s at this year's combine.) (1-30-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/super-bowl-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-who-resemble-star-players-that-helped-chiefs-and-49ers-reach-super-bowl/
2020 NFL Draft Musings: The falling draft stock of some Alabama prospects (WR Henry Ruggs III: I’ve taken heat since the preseason for my low ranking of Ruggs, but I still view him as a marginal first-round prospect. Yes – he’s a fast, explosive vertical threat. He’s also a decent pass catcher. But despite these skills, the minimal production disturbs me.Jerry Jeudy and DeVonta Smith posted superior pass-catching numbers, and too many times I felt Ruggs’ opportunities came as teams were concentrating on that duo. I think he’s a developmental prospect whose speed and yards per catch mesmerize many. Despite being several inches shorter, I prefer KJ Hamler of Penn State to Ruggs.) (1-28-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-musings-falling-draft-stock-alabama-prospects/
Evaluating declaration decisions (WR Henry Ruggs III (Alabama): Everyone knows Ruggs because of his speed but he also fights through contact. He lines up in the slot often because of so many other outside receivers on the team. Alabama has gotten him the ball in a variety of ways this season, ranging from jet sweeps to screens. There is no chance he falls out of the first round. NFL Draft projection: First-round pick) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-sizing-up-early-declaration-decisions-of-tua-fromm-eason-and-more-key-prospects/
WR prospect reset: Stock up and down (Stock Down - Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Another explosive, take-the-lid-off-the-defense burner, Ruggs was unstoppable scoring machine early in the 2019 campaign. Five of his first 16 touches as a junior went for touchdowns. He also had two 100-yard receiving contests in that time frame. While he did manage four more touchdowns down the stretch, Ruggs did not eclipse the 100-yard mark again at Alabama and had five games with fewer than 50 receiving yards, including his Citrus Bowl performance with 27 yards on two receptions. Ruggs might be the fastest player in this class, and he's twitchy, but he won't check the production box for many teams.) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-prospect-reset-whose-stock-is-up-and-down-who-needs-big-senior-bowl-and-combine-and-more/
Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III declares for 2020 NFL draft (1-6-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/06/alabama-wr-henry-ruggs-iii-declares-for-2020-nfl-draft/
Alabama’s Henry Ruggs in concussion protocol after Citrus Bowl (Ruggs needed the assistance of two members of the medical staff to walk off the field and into the sideline medical tent. He later walked under his own power to the locker room but did not return to the field. Ruggs finished the game with two catches for 27 yards. He ended the season with 40 catches for 749 yards and seven receiving touchdowns in 12 games.) (1-1-20): https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2020/01/alabamas-henry-ruggs-in-concussion-protocol-after-citrus-bowl.html
Draft prospects in the the Citrus Bowl (Henry Ruggs III, WR: The Alabama native is fast and lightning quick. He is built well and fights through contact. It would be a surprise if he is not taken in the first round. Although he primarily lines up in the slot, he could easily play on the edge. When the ball is in his hands, there is a good chance that he is taking it to the house. His body control is really good. Teams will be able to use him in a variety of ways with screens, jet sweeps and more.) (12-31-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/citrus-bowl-time-tv-channel-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-michigan-vs-alabama/
5 wide receivers who could make sense for Detroit Lions’ offense in NFL draft (Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III -- Alabama has three players inside ESPN’s top 10 list of wide receiver prospects. Jerry Jeudy sits atop of the list, DeVonta Smith is garnering some attention but Henry Ruggs might just be the fastest receiver in college football. Ruggs has 38 catches for 719 yards with seven touchdowns this season for the Crimson Tide. He’s averaging 18.9 yards per catch, and even has one run for 75 yards and a score. NFL.com reports Ruggs was clocked in the 4.2-second range in the 40-yard dash back in March. Bengals receiver John Ross hold the NFL combine record of 4.22 seconds in the 40-yard dash. ESPN has Ruggs ranked as its fourth-best receiving prospect in the draft. While Jones and Golladay have accounted for 19 combined touchdowns this season, the Lions have generated next to no separation in coverage. Golladay gets the least amount of separation in the league while Jones is tied for the second-least room to breathe. There wouldn’t be too many concerns with separating from defensive backs with Ruggs in town.) (12-13-19): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/12/5-wide-receivers-who-could-make-sense-for-detroit-lions-offense-in-nfl-draft.html
ROUNDTABLE: 2019 CFB SEASON (Who was the most impressive player you saw this season? Lindquist: I will give you two. Alabama WRs Henry Ruggs and Jaylen Waddle, who made future NFL athletes look like they were running in cement. Ruggs could break the combine 40 record come the spring, while Waddle almost single-handedly put Alabama on the verge of winning the Iron Bowl with a four-touchdown performance to end the regular season. This might have been LSU's year, but nobody made as many WTF highlights as Ruggs and Waddle. ) (12-13-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/weekend-recap/roundtable-2019-cfb-season
Tony Pauline CFB Week 15 Mailbag: Isaiah Simmons and Alex Leatherwood expected to enter 2020 NFL Draft (In early November, you reported that TCU WR Jalen Reagor would enter the NFL Draft. On Monday, he announced his intention to do just that. Now that his name is in the mix, where do you see him going in the NFL Draft compared to someone like Henry Ruggs or other similar size/speed guys? First, let me say I am not as high on Ruggs as others and I would grade him lower than prospects like Jalen Reagor, K.J. Hamler, and CeeDee Lamb. Ruggs is a great sprinter but not a great receiver and a beneficiary of the talent around him.) (12-4-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tony-pauline-cfb-week-15-mailbag-simmons-leatherwood-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the Incredibly Deep Wide Receiver Class (3. Ruggs: Ruggs is one of the fastest players I've ever watched on film. He's got the kind of speed that translates regardless of where you put him on the field. At 6-foot and 190 pounds, he has average size but he makes up for that with excellent route-running and outstanding speed. Ruggs has obviously been overshadowed by Jeudy during his college career, but this season he's been really good. So far he's caught 38 passes for 719 yards (18.9 per catch), with seven touchdowns. He also has one carry that he took 75 yards for a touchdown. A team drafting Ruggs would be taking him on upside rather than a history of college production. With his speed, he could be worth that bet.) (12-3-19): https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/nfl-draft-receivers-ranked-2020-jerry-jeudy-ceedee-lamb-01dv3zsx80fb
2020 Draft WR Watch: Higgins climbs to No. 1 (4. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Stock Up. Ruggs had six catches for 99 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Auburn in the Iron Bowl, and his score was an awesome demonstration of his change-of-direction smoothness and the fact that he can easily create separation even in tight near the end zone, as he caught a pass from Mac Jones on a corner route from the slot in which his acceleration off the line and through his break got him wide open. He also made a nice adjustment on back-shoulder toss up the right sideline then flipped on his insane afterburners to pick up a nice chunk of yardage. Ruggs cruises, but is pretty twitchy too. ) (12-2-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tee-higgins-overtakes-jerry-jeudy-for-no-1-spot/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Pittman, Mims rise (5. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Stock Steady. Ruggs didn't play against Western Carolina after suffering bruised ribs against Mississippi State.) (11-25-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-the-rise-of-michael-pittman-and-denzel-mims/
2020 NFL Draft: Alabama players will own draft night (Henry Ruggs III (Wide Receiver)
While Jerry Jeudy is the class’ best receiver prospect, it would be absolutely criminal to discount Henry Ruggs III in any way. Ruggs is the fastest player in pads that I have ever seen and his ability to make big plays is astonishing. The clip below highlights the extraordinary speed that Ruggs possesses. Ruggs might run the fastest forty-yard dash time in NFL Scouting Combine history, which would elevate his draft stock even more. There is a chance, that like his teammate Jerry Jeudy, Ruggs will challenge to be a top-ten selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. His floor would be the middle of round one, with teams like the Eagles and Raiders needing a speedy play-maker.) (11-22-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-alabama-players-will-own-draft-night/2/
2020 NFL Draft: Top-five players at each offensive position entering College Football Week 13 (4. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: With only 618 yards on the season so far and a career-high 729 yards last year, it’s worth questioning if Ruggs will come back to Alabama to be ‘the guy’ next season. We’re not as concerned with those raw totals as he’s been exceptional when targeted. For his career, Ruggs’ targets have resulted in a 153.3 passer rating.) (11-20-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-top-five-players-at-each-offensive-position-college-football-week-13
2020 Draft WR Watch: Higgins rises again (5. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Stock Down. Ruggs only had three grabs for 39 yards in the win over the Bulldogs on Saturday and suffered bruised ribs in the process. Yikes. It has been a few games now since Ruggs hit a noticeably big play. ) (11-18-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tee-higgins-making-case-as-most-complete-wr-prospect-in-the-class/
2020 Draft WR Stock Watch: Smith erupts (4. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Stock Down, Slightly. Ruggs had three catches for 68 yards against LSU on Saturday, including the first reception of the game, a deep cross in which he got his feet in bounds while being contacted by the sideline. He had another catch on an in-breaking route late but wasn't much of a factor down the field.) (11-11-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-devonta-smith-erupts-again-ceedee-lamb-and-tyler-johnson-flourish/
LSU at Alabama: An NFL scout’s dream game, but also a nightmare (WR Henry Ruggs III — Though not as polished all around as Jeudy, Ruggs is perhaps the best big-play receiver in the country. He’s expected to at least threaten John Ross’ NFL scouting combine 40-yard dash record of 4.22 seconds and earns positive marks for his work ethic and football character. I rankled some folks last month when I said Ruggs could be drafted higher than Jeudy because of that elite speed. I stand by that assertion. Ruggs has been a bit quiet lately, but a big performance here vs. LSU’s talented corners could put him back in that discussion.) (11-8-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/lsu-at-alabama-an-nfl-scouts-dream-game-but-also-a-nightmare-154508719.html
PFF Rankings: The top 25 players in the LSU-Alabama matchup (15. HENRY RUGGS III, ALABAMA: Ruggs has been targeted just 32 times as part of the Crimson Tide's talented receiving corps, hauling in 26 receptions for 513 yards, including six scores and 11 additional first-down catches. He joins DeVonta Smith as the only receivers in the country to sport a perfect passer rating (158.3) when targeted this season.) (11-7-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-the-top-25-players-in-the-lsu-alabama-matchup
Create-a-team: Selecting the best units from Alabama vs LSU (Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Terrace Marshall Jr. vs Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Henry Ruggs, Jaylen Waddle: LSU has the best wide receiver trio in the country, hands down. The only problem is, Alabama has the best quartet of wide receivers in the country and that isn't even close. Smith (502), Jeudy (379), Ruggs (312) and Waddle (224) are all in the top third in terms of yards after the catch and three of those four (Smith, 12.0; Ruggs, 12.0; Waddle, 10.7) earn at least double-digit yards after the catch per reception. Those figures are unheard of to have such production from so many talented players in college football. Chase, Marshall and Jefferson are terrific in their own right but the Alabama receivers are too special. The Verdict: Jeudy, Ruggs, Smith, Waddle. This WR quartet has proven that they're not only the best group of four receivers in 2019 but perhaps ever as this season has been as dominant a season by a group of receivers that we've seen in some time, maybe ever.) (11-6-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-create-a-team-selecting-the-best-units-from-alabama-vs-lsu
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 11 (Henry Ruggs is a candidate to run the fastest 40-yard dash in Indy this spring. ) (11-6-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-11
Sensational group of 2020 wide receiver prospects the best ever? (Henry Ruggs III, Alabama: Henry Ruggs III is the fastest player in pads that I’ve ever seen. He is absolutely electric with the ball in his hands and is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. He impacts the game plans of defensive coordinators, as they have to account for Ruggs’ insane speed. Outside his speed, he an impressive athlete, who can make the contested catch, plays with tremendous body control and makes outstanding adjustments to the football. In the video below, Ruggs speed is on display as he chases down Tennessee safety Nigel Warrior after he picked off a Tua Tagovailoa pass in the end zone. Ruggs’ effort on this placed what would have been a surefire touchdown for the Tennessee Volunteers. Ruggs is far more than a player that can catch a slant in traffic and turn it into a touchdown. He also possesses the ability to timely leap, locate the football and make a tremendous catch as the video below will highlight. There is a chance that Henry Ruggs runs the fastest forty-yard dash we have ever seen at the NFL Scouting Combine. Combine that with his tape, and you see a top-15 draft selection in the 2020 NFL draft. He reminds me much of a bigger version of Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar Tyreek Hill.) (11-5-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-prospects-best-ever/6/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Edwards, Reagor erupt (4. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Stock Steady. Last year, in Alabama's 29-0 win over LSU, Ruggs had four snags for 55 yards and a touchdown. The Crimson Tide will likely need a similar performance from him to stay with the offensively dynamic Tigers.) (11-4-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-bryan-edwards-jalen-reagor-showcase-depth-of-this-class/
2020 NFL Draft top wide receivers – who is WR1? (Henry Ruggs III, Alabama – 6’0, 190 pounds: Henry Ruggs III doesn’t possess the same developed skill set as Lamb and Jeudy. He’s not a dominant route runner, nor is he a physical presence on 50-50 balls. However, he has something neither Lamb nor Jeudy has: His speed. Ruggs is fast. Like, insanely fast. Many believe he’s a contender to break John Ross’ 40-yard dash record, and some even believe he’s got speed to break the 4.1s. Something that has never happened. Laser or hand-timed. Ruggs has speed that might be unmatched in any level of football. If Ruggs actually runs a sub-4.2, I would fully expect him to be the first wide receiver drafted. Here his speed is on full display. While I mentioned earlier he isn’t the 50-50 receiver the Lamb is, it doesn’t mean he’s incapable of winning jump balls. In fact, Ruggs has shown flash plays from time to time that make him seem very special. My concern with Ruggs is that he lacks a level of consistency in his game that we commonly see in NFL deep threats. Guys like DeSean Jackson and Will Fuller are both great weapons but don’t provide a ton for your team on a down-to-down basis. Neither is a true No. 1 receiver, and both work best as secondary weapons that threaten vertically and provide big plays occasionally. So I’m left wondering, just what exactly will Henry Ruggs be? The next DeSean Jackson, or something much much more? WR3: Henry Ruggs III, Alabama. Ruggs is a speed demon. His speed alone should get him drafted in the first round. Combine his speed with the occasional jaw-dropping catch and his vision as a runner and you’ve got a true threat. However, Ruggs lacks consistency and a developed skill set. Ruggs could have the highest ceiling in this class, and he might make history in Indianapolis.) (11-1-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-top-wide-receivers-who-is-wr1/
Draft WR Watch: Jeudy, Shenault shine (4. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Stock Down, Slightly. Ruggs caught a touchdown in which he was wide open in the back of the end zone on a target that may have been for another receiver and showed off his yards-after-the-catch ability on a few occasions in the blowout win over Arkansas. He wasn't a big part of the passing game and didn't need to be. He now has 24 touchdowns on 85 touches in his Alabama career. Still bonkers.) (10-29-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-jerry-jeudy-laviska-shenault-get-back-on-track/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Hamler is a riser (4. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Stock Steady. Ruggs was held on a post on a route into the end zone early in the game and had a 48-yard gain on what looked like a busted coverage down the field. He finished four receptions for 72 yards in the win over the Volunteers) (10-22-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-minnesotas-tyler-johnson-rising-keep-an-eye-on-penn-states-k-j-hamler/
NFL draft winners and losers: OSU's Chase Young, Jeffrey Okudah look like top-10 locks (Alabama’s Ruggs: more than just elite speed
I received a little flak from Denver Broncos fans when I projected them a wide receiver (Bama’s Ruggs) in our first mock draft of the season. And I get that. Denver’s offensive line has been a sieve, even with a lot of resources committed to the position. But my love for Ruggs remains. Watch the play he made this weekend in chasing down Tennessee DB Nigel Warrior after one of the worst interceptions of Tagovailoa’s college career. It displays two things: rare, game-changing speed and outstanding effort. At one point Ruggs is about seven or eight yards away from Warrior, and yet Ruggs chases him down (along with Bama teammate Jaylen Waddle) with plenty of room to spare. The effort part really stands out, though. It also reflects what we’ve heard about Ruggs, which is that the Crimson Tide coaching staff has raved about his work ethic and competitiveness. Ruggs and Waddle famously raced each other in the spring — looks like Ruggs got him by a nose? — and the entire Bama WR unit (also including the impressive, productive DeVonta Smith) reportedly competes with one another often individually on different physical challenges as well as in the meeting room when it comes to breaking down opponents, identifying coverages and other mano-y-mano competitions. Scouts eat this stuff up. They respect the physical skills of a player first, but competitive drive and effort are often things that can’t be taught or manufactured. That’s why I think there’s little chance Jeudy and Ruggs are not very high picks in April, even as Ruggs currently averages four targets per game with such a crowded house. Playing at Bama is viewed by many as taking the easy road to success, but it’s quite the opposite. Even as some scouts lament that Nick Saban often squeezes every last drop out of players, he also has created one of the most hyper-competitive college incubators where players either fight their way into roles or they’re cast aside. That’s why Bama players have and will continue to populate the upper reaches of the draft. First off, they’re often among the most talented players. But they also are given a three- or four-year lesson on what it takes to compete at the highest level.) (10-21-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-os-us-chase-young-jeffrey-okudah-look-like-top-10-locks-182806709.html
WR Watch: Lamb dominates Texas (6. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Steady (4. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Stock Down, Slightly (Midseason NFL comparison: Emmanuel Sanders): Ruggs only had one catch against the Aggies, a 33-yard slant-and-go touchdown in which he had to snatch the ball over the head of a trailing corner. He is a touchdown generator.) (10-15-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-ceedee-lamb-erupts-vs-texas-justin-jefferson-goes-bananas-vs-florida/
NFL draft winners and losers: Time to consider Oklahoma's CeeDee Lamb for top WR billing (Ruggs’ production has been spotty some games, but he could threaten to break John Ross’ 40-yard dash mark. That would make the Bama a receiver a potential February/March riser.) (10-14-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-time-to-give-oklahoma-wr-cee-dee-lamb-top-billing-192212554.html
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: TCU's Jalen Reagor flashes on quiet weekend for top receiver prospects (4. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Stock Steady. The bye came at the right time for Alabama, as Ruggs got dinged against Ole Miss.) (10-8-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tcus-jalen-reagor-flashes-on-quiet-weekend-for-top-receiver-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: Devonta Smith into the top 10 after historic performance (4. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Stock Steady. Ruggs left the game on Saturday with what Nick Saban later called a hip pointer. The good news is Ruggs returned to the field against Ole Miss, and his injury is not considered serious. He had one catch for 12 yards.) (10-1-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-devonta-smith-into-the-top-10-after-historic-performance/
Six From Saturday: One AFC Scouting Director on DeVonta Smith (Henry Ruggs can run in the 4.2s.) (10-1-19): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/10/01/six-from-saturday-alabama-receivers-devonta-smith
Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III appears to avoid serious knee injury (9-28-19): https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/2019/09/28/alabama-wr-henry-ruggs-iii-leaves-ole-miss-game-with-injury/
2020 NFL Draft prospect Rankings: Top-five players at each offensive position (5. Henry Ruggs III: Speed has never been more valuable than it is in today’s NFL, and no one has more of it in college football than Henry Ruggs. On 74 career catches, the Alabama receiver has averaged 17.7 yards per catch and a ridiculous 9.7 yards after the catch while scoring 21 times. I don’t care how fast you are, angles change when Ruggs has the football in his hands. He still doesn’t have the nuanced route-running ability of some others above him on this list, but with his speed and hands, I’m not sure it matters. Ruggs has dropped all of four passes so far in his career.) (9-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-2020-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-on-offense
2020 NFL Draft WR Watch: Reagor moves down, Ruggs up (4. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Stock Up. Ruggs started another huge afternoon by cutting instantly against the gain on a comeback route. Then he took a normal looking slant to the house. Too easy for him. Later in the first half, he deployed a deadly double move on one of the Southern Miss cornerbacks and was forced to stop to adjust to the underthrown pass from Tua Tagovailoa. After making the grab, Ruggs' acceleration was noticeable, as he ran away from an oncoming defender for another score. Ruggs had four catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns, meaning he's now scored 22 times on 75 touches in his Alabama career. He's the definition of electric.) (9-24-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-colorados-laviska-shenault-tcus-jalen-reagor-move-down-after-disappointing/
Just how fast is Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III? (9-20-19): https://rolltidewire.usatoday.com/2019/09/20/just-how-fast-is-alabama-wr-henry-ruggs-iii/
2020 NFL draft: 10 rising prospects to watch (WR Henry Ruggs: Speaking of explosive playmakers, Ruggs May be the fastest player to enter the draft in years. The fastest player in the country has showcased that track speed on numerous occasions as he has 12 catches for 202 yards and 2 touchdowns on the year. He also has a 75 yard rushing touchdown on the year. Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy said the other day that Ruggs could be the first player in a long time (maybe ever) to clock in the 4.1’s at the combine. When you turn on his tape, it is very easy to see that speed.) (9-19-19): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/09/19/2020-nfl-draft-rising-prospects-joe-burrow-jalen-hurts-henry-ruggs/
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: Alabama's Henry Ruggs, Minnesota's Tyler Johnson move up WR rankings (6. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Stock Up. Ruggs again showed the nation just how fast he is on Saturday. He scored an 81-yard touchdown on a run-of-the-mill slant in which he exploded with the ball in his hands and ran everybody else off the screen. He also had two other catches on short throws in which his burst was very noticeable. Ruggs finished with six grabs for 122 yards and the touchdown. He's a big-play waiting to happen and isn't laterally stiff.) (9-17-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-alabamas-henry-ruggs-minnesotas-tyler-johnson-move-up-wr-rankings/
NFL draft winners and losers: Why speedy wide receivers are all the rage again (Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III no doubt are game changers. Jeudy is a Calvin Ridley-like prospect with great speed and electric moves in the open field. Ruggs might be the fastest straight-line player in college.) (9-16-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-why-speedy-wide-receivers-are-all-the-rage-again-205039980.html
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: CeeDee Lamb moves to No. 2 spot, don't sleep on Henry Ruggs (9. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Stock Up, Slightly. Ruggs flipped the afterburners on early against New Mexico State when he scored on a 75-yard touchdown on a swing pass -- that counted as a rush -- on the first play from scrimmage. He's insanely fast. He showcased his incredible burst on a few of his receptions, including his touchdown reception. The Alabama offense is bound to run through Jeudy and Jaylen Waddle, but Ruggs' athleticism is super freaky. ) (9-10-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-ceedee-lamb-moves-to-no-2-spot-dont-sleep-on-henry-ruggs/
WATCH: Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III goes 75 yards for TD on 1st play (9-7-19): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/09/07/alabama-henry
2020 NFL Draft WR Watch: Jerry Jeudy, Tee Higgins, and Tylan Wallace flourish in Week 1 (9. Henry Ruggs, Alabama: Stock Down, Slightly. Ruggs really wasn't needed in Alabama's drubbing of the Blue Devils, although Duke played the Crimson Tide tough in the first quarter. Jeudy and sophomore phenom Jaylen Waddle combined for 15 of Tua Tagovailoa's 26 completions, and Alabama ran it 42 times en route to the easy win. Ruggs is unlikely to be a high-volume wideout on this unfairly loaded Alabama team. His value comes in his ability to hit the gigantic play.) (9-3-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-watch-jerry-jeudy-tee-higgins-and-tylan-wallace-flourish-in-week-1/
Five possible Lions 2020 draft prospects: Week 1 (Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama (No. 11): Wide receiver is setting up to be another position of need in Detroit. The team has little depth behind its starting trio, Danny Amendola is on a one-year deal and Marvin Jones carries a $9.1 million cap hit in 2020, where his release would clear $6.5 million off the books. Ruggs is actually in line to be the second Alabama receiver drafted, behind teammate Jerry Jeudy, but the former is a big-play speed merchant who found the end zone on nearly a quarter of his 46 receptions in 2018. Added bonus, Ruggs has the versatility to play outside or in the slot. ) (8-31-19): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/08/31/five-possible-detroit-lions-2020-draft-prospects-week-1/2131134001/
Soul Purpose - WR Henry Ruggs (8-27-19): http://www.nfl.com/henryruggs
2020 NFL Draft: From Jerry Jeudy to CeeDee Lamb to sleepers, 14 wide receivers to keep your eyes on (Henry Ruggs, Alabama
(NFL comparison: Emmanuel Sanders): Ruggs is a cheetah. He's easily one of the most effortless speed receivers I've ever scouted. Beyond that, he has well above-average twitch to change directions, and shot-out-of-a-cannon burst off the snap. His forward lean is ridiculous. In high school, Ruggs ran a personal-best 10.53 in the hundred. For context, John Ross, the fastest man in (officially recorded) combine history in the 40-yard dash (4.22) had a personal-best time of 10.66 in the 100-meter dash. But Ruggs is not all speed and no polish. He doesn't have the most reliable hands, but rarely allows the ball to get into his body, and down the field his ball-tracking is stellar. Because he's so fast, his contact balance is impressive too. Weak arm tackle attempts glance off him. Ruggs just needs more polish (and strength) beating press at the line when facing physical corners. At 6-0 and 190 pounds, Ruggs has good, not great size, but his frame fits the profile of a frightening downfield (and efficient YAC) pass catcher. He's shown the ability to run explosive jerk routes at the short levels of the field and can hit home runs from anywhere on the field on a shallow cross. Obviously, he get fly vertically too. After averaging 19.1 yards per grab as a true freshman in 2017, Ruggs nearly quadrupled his reception total (12 to 46) and managed 741 yards -- 16.1 yards per -- with 11 touchdowns last season. With Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle, and Devonta Smith, Ruggs isn't likely to be a receiving-yard market share star, but his supercharged athleticism will make him a hot commodity come draft season.) (8-20-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-from-jerry-jeudy-to-ceedee-lamb-to-sleepers-14-wide-receivers-to-keep-your-eyes-on/
(NFL comparison: Emmanuel Sanders): Ruggs is a cheetah. He's easily one of the most effortless speed receivers I've ever scouted. Beyond that, he has well above-average twitch to change directions, and shot-out-of-a-cannon burst off the snap. His forward lean is ridiculous. In high school, Ruggs ran a personal-best 10.53 in the hundred. For context, John Ross, the fastest man in (officially recorded) combine history in the 40-yard dash (4.22) had a personal-best time of 10.66 in the 100-meter dash. But Ruggs is not all speed and no polish. He doesn't have the most reliable hands, but rarely allows the ball to get into his body, and down the field his ball-tracking is stellar. Because he's so fast, his contact balance is impressive too. Weak arm tackle attempts glance off him. Ruggs just needs more polish (and strength) beating press at the line when facing physical corners. At 6-0 and 190 pounds, Ruggs has good, not great size, but his frame fits the profile of a frightening downfield (and efficient YAC) pass catcher. He's shown the ability to run explosive jerk routes at the short levels of the field and can hit home runs from anywhere on the field on a shallow cross. Obviously, he get fly vertically too. After averaging 19.1 yards per grab as a true freshman in 2017, Ruggs nearly quadrupled his reception total (12 to 46) and managed 741 yards -- 16.1 yards per -- with 11 touchdowns last season. With Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle, and Devonta Smith, Ruggs isn't likely to be a receiving-yard market share star, but his supercharged athleticism will make him a hot commodity come draft season.) (8-20-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-from-jerry-jeudy-to-ceedee-lamb-to-sleepers-14-wide-receivers-to-keep-your-eyes-on/
NFL Draft: 2020 prospects lead preseason SEC All-Conference offense (Waddle and Ruggs are absolute burners on the field. They will put up big numbers as complements to Jeudy in the ‘Bama offense this year. Opponents could be in for a track meet when they visit Tuscaloosa in 2019.) (8-17-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-sec-all-conference-offense-19/
2020 NFL Draft: Nine players who could be in the next wave of first-round picks from Alabama (Henry Ruggs, WR: Precisely when you're wowed by Jeudy's speed, Ruggs takes your viewing experience to another level. When the football is in his hands, it feels like you're watching the game in fast forward. Similarly sized to Jeudy, Ruggs runs by everybody. He averaged 19.1 yards per reception as a true freshman (on 12 catches) then averaged 16.1 yards per grab on 46 catches with 11 touchdowns as a sophomore. There's some elusiveness to Ruggs' game, but his trump card is his otherworldly jets that must be accounted for every time he steps on the field. Jeudy is more polished right now. Ruggs is more of a dynamic target. I would be stunned if Ruggs runs anything above 4.40 at the combine. He's that fast.) (8-8-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-nine-players-who-could-be-in-the-next-wave-of-first-round-picks-from-alabama/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Receivers (Henry Ruggs (Alabama, JR) - Day 2 Projection - Athleticism/Size: Henry Ruggs (5’11/192) is among the fastest athletes in college sports, not just football. He has been clocked running in the 4.2s by NFL scouts, the primary reason why Ruggs cracked Feldman’s “Freak’s List”. On tape, Ruggs’ top speed (video) and short-area burst (video) are unmatched by defenders, and there’s also this video of Ruggs dunking on everyone in a high school gym. Size is the only potential concern, but there are successful NFL receivers who are smaller than Ruggs. Production: Like Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs wasn’t able to see the field much as a freshman in 2017, but he did score touchdowns on 6-of-12 his receptions. LOL. Ruggs then exploded for 741 yards and 11 touchdowns last year as a sophomore operating as a second or third target for Tua Tagovailoa. His production numbers are worrisome -- touchdowns are less predictive than receptions, yards, and team-share metrics -- but a big 2019 season will go a long way. I project Ruggs for 50 receptions, 776 yards, and eight touchdowns across his 12 regular-season games in 2019. Efficiency/Usage: Henry Ruggs primarily plays on the perimeter, but he did line up in the slot on 121 snaps where he averaged 10.2 YPT per PFF. Ruggs’ elite speed makes him a YAC threat on short passes -- he averaged an elite 8.3 yards after catch -- and big-play threat on deep passes. Last year, Ruggs averaged 23.1 yards per target on 20+ yard targets. Sheesh! Unlike his total production, there will be zero issues with his per-target efficiency heading into the draft. Overall, Ruggs profiles as an athletic WR2 with the play-making ability to develop into a WR1 role.) (7-28-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/2020-nfl-draft-stock-receivers?page=0
SEC Top 25 NFL Draft prospects: Elite Jeudy and co. to rule in 2019 (Ruggs and Okwuegbunam are two incredibly gifted pass catchers. While Jeudy receives most of the press in the SEC, Ruggs is almost as talented and could be the fastest player in college football.) (7-20-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/sec-nfl-draft-top-25-prospects/
Top-15 2020 NFL Draft WR Rankings (8. Henry Ruggs (Alabama) | 6'0/190: Ruggs has reportedly been clocked in the 4.2s. Some believe him to be the fastest player in the nation. My colleague Mark Lindquist says Ruggs has “Break-the-Matrix speed.” As mentioned below, Ruggs’ speed is in the Tyreek Hill neighborhood. But Ruggs is not just a pop-the-top WR2 behind Jerry Jeudy. Ruggs’ catalogue of unthinkable catches is already quite long. Ruggs is a bit raw at present. When he wins, it’s typically with touched-by-God athleticism and a dog-on-a-bone desire to come down with the ball. If Nick Saban and crew can keep polishing his route running and technique, Ruggs is going to skyrocket up the board. He’s the last guy on this last that I can see a clear path to Round 1 with. Nine of those guys in one receiver class in July? Yeah, the 2020 receiver class is insane.) (7-19-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/top-15-2020-nfl-draft-wr-rankings
Top 50 College Receivers of 2019 (9. Ruggs: Henry Ruggs finished with an elite 8.3 yards after the catch per reception last year, and that’s not surprising if you’ve seen him run. What was surprising to me was how Alabama used Ruggs last year. According to Pro Football Focus, only 14% of his targets last year were on passes that traveled more than 20 yards downfield. I’m guessing that number goes up this season with another offseason to work on the technical aspects of the position.)(6-11-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/top-50-college-receivers-2019
2020 NFL Draft: Jerry Jeudy leads rare receiver class (5. Ruggs: Albeit the fact that Jerry Jeudy rightfully gets the headlines when it comes to the 2020 wide receiver group, let’s not forget about Henry Ruggs. Ruggs attended Robert E. Lee High School in Alabama where he accounted for 20 touchdowns during his senior season. Ruggs, a 5-star recruit, chose Alabama to play his college ball, and instantly became an electrifying chess piece for the Crimson Tide offense. Ruggs changes the definition of fast, as he has been clocked at running a 4.25 forty-yard dash. Frequently we will see fast football players whose speed doesn’t translate to their playing speed, which is not the case with Ruggs. While he is known for his game altering speed, Ruggs also has the ability to make the tough catch. He plays across from the best wide receiver draft prospect we have seen in a decade, hence Ruggs statistics aren’t overly impressive. However, I truly believe Ruggs has his best football ahead of him, and will fly up draft boards after he exhibits his blazing speed at the NFL Scouting Combine.) (6-6-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-jerry-jeudy-leads-rare-receiver-class/
Scouting Reports:
Colorado Profile: https://cubuffs.com/sports/football/roster/laviska-shenault-jr-/12802
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/laviska-shenaultjr.?id=32195348-4545-8893-4e8b-5724302de088
Walterfootball: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2020LShenault.php
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/laviska-shenault-jr/NLQE1jFVo5
Draft Diamonds: https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2019/10/laviska-shenault-jr/
2020 NFL Draft scouting report: Colorado WR Laviska Shenault: https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/05/2020-nfl-draft-scouting-report-colorado-wr-laviska-shenault/
2020 NFL draft: Laviska Shenault, Jr. scouting report: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/09/2020-nfl-draft-laviska-shenault-jr-scouting-report/
Articles:
Five NFL draft prospects could fall out of first round (Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado: Once seen as one of the premier options in a deep and talented receiver class, Shenault now might be leapfrogged. At best, he seems to be in the running for the fifth receiver taken behind CeeDee Lamb of Oklahoma, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs of Alabama and Justin Jefferson of LSU. Even that's far from cemented, however, as Baylor's Denzel Mims and Arizona State's Brandon Aiyuk might be ahead of him in the pecking order for receiver-needy teams in the final third of the first round. Shenault's all-purpose role at Colorado left him underdeveloped as a route runner, and teams might be apprehensive about how effective he can be in an offense not geared toward feeding him the ball.) (4-21-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/04/21/nfl-draft-2020-first-round-fall-jordan-love-grant-delpit/5168268002/
Buy or Sell: Risers and Fallers in the 2020 NFL Draft (FALLERS - WR LAVISKA SHENAULT, COLORADO – SELL: Shenault has been a favorite of mine throughout draft season, but it’s clear at this point that his history of injuries (and current injury situation) has him viewed in a less favorable light around NFL circles. That said, we try not to play doctor too much at PFF, and what Shenault has put on the field still has him as WR4 in our books. After putting up an extremely productive season in 2018 (even with the missed time due to injury), Shenault transitioned to more of a traditional outside role this past season, getting deeper downfield on his route tree and relying less on screens. He battled injuries once again, but Shenault showed he could excel in that role too, putting up his second consecutive receiving grade above 85.0. Shenault’s calling card is his ability after the catch, and the kind of explosive athlete he is — with the ability to stop and start on a dime — indicates he’ll be able to do similar things at the NFL level out of the gate. The opportunity to get that kind of potential difference maker in Round 2 is something that NFL teams should be jumping all over.) (4-20-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-buy-or-sell-risers-and-fallers-in-the-2020-nfl-draft
Virus costly to draft prospects needing face time with teams (WR LAVISKA SHENAULT, COLORADO: Shenault had surgery to repair a core muscle injury a few days after he ran a 4.58 40 at the combine, and he wasn’t able to do drills at Colorado’s pro day March 11. He’s also had shoulder and toe injuries, so there are durability questions. The versatile playmaker looked like a first-round pick after his breakout season in 2018. His health, coupled with his production falling off last year, might keep him on the board longer than he expected.) (4-10-20): https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/virus-costly-to-draft-prospects-needing-face-time-with-teams-041020
Boom or bust: The 15 riskiest prospects in NFL draft (WR Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado: Despite establishing himself as one of college football's best all-purpose threats, Shenault is now behind many of his peers in the intricacies of his position, most notably in his route running and releases. His value might be inextricably tied to the creativity of his future offensive coordinator, as Shenault won't have as many opportunities to take on defenders one-on-one unless he's afforded the quick-developing plays to which he's become accustomed. A rash of injuries possibly brought on by his aggressive style also might be problematic for his longevity. Once seen as a virtual lock for the first round, Shenault now could be in for a slide.) (4-10-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/04/10/nfl-draft-2020-riskiest-players-jordan-love-justin-herbert/5122245002/
2020 NFL Draft: 10 prospects who won't get picked high enough (WR LAVISKA SHENAULT JR., COLORADO: Injuries have caused Shenault to go from a possible top-15 pick to as far down as the middle of the second round. Even with this elite receiving class and his injury history, Shenault should be the fourth wide receiver off the board in the middle of the first round. His explosiveness makes him look like an elite running back when he has the ball in his hands. PFF's Mike Renner even comped him to Saquon Barkley in the 1,100-plus page PFF Draft Guide. Shenault has broken an absurd 44 tackles on his 143 catches the past two seasons and generated over seven yards after the catch per reception. He’s not the most refined route-runner yet, but he’s proven to be one of the most dangerous receivers you’ll see on screens and sweeps. NFL teams have to make sure a team with a creative offense — such as the Ravens (pick No. 28), 49ers (pick No. 31) or Bears (pick No. 43) — doesn’t have the opportunity to take him because, if they do, that could be a nightmare to stop.) (4-10-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-2020-nfl-draft-10-prospects-who-wont-get-picked-high-enough
O'Hara DRAFT PREVIEW: 5 wide receivers that could interest Lions (Sleeper 2: Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado. 6-1, 227. 4.58 Combine 40. Stats: 3 years, 31 games, 16 starts. Receiving -- 145 career catches, 1,900 yards, 11 TDs. 2019 rushing --18 carries, 132 yards, 2 TDs. Background: Powerful athlete, stock slipped after Combine workout. Used in multiple spots on offense, including wild-cat QB. How he could fit Lions: Does a lot of things and produces wherever he plays. Opinions vary on where he ranks, but he's one to keep an eye on Day 2.) (4-9-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-draft-preview-5-wide-receivers-that-could-interest-lions-lamb
2020 NFL Draft Superlatives: Wide Receivers (BEST AFTER THE CATCH: LAVISKA SHENAULT JR., COLORADO - Honorable Mentions: CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma & Jauan Jennings, Tennessee: Lest we forget just how dominant Shenault was before he got banged up this past season. He broke 29 tackles after the catch in only nine games as a true sophomore back in 2018. Even after Colorado schemed the ball into his hands less this past season, he still broke 15 tackles on 56 catches. Lamb and Jennings are no slouches themselves with 26 and 30 broken tackles this past season, respectively.) (4-8-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-2020-nfl-draft-superlatives-wide-receivers
Touchdown Wire's 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 offensive players (10. Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado: Imagine a player with the power and contact balance of Saquon Barkley, but one that lines up outside has the long speed to be a threat in the deep-passing game. That is what the team that drafts Shenault is going to get. Shenault lined up everywhere for Colorado a season ago and is a threat after the catch thanks to his blend of power and quickness. A groin injury hampered him at the combine, so there are injury concerns, but when healthy he is a true matchup nightmare who will keep defensive coordinators awake at night.) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-offensive-players/
Don't let injuries scare you away from these 2020 NFL Draft prospects (WR LAVISKA SHENAULT JR., COLORADO (PFF Big Board rank: 17): There have been numerous injuries scattered throughout Laviska Shenault’s career, one of which came when running the 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine, which caused him to clock a slower time than anticipated and resulted in surgery that has sidelined him for the last month. When healthy, though, it’s clear Shenault is one of the best athletes on the field and one of the most dangerous. Shenault was electric with the ball in his hands, creating after the catch as well as any receiver in the country. He’s broken a remarkable 44 tackles after the catch since 2018, which is the most in the FBS, and averaged 7.7 yards after catch per reception in that same span, leading the way to a two-year receiving grade that ranks third. Shenault saw an immense amount of success on screens/jet sweeps — he broke 26 of his 44 tackles on such targets, which was nine more than any other receiver, and averaged a whopping 10.8 yards after “catch” per “reception.” In PFF’s Draft Guide, our own Mike Renner compared him to Saquon Barkley. That’s how dynamic he is with the ball in his hands. Even with all the injuries, he’s worth taking in the middle of the first round.) (4-1-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-dont-let-injuries-scare-away-from-these-2020-nfl-draft-prospects
Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 38: Colorado WR Laviska Shenault Jr. (3-27-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/espn-showing-classic-monday-night-football-games-coronavirus-covid19-pandemic-top-games-ranked-230335114.html
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Combine III (Down - Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado: Shenault had a slow 40 at the combine and then a core injury knocked him out of the workout. He had surgery to repair it, but team sources said Shenault also did not interview that well in Indianapolis. It wasn't so bad to get him dropped from draft boards, but underwhelming interviews to go along with his history of injuries could put him on the second day of the 2020 NFL Draft.) (3-17-20): https://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_27.php
2020 NFL Draft: Buyer beware (Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado: During the season, we compared Shenault to Anquan Boldin, mostly because he was impossible to tackle in the open field and was 6-foot-1, 227 pounds. But Shenault played noticeably faster --Boldin reportedly ran in the 4.7s at the combine back in 2003 and as a result he dropped to Round 2. There was talk that Shenault had 4.4 speed though he spend much of the 2019 season playing through a core muscle and knee injury. And when he showed up in Indy and ran a 4.59 40 it wasn't a surprise when he didn't do another drill and a short time later elected to have surgery on that core muscle injury. Boldin went on to have a great NFL career that spanned 14 seasons and included a six-catch, 104-yard effort with the Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII. Put another way: Running fast in Indy doesn't guarantee you anything in the NFL but it certainly appears that Shenault, who can line up anywhere on the field and is the type of physical presence that would be a welcome addition to any NFL offense, was less than 100 percent. When he is healthy the question becomes is he more Boldin or A.J. Brown, who ran a 4.49 at last year's combine? Worth noting: Both Boldin and Brown went in the second round.) (3-12-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-buyer-beware-on-jordan-love-tee-higgins-and-these-other-top-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft: Landing spots for PFF’s top 15 WR prospects (LAVISKA SHENAULT JR., COLORADO – NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (ROUND 1, PICK 24): Laviska Shenault Jr. might be the eighth wide receiver to come off the board, but it’s not because we are low on him — he is the fourth-ranked wide receiver on the PFF big board. The injuries are just a bit concerning, and the teams above have no time for caution and are far better fits. We all know Michael Thomas is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, but the wide receiver unit outside of that is horrendous. Both Tre’Quan Smith and Ted Ginn Jr. produced receiving grades in the 50.0s and Ginn is set to be a free agent. Shenault was used in unique ways at Colorado, particularly with screens/jet sweeps, quick hitches, quick outs, crossers and slants as well as the occasional go ball. Really, they just needed to get the ball in Shenault’s hands, and he could create a play with his elite explosiveness. Since 2018, Shenault has produced a PFF receiving grade that ranks among the five best in the country while breaking an FBS high 44 tackles and averaging 7.7 yards after catch per reception in the process. With Drew Brees at quarterback, who can deliver a quick, accurate pass better than anyone in the NFL, Shenault could be the final piece to the Super Bowl puzzle for the Saints.) (3-11-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-landing-spots-pff-top-15-wr-prospects
Building an NFL receiving corps with 2020 NFL Draft class' top prospects (Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado (Red-zone threat): At 6-foot-2 225 pounds, Shenault has the big body needed to post up inside the red zone and win on contested catches. He has an elite physical tool as an explosive runner — he forced 44 missed tackles over the last two seasons while averaging 7.0 yards after the catch per reception for the Colorado Buffalos. His suddenness and power at the point of attack allowed him to convert 14 of his 22 contested catches over the last two seasons. And while Shenault may take time to become a more polished route runner, he can still rely on his physical traits to win 50/50 jump balls on back-shoulder fades in the end zone — size does matter.) (3-9-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-building-an-nfl-receiving-corps-with-2020-nfl-draft-class-top-prospects
Concerning combines to know (Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado: Before the combine, it was reported Shenault had a groin-area injury. But, for some reason, he decided to only run the 40 and not participate in any other drills in Indianapolis. That decision proved to be a mistake for the former Colorado star. He ran 4.58 at 6-1 and 227 pounds, which given his size profile, is not brutal. It's just not first-round caliber. Since 2000, there have been 16 wide receivers 220 pounds or heavier picked in Round 1. Of that group, only Plaxico Burress (4.59) and Kelvin Benjamin (4.61) ran slower than Shenault's 4.58. Sure, fans of Shenault will point to his injury as a reason for the slower time, and that theory probably has some legs. However, if that's the case, it speaks to Shenault's tendency to pop up on the injury list as a red flag. While I'll never label someone as injury prone or predict a future injury, Shenault's play-style is concerning on the injury front, as he's a contact-balance specialist with the ball in his hands, routinely bouncing off defenders as he accumulates yards after the catch. He doesn't win with deadly sharp route running, pure speed, or outstanding ball skills, although he's certainly not a liability in any of those areas. Shenault is an offensive weapon, a running back playing wide receiver. And he's entering the NFL with a laundry list of injuries over the past two years at Colorado with a slow 40-time on his resume. I think he'll land in Round 2 now, and suspect we'll be viewing him in a similar light to that of Sammy Watkins in a few years.) (3-6-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-why-poor-combine-is-concerning-for-derrick-brown-and-other-notable-prospects/
Stock up, stock down for prospects after the NFL Scouting Combine (Down - WR Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado: Laviska Shenault Jr. being thrown into the stock down report was really out of his control. After running an oddly slow time in the 40-yard dash, Shenault sat the rest of the day and announced later that he’d have surgery on a core muscle injury that would sideline him a month or two. If the wide receiver class weren’t so deep, it wouldn’t be that big of an issue. But he's going to fall because of it. Shenault is an interesting player — he was used in a multitude of ways from designed rushes to jet sweeps/screens to sometimes deep vertical routes, and he was successful at any role. He has seen 39 carries the last two years and produced an explosive rush on nearly a quarter of those and broke a tackle on 12. As a receiver during that same stretch, Shenault recorded a two-year receiving grade that is the third-best in all of college football. And he was nasty after the catch, breaking an FBS-high 44 tackles and averaging 7.7 yards after catch per reception. The injury isn’t completely destroying his stock, but he lost his spot as one of the three best receivers in this class.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-stock-up-stock-down-for-prospects-after-the-nfl-scouting-combine
2020 NFL Draft: Player comps for PFF's top wide receivers and tight ends (LAVISKA SHENAULT JR.: SAQUON BARKLEY: Shenault is really a wide receiver in name only. Outside the way he attacks the football in the air, Shenault has little other polish as far as wide receiver attributes go. What he does have is absurd explosiveness after the catch at 227 pounds. The only compact player around that size with such explosiveness in recent memory just so happens to play running back. The offensive weapon tag is the ideal role for both.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-2020-nfl-draft-player-comps-for-pffs-top-wide-receivers-and-tight-ends
Biggest Losers From the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine (Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado: Shenault was one of college football's best playmakers over the past two seasons and many expected him to perform well at the combine. He wasn't all that impressive. Shenault weighed in at 227 pounds and ran a 4.58 40, which was on the low-end of what was expected. Then we learned Shenault will undergo surgery to repair a core muscle injury that has bothered him for a while. He'll be out six to eight weeks, which basically takes him out of the pre-draft process. It was a disappointing result for a really good player.) (3-1-20): https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-losers-01e2bw0dkzfm
NFL scouting combine winners and losers (Losers - Colorado WR Laviska Shenault Jr.: Like Pinkney, Shenault opened eyes in a big way in 2018. It was hard not to appreciate his toughness and play speed as a big-play receiver and runner who can be unleashed in a number of ways. But injuries really have taken their toll on Shenault, and they cropped up at the combine, too. Shenault ran a slower-than-expected 4.58-second 40, and it was reported that he was fighting through a core muscle injury that will require surgery and likely keep him out of pro-day workouts with a six-to-eight-week recovery time. Add it to the list of medical worries over the past two years, which includes surgeries on his toe and shoulder this past offseason, along with various other ailments (including a pubic bone inflammation — ouch) that have slowed him. It won’t be shocking to learn that some teams will knock him down to their sub-board for the litany of injury concerns to sort through.) (3-1-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-scouting-combine-winners-and-losers-001301927.html
Shenault to undergo core surgery after combine (3-1-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104602/article/draft-prospect-laviska-shenault-to-undergo-core-surgery
NFL Combine Saturday Highlights (Laviska Shenault reportedly to undergo core surgery: Early into testing on Saturday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter independently reported that star Colorado WR Laviska Shenault would be undergoing core surgery on Tuesday and was expected to face a 4-6 week recovery timetable. Per Rap Sheet, NFL teams were informed on Saturday morning. This is incredibly unfortunate news, as Shenault had already reportedly been diagnosed with an inflamed pubic bone (no jokes) over the winter, on top of various collegiate injuries. If anybody needed a clean weak medically, it was Shenault. Instead things took a worst-outcome turn. Shenault is reportedly expected to be healthy for training camp, but that’s a silver lining on a dark cloud which just unleashed a hailstorm with damaging winds. At least it explains his 4.58-second 40-yard dash. The reality for the wideout is that the possibility of Round 1 might be slipping out the window right now. Some lucky team -- probably the Patriots -- will be waiting to catch his fall in Round 2.) (2-29-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/nfl-combine-saturday-highlights
NFL Hot Press: Medical Concerns Plague Laviska Shenault (2-29-20): https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Medical-Concerns-Plague-Laviska-Shenault
2020 NFL Combine Stock Report - Wide Receivers (Down - Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado: Laviska Shenault only did the 40, clocking in at a middling 4.58 40. That's not a horrible time for a 6-1, 227-pound receiver, but Shenault could've done better had he been dressed appropriately. Instead of wearing the standard combine garb, Shenault wore a baggy t-shirt and looked like a homeless person while running the 40. I don't know if his workout clothes were stolen, but it made me wonder why Shenault even bothered participating in the first place.) (2-28-20): http://walterfootball.com/combine2020stockWR.php
NFL Combine winners and losers: Chase Claypool dominates on Day 1 of workouts (Loser: Laviska Shenault
Shenault was a stud at Colorado, but he did not have a great performance at the NFL Combine. He ran a 4.59 on his first try and didn't run a second time. Shenault appeared to suffer an injury, which would allow him some wiggle room. He can make up for it at Colorado's pro day, but in a draft flush with receiver talent, this performance might lead to a slip down the board. ) (2-28-20): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-combine-2020-winners-losers/pgwsi7z45ewe1r3go97x5ies1
2020 NFL combine: Winners and losers from receiver and tight end drills; Denzel Mims and Chase Claypool shine (Losers - Laviska Shenault, Colorado. Shenault probably isn't 100%, but he decided to just participate in the 40, and it wasn't good. Running 4.58 does not scream explosive playmaker, especially down the field.) (2-28-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-winners-and-losers-from-receiver-and-tight-end-drills-denzel-mims-and-chase-claypool-shine/
2020 NFL Scouting Combine winners/losers: Justin Herbert stars (Losers - Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado: It was expected that Shenault would run in the 4.5s but he posted a time on the low end of the expected range (4.58 seconds) and then didn't run a second 40 or compete in any other drills. It's not yet clear if he suffered an injury during his run, but it was certainly not the showing he hoped for in a year that features an extremely deep pool of talent at his position. His 40 time is not bad at all for a 227-pound receiver, and I suspect it will improve at his pro day (40 times are usually better at pro days). Shenault's run-after-catch ability is among the class' best, and no workout can (or should) take that away from him. However, on this occasion, he was unable to close the gap on the top-end receivers in the class.) (2-28-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104068/article/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-winnerslosers-justin-herbert-stars
Lions in lovely spot with 2020 NFL Draft a 'beauty contest' for receivers (But every other prospect is arguably in play, especially if you consider the possibility of the Lions trading down from No. 3 and either picking up a late first-rounder or the ammunition to move back into the bottom of that round. That's the range where Arizona State's Brandon Aiyuk, Colorado's Laviska Shenault and Clemson's Tee Higgins figure to be selected. Shenault is a freakish athlete, thickly built option who presents a nightmare matchup out of the slot.) (2-25-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/25/detroit-lions-lovely-spot-2020-nfl-draft-a-beauty-contest-receivers/4870519002/
NFL Scouting Combine Offensive Preview (Laviska Shenault (Colorado) – Medical
I’ve been obsessed with Viska since he clowned the Pac-12 for 1,126 all-purpose yards in nine games in 2018 despite playing with a cannon-armed quarterback who refused to throw the ball 20 yards downfield. Last year, all creativity seeped out of Colorado’s offense. Viska was a marked man. Every play was like the scene in 'The Matrix' when Neo is surrounded by 100 Mr. Anderson’s. In this movie, Steven Montez played Steve Zaun, calling out, “Yo, Visk, I’ll be over here to fling you a bubble screen if you need me!” Shenault, who measured in Monday at just about Ezekiel Elliott’s exact dimensions, promises that he’ll runs in the 4.3s or 4.4s. He’s a freak. He’s been drawing comps to Anquan Boldin, Mike Williams, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Sammy Watkins. The comp he doesn’t want is Mr. Glass. A foot injury wiped out three games of his breakout 2018 campaign, and he underwent shoulder and turf toe surgeries the following offseason. Last year, a nagging core muscle injury stole one game and haunted him in others. He was diagnosed with an inflamed pubic bone over the winter that’s not expected to require surgery. Hopefully it won’t limit his participation. Either way, Shenault could really use a thumbs-up from the medical folks in Indy.) (2-25-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/nfl-scouting-combine-offensive-preview
12 WRs for Packers to watch at NFL Scouting Combine (Laviska Shenault, Colorado: He’s an athletic freak, with a ridiculous blend of size, speed and strength. The combine will be the perfect setting to show off all three. Medicals will be important to his evaluation after several injuries slowed his college career.) (2-24-20): https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/24/12-wrs-for-packers-to-watch-at-nfl-scouting-combine/
Early NFL Draft WR Rankings (Analytics) (Laviska Shenault (6’2/225) is a powerful receiver with strong short-area explosion who battled injuries and questionable usage in college, making him a risky prospect with high-end upside. In 2018, he had the second most receptions per game (9.6) among FBS sophomores since at least 2000, only trailing Davante Adams, but he was slowed down by injuries last season. Those setbacks were brought on by his physical playing style and usage. Per PFF, only 25% of his targets traveled beyond 10 yards of the line of scrimmage with Colorado deploying him as a gadget player who even lined up as a Wildcat runner in goal-line situations (video). In the NFL, he will likely do most of his damage underneath as a human truck stick -- 58% of his receiving yards came after contact last season per The Athletic’s Dane Brugler -- but he has flashed the ability to win deep, too. Just watch him smoke this future corner prospect with reported 4.4 speed on a vertical route from the slot. It will take some development to make him an all-around receiver, but his athleticism alone should him a rookie year contributor if his health cooperates. Predicted Overall Draft Pick: 24th) (2-20-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/nfl-draft-preview/early-nfl-draft-wr-rankings-analytics
Building the perfect wide receiver prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft (Athletic Profile – Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado: Colorado decided to deploy Laviska Shenault Jr. as a boundary receiver, slot receiver, H-Back, running back, and Wildcat quarterback. That impressive versatility required insane athleticism for the 6’2 and 220-pound Shenault. Expect a memorable performance at the NFL Scouting Combine from him. Honorable Mention: Donovan Peoples-Jones.) (2-20-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/building-perfect-wide-receiver-prospects-2020-nfl-draft/
2020 NFL Combine: Wide Receiver Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (4. Laviska Shenault, Colorado 6-2, 220 (1) - Why He’s Here On The List: A dangerous playmaker of a receiver who was the best player in college football for the first half of the 2018 season before getting hurt, he’s a fascinating prospect. He doesn’t necessarily fit a set NFL wide receiver type, and he’s not necessarily a deep threat, but he’s a baller who’s one of the few prospects who could turn into a target who becomes the guy. What The NFL Types Want To See: Does he have the raw wheels? He’s a good deep threat, but he only averaged 13.6 yards per catch last year and he’s more of a powerful tough target than a flashy speed guy. His medical evaluation will be a factor, too, after being banged up over the last two years. Bottom Line: He’s the best combination of physical skills, quickness, and No. 1 target attitude – in a good way. If he can stay in one piece, and if he can show off a decent 40 time, he’s going to work his way into the late first round. He might not be for everyone considering where he’ll need to be drafted, but there’s a chance he becomes the best receiver in the draft.) (2-20-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-wide-receiver-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
13 NFL draft prospects with something to prove at combine (Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado: Durability questions have followed Shenault to Indianapolis, though his agent said last week the receiver's groin injury would not require surgery. If cleared and able to perform at his best, the multi-purpose threat could emerge as one of the combine's best overall athletes with a rare blend of strength and speed. But even if Shenault impresses, there will be a strong focus on his health after he missed several games in the last two years due to multiple injuries. Evaluators will also want to see crisper route running given his lack of development in that area while serving as a gadget player.) (2-19-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/19/nfl-draft-2020-combine-players-prove-jordan-love-laviska-shenault/4798364002/
Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Wide receivers (Laviska Shenault, Colorado (Suggested by: Scott Bischoff): Like with Ruggs, if the Lions want Shenault, they may need to make a move into the first round to get him. Shenault is very instinctive, almost sensing where the defenders are without seeing them, and he leans on this skill to create separation in his routes. Once the ball is in his hands, his true talent shines through, as his physicality and natural athleticism allow him to bully defenders.) (2-19-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/19/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-wide-receiver/
NFL combine 2020: Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb headline deep crop of receivers (Laviska Shenault Jr. (Colorado): He’s going to check a lot of boxes for what the Lions are looking for at the position. Shenault has the versatility to line up at any receiver spot, as well as in the backfield. He also has a thick 220-pound frame, which allows him to play the position physically as a pass-catcher and blocker. He’s fast enough to make plays with the ball in his hands, and excellent at catching the ball in traffic. The production is a little concerning -- he had 86 catches for 1,011 yards in nine games in 2018, then 56 catches for 764 yards last season -- and could still be available late in the first round, or possibly early in the second. Detroit is scheduled to pick 35th.) (2-18-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/02/nfl-combine-2020-jerry-jeudy-ceedee-lamb-headline-deep-crop-of-receivers.html
Lions NFL Combine preview: Wide receivers (Laviska Shenault, Colorado: A uniquely versatile talent with a thick, 220-pound frame. Shenault lined up in the backfield, both as a blocker and occasional ball carrier, as well as spending time in the slot and outside. Difficult to bring down because of his combination of size and speed, he did a significant amount of his damage after the catch. ) (2-16-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/16/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-wide-receivers/4759480002/
2020 NFL scouting combine preview: wide receivers (Who needs to nail the medical evaluation - Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado: This one is huge. Shenault is one of this year’s mystery men — a prospect whom scouts have had difficulty finding a comparison for but also one who carries some measure of risk. He’s expected to put on a show at the combine, as the 6-foot-2, 220-pounder could be a faster physical clone of A.J. Brown, who last year turned in a strong combine workout and was the only rookie to surpass 1,000 yards receiving last season. But the injuries are a concern. Shenault missed three games with a foot injury in 2018 and had surgeries on his toe and his shoulder (labrum) prior to the 2019 season. Then last season, he suffered a core muscle injury at Arizona State that caused him to miss only one full game, but that injury — plus a nagging groin ailment — limited him all season. The groin is the most pressing current injury. It reportedly won’t require surgery, but it might prevent him from working out or working out fully. For Shenault, a positive medical evaluation and a strong workout could lock up a first-round landing spot. A worrisome report could cause him to fall in this deep group.) (2-14-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-preview-wide-receivers-130035778.html
Draft WR rankings: Lamb headlines list (Tier 1 - 5. Laviska Shenault, Colorado, 88: I've repeatedly referred to Shenault as a horse in the open field, and at 6-2 and 220 pounds with twitchy movements and tremendous acceleration, I'm sticking with that human-to-animal comparison. Imagine trying to tackle a horse in an open field. Not happening. With average quarterbacking, Shenault racked up 142 catches for 1,775 yards (12.5 per) and scored 10 total receiving touchdowns in his last two years at Colorado. He also reached the end zone seven times on the ground. Because of his running back like juking skills and plus contact balance, his coaching staff utilized him as a wildcat quarterback and on more end arounds and straight handoffs than any of the other top receivers in this class. Shenault accumulated 276 yards on his last 40 carries for the Buffaloes (6.9 yards per), so the team that drafts him will be adding that element its offense. Red flags? Well, Shenault did have two quasi-mysterious injures in 2018 and 2019 and was held under 50 yards receiving in six of his 11 outings as a junior.) (2-13-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-receiver-rankings-ceedee-lamb-at-no-1-in-absolutely-stacked-pass-catcher-group/
No surgery for Colorado wide receiver Laviska Shenault (2-12-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/12/2020-nfl-draft-laviska-shenault-colorado/
2020 NFL Draft: Wide Receiver Rankings (4. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Exposed to a more diverse route tree as a junior, Shenault remains an unrefined route-runner, but he provides a creative offensive mind with a versatile weapon that has lined up all over for Colorado. Built more like a running back than a wide receiver, he turns into a running back with the ball in his hands. With his ability to break tackles, Shenault flourishes in the open field due to his strength, size, burst, vision and elusiveness. Shenault has strong hands and tracks the deep ball well.) (2-12-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/02/12/nfl-draft-2020-wide-receiver-rankings-best-prospects
2020 Combine Preview: Wide receiver (5. Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado, 6-2, 220: Shenault saw his production drop a bit this past season after a monster 2018 campaign that saw him record 86 catches, 1,011 yards and six touchdowns in just nine games. He caught 56 passes for 764 yards and scored six total touchdowns for the Buffaloes this past season. Shenault is a strong receiver with terrific run-after-the-catch ability. He can play any receiver position, and Colorado also let him run the ball some, trying to find ways to put the ball in his hands.) (2-12-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2020-combine-preview-wide-receiver-jeudy-lamb-ruggs
Back to the Future: Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft (5. Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado: While most of the guys I have talked about are not built off of physicality, Laviska Shenault is the complete opposite. This guy oozes physicality throughout his game. He uses it to help him separate, he lowers his shoulder to run over guys in the open field, and he likes to push guys around to go up and grab a jump ball. His best trait is probably the work he does after the catch. This guy is a freight train coming at you when he gets momentum worked up, and he is a hard task for any defender to take down in a one-on-one situation. My concerns lie almost all in his route running and releases, and that is why he is down here anyways. He does have the route tree or the nuance in either of those areas quite yet.) (2-8-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/back-to-the-future-top-10-wide-receivers-in-the-2020-nfl-draft/
Laviska Shenault is a first-round talent in the 2020 NFL Draft, but you better have a plan for him (2-8-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/laviska-shenault-first-round-talent-2020-nfl-draft/
Shenault's rise from unspeakable family tragedy (2-6-20): http://www.nfl.com/labs/cfb247/laviska-shenault/laviska-shenault
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Wide Receivers (3. LAVISKA SHENAULT JR., COLORADO (Draft Board Rank: 15th): Shenault is still more of an offensive weapon than a wide receiver, but he's one deadly weapon, nonetheless. As a true sophomore, he caught 87 passes for 1,019 yards and broke 29 tackles on the year. The combination of his size at 220 pounds and likely sub-4.4 explosiveness is unmatched at the receiver position in the draft class. The worrisome thing is that it so far hasn't translated to downfield production. Even before his injury-plagued 2019 season, Shenault only had 22 of his 87 catches come on targets 10-plus yards downfield (and only 14 this past season), while both Lamb and Jeudy have had more in each of the past two seasons. However, you just can't teach his physical tools, and all you have to do is find a way to get him the ball for good things to happen.) (1-31-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-wide-receivers
Post 2020 Senior Bowl Notebook (On personal rankings, I’m higher than most draft media on these players: Colorado WR Laviska Shenault, who will be my WR2 in this class behind Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy) (1-29-20): https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3246/Post-2020-Senior-Bowl-Notebook
Evaluating declaration decisions (WR Laviska Shenault (Colorado): Shenault is a compact wide receiver reminiscent of Sammy Watkins. Colorado was creative in the manner that they got him the football, similarly to Ruggs. He is not as strong down the field as CeeDee Lamb but he has his own strengths. His speed is not great but he does attack the ball at its peak. NFL Draft projection: Top 25-50 pick) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-sizing-up-early-declaration-decisions-of-tua-fromm-eason-and-more-key-prospects/
WR prospect reset: Stock up and down (Likely to be forgotten until the combine - Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Another junior entrant in this draft, Shenault is a more household name than Reagor because there was more hype for him entering 2019. At 6-foot-2 and 220-ish pounds, Shenault is a moose in the open field and flashed awesome ball-tracking skills during his time at Colorado. Injuries and average-at-best quarterback quality held him back, but he'll likely be on the first-round radar when all is said and done with the pre-draft process.) (1-9-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-prospect-reset-whose-stock-is-up-and-down-who-needs-big-senior-bowl-and-combine-and-more/
Saints 2020 draft needs, fits, picks (Shenault: As mentioned above, Thomas is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL but New Orleans' offense has operated most efficiently with a second option. Shenault would be a great fit in the first round because his skill set is unique compared to Thomas. The Colorado product is more effective closer to the line of scrimmage and is effective after the catch. ) (1-6-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-new-orleans-saints-team-needs-draft-picks-prospects-to-watch/
5 wide receivers who could make sense for Detroit Lions’ offense in NFL draft (Colorado WR Laviska Shenault -- Another first- or second-round option could be Colorado’s do-it-all receiver Laviska Shenault. He was banged up this year so his production was down, but the Buffaloes still found ways to get Shenault the ball. The junior caught 56 passes for 764 yards with four touchdowns while running 23 times for 161 yards and two scores. He returned only one kickoff this season, but managed to pick up 54 yards. His production was down from his 86-catch, 1,011-yard sophomore campaign, but he remains one of the more intriguing players in the field. Shenault comes in at 6-foot-2, 220-pounds and ranked as ESPN’s No. 3 receiver prospect. “This guy is a real weapon for any offense. Shenault can play any receiver position and is terrific with the ball in his hands," McShay writes. "Don’t expect him to run a normal route tree, instead snagging a lot of short catches underneath, but he is good on contested balls, and his ability to create after the catch stands out as a plus trait. Shenault will need some time to develop and learn effective deep routes, but his short-area quickness is something else.”) (12-13-19): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/12/5-wide-receivers-who-could-make-sense-for-detroit-lions-offense-in-nfl-draft.html
NFL scouts are high on Buffs wide receiver Laviska Shenault (12-4-19): https://1043thefan.com/2085026/nfl-scouts-are-high-on-buffs-wide-receiver-laviska-shenault/amp/
4 Reasons Why Colorado Buffaloes Receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. Will Be A First Round pick (12-4-19): https://denver.cbslocal.com/2019/12/04/laviska-shenault-jr-nfl-draft-colorado-buffaloes/amp/
2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the Incredibly Deep Wide Receiver Class (5. Shenault: Shenault has spent three years languishing on a bad Colorado team that hasn't given him enough touches. He's a really good athlete with the potential to break any play wide-open, but he's a bit raw as a pure receiver. At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Colorado has used Shenault all over the field. This season, he's caught 56 passes for 764 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing for 161 yards for two touchdowns on 23 carries. He can play any role in any formation and is great after the catch. Shenault will need time to develop into a pure receiver, but he should test off-the-charts, has good hands, and can make things happen after the catch. Easy to fall in love with his upside.) (12-3-19): https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/nfl-draft-receivers-ranked-2020-jerry-jeudy-ceedee-lamb-01dv3zsx80fb
Colorado WR Laviska Shenault Jr. declares for 2020 NFL draft (12-3-19): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/12/03/colorado-wr-laviska-shenault-jr-declares-for-2020-nfl-draft/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Higgins climbs to No. 1 (6. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Stock Down. Shenault had four catches for 43 yards and added 25 yards on five carries. He and the next receiver in my rankings are ultra talented and can erupt down the field or after the catch at any time. However, they'll (likely) enter the NFL with a handful of dud games on their collegiate resumes. ) (12-2-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tee-higgins-overtakes-jerry-jeudy-for-no-1-spot/
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 14 (On the other side of the ball, Colorado has one man who gives them hope of cracking Utah’s secondary — one player who can fill a multitude of roles to beat Utah, or any defense, in any number of ways. That man is Laviska Shenault Jr., who may be the most versatile receiver in the country. Shenault got off to a slow start production-wise this season, but he and the offense have found their footing over the past month. Just last week, Shenault torched a solid Washington secondary with seven catches for 100 yards and a touchdown en route to an upset win. Shenault is at his best with the ball in his hands. Along the lines of Golden Tate, Sammy Watkins, and Torrey Smith, Shenault turns into a running back as soon as the ball hits his hands. He runs with a low, springy style and shows natural vision on the open field to weave through defenses. Shenault’s ability as a runner is such that Colorado regularly uses him as a jet sweep player, and sometimes as a wildcat QB or true RB. Shenault’s ability to catch the ball and immediately hit a second gear is as effective on slants from an outside alignment as it is on shallow crossers from a slot position. With all that said of Shenault’s explosive and versatile nature, Utah’s defensive back unit is too filled out to give up a massive day to the Buffs WR. Shenault won’t be silenced entirely, but it would take a miracle for him to be able to take over a game versus a secondary like this. Advantage: Utah secondary) (11-27-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-14
Laviska Shenault's rise from unspeakable family tragedy (11-26-19): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001080798/article/laviska-shenaults-rise-from-unspeakable-family-tragedy
2020 Draft WR Watch: Pittman, Mims rise (6. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Stock Up. We saw Shenault in the backfield against Washington, and the junior scored a touchdown on a pass he had no business reeling in down the field. The ball was slightly underthrown and to the inside as Shenault had outside leverage on the corner. But he undercut the Washington defender and snatched the ball before it could be intercepted. He finished the day with seven grabs for 100 yards in the win over the Huskies and had 17 yards and three carries.) (11-25-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-the-rise-of-michael-pittman-and-denzel-mims/
Five possible Lions 2020 draft prospects: Week 13 (Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado (No. 2): If he comes out this year, a team might be able to get a bargain in the draft. The talented junior has seen a steep drop in year-to-year production, at least partially due to an injury he's battled through this season. Still, that could hurt his stock. The Lions certainly don't have an immediate need for an outside receiver, with Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay racking up the touchdowns in 2019, but both players have deals that are set to expire at the end of the 2020 season. Retaining Golladay is going to cost big money, while Jones will be 31 years old when his next contract kicks in, so getting a backup plan in place isn't a bad idea. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Shenault is like a running back in space, routinely making tacklers miss to gain extra yardage. He's still coming along as a route runner, but he can play inside and outside, so a good offensive coordinator should be able to scheme the ball into his hands.) (11-22-19): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/11/22/five-possible-detroit-lions-2020-draft-prospects-week-13/4269215002/
2020 NFL Draft: Top-five players at each offensive position entering College Football Week 13 (3. Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado: Shenault is special with the ball in his hands, but Colorado has just struggled to get the ball to him. He’s broken 42 tackles on 132 catches over the past two seasons and averaged over 7.5 yards after the catch.) (11-20-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-top-five-players-at-each-offensive-position-college-football-week-13
2020 Draft WR Watch: Higgins rises again (6. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Stock Steady. Colorado was off over the weekend and gets Washington at home on Saturday.) (11-18-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tee-higgins-making-case-as-most-complete-wr-prospect-in-the-class/
2020 Draft WR Stock Watch: Smith erupts (6. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Stock Steady. Shenault had eight receptions for 91 yards in the win over Stanford, and he steamrolled a defender on a jet sweep, a fine demonstration of the power he has behind his pads. One of his receptions was a deep dig in which he continued upfield for a sizable gain.) (11-11-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-devonta-smith-erupts-again-ceedee-lamb-and-tyler-johnson-flourish/
Sensational group of 2020 wide receiver prospects the best ever? (Laviska Shenault, Colorado: While Laviska Shenault has not had a tremendous 2019 campaign thus far, there is still much reason to believe that he will be a tremendous pro. My NFL comparison for Shenault is a blend between the Steelers’ JuJu Smith-Schuster and the Browns’ Jarvis Landry. His best trait, which is elite, is what he can do with the football after the catch. Once the ball is in his hands, his elite vision and running back mentality make him a threat to take it to the house. Also, Shenault excels at tracking the football and utilizing his unique blend of size and speed to embarrass cornerbacks. He is a fierce competitor, who gives maximum effort on every play. Like Higgins, he is not the best route-runner, but he just makes play after play. In the video below, watch him track the football and adjust to make a sensational catch against Nebraska. When all the smoke clears, I envision Laviska Shenault being selected in the 15-22 pick range in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. If the Colts could land him to complement TY Hilton, that would be one match made in heaven.) (11-5-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-prospects-best-ever/4/
2020 Draft WR Watch: Edwards, Reagor erupt (6. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Stock Down. Colorado has fallen on hard times. The Buffaloes have lost four straight, and after being the focal point of the offense against USC, Shenault only had three grabs for 16 yards in the drubbing at the hands of UCLA.) (11-4-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-bryan-edwards-jalen-reagor-showcase-depth-of-this-class/
2020 NFL Draft top wide receivers – who is WR1? (Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado – 6’2, 220 pounds: Among all the 2020 NFL Draft top wide receivers, Laviska Shenault has been the quietest this season, for a number of different reasons. The first is his health. Shenault has struggled his entire career to stay healthy. In the past two seasons, he’s missed five games and always seems to be nagged by something. Unfortunately, Shenault also plays in an offensive system that doesn’t utilize his skill set. A majority of his passes come from behind the line of scrimmage, and he’s used more like a running back than a wide receiver. This makes his evaluation extremely difficult because he’s a rare physical blend. He’s comfortably the biggest receiver on this list and doubles as an explosive athlete. Everything I stated is evident in this next clip. Shenault is lined up in the wildcat (a common occurrence), and he uses his vision to find the hole and then runs past everyone for the touchdown. Laviska Chenault has the best physical profile of anyone on this list, and that’s the main driving force behind his potential case for WR1. What could he be, instead of what he currently is? His ceiling is that of Julio Jones, but his floor is eerily close to Cordarelle Patterson. Including his injury history, he’s the definition of a boom-or-bust candidate. However, if you’re willing to bet on his ceiling, Shenault could be the guy for you. Rankings - WR4: Laviska Shenault, Colorado. If Shenault was healthy and playing at a school like Ohio State, we may be talking about him as the undisputed best receiver in the country. However, he isn’t, so we can’t. His upside is immense, and his physical traits are dominant. Unfortunately, Shenault’s evaluation is almost all projection at this point.) (11-1-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-top-wide-receivers-who-is-wr1/
Draft WR Watch: Jeudy, Shenault shine (5. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Stock Up. Early in the game, Shenault nearly made a ridiculous one-handed tap-to-himself touchdown on a fade but was just out of bounds. In the second quarter, he extended above his head to catch a deep shot down the field and got the ball down quickly to absorb the hit from the oncoming safety. But his real highlight came early in the third when he took a slant route 71-yards to the house, a fine display of his long speed at 220 pounds. Shenault finished with 172 yards and the score on nine catches. ) (10-29-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-jerry-jeudy-laviska-shenault-get-back-on-track/
College Football Week 9: Eckrich Pac-12 Team of the Week (Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado: Colorado suffered their fourth straight loss against USC, despite Shenault Jr.’s strong performance. Shenault hauled in nine of his 15 targets for 172 yards and a 71-yard scamper into the end zone to begin the second half. He generated a passer rating of 122.1, and he forced three missed tackles on his way to the fourth-best receiving grade in the conference. ) (10-28-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-9-eckrich-pac-12-team-of-the-week
BOOMS AND BUSTS: WEEK NINE (Colorado WR Laviska Shenault -- nine receptions, 172 yards, touchdown -- vs. USC: Hard to believe that this is also the first time that Shenault has been included in this section. It came in a losing effort against the Trojans, but it was easily his best receiving effort of the year, and he found the end zone for the first time since September 14 against Air Force. Shenault has as much talent as any wideout in the country. It's just a matter of whether or not he can stay healthy enough to show it.) (10-27-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/weekend-recap/booms-and-busts-week-nine
2020 Draft WR Watch: Hamler is a riser (5. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Stock Steady. In a rainy night game in Pullman, Shenault had some flashes, especially early. He made an impressive, toe-tapping sideline grab in which he had to snag the football over his head. He also pieced together a nifty run from the Wildcat. In the third quarter, he was wide open down the field but was slightly overthrown by Steven Montez, although the ball did glance off Shenault's hands. The junior wideout had four receptions for 46 in the loss to Washington State.) (10-22-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-minnesotas-tyler-johnson-rising-keep-an-eye-on-penn-states-k-j-hamler/
WR Watch: Lamb dominates Texas (6. Jalen Reagor, TCU: Stock Steady (5. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Stock Steady (Midseason NFL comparison: Sammy Watkins): Shenault returned from injury and turned in a four-grab, 70-yard performance in Colorado's blowout loss to the Oregon Ducks. While his quarterback Steven Montez has a big arm, he holds Shenault back at times.) (10-15-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-ceedee-lamb-erupts-vs-texas-justin-jefferson-goes-bananas-vs-florida/
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: TCU's Jalen Reagor flashes on quiet weekend for top receiver prospects (5. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Stock Steady. Arizona beat a Shenault-less Colorado team over the weekend. His injury was listed as "undisclosed.") (10-8-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-tcus-jalen-reagor-flashes-on-quiet-weekend-for-top-receiver-prospects/
Shenault remains a game-time decision with a core muscle strain sustained at Arizona State on Sept. 21. (10-8-19): https://www.denverpost.com/2019/10/08/mel-tucker-laviska-shenault-kd-nixon-mustafa-johnson-mikial-onu-cu-buffs-oregon-ducks/
WR Laviska Shenault is out today for the cubuffs (10-5-19): https://mobile.twitter.com/BrianHowell33/status/1180583120904450049
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: Devonta Smith into the top 10 after historic performance (5. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Stock Steady. Colorado was idle over the weekend and plays Arizona at home Saturday.) (10-1-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-devonta-smith-into-the-top-10-after-historic-performance/
2020 NFL Draft prospect Rankings: Top-five players at each offensive position (4. Laviska Shenault: Shenault is an uber-athlete currently being given the wide receiver designation. At 6-2, 220 pounds though, I wouldn’t be surprised if Shenault could easily switch to running back, linebacker, or safety and be one of the best at that position in college football within a few months. He’s that explosive of an athlete and gifted in terms of coordination. While we’d still love to see him run some real routes down the field more, when he does turn on the jets on the vertical route tree, he punishes defensive backs. For his career, Shenault has hauled in 10 of his 14 contested catch opportunities.) (9-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-2020-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-on-offense
2020 NFL Draft WR Watch: Reagor moves down, Ruggs up (5. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Stock Down, Slightly. Shenault only had one catch for 23 yards in Colorado's win over Arizona State and it came on a quick toss that could've very easily been labeled as a run. He suffered an undisclosed injury in the first quarter and did not return. Shenault missed games due a toe injury last season.) (9-24-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-colorados-laviska-shenault-tcus-jalen-reagor-move-down-after-disappointing/
PFF Rankings: Highest-graded wide receivers in college football through Week 3 (LAVISKA SHENAULT JR., COLORADO – 83.9 OVERALL GRADE: Laviska Shenault Jr. came into the 2019 season with lofty expectations, coming in at WR3 on the preseason PFF 2020 Big Board. Even though Colorado came away with a loss, Shenault certainly delivered on those expectations against Air Force with eight receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown to pair with a touchdown on the ground. Whether it is as a receiver, rusher or returner, getting the ball into Shenault's hands is never a bad idea because more often than not, he is going to make the most of it. Colorado will continue to feed him throughout the season. Don’t be surprised when he continues to call this list home.) (9-18-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-highest-graded-wide-receivers-in-college-football-through-week-3
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: Alabama's Henry Ruggs, Minnesota's Tyler Johnson move up WR rankings (3. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Stock Up. Shenault was back as the focal point of Colorado's offense against Air Force after a down week against Nebraska. The junior had eight catches for 124 yards and a highlight-reel touchdown in which he took a short pass, absorbed contact, stayed on his feet, and accelerated down the field for the score. He ran smooth routes and made a difficult grab near the sideline in traffic, but did have a pass knocked out of his hands later in the game. ) (9-17-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-alabamas-henry-ruggs-minnesotas-tyler-johnson-move-up-wr-rankings/
NFL draft winners and losers: Why speedy wide receivers are all the rage again (And lest you forgot about Minnesota’s Tyler Johnson and Colorado’s Laviska Shenault Jr., both used Saturday as reminders that they deserved their preseason mention despite slow starts to the season. Johnson caught 10 passes for 140 yards and three TDs — one a career-long 73-yard catch-and-run, and a 2-yard score with 13 seconds left to secure victory. Shenault caught eight passes for 142 yards, kicking off the scoring with a 42-yard TD, and he also ran for a score in the waning moments of regulation to force overtime.) (9-16-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-why-speedy-wide-receivers-are-all-the-rage-again-205039980.html
2020 NFL Draft Wide Receivers Watch: CeeDee Lamb moves to No. 2 spot, don't sleep on Henry Ruggs (3. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Stock Down. Shenault was surprisingly not a major factor in Colorado's triumphant comeback against Nebraska. He finished with five catches for 31 yards and carried the ball three times for six yards. You saw tiny glimpses of the twitch he possesses at his size, but he was never able to get loose against the Huskers.) (9-10-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wide-receivers-watch-ceedee-lamb-moves-to-no-2-spot-dont-sleep-on-henry-ruggs/
2020 NFL draft: 5 prospect matchups to watch in Week 2 (Colorado WR Laviska Shenault, Jr. vs. Nebraska CB Lamar Jackson: Shenault Jr. enters this game as the best prospect, as well as one of the top wide receivers in the entire country. Shenault, who only had three catches for 48 yards against Colorado State in the season opener last week, is looking to bounce back this week. Meanwhile, Jackson is coming off an impressive outing against South Alabama that resulted in three tackles, one tackle for loss and a forced. He is looking to make a name for himself in this deep cornerback class, and he will certainly have scouts watching him that are in attendance for Shenault. Jackson may struggle to match Shenault’s explosive speed, but he boats the physicality in press to disrupt the timing of routes, along with the physical traits to take away passing lanes with his 6-foot-2 figure.) (9-7-19): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/09/06/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-matchups-week-2/
Five WRs Raiders should target (Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Shenault lines up all over the field -- in the slot, offset tight end, H-back, quarterback -- and has some of the strongest hands in college football; he's made a living out of plucking the ball out of the air with a defender draped all over him. Shenault can win at every level and is always one play away from taking it to the house. Think a stronger, more physical N'Keal Harry. He was held to just 3 catches for 48 yards against Colorado St. last week but he still managed a touchdown grab. Just in case you have any concerns about his after-the-catch ability, here's Shenault from last season. He was No. 11 on our preseason Big Board.) (9-6-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-five-college-wide-receivers-the-raiders-should-target-if-they-move-on-from-antonio-brown/
2020 NFL Draft WR Watch: Jerry Jeudy, Tee Higgins, and Tylan Wallace flourish in Week 1 (2. Laviska Shenault, Colorado: Stock Steady. Shenault didn't have a huge game against Colorado State (three catches for 48 yards with one score and three rushes for 35 yards) but all the highly-touted skills were on full display. Early on, we got a perfect glimpse of his dynamic YAC skills on a slant and bubble screen. The Buffaloes got Shenault involved on two jet sweeps -- which will be common -- and his vision and fluidity as an athlete were running back-esque, as expected. He ran by an outside corner on a go route, but the ball was well underthrown and fell incomplete. Later, he did the same but strangely throttled down and the defensive back was able to recover.) (9-3-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-wr-watch-jerry-jeudy-tee-higgins-and-tylan-wallace-flourish-in-week-1/
Colorado Buffaloes: Shenhault Jr. leads with first round projection (Laviska Shenault Jr.
The consensus has Laviska Shenault Jr. entering the 2020 NFL Draft and ending up somewhere in Round 1. Where he ends up in the first frame is a matter of debate. Shenault is a long, fluid receiver with dependable hands and a consistent game. He finds ways to separate and routinely makes ordinary and extraordinary receptions. What really stands out on film is the way Shenault works, even when he’s not involved in the action or the play is away from him. Though not critical, his ultimate 40 time and his route running in predraft workouts will dictate how early Shenault is drafted.) (9-1-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/colorado-buffaloes-summer-grades-pauline/
2020 NFL Draft: Colorado’s Laviska Shenault has all-pro potential (8-21-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-colorados-laviska-shenault-poised-for-stardom/
2020 NFL Draft: From Jerry Jeudy to CeeDee Lamb to sleepers, 14 wide receivers to keep your eyes on (Laviska Shenault, Colorado
(NFL comparison: Sammy Watkins): Shenault erupted in 2018 with 1,011 yards on 86 receptions with seven receiving touchdowns in just nine games last season. His 1,011 yards accounted for a 33.7 percent of Colorado's yards through the air, a tremendous figure for a wideout in his second-to-last season and ridiculous when considering he missed three contests. Most used as a gadgety, quick-game target, Shenault is an effortlessly dynamic mover with great long speed to take the top off a defense when needed. He has smooth agility that allows him to not lose much momentum on a juke, and he's a load to bring to the turf thanks to impressive contact balance at 6-2 and 220 pounds. Shenault proved he's not simply a screen and go route wideout on a handful of occasions last season -- and showed he can track it into his hands down the field -- but more intricacy on classic routes in 2019 would go a long way in him being categorized as a complete receiver.) (8-20-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-from-jerry-jeudy-to-ceedee-lamb-to-sleepers-14-wide-receivers-to-keep-your-eyes-on/
NFL Draft: Pac-12 offensive All-Conference predictions (WR: Laviska Shenault (Colorado): One of four wide receivers to eclipse 1,000 yards in the Pac-12 last season, Laviska Shenault soon became a household name. Whether he was burning defenses deep or making a handful of guys miss in the open field, Shenault cemented himself as the top playmaker in the conference. Despite missing a few games, he still ended up First-Team All-Conference. Along with that, Shenault was the only receiver in the conference who averaged over 100 receiving yards per game. Returning with senior quarterback Steven Montez, the duo should pick up right where they left off. The offense revolves around Shenault. Even though shifting to a more pro-style offense under Mel Tucker changes the way he racks up receptions, the manufactured touches should still be there for the superstar. Shenault is as dynamic as they come and the best the Pac-12 has to offer at the position. He’s on a mission to solidify himself as a first-round draft pick.) (8-15-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-pac-12-offensive-all-conference-predictions/
Pac-12 Top 25 NFL Draft prospects: Studs at the skill positions (2. Shenault: Laviska Shenault is arguably the most dynamic wide receiver in the nation.) (8-1-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/pac-12-top-25-nfl-draft-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Receivers (Laviska Shenault (Colorado, JR) - Day 1 Projection - Athleticism/Size: Laviska Shenault (6’2/224) made The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman’s “Freak’s List” and those around Shenault have compared him to Julio Jones and/or Sammy Watkins. Shenault’s size and strength are elite and he should be plenty fast and plenty agile enough to be among the most well-rounded receivers in the class. The tricky part is his durability. Shenault has torn his labrum and missed time with a turf toe injury. Perhaps those setbacks were bad luck. Perhaps it’s a worrisome trend. Production: Laviska Shenault barely saw action as a freshman at Colorado (kinda concerning given that 2017 WR depth chart), but he went off last year, totaling 86 catches, 1,126 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns across just nine games. His 9.6 receptions per game average was the second-best mark among FBS sophomores since at least 2000. If he can stay healthy -- that hasn’t been easy so far -- then his total production should be just fine analytically. If he misses a chunk of next season, it’s fair to be worried. I project Shenault for a 98-1,125-6 receiving line in 2019, which doesn’t include his valuable rushing production. Efficiency/Usage: Per PFF, Laviska Shenault played just over half of his snaps in the slot last year. Putting Shenault in the slot and as a wild cat were easy ways for Colorado to get the ball into his hands, and it was very effective. Shenault caught 81% of his targets -- that was the best catch rate among returning FBS receivers with at least 85 targets -- and created the second-most yards after the catch (639) among Power 5 receivers (Rondale Moore was first). On deep targets, Shenault has been excellent (19.5 YPT) but it would be nice to see him work downfield more often since he was only thrown 11 passes that were 20+ yards downfield. Overall, Shenault is going to look awesome no matter where he lines up and no matter where he is targeted. Shenault profiles as a high-volume WR1 in the NFL with the potential to be among the league’s best if his health cooperates and if he continues to develop as a route runner.) (7-28-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/2020-nfl-draft-stock-receivers?page=0
Top-15 2020 NFL Draft WR Rankings (2. Laviska Shenault (Colorado) | 6'2/225: Laviska Shenault is the best receiver in college football right now. If he played for Alabama or Oklahoma, that would be a more popular opinion. For two months now, I’ve batted around Jeudy vs. Viska. In the end, I defaulted to chalk because of Jeudy’s athleticism. That gives Jeudy more ceiling. But Viska’s got the higher floor. Shenault is the guy you feed touches to as often as possible and in as many ways possible because he’s so difficult to tackle. He’s both a big-play maven and a high-volume playmaker. He’s drawn ubiquitous comps to Sammy Watkins. Anquan Boldin works better from a strength/toughness perspective. I first saw the Boldin comp from, of all people, USC DC Clancy Pendergast, who served as defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals during Boldin’s time. In the lead-up to last October's USC-Colorado game, Pendergast noted that Shenault “can really handle the ball in the open field but (he) also create[s] mismatches down the field.” Though Shenault’s skill with the ball in his hands leads to plenty of passes caught around the line of scrimmage, he’s also the Pac-12’s leading returning receiver with 3.44 yards per route run (the next highest is USC’s Amon-Ra St. Brown with 2.65). Shenault is so tricky to defend because he can pop the top off the defense whenever he's sent on a fly route, but you have to be cognizant of all the damage he can do around the line of scrimmage and in the intermediate sector. He's impossible for corners to tackle one-on-one on the perimeter. Shenault is not only physically dominant -- legendary Colorado coach Gary Barnett said he’s the best player to play for the Buffaloes in the past 20 years -- but he's extremely versatile. Last year, Colorado lined up Shenault outside, in the slot, at tight end and as a Wildcat quarterback. When he has the ball in his hands, you hold your breath. I’m not convinced that Jeudy is the best receiver in the 2020 class. I think it very well may be Shenault. Doesn't mean he'll get drafted first, though. Jeudy is going to blow the roof off at the NFL Combine, whereas Shenault is likely to test as “just” a “very-very-very good” athlete.) (7-19-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/top-15-2020-nfl-draft-wr-rankings
Meet Laviska Shenault, Jr., Colorado's elite WR prospect (7-16-19): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/07/16/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-interview-laviska-shenault-colorado/
Why the 2020 NFL Draft Class of Wide Receivers Is Worthy of Your Attention (Laviska Shenault, junior, Colorado: Shenault was the only receiver invited to be a counselor at Manning Passing Academy, at the recommendation of his Colorado quarterback Steven Montez, who was also a counselor. I saw him at MPA, and physically, he’s a beast. At 6' 2" and 220 pounds, one agent said Shenault will be the strongest receiver in the NFL the day he’s drafted. Colorado uses the shifty and hard-to-tackle Shenault all over the field, at wildcat running back, inside and outside. Shenault had 10 touchdowns in five games during the Buffs’ hot start last season.) (7-11-19): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/07/10/nfl-draft-2020-top-wide-receivers-jerry-jeudy-laviska-shenault
Top 50 College Receivers of 2019 (1. Shenault: Laviska Shenault, who played just over half of his snaps in the slot, led college football with 9.6 receptions per game last season. That happened to be the second-most receptions per game among sophomore receivers since at least 2000 (Davante Adams). Shenault did so by catching a whopping 81% of his targets, which also led returning FBS receivers with at least 85 targets. But Shenault was able to create after the catch, too. According to Pro Football Focus, Shenault only trailed Rondale Moore in yards after the catch (639) among Power 5 receivers. As a bonus, Shenault can effectively run the wildcat in short-yardage situations and blocks his tail off. What a stud.)(6-11-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/rankings/top-50-college-receivers-2019
2020 NFL Draft Prospect Preview: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado (6-6-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-prospect-preview-laviska-shenault-wr-colorado/
2020 NFL Draft: Jerry Jeudy leads rare receiver class (2. Shenault: Laviska Shenault played his high school ball at DeSoto High School in Texas. Originally Shenault committed to Texas Tech, however University of Colorado Assistant Coach Darrin Chiaverini was able to persuade him to come to Boulder. When I watch Laviska Shenault play, I am reminded of Sammy Watkins at Clemson. Despite only playing nine games in 2018, Shenault was still able to accumulate over 1,000 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He is big, strong and fast, which are traits that are necessary to play wide receiver in the NFL. Furthermore, Shenault is explosive and can beat defenses deep. If Shenault has the season I expect in 2019, he should cement himself as a top-10 selection for the 2020 draft.) (6-6-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-jerry-jeudy-leads-rare-receiver-class/
2020 NFL Draft: Juniors headline an explosive wide receiver class (Laviska Shenault Jr. (Colorado): Colorado has put out some quality receivers over the past couple of season, including Paul Richardson who was drafted 45th overall by the Seattle Seahawks. Outside of big-play potential and playing for Colorado, there really are not many similarities to Shenault and Richardson. Shenault is a big-time receiver with fantastic size at 6-2 and 220 pounds. His speed and size combination make him a mismatch nightmare for defenders. He gives cornerbacks fits with his body control and ability to adjust to the football. Typically receivers his size have trouble starting and stopping. But he has little to no issues stopping his route and making the catch. Though he is 6-2, he plays like he is 6-5 with how he can high point the football. In just nine games, Shenault caught 89 passes for 1,011 yards, averaging 112.3 yards per game. With another productive year, Shenault should be a first-round pick.) (5-31-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-juniors-headline-an-explosive-wide-receiver-class/
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