NFL Draft 2014 Preview (18 page)

Strengths:
Nice size with a lean, tight-skinned body. Very athletic with natural balance and body control. Good speed and a fluid stride. Soft, quick hands to extend and snatch throws off his frame. Makes contested grabs. Can take a hit and hang on. Settles in zone pockets. Creates after the catch — competitive, elusive and strong. Playmaking ability — averaged 18.4 yards per catch as a senior. Gets after it as a blocker — works to position, fit and sustain. Desirable temperament — determined, tough and confident. Has special-teams experience returning and covering kicks. Works hard and wants to be coached.

Weaknesses:
Could stand to get stronger. Was not pressed at Oregon. Lacks elite explosion and top speed to pull away vertically. Limited route tree. Could stand to refine his route running. Lets some throws into his body and tends to trap some. Not a go-up-and-get-it guy (average leaping ability). Is relatively naïve through no fault of his own and off-field maturation is a work in progress. Could require emotional support and professional mentorship in order to avoid the pitfalls of NFL trappings.

Future:
Smooth, competitive, versatile receiver with an impressive skill set which translates well to the evolution of NFL offenses. Can work at flanker or slot and has potential to become a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver in a system incorporating spread concepts. Is the type of player you root for, having persevered through an adverse upbringing and lingering baggage, which forced him to mature the hard way. Would be best served landing in a close-knit locker room with a nurturing position coach.

Draft projection:
Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

Scout’s take: “
I liked him. He’s probably more of a slot receiver or a team’s third (receiver). He’s good looking, but he’s not very big. He is built more like a running back and used like one. They line him up as a slot receiver, motion him and hand off on counters and sweeps. He has inconsistent hands — that’s the big thing. He made some key drops against Stanford. He was crying that game because he dropped a first down that could have brought them back closer to scoring. He’s a good kid. He has above average finishing speed. I put him in the fifth round.”

WR [F] ALLEN HURNS, #1

MIAMI (FLA.)
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Grade: 5.10

Ht: 6-1 1/4 | Wt: 198 | Sp: 4.58 | Arm: 32 | Hand: 9 1/4

History:
Prepped in Florida — missed most of his senior season because of a torn left meniscus. Was a special-teams player as a true freshman in 2010 (wore jersey No. 80) when he recorded four tackles. Started 7-of-12 games played in ’11 — recorded 31 receptions for 415 yards (13.4-yard average) and four touchdowns. Missed ’12 spring practice while recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum. Started 8-of-11 games played in the fall, catching 28-314-4 (11.2). Did not play against Bethune-Cookman (concussion) and broke his left thumb against Virginia. Led the Hurricanes in receiving in ’13 when he produced 62-1,162-6 (18.7) in 13 games (11 starts).

Strengths:
Good length and competitive speed. Runs hard after the catch. Adjusted well to frequent errant throws.

Weaknesses:
Narrow-framed and non-physical. Struggles to separate against tight man coverage. Lacks polish and precision in his routes. Average burst out of his breaks. Is not a burner — limited long speed. Soft blocker.

Future:
An underneath, zone receiver, Hurns emerged as the Hurricanes’ top go-to receiver as a senior. Runs a lot of simple, stationary, short-to-intermediate routes and could have a more difficult time shaking NFL cornerbacks.

Draft projection:
Late draftable pick.

Scout’s take:
“He does not have a lot of twitch or long speed. He plays 4.6. He is productive for his size and the way he catches, but there is no special quality to hang your hat on. He is a late-rounder.”

WR [X] JEFF JANIS, #82

SAGINAW VALLEY STATE
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Grade: 5.34

Ht: 6-2 7/8 | Wt: 219 | Sp: 4.42 | Arm: 32 1/2 | Hand: 9

History:
Also played basketball as a Michigan prep. Broke a finger on his left hand as a senior, causing him to switch to running back — returned to the field with a cast up to his left elbow. Redshirted in 2009. Started 6-of-10 games played in ’10 and caught nine balls for 130 yards (13-yard average) and a touchdown. Started 8-of-11 games in ’11, tallying 48-968-14 (20.2). Set SVSU single-season records for catches and receiving yards in ’12 when he started all 11 games and piled up 106-1635-17 (15.4). Was Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Offensive Back of the Year in ’13 when he totaled 83-1,572-14 (18.9) in 12 contests.

Strengths:
Exceptional measurables and leaping ability — will test through the roof. Accelerates into routes quickly and can separate vertically and uncover underneath working short-to-intermediate zones. Terrific production — carves up lesser competition and creates chunk plays. Good red-zone target. Exceptional work ethic. Outstanding football character. Very passionate about the game. Has a 37 1/2-inch vertical jump, posted a 3.98-second 20-yard shuttle (fourth-best among receivers) and a 6.64-second 3-cone time.

Weaknesses:
Has very small, inconsistent hands — will cradle the ball and use his body. Is not a nuanced route runner. Does not attack the ball in the air and will give up some break points. Not strong after the catch and will look for a soft landing spot. Can be fazed by traffic. Regularly faced Division II competition. Not a consistent blocker — does not play to his size.

Future:
A Division II standout with rare measurables and production, Janis must prove that he can translate his small-school success to the field against better competition.

Draft projection:
Third- to fourth-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“On paper, he looks like a first-round pick. On tape, I was expecting to see more polish. He’s not going to be instant coffee. There’s still going to be a learning curve.”

WR [F] CHANDLER JONES, #89

SAN JOSE STATE
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Grade:
5.09

Ht: 5-8 5/8 | Wt: 180 | Sp: 4.50e | Arm: 29 | Hand: 8 5/8

History:
Father, Mike, played receiver for the Vikings and Saints (1983-89), coached in NFL Europe and currently works as Tennessee State’s offensive coordinator. Chandler is a Los Angeles native who also ran track in high school. Redshirted in 2009. Played all 13 games in ’10, starting three, and had 54 receptions for 474 yards (8.8-yard average) and a touchdown. Started 9-of-12 games in ’11, catching 61-566-2 (9.3). Played all 13 games in ’12, starting three, and produced 54-691-11 (12.8). Started 11-of-12 games in ’13 (gave way to extra tight end in season opener) — led Spartan receivers and set a SJSU single-season touchdown record with79-1,356-15 (17.2). Also had 18 career carries for 116 yards (6.4) and a touchdown. Notched 17 career tackles on special teams. Owns SJSU career marks for receptions (248) and touchdown receptions (29). One of two players in NCAA history to score a touchdown rushing, receiving and by fumble recovery in the same game (Hawaii, ’11). Team captain.

Strengths:
Has a feel for where to settle in zone coverage. Shows toughness to catch in traffic. Confident and competitive.

Weaknesses:
Is short with very short arms and small hands. Not exceptionally fast for a smaller receiver. Average creativity and limited strength after the catch. Production inflated by lateral passing game and porous defenses.

Future:
Smallish, productive slot receiver who plays bigger than his size and flashes the short-area quickness and zone awareness to compete for a job. Small hands and lack of physicality are limiting factors.

Draft projection:
Priority free agent.

WR [F] T.J. JONES, #7

NOTRE DAME
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Grade: 5.35

Ht: 5-11 5/8 | Wt: 188 | Sp: 4.49 | Arm: 30 5/8 | Hand: 10

History:
Born in Winnipeg, Canada. Father, the late Andre Jones (died in June 2011), was a defensive end on the 1988 ND national championship team. Uncle, Philip Daniels, was a 14-year NFL defensive end with the Seahawks, Bears and Redskins (1996-2010), and currently works as the Director of Player Development for the Redskins. Cousin, DaVaris Daniels, is a receiver for the Fighting Irish. Godfather, Raghib “Rocket” Ismail, starred as a receiver and return man for the Irish (1988-90) before a pro career with the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts (1991-92) and NFL’s Raiders, Panthers and Cowboys (1993-2001). T.J. prepped in Georgia. As a true freshman in 2010, started 7-of-12 games played and recorded 23 receptions for 306 yards (13.3-yard average) and three touchdowns. Did not play against Utah (concussion). Started 12-of-13 games in ’11, snagging 38-366-3 (9.6). Started 11-of-13 games in ’12, catching 50-649-4 (13.0). Was the Irish’s leading receiver in ’13 when he produced 70-1,108-9 (15.8) while returning 14 punts for 106 yards (7.6) in 13 games (seven starts). Team captain.

Strengths:
Fluid movement with good balance and body control. Releases cleanly and accelerates off the line. Excellent route runner. Sinks his hips and gets in and out of cuts cleanly to create separation. Adjusts to throws and has soft, reliable hands. Exhibits field awareness and is quarterback friendly. Quick and slippery after the catch. Comes from football family. Durable and experienced. Mature, likeable, intelligent team captain.

Weaknesses:
Could stand to add some body armor and improve functional strength. Average physicality. Lacks elite top-end speed. Not exceptionally explosive, nor is he a go-up-and-get-it guy. Limited kick-return experience.

Future:
Athletic, smooth-moving, polished receiver who runs crisp routes, has terrific hands and boasts NFL bloodlines. Balanced skill set, dependability and versatility will be valued at the next level, where he could be a productive No. 2 or No. 3 receiver in a sophisticated passing system. Arrow is ascending.

Draft projection:
Third- to fourth-round pick.

Scout’s take: “
He is ideal in the slot. That’s where he is going to make his mark.”

WR [Z, F] JARVIS LANDRY, #80 (JUNIOR)

LSU
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Grade: 5.60

Ht: 5-11 1/2 | Wt: 205 | Sp: 4.60e | Arm: 31 3/4 | Hand: 10 1/4

History:
Cousin of 49ers defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, who starred at LSU (2004-07). Highly sought after recruit out of Louisiana. Suffered a stress fracture in his foot in the summer of 2011. As a true freshman in the fall, saw limited action in 14 games (one start) and scratched four receptions for 43 yards (10.8) and zero touchdowns. Added 11 tackles on special teams. Played all 13 games in ’12 (one start), producing 56-573-5 (10.2) with nine special-teams tackles. Was the Tigers’ leading receiver in ’13 — started 10-of-13 games and racked up 77-1,193-10 (15.5). Was bothered by a foot injury in October. Strained his right hamstring running the 40-yard dash at the Combine and only ran one route in drills. Team captain.

Strengths:
Good balance and body control. Savvy route runner — uses stems and nods and works back to throws. Confident hands-catcher — snatches throws off his frame. Extends and high points. Attacks throws and wins “50-50” balls. Makes some spectacular, acrobatic grabs. Good concentration and toughness over the middle. Does not go down without a fight after the catch. Willing blocker. Lined up outside and inside. Likes to compete and it shows. Has special-teams experience covering kicks.

Weaknesses:
Has a fairly lean frame — could stand to bulk up and get stronger in order to combat the jam. Lacks elite explosiveness and top-end speed — does not have an extra gear to take the top off. Average line release, acceleration and suddenness. Could struggle to separate vs. quick-twitch cornerbacks. Large percentage of catches are contested. Lacks ideal height and is not a great leaper. Started just 12 career games.

Future:
Polished, quarterback-friendly, sure-handed possession receiver with a flair for the highlight-reel catch. Could be an effective No. 3 option, capable of lining up as a “Z” or slot, working short-to-intermediate and beating zone coverage.

Draft projection:
Second- to third-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“I know the bad 40 (time) at the Combine created a sour taste, but he pulled up short with a tight hammy. He plays faster than the 4.77 he ran. He’s a legit high-4.5 guy. He runs fast as he needs to run. He has good competitive playing speed. I love his toughness. ... He does make some drops. He is a No. 2 receiver, and not a bad one.”

WR [Z] CODY LATIMER, #3 (JUNIOR)

INDIANA
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Grade:
5.24

Ht: 6-2 1/2 | Wt: 215 | Sp: 4.55e | Arm: 32 5/8 | Hand: 9 5/8

History:
Basketball was primary sport as an Ohio prep — played receiver, defensive back and kick returner in his two seasons as a football player. Appeared in eight games as a true freshman in 2011 (two starts) and had 12 receptions for 141 yards (11.8-yard average) and two touchdowns. Did not play against Illinois and missed the final three games because of hernia surgery. Started 10-of-12 games in ’12, recording 51-805-6 (15.8). Was the Hoosiers’ leading receiver in ’13 when he posted 72-1,096-9 (15.2) in 12 starts. Did not work out at the Combine because of a left foot injury (medical exclusion).