NFL Draft 2014 Preview (22 page)

Strengths:
Exceptional football playing speed — can flat out fly and take the top off a defense. Has world-class track speed. Extends outside his frame and plucks the ball. Outstanding body control and agility. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder and is a natural hands-catcher who can make an average quarterback look good. Consistently turns 2-yard gains into 15-yard chunks — possesses big-time playmaking ability and is very effective creating in the open field on bubble screens and quick-hitting short/lateral tosses. Superb run-after-the-catch ability. Good burst out of his cuts to separate. Has game-breaking return ability and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Has a strong support structure (mother moved to Clemson following Watkins’ 2012 drug arrest and he has steered clear of any trouble). Will be a 21-year-old rookie.

Weaknesses:
Production results heavily from a gimmicky offense. Routes could use some more polish. Does not consistently work the middle of the field. Could improve field awareness. Is still immature and could require some time to acclimate to an NFL playbook. Could stand to improve ball security and do a better job fielding punts.

Future:
A legitimate No. 1-caliber receiver who stepped onto the field as a true freshman and made an immediate, game-changing impact. Was slowed by injuries as a sophomore, but responded with a strong junior season and capped his career as one of the most impactful receivers in school history. Has rare speed, soft hands and the big-play ability to challenge NFL defensive backs as a rookie.

Draft projection:
Top 10 cinch.

Scout’s take:
“The best player in the draft is Sammy Watkins. He has a skill set where he can do everything. He can stretch the field even though he didn’t get a chance to do it. He has quick feet and suddenness to create. Can come out of the backfield, play the slot, play outside. He is quick enough to avoid press and strong enough to beat press. …If you are talking about a pure athlete who can do it all — I think it is him. There is nothing he cannot do well.”

WR [F]-KR ALBERT WILSON, #2

GEORGIA STATE
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Grade: 4.75

Ht: 5-9 3/8 | Wt: 202 | Sp: 4.43 | Arm: 30 3/8 | Hand: 9 1/8

History:
Played quarterback as a Florida prep. As a true freshman in 2010, appeared in 10 games and had 19 catches for 294 yards (15.5-yard average) and two touchdowns with 22 kickoff returns for 618 yards (28.1), including a score. Sat out against Lambuth (hamstring). Started 6-of-9 games played in ’11, recording 37-772-6 (20.9) receiving, 13-239 (18.4) on kickoffs and 13-155 (11.9) on punts. Missed two games while nursing a hamstring injury. Started 10-of-11 games in ’12, totaling 48-947-7 (19.7) receiving, 29-751-1 (25.9) on kickoffs and 10-94 (9.4) on punts. Was GSU’s leading receiver for the third straight year in ’13 when he started all 12 games and amassed 71-1177-8 (16.6) receiving, 31-730 (23.5) on kickoffs and 15-125 (8.3) on punts. Also had 47 career rushes for 331 yards (7.0) and a touchdown. Team captain.

Strengths:
Has a strong, compact build. Very good timed speed and leaping ability. Will catch in a crowd and can make the first tackler miss. Nice run vision after the catch. Can take a hit and pop back up. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder. Has a feel for finding lanes in the return game. Continually improved and outstanding overall multipurpose production as a runner, receiver and return man.

Weaknesses:
A bit straight-linish and unsudden out of his breaks. Limited strength to beat the jam and avoid the hold-up. Inconsistent hands-catcher. Has carried a sense of entitlement and is still learning what it means to be a pro. Could require some additional maintenance.

Future:
Short, squatty, Sun Belt Conference standout utility threat with potential to compete for a job as a slot receiver and return man in the pros.

Draft projection:
Priority free agent.

Tight Ends

RICHARD RODGERS

TREY BURTON

A.C. LEONARD

MARCEL JENSEN

COLT LYERLA

C.J. FIEDOROWICZ

AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS

JACE AMARO

TROY NIKLAS

ERIC EBRON

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Y
—
In-line blocker

F
—
Slot, receiving role

H-Back
—
Move role

TE [F] JACE AMARO, #22 (JUNIOR)

TEXAS TECH
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Grade: 5.55

Ht: 6-5 3/8 | Wt: 265 | Sp: 4.74 | Arm: 34 | Hand: 9

History:
Also played basketball as a Texas prep. Was a reserve as a true freshman in 2011 when he caught seven balls for 57 yards (8.1-yard average) and two touchdowns in 12 games. Was arrested in March ’12 for credit card fraud, though charges were later dropped. In the fall, started 6-of-7 games played — three at tight end, one at “H,” one at “Y,” one at “Z” — and managed 25-409-4 (16.4). Missed the last six regular-season games after taking a hit against West Virginia which caused a lacerated spleen, fractured rib and internal bleeding. Was ejected from Meineke Car Care Bowl against Minnesota for throwing a punch. Set an FBS record for receiving yards by a tight end in ’13, though he was used primarily as an inside receiver — started 10-of-13 games and piled up 106-1352-7 (12.8).

Strengths:
Exceptional size with a well-proportioned build. Releases cleanly into routes. Enough foot speed to stretch the seam. Functional hands to extend and catch. Gives effort as a move blocker and can block out defensive backs. Flashes nastiness. Historic one-year production.

Weaknesses:
Was used as a slot receiver and does not show the functional strength and body power to match up with NFL defensive linemen. Is unsudden (average acceleration) and lacks elite top-end speed. Upright, unrefined route runner — shows hip and ankle stiffness in and out of breaks. Struggles to consistently separate. Fairly straight-linish after the catch, as confirmed by an average three-cone time (7.42 seconds) at the Combine. Ordinary run strength. Production was inflated by scheme and poor pass defenses. Labored to catch the ball at the Combine and really struggled to consistently haul it in.

Future:
Very productive, finesse, detached tight end who racked up exceptional production as a junior when he was essentially deployed as an inside receiver for the Red Raiders. Will be best utilized in a similar role in the pros.

Draft projection:
Second- to third-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“His body looks like he has never lifted a weight in his life. He’s not a blocker, but he is a tough (expletive). I love his toughness. You see him kick the (expletive) out of people when he does block. He got kicked out of a game for punching a DB. He mauls them into the ground. As he was mauling the kid, he was punching him in the face last year and got suspended in the season opener because of it.”

TE [Y] ALEX BAYER, #82

BOWLING GREEN
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Grade: 5.00

Ht: 6-3 7/8 | Wt: 257 | Sp: 4.77 | Arm: 33 3/4 | Hand: 9 5/8

History:
Also played baseball as an Ohio prep. Redshirted in 2009. In ’10, caught 22 balls for 298 yards (7.8-yard average) and a touchdown in 12 games (four starts). Started all 39 games the next three seasons — totaled 20-242-2 (12.1) in ’11 (12 games); 36-410-3 (11.4) (13 games); and 37-593-4 (16.0) in ’13 (14 games). Team captain.

Strengths:
Very good size. Good base and knee bend as an in-line blocker. Functional wham blocker. Reliable short-area receiver. Hauls in off-target throws. Brings tenacity to the field and keeps working to pick off defenders. Respected, team captain. Very durable, experienced, three-year starter.

Weaknesses:
One-gear route runner — creates minimal separation and lacks the route savvy, suddenness and acceleration to beat tight man coverage. Not elusive after the catch. Gives up too much surface area releasing. Limited explosion as an in-line blocker.

Future:
Try-hard, effort blocker with enough athletic ability and blocking strength to fend for a No. 3 ‘Y’ role, where he could bring the most value as a move blocker.

Draft projection:
Priority free agent.

TE [Y] ROB Blanchflower, #87

MASSACHUSETTS
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Grade: 5.11

Ht: 6-4 1/8 | Wt: 256 | Sp: 4.85e | Arm: 33 3/4 | Hand: 9 5/8

History:
Tight end-defensive end as a Massachusetts prep. Redshirted in 2009. Played all 11 games in 2010, starting four, and caught 21 balls for 179 yards (8.5-yard average) and three touchdowns. Was arrested in March ’11 for OUI and possession of a fake ID. Started 8-of-11 games in ’11, catching 18-208-1 (11.6). Started all 10 games played in ’12 and tallied 43-464-2 (10.8). Did not play against Western Michigan and Bowling Green State (leg). In ’13, started 5-of-6 games played and managed 27-313-3 (11.6), though he was bothered by a bilateral sports hernia injury that prevented him from practicing, sidelined him for six games and medically excluded him from any workouts at the Combine. Team captain.

Strengths:
Outstanding size. Competitive run blocker — drives his legs and works to finish. Tough. Functional pass protector. Lays out for the ball and will sell out his body to make difficult catches. Good career production — exits school as career receiving leader for a tight end. Smart. Solid special-teams temperament. Respected leader and two-time team captain. Four-year starter.

Weaknesses:
Average athletic ability. Can improve beating the jam. Not a quick or savvy route runner. Rounds out of his breaks and can do a better job selling routes with stems and nods. Creates little separation. Takes what he is given after the catch — limited creativity and elusiveness. Inconsistent hands. Regularly matched up vs. lesser competition. Will be a 24-year-old rookie.

Future:
A tough, scrappy competitive ‘Y’ tight end, Blanchflower was slowed by injury as a senior. However, he possesses the grit to factor in-line in the run game and can become a solid base-blocking No. 3 tight end and short-area receiving option.

Draft projection:
Late draftable pick.

H-BACK-TE [F] TREY BURTON, #8

FLORIDA
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Grade: 5.20

Ht: 6-2 1/8 | Wt: 224 | Sp: 4.62 | Arm: 31 | Hand: 9 3/8

History:
Dual-threat quarterback who also played basketball as a Florida prep. As a true freshman in 2010, started 11-of-13 games and tallied 32 receptions for 210 yards (6.6-yard average) and a touchdown. Started 7-of-13 games in ’11, recording 19-149-1 (7.8). Did not play against Kentucky (herniated disc). Started 7-of-12 games in ’13 and produced 38-445-1 (11.7). Was used as a tight end, H-back/wing back, fullback, receiver and quarterback by the Gators — also had 153 career carries for 720 yards (4.7) and 16 touchdowns and completed 11-of-17 pass attempts (64.7 percent) for 103 yards with zero touchdowns and an interception. Team captain. Did not perform bench press test at the Combine because of a left AC joint sprain.

Strengths:
Very good athlete. Natural hands-catcher. Catches in stride and adjusts very well to the flight of the ball. Keeps working to uncover and has a good feel for zones. Good route runner. Sets up defensive backs and can create some separation out of his breaks. Can make the first tackler miss and is fairly elusive. Versatile and has played every offensive skill position. Football smart — understands offensive concepts and how the pieces fit together like a former quarterback. Outstanding personal character and will represent a team with class. Is tough and durable and will play through pain. Willing, effective special-teams contributor. Highly competitive team player.

Weaknesses:
Has short arms and is very undersized for a tight end. Lacks run strength and does not power through tackles or create much yardage after contact. Marginal blocking strength and overall length to sustain and can be overwhelmed. Lacks top-end speed to mismatch safeties. Recorded a 30-inch vertical jump at the Combine.

Future:
A savvy, athletic, undersized H-back who was utilized in a flexed receiving role in the Gators’ offense. Has the athletic traits to earn a living working detached out of the slot as an ‘F’ tight end. Can offer a creative offensive coordinator a versatile jack-of-all-trades gimmick weapon.

Draft projection:
Fourth- to fifth-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“I graded him as a receiver because he plays it more. He is not a true tight end. I put him in the fifth (round). Other teams have him as a free agent. He catches the ball well.”

H-BACK-WR ANTHONY DENHAM, #8

UTAH
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Grade: 4.80

Ht: 6-4 1/2 | Wt: 235 | Sp: 4.71 | Arm: 33 3/8 | Hand: 10 1/2

History:
Never met his father, was taken away from his mother by social workers and placed in foster care when he was 11 and has family members who turned to gangs. Also lettered in basketball (two) and track (one) as a California prep. College receiver spent two years at East Los Angeles (CA) College — recorded 49 receptions for 1,189 yards (24.3-yard average) and 16 touchdowns in 2009 and 40-475-7 (11.9) in ’10. Signed with Utah in ’11, injured his hamstring during fall camp and redshirted. Missed ’12 spring ball because of a broken thumb. In the fall, appeared in 11 games, tallying 11-135-0 (12.3). Started 10-of-12 games in ’13 and totaled 24-291-2 (12.1).

Strengths:
Outstanding size and overall length (body and arms). Can climb the ladder to secure the ball. Effective outside-the-numbers/red-zone target.

Weaknesses:
Marginal play speed. Does not sell his routes and gives up break points. Struggles to beat the jam, and most catches are contested. Does not keep working to uncover or show much awareness for zones. Disinterested, lackadaisical blocker. No special-teams value.

Future:
Long-limbed, high-cut possession receiver must learn what it means to be a pro to stand a chance to realize his potential. Very raw size prospect. Was invited to the combine as a tight end and proving he could project to the position in spring workouts could enhance his draft status.

Draft projection:
Priority free agent.

TE [Y] JOE DUN DUNCAN, #9

DIXIE STATE
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Grade: 5.05

Ht: 6-2 5/8 | Wt: 268 | Sp: 4.79 | Arm: 32 3/8 | Hand: 10 1/2

History:
Also played basketball and baseball as a California prep. Walked on at Sacramento State in 2008, but suffered a microfracture in his right femur, forcing him to redshirt. Transferred to El Camino (CA) Junior College, where he played four games in ’09 and scratched two catches for 14 yards (7-yard average) and one touchdown. Played eight games in ’10, recording 13-211-3 (16.2). Signed with Division II Dixie State in order to play with his brother, Jake, a Red Storm linebacker. Was the leading receiver in ’11 — started all 10 games and produced 64-949-9 (14.8). Did not play against Azusa Pacific (left MCL sprain). Went for arthroscopic surgery on his right knee prior to ’12, at which time doctors discovered the cartilage had not properly reattached to the bone after his previous microfracture procedure. Another surgery was required, sidelining him for the season. Returned to start all 10 games played in ’13, leading DSU receivers with 71-1045-13 (14.7). Did not play in the season finale against Central Washington (hamstring), then broke his left foot attempting a box jump during post-season training that excluded him from performing at the Combine.