2018 NFL Draft: Tight Ends

TIGHT ENDS

Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State

Game Film Evaluated:

TCU (2016)

Villanova (2016)

North Dakota State (2016)

Senior Bowl (2018)

Analysis: Impressive get off at the line. Solid frame and able to absorb contact and keep moving. Physical runner after the catch who can break tackles. Long arms with strong hands to make difficult catch. Willing blocker who shows upside with footwork to seal off the edge and get into proper position. Bit of a long stride when running downfield but he has no issues getting down the seam of a defense. He knows how to set up defenders in man coverage and create separation in 3rd down situations. He needs to get stronger and drive into the defender more when blocking. He works back to the QB and makes the routine catch as well as the difficult ones. He got a amazing one handed grab vs Villanova. Raw as a blocker but gives excellent effort and keeps his feet moving to drive his defender off the line. Best when in zone blocking moving his man down the line. Needs to stay upright and learn to seal off the edge when angle blocking. Technique is the issue rather than effort or core strength/footwork. Needs to refine his route running, rounds off too many routes. 

Summary: Dallas Goedert is rising prospect coming from a small school in South Dakota State but I have no concerns that he will make an impact in the NFL. One of the few more complete tight ends who can line up wide, inside on the line, block and catch the ball effectively. Physical runner after the catch and able to stretch the defense vertically busting up the seam. 2nd round grade.

Hayden Hurst, South Carolina

Game Film Evaluated:

Missouri (2017)

Michigan (2017)

South Florida (2016)

Analysis: Looks like a wide receiver trying to play TE. Lacks bulk for the position. Lines up both inline and split out wide as a receiver. Positional blocker who lacks strength and power at the POA. He blocks like a wide receiver than a TE. Lacks adequate footwork, strong hands or ability to drive defenders off the line. He gets set up properly to seal off the edge of the hole. Physical defenders can redirect him with ease and he can be knocked off his route. Lacks experience to get a clean release off the line. No feel for setting up defenders to create separation. Excellent speed and can make the difficult catch across his body.  Physical after the catch and he can break tackles. Excellent hands and will make the contested catch and catches in traffic. He can stretch the field and get into the secondary from the seam.

Summary: Hayden Hurst is a good receiving TE prospect in the draft that projects well to the NFL. He has the athleticism to beat professional LBs and safeties in coverage. He also brings the physical style after the catch to break a tackle and make a big play. He also makes the difficult catch, in traffic. However he is not a good blocker, he is a below average blocker. He lacks the strength necessary and footwork could be better. However he will make his money as a receiver. He needs to do the small things to become a more consistent reliable threat at the next level. He needs to do better setting up defenders to create separation, learn how to get a clean release off the line and handle defenders that try to knock him off his route. He also needs to do better working back to the QB and making himself open. 2nd round grade but understand he is a below average blocker and disappoint you if expect him to add any value to the rushing attack blocking.

Tyler Conklin, Central Michigan

Game Film Evaluated:

Oklahoma State (2016)

Ohio (2017)

Analysis: Plus receiving TE option. He understands how to get open, create separation with route running and generates leverage effectively. He can make contested catches and make the catch in traffic. Long arms and uses his frame well. Excellent hands and makes tough catches with his hands. Willing blocker who gets into good position, lacks good strength and power to add good value to the run game.  He can get open vs smaller and more athletic defenders with his body control, hands and understanding how to create leverage.

Summary: Tyler Conklin suffered a serious leg injury during the 2017 season that caused a drop in his production. He has a plus understanding how to run routes, create separation vs more athletic defenders and make difficult catches in traffic. He has the ideal length and body control to get open at the next level and make the catch. He needs to add core strength in his blocking to become at least an adequate blocker. He can make an impact as a receiver during his rookie season and compete for a starting job early in his career. 3rd round grade.

Mike Gesicki, Penn State

Game Film Evaluated:

Ohio State (2017)

Michigan (2017)

Michigan State (2017)

Analysis: Runs good crisp routes. Lacks good burst and long speed to stretch a defense down the seam. He creates separation with his ability to change directions quickly. Below average blocker who lacks hand strength and does not keep the feet moving once engaged. Impressive leaping ability who can go up and high point the ball. Plus athlete who has top leaping ability, make difficult catches and adjust to the ball in the air. 

Summary: Mike Gesicki has the frame, leaping ability and knack for making difficult catches to be a good receiving TE option in the pros. However he lacks the speed and quickness to become a playmaker at the position to stretch the defense. He isn’t smooth out of his breaks to consistently create separation. He spent a lot of time blocking at Penn State but he isn’t a powerful, strong technique or good feet to suggest he will be able to handle NFL defenders in the run game. He needs to get stronger and drive defenders off the line and keep his feet moving laterally to seal off the edge and turn his man in close quarters. His athleticism suggest he is a better player than what he is right now so potential is there. I just fear the lack of speed and quickness will make it difficult to become a threat down the seam and running intermediate routes. 3rd round grade.

Dalton Schultz, Stanford

Game Film Evaluated:

Washington State (2017)

UCLA (2017)

Oregon (2017)

Analysis: Has the frame of a WR but no doubt has a TE mentality. He is a physical and effective blocker. He is able to set up defenders with his feet, keep them at bay with length and bury them to the ground with his strength. He is able to drive defenders off the LOS with his strength and leg drive. He is able to handle pass rushers on his own even when he has help from an offensive lineman. Gets in and out of breaks effectively and can leave defenders coming up empty on option routes. The offense at Stanford did not allow for as many opportunities for him to make as many catches as other offenses would have.

Summary: Dalton Schultz has the frame of an athletic receiving TE but this guy will knock you on your tail if you aren’t ready for him. He is more than capable of handling himself in any blocking assignment inline or split out wide. He has the tools to be an adequate pass protector in max protection. He is able to get in and out of breaks quickly and smoothly during the limited snaps he was asked to do so at Stanford. He was not used as a receiving option that often so there is an unknown about his route tree, finding holes in the zones and working back to the QB when the play breaks down. However if you want a TE who can add value to your rushing attack, handle blitz pick up assignments well and bring a physical element to the position then you will not be disappointed.  I feel his best football is ahead of him and his experiences as a blocker and a physical one at that will serve him well as a professional. He could be a starting TE especially if he develops good chemistry with the starting QB and takes good coaching to maximize his talent. 3rd round grade.

Troy Fumagalli, Wisconsin

Game Film Evaluated:

Indiana (2017)

Iowa (2017)

Minnesota (2017)

BYU (2017)

Analysis: Average athlete. Runs good crisp routes, doesn’t round off the corners. Solid hands. Better technique as a blocker, keeps good extension and keeps the feet moving to seal off the edge and wall off the hole. Not a plus athlete capable of running routes split out wide and beat NFL defenders. Able to make catches in traffic and use his frame to box out defenders in close quarters. Excellent position blocker who consistently gets in good position to handle his man, seal off the edge, turn his man effectively. However he lacks the core strength to be able to drive his man downfield and knock them off the line in short yardage situations. 

Summary: Troy Fumagalli is a slightly above average prospect who runs good routes, catches the ball effectively and blocks well. However he lacks the tools to be a plus starter with average speed and quickness to generate separation consistently. Most of his completions come on underneath routes and his downfield catches are more a result of the defense and playcall than his ability to work his way open, find the soft spots and make the difficult catch. He looks like a good second TE to make double TE formations work well but is an average starting prospect. 4th round grade who should go to a team that likes to run the ball from double TE formations like New England or Dallas.

Mark Andrews, Oklahoma

Game Film Evaluated:

Georgia (2018)

TCU (2017)

Houston (2016)

Analysis: Slightly above average athlete. Struggles to get in and out of breaks quickly. Not a smooth route runner. Excellent hands. He has good feel for getting open and can be an adequate safety valve. Willing blocker. Lacks ideal length to neutralize blockers. Gives good effort and above average footwork to position himself effectively. Not strong at the POA. Works back to the QB well. He knows how to set up defenders to create separation. Almost all his routes are in the short range with a few in the intermediate area. Struggled to create separation on the intermediate routes against the plus athletes at Georgia.  Does not have good leaping ability.

Summary: Mark Andrews is a very good college TE but is limited athletically when projecting to the NFL. He has good size, bulk and average athleticism for the position. However he is not quick off the line, smooth in and out of breaks to create separation vs more athletic players. He is not a threat to beat defenses down the seam in the pros. He gives good effort as a blocker and knows how to get into proper position and uses his hands well. However he lacks the core strength to drive defenders off the line and would be a liability if left to handle a rusher on a passing play. Andrews is a fine receiving option on underneath routes and occasional intermediate routes as a second TE for an offense that employs a lot of double TE personnel groupings. He would not be a good starting option but a fine second TE and capable of filling in for a short period of time.  The concern is NFL defenses would not have to dedicate a strong cover defender to neutralize him at the next level. 4th round grade.

Ian Thomas, Indiana

Game Film Evaluated:

Ohio State (2017)

Penn State (2017)

Analysis: Excellent ideal frame for the position. Good height, carries weight well. Good athleticism. Poor route runner, he rounds off his routes consistently. Effort level is inconsistent from snap to snap. When he turns it on, his speed jumps out but that talent isn’t on display nearly enough. Poor blocker in both run and pass protection. Footwork is a mess and brings no power at the POA. He has good hands and able to adjust to the poorly thrown ball. He prefers to lower the shoulder when going into his blocks instead of using proper form and his whole body into the block. He can make the difficult catch look easy whether one handed or turning his body to make the adjustment. Adequate speed but not someone with elite burst or quickness.

Summary: Ian Thomas is a frustrating prospect as he flashes at times his talent but leaves a lot to be desired during the games observed. He has the frame and strength to suggest he should be at least an adequate blocker but he gets overpowered by college defenders consistently, gets zero push or able to seal off the hole. You do not see the same player in terms of effort and motor from snap to snap. He is not a good route runner and did not display good feel for finding the soft spots in a zone and working back to the QB. His hands are very good and has the quickness to stretch a field down the seam when his motor is hot. Considerably risky player and remains to be seen whether he is motivated to improve his game and fulfill his potential. He should be one of the most complete TEs in the class and he is certainly capable of that. However if his lack of effort, blocking, route running do not improve, he will be nothing more than just a backup TE. 4th round grade.

Simmie Cobbs, Indiana

Game Film Evaluated:

Ohio State (2017)

Maryland (2017)

Analysis: Good frame with room to add weight. Slow off the line. Struggles to get off press coverage. Adjust well to the poorly thrown ball. He can go up and high point the ball. He excels at making contested passes especially when he can use his frame and length over the defender. He was unable to bring down a defensive lineman on a INT the final 15 yards that result in a TD for Ohio State. Nothing with his game happens quickly. He is capable of much more in the run blocking, he falls off blocks far too easily than someone with his size should. He flashes more speed at times but it does not show up consistently on film. This kid absolutely owns the endzone, he just wants it more from the defender and he will come away with 50/50 balls than most receivers. He has a long stride and takes long to get up to speed. He slows down too much when changing directions and running his routes. Struggles to create separation. He finds soft spots in the zone and becomes an option for the QB when the initial route doesn’t work.

Summary: Simmie Cobbs needs to make a position change to have a chance to be successful in the NFL. He needs to add weight and become a TE since he lacks the speed, quickness and fluid motion to stay at wide receiver. He has excellent frame for the positon, good hands and comfortable making difficult catches. He is absolutely a beast near the goal line and will win most of those match ups. He needs to improve his route tree as he primarily ran stop, slants and go routes in college. Creating separation will always be an issue for him and his blocking will have to improve for him to have any chance at a starting job in the pros. He might test well at the combine but his game film does not support a player with good speed or capable of being anything more than a short area possession exclusive receiver or adequate receiving TE option. 4th round grade as a TE and 6th round as a WR.

Durham Smythe, Notre Dame

Game Film Evaluated:

LSU (2017)

Texas (2016)

Analysis: Solid frame and comfortable lining up both inline and split out wide. He was primarily used as a blocker in school. He moves well in space but nothing stands out from an athleticism stand point. He is not quick or able to burst into the secondary. Good hands and makes the catch in position. Average blocker who sets up well and gets into proper position. Not strong or powerful at the POA. He is not someone who can drive defenders off the line.

Summary: Durham Smythe is an average blocking TE who is not much of a threat as a receiver. He is going to have a struggle to creates separation consistently at the next level and would be best utilized as part of a double TE base personnel offense. He can add value sealing off the edge of a hole. However I don’t see the power and strength that can add significant value. 5th round grade.

2018 NFL Draft: Wide Receivers

WIDE RECEIVERS

Calvin Ridley, Alabama

Game Film Evaluated:

Clemson (2016)

Florida State (2017)

LSU (2017)

Mississippi State (2016)

Analysis: Elite level quickness and gets to max speed immediately. Excellent route runner and does not round off his routes. Solid hands who can pull it in away from his body. Average run blocker, lacks the strength and frame to really push around defenders. Did not observe catches over the middle in traffic that he will be asked to face at the next level. Did not observe any instances he had to go up and fight for the ball and high point it.  He has excellent hands and will bring in any balls near his body.

Summary: Calvin Ridley is a tremendous receiving prospect who has the tools to be a plus receiver in the NFL. He never got the stats in college he should of but that is a direct result of the poor QB play at Alabama. However he was open consistently and will be open a lot in the NFL. He may not be physically imposing but there are not many prospects who are as quick, fluid with as good a hands and more than capable long speed.  He needs to expand his route tree, get comfortable working across the middle and making more difficult catches in traffic. He has no issues creating separation and catches the ball away from his body. The only concerns to his game is holding up physically when he does come across the middle and face the contact from NFL defenders in the box. He did not face hardly any press coverage in college and needs to get comfortable using his hands to get a clean release off the line. First round grade.

Anthony Miller, Memphis

Game Film Evaluated:

UConn (2017)

UCLA (2017)

UCF (2017)

Analysis: Quick. Legit long deep speed. Makes the difficult catches in traffic and passes he has to adjust to. Comfortable using his hands to get a clean release at the line. Exciting player with the ball in his hands. He lines up outside and in the slot, going in motion. Running routes downfield, across the middle and screens. Doesn’t look like a physically imposing receiver but makes all the plays from a top receiver. Excellent hands. He did fumble vs UConn. He loves to make the spectacular catch and sometimes tries to make the one handed grab when he should use both hands. Excels at adjusting to a poorly thrown ball. The kid just makes plays all over the field. UCF played him the most physical getting their hands on him. He responded with ability to consistently get a clean release but also dropped a pass on 3rd down and had another ripped out in the endzone.

Summary: Anthony Miller is a fine receiving prospect who is pro ready and able to contribute right away in a variety of roles in the NFL. He lacks ideal size for a top receiver but he makes up for it with speed, quickness and smooth route running.  He will be able to generate separation consistently and win most contested passes. His ability to adjust to the poorly thrown ball, ability to get open vs press coverage and from the slot means he will quickly earn the trust of his QB. He needs to go an offense that will move him around and allow him to get into favorable match ups to move the chains. He is not a traditional number one receiver but in size metrics only, he crosses off every other box. First round grade who will outplay receivers bigger and faster than him on game day.

D.J. Chark, LSU

Game Film Evaluated:

Tennessee (2017)

BYU (2017)

Auburn (2017)

Mississippi State (2016)

Analysis: Good frame and has very quick feet. Good speed and he can stretch the field. Adjust well to the poorly thrown ball and can make difficult catches. Needs to do a better job securing the ball after the catch. Had a ball striped away after the catch vs Auburn. Good punt returner as well and took one back all the way for a score against Auburn. He is a deep threat but not an elite burner. He can surprise you with his speed and get behind the defense often. He locates the ball well and able to bring it in with both hands. He was used from the slot and on the line of scrimmage. He did not have to face press coverage but has good feel for running routes. He works back to the QB when needed and is able to make the difficult catch.  He was not used on routes across the middle during the games observed.

Summary: DJ Chark is one of the most well rounded receivers available and although may not ever be a number one receiver, he is an excellent secondary option. He has good size, could add some weight to prevent him from being knocked off his route. He has good speed and able to stretch the field at times but I don’t think he is an elite burner who is always a threat to get over the top of the defense. He has excellent hands and able to make contested catches, passes away from his body and adjust to it well in the air.  He projects well to the slot and outside roles and should be able to create separation vs man coverage at the next level. He gets in and out of his breaks quickly without losing much speed.  There is a lot to like with his game and he would upgrade any teams receiving corps in a variety of roles including as a punt returner. Late 1st round grade.

Deon Cain, Clemson

Game Film Evaluated:
Alabama (2017)

Auburn (2017)

Syracuse (2017)

Alabama (2016)

Analysis: Ideal size, good speed. Good quickness and gets up to speed quickly. Excellent agility and able to side step tacklers and a weapon in space. Drops are a problem for him, he gets focused on after the catch and will drop easy passes. He is an emotional player and he will get after it with the corner. He is capable of going up and high pointing the ball. Good leaping ability. He has got to keep his emotions in check on the field. He needs to improve his hands in traffic. A complainer to the officials whenever he feels he gets interfered with. Able to handle press coverage, get a clean release using good technique. He can set up defenders with an outside move just to create inside leverage and cross the face of the corner on inside routes.

Summary: Deon Cain is a very talented receiver prospect who has all the tools to be a complete receiver but he leaves a bit to be desired in games. His on field attitude and the drops are the biggest things he needs to work on. A player that is seen arguing with officials or getting into the face of the opponent only to then drop an easy pass is one of the most frustrating things a receiver can do. This happens too often with Deon Cain during the games observed. At the same time, there is a lot to his game that warrants legit excitement. He has good size, speed and flashes hands capable of making some difficult passes. He has the leaping ability to go up and win contested passes away from the defender. He can stretch a defense, has the quickness and agility to turn a short pass into a big play and comfortable handling press coverage. There is no doubt he has first round talent but the attitude and drops are a big concern to me that I don’t see going away at the next level. If anything, it might get worse. 2nd round grade.

D.J. Moore, Maryland

Game Film Evaluated:

Michigan State (2017)

Wisconsin (2017)

Michigan (2017)

Analysis: Extremely quick and moves smoothly in space. Undersized but compact frame and has impressive leaping ability. Very strong hands and able to make the difficult catch, even jumping over bigger defenders than him. He is comfortable lining up on the outside and beating press coverage. He is able to make tough catches across the middle and in traffic. He will not be out muscled by a defender and will make contested catches despite his size.

Summary: D.J. Moore is a undersized but extremely competitive receiver who can carve out a role in the NFL. Although many undersized quick receivers are destined for the slot, I think Moore has a chance to be a more complete receiver able to get off press coverage and not be out muscled by NFL defenders. He can set up defenders with his route running, make difficult catches in traffic and out jump defenders to make tough receptions. He is more quick than fast but also smooth in his change of directions which project well to beating man coverage. I would not doubt Moore makes a strong case to be a regular starter at receiver and not just limited to the slot receiver role when the team goes to 3 wide receivers. Reminds me of Steve Smith Jr. Late 2nd round grade.

Courtland Sutton, SMU

Game Film Evaluated:

North Texas (2017)

TCU (2016)

Houston (2016)

Houston (2017)

Analysis: Excellent size and good long speed but not great speed to be a deep threat. He can high point the ball and fight for it with the defender and win it. Competes and will fight for extra yards. He will allow his emotions to get the better of him and can get him penalized as a result. He will have the occassional drop when he’s focused more on after the catch than just bringing it in. Struggles to get off press coverage. Very strong hands and able to make the catch away from his body. Tremendous body control who can make the spectacular catch. Average route runner who rounds off the corners and loses speed when he changes direction.

Summary: Courtland Sutton is a virtual Dez Bryant clone prospect in both good and bad ways. He brings identical size and speed combination. His ability to go up and high point the ball and win contested passes with defenders is most impressive. He brings emotion and high level competitiveness to not back down to anyone on the field. He has excellent hands and will make the difficult catch. However he needs to become a better route runner and creating separation will be an issue, keep his emotions in check to not hurt his team and improve his technique to get off press coverage. He is not fast enough to consistently run away from a corner on go routes but he has some burst when given a clean release. 2nd round grade with considerable risk.

Antonio Callaway, Florida

Game Film Evaluated:

Iowa (2016)

Vanderbilt (2016)

Kentucky (2016)

Analysis: Good height but skinny frame especially in upper body. Tremendous quickness and he has an extra gear in the open field. He can stretch the field vertically and run away from defenders. Suspect hands, he will drop some easy passes. Extremely limited route tree, he ran about 3 routes during the games observed. Good option as a kick and punt returner. No experience playing against press coverage.

Summary: Antonio Callaway has legit long speed to worry defenses when he is on the field. He is the type of receiver that coordinators will look to create match ups for him to take advantage. He has adequate size for the position and will not have trouble creating separation assuming he can get a clean release off the line of scrimmage. He will need time before he can contribute in the NFL due to the limited route tree and no experience dealing with press coverage consistently. You cannot talk about Callaway and not bring up the off the field concerns. He was suspended for an entire season, faced felony charges regarding goods sold that he claimed was stolen, had a sexual assault allegation and suspensions for marijuana use.  The player has the ability to be a adequate second WR who can add a speed element to an offense that has a plus possession option that can draw attention from the defense to open up space for his teammates. He also adds value as both a kickoff and punt returner. However, it remains to be seen whether Callaway has learned his lesson and will be able to stay out of trouble as a professional. He is a 2nd round grade based on the field but I do not believe this young man has learned his lesson and therefore does not earn a grade worthy of a draft pick.

Jordan Lasley, UCLA

Game Film Evaluated:

USC (2017)

Stanford (2017)

Kansas State (2017)

Analysis: Solid frame for the position, not short but not thin either. He moves extremely well, fluid and able to change directions without losing any speed. Plus burst and gets to top speed immediately. He has over the top type long speed. He tracks the ball well in the air. Plucks the ball with his hands, not a body catcher. Significant upside when running routes, sets up defenders well and should not have a problem creating separation. Good hands but he will drop catchable passes perhaps due to lapse in concentration. Struggles to get off press coverage when a defender plays up on him at the line. Questionable behavior on the field, gets flagged for unsportmanslike penalties than anyone should. Poor run blocker, does not give much effort in that area of his game. He can be dangerous in the open field, he can shake loose from a tackle and turn it into a big play. Needs to work back to the QB and create a window for the QB to find him when the play breaks down.

Summary: Jordan Lasley has excellent talent to be a starting option in the NFL but his off the field concerns are a serious red flag.  He was suspended multiple times during his time at UCLA ranging from violation of team rules, fighting with a teammate, missing the team bus and his two arrest in 2016.  There are serious concerns he has not learned his lesson and will continue to get into trouble in the NFL.  On the field, Lasley presents legit speed, quickness and shifty style of play to get open vs man coverage and stretch the field vertically. Excellent second WR option that wants to add speed to their receiving corps. He needs to continue working on his route running, learn how to beat press coverage, get a clean release and keep his emotions in check on the field. He projects as an excellent slot receiving option and able to start in base personnel once he uses his hands better vs press to compete for a starting job on the outside. He is a 2nd round talent but the character concerns cause him to not earn a grade worthy of a draft pick.

James Washington, Oklahoma State

Game Film Evaluated:

Texas (2017)

Oklahoma (2017)

TCU (2017)

Senior Bowl (2018)

Analysis: Excellent hands and able to bring in passes away from his body. Average run blocker who gives inconsistent effort downfield. Not comfortable when defenders get their hands on him. He is able to make quick cuts and projects well to win vs man coverage. Not someone who can work back to the QB and find the soft spots in zones. He is very quick and has fluid hips to change directions quickly and smoothly. There is upside for him as a plus route runner and a weapon from the slot. He did not make any contested catches or in traffic in the games observed.  He has legit long speed, gets up to full speed quickly and can get over the top of a defense.

Summary: James Washington is a good receiving prospect who looks like a WR in a RB body. He isn’t small nor play an undersized style of game. He can get open on the outside, projects well to be a weapon from the slot especially against man coverage and then the speed to make defenses pay attention. He may not be a complete receiver who is able to handle press coverage, make contested catches over the middle which can keep him ever being a top target in the NFL. He needs to get better becoming an option for his QB when the play breaks down and finding soft spots in the zone. As a rookie, he has the look of a No. 2 receiver who can get open from the outside and slot. Second round grade.

Dante Pettis, Washington

Game Film Evaluated:

Washington State (2017)

Utah (2017)

Stanford (2017)

Analysis: Good size and good speed to go along with it. Strong hands and able to adjust to the ball in the air. Good body control and comfortable making catches on the sideline dragging his feet. Able to get off press coverage and lined up in the slot in college. Very smooth athlete who loses no speed when changing directions allowing him to create separation with ease. Struggled to make catches in traffic across the middle nor is he someone who can stretch the field vertically.

Summary: Dante Pettis is an excellent number 2 receiving prospect who can compliment a top speed threat to work the underneath and intermediate routes. He needs to improve his hands to make those tough catches across the middle and in traffic which will increase his value as a 3rd down target. He runs smooth crisp routes and should not have any issues creating separation in man coverage. He lacks the home run gear to get over the top of a defense but he will do fine working the intermediate routes. Good but not great prospect who will definitely find a home as a regular contributor able to get the job done from the slot or lining up on the outside assuming he is paired with a home run speed threat next to him. Late 2nd round grade.

Cedrick Wilson, Boise State

Game Film Evaluated:

Oregon (2017)

Washington State (2017)

Virginia (2017)

Analysis: Taller receiver with good frame and moves well. Not the fastest or the quickest but there is no wasted movement. He can side step tacklers with ease and runs very good routes. He sets up defenders well and creates separation with his advanced feel for running routes. Lacks the extra gear in the open field and is not a consistent threat to stretch the field vertically. Type of player that doesn’t look fast but finds himself consistently out running angles. Very good hands and can adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Did not display ability to go up and take the ball from the defender and win those 50/50 passes. Had a few drops when thrown into the middle of the field. Needs to do better using his frame shielding the defender away from the ball and make more catches in traffic consistently. Not someone who can make the difficult catch.

Summary: Cedrick Wilson is one of the most solid receivers in the draft. However he lacks a special trait, something to distinguish himself from the other receivers in the class or on his pro team. He lacks the top physical skills to win contested passes and bring in catches in traffic consistently. He doesn’t have the break away speed to threaten the defense vertically enough for a defensive coach to stay up late worrying about how to defend him. He understands how to run routes and create separation vs man coverage. He would be an average #2 receiver but would be a fine #3 receiver that could get open on the outside as well as the slot position. May never be a starter in the league in base personnel but will get lots of looks in passing situations especially when paired with an elite speed threat to create space for him to work the underneath and intermediate areas. 3rd round grade.

Equanimeous St. Brown, Notre Dame

Game Film Evaluated:

Stanford (2017)

LSU (2017)

Miami (2016)

Virginia Tech (2016)

Analysis: Tremendous frame, tall with long legs. Excellent athlete who has good long speed. He is comfortable using his hands to get a clean release off the line and knows how to set up defenders in running routes. He is a good blocker using his length and frame to seal off defenders. Not physically dominating in his style, doesn’t look to overpower defenders. He should be able to use his frame to box out defenders, create space and make difficult catches. He did not flash that ability during the games observed or someone that went up to high point the ball. He is able to get to full speed quickly and works back to the QB well. He catches the ball with his hands.

Summary: Equanimeous St. Brown brings a tremendous amount of talent to the WR class. He has incredible size, length and good speed to the position. He has good hands and able to set up defenders when running routes. However he needs to learn how to get off press coverage at the next level, add more physicality to his game and use that frame to his advantage more. He needs to box out defenders and become a safety blanket for his QB even when the window is tight. He is not pro ready and NFL corners are going to make it a struggle for him initially in his career. However once he learns how to maximize his size and speed combination, he should become a solid receiver in the league. He projects best as someone who should match up on the outside and own corners who are smaller than him especially when going downfield. He also should become a force as a slot receiver who can dominate the underneath area. The question will be whether the player he is ever meets the player with that size and speed is capable of. There is a lot of projection to his game and will need patience once he gets to the league. Late 3rd round grade.

Michael Gallup, Colorado State

Game Film Evaluated:

Wyoming (2017)

Alabama (2017)

Oregon State (2017)

Analysis: Long stride. Impressive long speed and legit deep threat. He has good size and long arms. Average route runner. Struggles to get off press coverage and no understanding for getting a clean release. Runs a variety of routes and lined up in slot, on the line and moving around the formation. Struggles to make the difficult catch in traffic especially over the middle. Good leaping ability and he can high point the ball. 

Summary: Michael Gallup is an above average receiving prospect with good speed to become a deep threat but he is not a polished route runner to consistently generate separation, strong enough to make physical catches or quick enough to be an underneath option.  He needs to improve his route running and has got to improve his hands for the money catches over the middle. Until then, he is only a secondary receiver who will draw downfield attention from the defense but an NFL corner will be handle the rest of his game. Late 3rd round grade.

DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State

Game Film Evaluated:

Ohio State (2017)

Michigan State (2017)

Wisconsin (2016)

Pittsburgh (2016)

Analysis: Good frame for the position. Lines up mostly as a slot receiver and runs in routes across the middle or down the seam of a defense. Strong hands and makes the catch with his hands and not with his body. He can make the contested catch, hold onto it when he gets hit across the middle. He runs crisp routes but slows down when he changes directions. Lacks the elite get off at the line and no home run gear to get over the top of a defense. He can get out muscled off his route by a defender. He works back to the QB and makes himself an option when the play breaks down.

Summary: DaeSean Hamilton is a puzzling prospect with the physical traits of a possession secondary receiving prospect but was used as a slot receiver who uses quickness to win vs man coverage on underneath routes. He was not used properly in college and he may have a larger learning curve in the NFL as a result. He has no experience handling press coverage and having to get a clean release at the next level. He was able to get knocked off his route during limited snaps in college when defenders got physical with him. He is able to run solid routes in the intermediate and underneath areas effectively. However he is not a fluid route runner and slows down when changing direction which could affect him getting separation vs NFL corners. He doesn’t project well to the slot position since he can’t change directions at the level necessary to beat man coverage and needs to learn proper technique to getting off press coverage when playing outside. He is a fine secondary option capable of making tough catches and would be a good compliment to a speed receiver next to him to work the intermediate areas of the defense. Late 3rd round grade.

Christian Kirk, Texas A&M

Game Film Evaluated:

UCLA (2017)

Alabama (2016)

Tennessee (2016)

Analysis: Excellent quickness and good speed. Lined up exclusively as a slot receiving option only and kick returner. Used in a variety of roles on speed options, screens, end arounds and underneath routes to take advantage of his speed. He makes more catches in traffic and contested catches than most slot receiver prospects. Does not run crisp routes consistently. Good vision on returns and is a legit threat to make a big play with the ball in his hands. He is at his best going north/south and rarely makes it happen when he tries to juke the defender or turn east/west.

Summary: Christian Kirk is a slot receiving prospect and kickoff return specialist projecting to the NFL. He needs to improve his route running and find soft spots in zones or work back to the QB when the play breaks down to make him a consistent option at the next level. He is not an elite game breaker in the mold of Tyreek Hill but is more of a solid versatile player instead. If he can round out his game, he should become a regular contributor and 3rd down weapon to win matchups vs the nickel cornerback. It would be wise for him to add punt returner to increase his value to the team on game day. 4th round grade.

Tre’Quan Smith, Central Florida

Game Film Evaluated:

Auburn (2017)

Maryland (2017)

Memphis (2017)

Analysis: Bigger and plays a physical style game. He has good, not elite long speed. Someone who has a long stride and takes a while to get to full speed. Struggles to get off press coverage. He can go up and take that ball away from the defender. He has the my ball mentality, he can win the 50/50 ball and high point it. Good run blocker and uses his frame effectively. Physical after the catch. He can make the catch in traffic as well as the spectacular ones. However he can drop some passes would expect a physical possession receiver in the pros to be able to get. Creating separation will be an issue for him at the next level.

Summary: Tre’Quan Smith is a solid physical possession type receiver with excellent size and good speed combination. However his speed takes a while to show up and is below average off the line. He will struggle creating separation vs physical corners that aren’t intimidated by his size. He is a secondary option who is going to struggle to make an immediate impact until he cleans up his release and is paired with a speed receiver to give him space underneath to work. He may never be a starter but could be a solid #3 receiver as a physical receiver working the middle taking advantage of LBs and safeties when defenses stay in their base. 4th round grade.

J’Mon Moore, Missouri

Game Film Evaluated:

Auburn (2017)

Kentucky (2017)

Tennessee (2017)

Analysis: Good frame with some long speed. He has a long stride and takes a while to get up to full speed. He has average burst and really slows down when he changes directions. Not a fluid route runner and does not make difficult catches in traffic. Separation will be an issue for him. His motor runs hot and cold, he will disappear from games and effort lacks when he doesn’t get the ball. He has no traits that separate him from the rest of the pack.

Summary: J’Mon Moore has a lot of work to do if he wants to make an impact in the NFL. He has good size and some long speed to make plays in the intermediate area. Although he lacks the quickness, fluid hips to be able to change directions quickly or run crisp routes. He will struggle to create separation and is not a physical receiver who can make the difficult catch in traffic consistently. At this point he is a backup outside receiver who needs to work on his craft before he can looked at to make a regular impact in the pros. 5th round pick.