The strengths and weaknesses of Ole Miss WR D.K. Metcalf

Mississippi wide receiver D.K. Metcalf runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Check out my video breakdown of Ole Miss wide receiver D.K. Metcalf.

Note: After pressing play, click on the square at the bottom-right corner of the video to make it full screen.

This article has 255 Comments

  1. Matt Miller is reporting he has heard the 49ers want N’Keal Harry at #36, but if he’s not available, then Deebo Samuel.

    Of course not sure how much stock we should put in these rumours, but if true that is interesting. Not what I expected. Grant’s breakdowns of Harry and Samuel were good and changed my opinion a bit on both guys, but I still think Harry will struggle getting separation in the NFL.

    1. They’re both good. Samuel creates more separation in space. Harry is a bigger target in the middle of the field who makes more contested catches, bounces off tacklers and has another gear to run away from the defense. He’s a better flanker than Samuel. Samuel is a better split end than Harry.

      1. Well, its sounding like I might need to get comfortable with the idea of Harry anyway!

      2. Give it up bro. Amateur hour, seriously. It’s sad that a few take you serious

        1. Back off, we like his football knowledge.
          .
          Why don’t you present a mock, and dazzle us with your wit. I could use a laugh.

      3. Shanahan May believe he can scheme Harry open. This belief may lead him to desire sure handed players that can run after the catch.
        It would also fit his big play and avoid the red zone philosophy.

        1. Not a fan. More athlete then player. Needed to stay in school for another year. Poor route runner.

          1. If Metcalf drops to the Patriots at #32, because 30 teams drafting ahead of the Pats are dumb enough to pass on him, based on his fricken 3 cone drill, I’m going to lose my sh_t!

          2. No one is drafting him for his route running, lol. That’s hilarious. They draft players like Metcalf because he has to be accounted for due to his physicality and speed combination.

            1. Yep, he’s a match up nightmare, and he’s going to score a lot of TD’s …. as in BUNCHES!

              1. ?I thought that might hit a nerve. My remark was like a minnow, and you hit it like a crappie.

              2. As if Metcalf can’t run enough routes to dominate in the NFL. At least he was brave enough to run the 3 cone drill, and the Short Shuttle at the combine. You know who wasn’t brave enough to run those drills? Only one of the most dominate NFL WR’s of all-time … Megatron, that’s who! Why? Probably because he knew that lateral, short area quickness wasn’t his strong suit being 6’5″ and 237 lbs. And guess what, it didn’t really matter because Megatron made an NFL living basically running 4 routes, the quick hitting Slant, the Hook or Curl route, Post, and of course variations of the 9 route – vertical routes designed to stretch the field (Go, Fly, Fade). In fact, Calvin Johnson ran variations of these 4 routes at about a 80% clip over the course of his NFL career.

                Expect to see DK Metcalf, just like Megatron, dominate at the NFL level running variations of those 4 routes, which rely on explosion off of the LOS, one explosive cut, speed, size, and body positioning, all of which are areas where DK Metcalf shines. He’s a prototypical X or Split End WR. This makes Metcalf a good fit in just about any offensive scheme. And his incredible size, physicality, and explosive speed will make it very hard to effectively cover him using press coverage, and when combined with his ability to take the top off of a defense (4.32 40), opposing Defensive Coordinators will need to account for Metcalf using specific coverage alignments which will open up opportunities for everyone else. In other words, even if a DC is able to scheme against DK, they will inevitably leave themselves vulnerable in other areas. Sure, he’ll drop the occasional catchable pass, but when compared to a big WR like Hakeem Butler for instance, Metcalf has soft, reliable hands.

              3. Same style WR, that’s what I am saying. And yes, I do see a lot of similarities. Is he Calvin Johnson …. probably not. Can Metcalf dominate in the NFL …. absolutely!

                Yes, you are being too harsh, IMO. I think you are clearly nitpicking, but whatever. For instance, on the play vs Greedy Williams, while his route was lazy, he didn’t just fall on his back, you can clearly see their feet got tangled up. I can show you plenty of clips where he does the opposite. Also, on one of your “drop” clips, the DB clearly got his hand on the ball and deflected it.

                Is DK a finished product? No, but I think most of his weaknesses, short of his lack of elite lateral agility, can be coached up in short order, including some of his drops, and especially this “false step” you have identified … that flaw will be coached out of him by preseason. He clearly has the hand eye coordination, but his technique is occasionally lacking.

                Now, I will say, he’s not a great fit at Flanker, which the Niners are clearly looking for. What he is, is a prototypical Split End, IMO. He’s almost certainly going to be drafted in the teens, but like I said, if he drops to the Patriots (and believe me, Bilechick will draft him and play to his strengths) I’m going to turn off my TV before the Patriots make the pick, for fear I might break it, and maybe I’ll tune in on day 2, or just keep track of the rest of the 49ers draft on my smartphone :)

              4. Why couldn’t Ole Miss coach the false step out of Metcalf? Maybe it’s muscle memory.

                The Patriots won’t draft Metcalf. They haven’t drafted a WR in Round 1 since 1996.

              5. Like I said, Calvin dominated the NFL running variations on basically 4 different routes. And, like you said, Randy Moss did practically the same thing. I won’t go as far as to say he’s in their class, I’ll give you that. Those guys are a rare breed of Hall of Fame WR’s. But that is how DK Metcalf will make his living at the NFL level, and that’s my point Grant.

                And, while not as big as Calvin, or quite as tall as Randy, he’s a massive WR with incredible burst. He can burst off of the LOS, make one cut, and with his incredible gazelle-like long speed, he’ll be looking for pay dirt before the DB even gets out of his stance. He’s more than big enough to hold up going across the middle, and he’ll use his big frame and length to box you out, and go up in traffic if he has to, and win those contested catches.

              6. He could burst off the line if he didn’t waste a tenth of a second every play with a false step. He consistently is the last Ole Miss WR to run the first five yards even though he’s lined up on the line of scrimmage.

              7. Like Brett says, I don’t care if he can’t reliably get me 8 yards on a pivot route, when he can reliably get me 20 plus yards on a Slant Route, reliably take the top off of a defense hitting home runs on a Go Route, or reliably out leap a CB and win those contested Fade Routes, especially on 2nd and goal, inside the redzone! My gosh, I can’t even remember the last time the Niners hit on an endzone Fade route!

              8. Show me one clip of Metcalf gaining 20 yards on a slant route. Or show me one clip of Metcalf catching the ball between the numbers and gaining yards after the catch.

              9. I’m sorry Grant, but NO! You are absolutely wrong on the first example of yours, and I think you might be a little confused with how you are interpreting this “false step” of his.

                A false step, or what they call a “drop step”, are both taught techniques, and they are actually reliable techniques against certain coverage, particularly vs press coverage. This first example you show, may not be the tightest press coverage, but it is certainly press coverage on Metcalf. Matcalf’s false step might be slightly exaggerated … might be, but he’s a long legged WR, so I don’t really think it is, to be honest. The second one you showed might not have been necessary, but like I said, in the second example, it’s likely just a mistake on his part and it’s easily corrected IMO.

                The Art of Route Running

                *If the receiver is taking a hard, immediate inside or outside stem (ie: shallow cross/arrow), then a false step or drop step becomes necessary to get there fastest.

                Sorry, to point this out to you!

              10. Metcalf didn’t run a shallow cross or arrow route in the clips I showed. He takes a false step every play whether he’s facing off or press coverage. The other receivers on Ole Miss do not false step. It’s probably not something they’re coached to do.

              11. Come on now Grant!

                If the DB has staggered feet or is closer to the line of scrimmage than normal, the receiver should expect a quick jam. Instead of moving their back foot up to come to balance,the receiver will take a slide step, meaning they will slide their front foot back to be even with their back foot. Once the receiver has come to balance, he will work his release the same as he would versus a normal press coverage.

                This is WR 101!

              12. Metcalf didn’t face a quick jam or staggered feet in any of the clips I showed.

              13. Metcalf didn’t run a shallow cross or arrow route in the clips I showed.

                That’s simply an example of a route in which a false step is a taught technique.

                A false step is a taught technique particularly VS press coverage, and that first example was clearly press coverage.

                It’s along the same lines as a “stutter step”, which is why I have heard anyone else really talk about, nor did I really even take notice. Do you think your the expert on route running Grant?

                Here is an excerpt straight out of Drafttek’s scouting report, and this is just one of many:

                As we look at what makes Metcalf so special, I am going to start in area that might be the most-overlooked skill for a receiver to possess coming out of college. He is terrific getting off the line of scrimmage. What makes him so impressive is he can get a clean release in a variety of ways. Look no further than his tape against Alabama this season against a fellow underclassman that has declared in Savion Smith. There were plays where an explosive jab step was able to turn Smith’s hips, getting him a free release to Smith’s backside. There were others where Metcalf located Smith’s hands, and knocked them away and exploded up field. His initial burst was impressive enough that he even had snaps where he just exploded right by the Crimson Tide defensive back.

                Getting off the press is a work-in-progress for most collegiate pass-catchers, but Metcalf looks to have a natural feel for it. He also shows the ability to be physical in his routes, allowing him to get defenders off in him in order to maintain the integrity of his path. This is another advanced trait for a receiver, because it allows them to play at top speed. The guy also appears to have monstrous hands, and he routinely extends them to the ball. Not only does he display soft hands when making the catch, but once he has the ball in his grasp, he locks on to it. Metcalf is also one of the best receivers in the country at winning 50-50 balls, and will likely be one of the top red-zone targets the day he steps foot on an NFL field. His body control, strength and ability to lock his eyes onto the ball are terrific, and is equaled by his ability to finish.

                That first example you showed Grant, was clearly press coverage, would you admit this? And you make it sound like it’s some kind poor technique of which is some kind of “alarming” ingrained characteristic of his, and I’ve seen tons of his tape …. it’s not. Sure, there are times when it does seem a little unnecessary, and sometimes it is slightly exaggerated, but any WR coach worth his weight ought to be able to coach this out of him. I’ve already admitted, his route running could use some refinement, like most college WR’s these days. But the raw ability is there … in spades!

                When it comes to DK, most scouts are clear about 3 things.

                1) most scouts feel like he’s a better WR prospect than AJ Brown
                2) his lack of overwhelming college production was mostly due to being criminally underutilized in the Rebels offense
                3) he was a victim of poor QB play

                And no, he doesn’t take this false step on every route he runs. I like you Grant, because you aren’t shy about your opinions, but sometimes I really wonder what you are seeing.

              14. Metcalf takes a false step on absolutely every play. Watch for yourself.

                If the Ole Miss coaches were teaching their players to take a false step against press coverage, then A.J. Brown and Demarkus Lodge would have taken false steps against press coverage as well. But they didn’t. Only Metcalf did.

                Why do you think Metcalf was “underutilized”? Why couldn’t he outproduce his teammate, Demarkus Lodge?

              15. And BTW, you can find tape to nitpick about for any college player Grant. That you would find something to nitpick about Nick Bosa’s game, other than his injury concerns, is simply astonishing to me. He isn’t the consensus #1 player in this draft class because of his last name.

                SMH!

                Bill Belichick – “Don’t focus on what a player cannot do. Focus on what he can do, and how we can use it”

                I think Belichick proves my point!

              16. And yes, NFL coaching is generally leaps and bounds better than college coaching. Let me put it this way as an example:

                If Wes Welker isn’t capable of taking a WR of Metcalf’s caliber, with a sometimes slightly exaggerated, and occasionally overused false step, and coach it out of him rather quickly, then the 49ers ought to fire Welker, and find a new WR coach!

              17. Why do you think Metcalf was “underutilized”? Why couldn’t he outproduce his teammate, Demarkus Lodge?

                Well, I don’t know Grant, my gosh, could his neck injury, and the way Ole Miss ran their offense have something to do with it … rather than how these players project to the NFL.

                I mean, you do realize DK Metcalf was considered the consensus #1 WR in this class before the combine, right Grant? Ahead of AJ Brown and way ahead of Demarkus Lodge?

              18. Ole Miss threw a lot of short to intermediate passes Grant, their QB – Jordan Ta’amu, was wildly inaccurate on the deep stuff, and they used DK primarily as their deep threat.

                However, Metcalf makes big plays. His true-freshman year he caught two passes, and both were touchdowns. As a redshirt freshman, Metcalf had 39 catches, averaging 16.6 yards a pop for seven touchdowns. Prior to the injury as a third-year sophomore, he was averaging an astounding 21.9 yards per catch on 26 receptions with five more scores. In his career, Metcalf scored every 4.78 times he touched the football. He averaged 18.32 yards per reception. Those are insane numbers.

                However, there is a lot of value in taking a step away from the raw statistics you love to hang your cap on, and digging a little deeper, when it comes to evaluating college prospects, and projecting how well their ability and skill set translates to the NFL.

                How well did those raw statistics predict how well George Kittle’s skill set translated to the NFL Grant, with all of his 21 receptions, for 296 yards, during his senior campaign?

              19. Grant, Longo’s system was based on the K.I.S.S. system, and he ran less than 30 plays, each of which included numerous individual post-snap options that allowed his players to adapt to what the defenses gave them. Worked great against lesser defenses, not so great against the good ones. Probably why they replaced him….

              20. There were a lot of people who wrote Kittle off as primarily an athletic-blocking TE, because of the way he was used in Iowa’s offense.

                BTW Grant, here is a little excerpt off of a Damarkus Lodge scouting report. Notice the mention of Ole Miss route concepts?

                Damarkus Lodge: Has size and ability to compete for 50-50 balls are enticing, but inconsistent hands and issues uncovering against long press corners cannot be ignored. His body type and playing style are better suited for more layered, vertical passing concepts than what he saw at Ole Miss. All elements of his game will need work before he can become a factor as a pro, and scheme could matter for him.

                If you want a guy who can play outside at the NFL level, but projects most favorably in the slot, AJ Brown could be your guy.

                If you want a deep threat who had more receptions and yards this year than DK Metcalf, but with only average speed at best (4.55), and who needs work on all aspects of his game, Damarkus Lodge could be your guy.

              21. Thanks for bringing up Phil Longo’s version of the Air-Raid Razor, good knowledge. You’re on fire lately! lol. Seems like we are on a lot of the same pages this year.

                It’s always a little tougher to project NFL prospects out of that kind of system.

              22. I can’t answer why Metcalf wasn’t used the same way they used Lodge. I’m not affiliated with the team. If I had to guess it’s probably because Metcalf was used more often on deeper route concepts, and was the superior downfield blocker. College coaches better not be interested in individual stats over what they see as best for the team. But when they did go to him, DK’s numbers were basically off the charts. He scored a TD every 4.78 times he touched the football! Think about that for a second and let that sink in! He also averaged 18.32 YPC, compared to AJ Brown, who scored a TD every 15.78 times he touched the ball, and averaged an also impressive, but not nearly as impressive 15.3 YPC.

                More importantly, DK’s ability projects very, very favorably to the NFL, where I guarantee coordinators will find ways to play to his strengths.

              23. Are you going out on a limb a predicting DK will bust? I’d love to get that on the record.

                Some of it obviously depends on where he gets drafted, but who in this class will have better numbers than Metcalf over their first 5 seasons Grant?

              24. I’m sorry, you highlighted DK’s false step as a weakness, multiple times against press coverage. Here is more on the subject.

                Defeating Man-Press Coverage:

                SPLITThis release will be utilized when the defender at the LOS is within, or or close to within arm-distance reach of the WR and has a head-up technique. The WR has a pre-snap outside or inside release for the designated route. The WR will immediately take a half step back (a false step, allowing for attack space).

                I’ve made my point. Let’s move on.

              25. Metcalf takes a false step against off coverage, too. It probably isn’t something Ole Miss coached him to do.

              26. Belichick proves your point? No, BB can coach a player up, and can utilize a player to his fullest potential. Not all coaches can do that.
                .
                If you are assuming that coaches should coach like BB, I agree. Easier said than done.

              27. Yes Sebnynah, I am advocating this philosophical belief. However, there can be extremes in which I don’t think this is the best approach. For instance …. I don’t believe you change your entire offensive scheme in order to accommodate 1 player, i.e., you don’t change your entire offensive philosophy for one QB (Kaepernick), or one Offensive Lineman (T. Brown).

      1. Oh Razor, don’t hate it doesn’t suit you. Just stick to being wrong about draft picks, it’s what you’re best at. ;)

        1. Oh CFC, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed for you, I will. I’ve got time.

  2. Grant: Thanks for creating just one video. Much easier to watch.

    Good review. The only area I disagree with you on is the clip you showed underscoring your contention that he isn’t physical. It was Metcalf against three defenders and I think the smart thing to do was to go out of bounds. He had no chance so why take a beating. Now if it was one on one or if the offense was trying to convert a third down, you’d like to see him be more physical. But in a violent sport like football, it seems prudent to me to pick your battles.

    1. I’d also contend that Greedy mugged him, which restricted his ability to get his hands on the ball.

    2. AJ Brown and N’Keal Harry lowered their shoulder and tiptoed along the side line until pushed out.
      .
      Maybe Metcalf was worried about all his injuries.

      1. Seb, Metcalf had THREE defenders bearing down on him. Aren’t you the one who advocates that players go down, or out of bounds to avoid injuries, after gaining a first down?

        1. I also look at the players. Metcalf out weighed the DB by 30 pounds. Everyone is talking about how sculpted and chiseled Metcalf’s body is. Maybe he looks like Tarzan and plays like Jane. Maybe he is cognizant of how easily injured he can become.
          .
          Yes, Marquise Goodwin should get down quickly or run out of bounds, because he weighs only 180 lbs.

        2. Actually, I rewatched it, and he ran out of bounds with 3 yards to go before they convert a first down, He should have lowered his shoulder and get at least 2 more yards.

  3. If there is a trade-back scenario, I wouldn’t mind if Hockenson was part of the mix. I don’t see it happening, but he may develop into a Mark Bavarro-type guy.

    1. Nope, they won’t draft a TE until round 6 I would imagine. Unless of course an extreme value represents itself in round 4, which might make it easier for Kittle to swallow, seeing how he’d be making less money than the rookie….

      1. I think Josh Oliver, Foster Moreau and Caleb Wilson might be available when the Niners pick at 104 in the 4th.

        1. Seb

          I would be happy with either Foster Moreau or Josh Oliver…Caleb Wilson is too small, and is from UCLA

          1. OK, that is why he was third on my list. I prefer Josh Oliver. He performed well in the red zone.

    2. Garoppolo developed on a team known for using 2 tight end formations. Pats might not have run many 2TE sets while was there, but it’s in their system.

      Kittle+Hockinson would be a matchup nightmare. Put safeties over them, 49ers pound the rock. Put linebackers over them, Garoppolo shreads the defense.

      I’m hoping for a quarterback killer even in a trade back, but Hockinson would be fun.

      1. I see Hockenson going in the Mocks from 7 to 19, so maybe the Niners trade back to the middle of the first round, and select him. With one of several second round picks, they can select an EDGE, WR and OG .

        1. I’m a fan of yo-yo trading.

          Say the 49ers traded 2 for the Raiders 4+24. Then packaged 24+67 to move to the 16-17 range. Imagine the talent picks 4+17 could fetch?

          It would be hard to pull off. I’d miss pick 67 to be sure. Players like Darnell Savage or D’Andre Walker could be there. But if a great player fell to 17 (Where Derwin James was taken last year) it would be worth a shot.

          1. That Bill Walsh ’86 draft was my inspiration to trade back, then trade up. He traded back several times, then used the draft capital to move up when he saw a player he wanted.
            .
            He basically drafted a SB team. What a masterful draft.

  4. I gotta admit I never picked up on that false step, Grant. You taught me something today. Thanks!

    1. Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I suspect Grant’s track background has keyed/clued him into the false step.

    2. Meh. That false step happens occasionally with Metcalf. There’s a lot of RBs and WRs who take small unnecessary steps and I can’t figure out how a coach at that level doesn’t coach that of them. It’s pretty easy to see.

      IMO, Metcalf is a very good receiver. He’s not a top 10 pick WR though. He will be a good NFL WR but he will never be as productive as someone like Julio Jones or AJ Green. Think more along the lines of Devin Funches. Solid contributor you want on your team but you wouldn’t use a high #1 on him. He has outstanding size and straight line speed. He isn’t great at changing directions and you’d think he’d be a little more physical than he is considering his size. Greedy Williams shut him down in the game against LSU and you’d think Metcalf could have manhandled Williams. He didn’t. If the 49ers were picking in the 10-20 range then I’d really want Metcalf to be in the plans. He’s not worth #2 and he won’t be around at #36.

        1. I wouldn’t say every play but he certainly false steps a lot. My opinion of Metcalf is that no matter what, he will be drafted too high. In order to get him you will have to spend a draft pick in the 10-20 range. He will never meet expectations of a 1st round draft pick. He will be a solid player as long as he is injury free but he won’t be a superstar top 5 NFL receiver. If he were drafted in the late 2 or 3rd round range, you’d look at his NFL production and think – solid pick. I just don’t see that happening. Physical CBs like Jalen Ramsey, Marcus Peters, and maybe Marshon Lattimore will totally take him out of games. You want more than that from a Round 1 WR. Now I would be excited to see what Shanahan could do with a guy like Metcalf but I wouldn’t waste a top 10 pick on him.

        2. Kind of like Michael Crabtree coming out of College..which made Corners a xtra chess move but Crabtree got eliminated most his weaknesses..even tho never making a Pro Bowl & esp considering he was a top 10 Pick.DK will be a Pro Bowler..& AJ Brown if there at start of round 2 I would take him if we grab Bosa 1st Pick

  5. You can’t really say DK doesn’t run any routes because ole miss never asked him to really run any routes. He ran the same routes as all the other ole miss receivers. Their offense wasn’t that diverse the things they asked Metcalf to do he did extremely well.

  6. Grant,
    I agree with Razor on how you caught a small seemingly insignificant thing like the little stutter step which if fact makes a big difference.

    Appreciate the breakdown on D. K., it verifies my opinion of D. K.
    He is a freak of nature with potential, but his football technique is a big concern. He could be good or be the next Dorial Green Beckham.
    I would take A. J. over D. K. in a heartbeat. Same goes for taking N’keal.

        1. My son loves N’keal and thinks he’s going to be a star and my son is a lot better at projecting this type of stuff than me so you could be right. I just don’t see it. The best thing I can say about N’Keal is he’s big and doesn’t always look lethargic. Only sometimes. It’s either that he pouts or he isn’t getting enough protein.

        2. Grant

          The tide seems to have changed…Just a couple of days ago, everyone was in love with Miles Boykin…Did I miss something ? He’s big, fast, strong, and might be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound’…. I could easily be convinced that the niners might take him anywhere between 3-5 round. He can probably play TE for certain plays…and have Hakeem Butler as the WR…Whar say you…?

          1. I highly doubt Shanny will have any interest in Boykin. If a player struggles against press coverage at the collegiate level, what do you think the chances are that he can beat it at the NFL level? He’s also a poor route runner. That’s two major red flags that will keep him from being drafted by the 49ers….

          2. If Boykin is there in the 4th round, a team will take him, even possibly SF at #104. Looks like if DK gets any bigger and stiffer he could probably play TE, maybe in a few years and be another Vernon Davis type?

      1. Houston,
        I don’t see much separation with the top WR’s in this draft.
        D. K. is not the slam-dunk WR in my opinion. There are WR’s like A. J., Harry, Deebo and Butler that could fit perspective teams better than Metcalf.

        The more I watch D. K., the more I see (although he’s a TE) Vernon Davis. Davis was very good, but I didn’t see the fire in his game. His over the middle game never impressed me because he would always do a little hop fetal catch to protect his body from contact.

        Maybe it’s just me, but I always felt /feel that a player with all that muscle should have an attack the tackler mentality. Rather than a catch and protect mode.

        1. DK is definitely not a slam dunk. IMO WR is one of the more difficult positions to scout and translate to the NFL. Of the top 10 WRs in the NFL last year in terms of yardage, the top 3 were first round picks, then you had Tyreek Hill who was taken in the 5th round but he was definitely a 1st round talent who fell in the draft due to huge character concerns. Then the next 3 were 2nd round picks. Then you had Adam Thielen who was a UFA. Then you had AB who everyone missed on and was drafted in the 6th round. Then you had TY Hilton who was a 3rd rounder. In the past 5 years, there have been 45 WR’s drafted in the first 2 rounds of the NFL draft. For every Devin Funchess, who is a good player, there are 5 Kevin White’s. For every Will Fuller, there are 5 Corey Coleman’s. Drafting WR’s is a crapshoot.

            1. DK, with his size and speed, will be drafted in the first round. Many coaches will look at his numbers, and declare they can coach him up. Unless injured, I expect 1000 yard seasons from him, especially if he links up with a good QB.
              .
              Some team may want him to stop putting on so much muscle, and become more svelte, so he becomes quicker.
              .
              Yes, with his stiffness, he may not shine, but he has a high ceiling. However, injuries will derail any prospect.

          1. +100
            One of the virtues I want to see in my WR is courage.
            Courage is what made T. O. such a great WR. His courageous play matched his muscle.
            Julian Edelman is not a big WR, but he plays with the heart of a Lion.

            Players like Benjamin, Funchess and our own JJ Stokes do/did not have the heart of the aforementioned, and their “hit and miss” careers bear it out.
            In this game you have to mix skill with courage.

              1. Megatron wasn’t a “violent” player,neither was Randy Moss..lots of great receivers aren’t violent..Lynn Swann wasn’t violent even tho diff body types..if DK is off the board by our 2nd pick which is 100% he will be drafted by then..I would pick AJ Brown..kind of reminds me of that OBJ & Jarvis Landry situation/2 WR FROM same school..Jarvis was a great 2nd round pick..all I know is they better draft a WR..tired of banging my hands for a #1 WR..was begging 49ers to draft Keenan Allen & he went in 3rd Round & proved to be Pro Bowler..or dumb moved to trade pick to Colts that landed them TY Hilton smh..AJ or Harry fits that 2nd round + pick that turns out great..but if DK goes past top 20 I would trade back into. 1st to get him

            1. Players like Benjamin, Funchess and our own JJ Stokes are/ were also sloooooow. Don’t/ didn’t create any separation. If you don’t do that you must be super aggressive at the catch point and have sticky hands, like DeAndre Hopkins.

              That isn’t Metcalf’s game. He will either be a very good player because he uses his speed, size and strength to create separation or he will be a bust because he doesn’t.

              1. Metcalf is your classic boom or bust player. I think he’s got more boom than bust.

  7. Yes, I have rarely, if ever, mocked Metcalf, because he may be available with a trade back, but then Ferrell or Burns would be a better choice because I still want an EDGE in the first round.
    .
    I have mocked N’Keal Harry many times, because he was ranked 35 and the Niners pick at 36.
    .
    However, ideally, AJ Brown would be the best option, and hope he falls to 36. And with a trade back, Chris Lindstrom at 37.

    1. Gettleman has been all over Harry, and it wouldn’t shock me in the least if he targets him at 17.

            1. Totally agree with future HOF honors. Was only wondering if you had their draft ranking.

              1. RU trollin’ me? ;p
                .
                I expect both did not do well, and were not highly ranked.
                .
                Rankings are just a measure according to the pundits, and I showed that there are some wild fluctuations even between different draft big boards.
                .
                Chris Lindstrom is ranked 29 on Draftek, which has me worried, because I will have to salute Pot v Kettle’s football acumen if he is selected in the first round. However, he is ranked 51 on the Walter Big Board, so I am very happy with that ranking.

  8. Ha, the Chiefs just signed our leftover Attaochu. I can’t see how their defense doesn’t take a step or two backwards.

  9. Metcalfs gonna be a superstar, nobody cares what you clowns think

    By the way for real analysis check out thedraftnetwork.com where its scouts and guys that actually played receiver writing reports. Not some wanna be hack

      1. Unbelievable, Sebs! “Ca Ca”?? Thats as bad as some of my very worst stuff!! The kind of jokes I love throwin your way!

        “Take my wife…….please!” Get it? I got a million of em! And you just inspired me with your ca ca joke!

        With this inspiration, many, many more to come!!!!!!!!!!

  10. The 3 next players I hope Grant analyzes are Nasir Adderly, JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Bobby Evans, because all 3 of those players will be available at 36.

    1. When I make my biscuits and gravy, I use Bobby Evans original recipe sausage.

  11. Ppl say AJ Brown, what has he ever done against good competition? His stats are all against scrubs. And the guy has barely ever played outside. Hes a pure big slot guy.

    1. I would take AJ Brown over Metcalf and Marquise Brown.
      .
      6′ 1″ 225 lbs, with 4.48 speed, sounds like a good flanker, with good game tape.

        1. Marquise is Goodwin 2.0. Niners need a bigger, taller WR who can high point the ball.
          .
          Luckily, there are over 12 of those kind of players, even in the later rounds.
          .
          Emanuel Hall, Terry Mclaurin, Tyre Brady, Myles Boykin, Travis Fulgham, Lil’ Jordan Humphrey, Jazz Ferguson, Ashton Dulin, Jamarius Way, Jalen Hurd and Preston Williams are all big and tall.
          .
          However, if the Niners want to make the playoffs, they should draft Keelan Doss. he looks like Pro Bowl material, all the way. ;p

          1. Didn’t they say the same thing about Antonio Brown? All I know is he’s the most natural separator in this class.

              1. They said that during his pre-draft process? I’ve got a fantastic memory, and I don’t recall them saying any of that crap.

              2. I am talking right now. He is 30 years old. Most 30 year old players have lost a step after playing so long, and you cannot say he is not divisive, when he quit on his team, and fought with his QB.
                .
                Ah, I see you were talking about Marquise Brown in your last sentence. My apologies for misinterpreting what you wrote.

      1. Seb

        Not me…I want more of a ‘team first’ attitude…and not 30 years old…too many quality WRs in the draft

  12. MG

    @marquisegoodwin
    I’m going to win the 2020 Olympics in Long jump! ?? idk how, but I am.

    3,518
    12:56 PM – Apr 8, 2019

    1. He will practice during games. Whenever he approaches the end zone he will take off inside the ten and jump the rest of the way for a TD.

      1. It will be Goodwin’s way of avoiding the Sebbie tactic of DBs catching him mid air and carrying him out of bounds.

    2. To me this seems like someone who has lost focus! He should focus on the OTAs which start on Monday . Don’t know why he has such a tweet at this time.

  13. Best wr in this draft is Hakeem Butler. Reminds me of Jerry Rice after catch. Neal and Samuels after that. DK will be nothing. Stiff, terrible lateral quickness, he will have tough time separating.

      1. T.O and Vernon Davis dropped too many passes. Guys can improve in catching the ball. Butler has great size and moves well.

    1. Harry and Butler should be really good. True, DK is a bit stiff w/o that lateral quickness, also I think Grant said he has a bigger wide back and big muscles that WR’s don’t ususally have. I wonder if he ever thought of gaining 10lbs of muscle and got up to 5-6% body fat which is still ‘very’ lean from he’s crazy low 1.6%, he ‘d be a 250 lb TE. He could still run a 4.49 40 or so. Maybe in a few years. Maybe not.

  14. It’s unfortunate the draft breakdown website is gone. Anyone know of a similar website, or do we stumble around YouTube on our own?

    1. It’s better to reach for what you need instead of having to search for it.

      Draft breakdown had YouTubes arranged by date and opponent. In 30-45 minutes I could gage how a prospect developed year to year, how they played vs a common opponent and how they did vs major football schools.

      I get it if they were closed because of copywrite violations (were they?).

  15. Nailed it again Grant. Almost every concern that you covered is why I see Metcalf as a third or fourth round prospect. Any team drafting him before then needs to fire their scouts because there too many issues that Metcalf needs to work on.

    1. He has all the qualities to be a game breaker. Unfortunately, one big hit from an NFL starting SS and he’s gone, just like that. Imo that’s an unacceptable risk.

  16. Mike Garafolo

    @MikeGarafolo
    Kyler Murray headed to Arizona today for a visit with the #AZCardinals, source says. (@Gambo987 said the other day a visit was upcoming.) Murray’s agent is accompanying him. He also reps Kliff Kingsbury.

  17. Even though he ran a slow 40, my sleeper at the WR position is Lil’ Jordan Humphrey from UT. I’ve watched him for the past two season and all he does is make plays.

      1. I think he’s a fifth/sixth rounder and possibly lower. That forty time will scare some teams. But, If some team wants to move him to move TE, like what they did with Ricky Seales who was a WR in college, he’s in the right time zone. But Humphrey is way better than Seales. He could be Shannon Sharpe-like.

        1. Shannon Sharp is a tall order. But if he can play even close to Sharp he will have a good career.
          Thanks for the heads-up on him.

  18. In all the talk about DK Metcalf, Harry, Marquise Brown, Samuel, AJ Brown, Hakeem Butler, Ridley, Paris Campbell, JJ Arcega Whiteside, McLaurin, etc, etc, there will still be quality available in the later rounds should the 49ers trade down.

    Two of my favorites:

    1. Tylan Wallace, OK State–Video
    2. Anthony Johnson, Buffalo–Reminds me of John Taylor/Andre Reed

    Tylan Wallace || The Next Great OSU WR || 2018 Highlights

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A87nT3Yq3Wk

    1. Anthony Johnson, Buffalo Highlights:
      College Stats:

      Receiving Rushing Scrimmage
      Year School Conf Class Pos G Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds Avg TD Plays Yds Avg TD
      2017 Buffalo MAC JR WR 12 76 1356 17.8 14 4 -5 -1.3 0 80 1351 16.9 14
      *2018 Buffalo MAC SR WR 12 57 1011 17.7 11 0 0 0 57 1011 17.7 11
      Career Buffalo133 2367 17.8 25 4 -5 -1.3 0 137 2362 17.2 25

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXguvaQGIZs

    1. No surprise. Gould’s heart is not in San Francisco. Trade him to the Bears for a 5th rounder, and sign Ski. He’s not as good a kicker, but he’s close….

  19. Glad to see the player rankings align more with the mocks.
    .
    On Draftek, Murray is 5, Haskins is 8 and Lock is 20. AJ Brown is 19.
    .
    On CBS, Murray is now 7, Haskins is 12, and Lock is 23. AJ Brown is 30.
    .
    However, Walter Football has Jones at 16, Lock at 17, Haskins at 26 and Murray at 28. AJ Brown is 56.
    .
    Many mocks will depend on which Big Boards they use. I expect all the team’s big boards will fluctuate wildly, too.

      1. The draft IS an inexact science.
        .
        I suppose the rankings will tighten up more when they get closer to the draft.
        .
        Murray as the first pick is getting more certain, according to some articles.

        1. Every night before bed, I take a knee and thank the football gods for the Cardinals hiring of Kingsbury.

  20. Grant, in your next mock, could you do a trade down showing which wide receivers you would draft in later rounds as the 49er GM.

  21. With the report the FO are at odds with Gould and looking at other kickers. With the franchise tag on him could we trade him to the bears and get something back?

    1. I want a 5th round pick from the Bears, and I will gladly give them Gould in return.

      1. Seb’s, as an AAF fan you can’t have your cake and eat it too!…In your love for the AAF owners (now cheating its players out of surgeries for their injuries; their hotel bills and plane rides home after the league folded), now, this article on the bears possibly signing an AAF kicker and screwing the Niners out of a Bears draft pick.

        Thanks, Seb…May you get a lump of coal for Christmas, 2019

        Bears look to AAF for potential starting kicker
        https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/06/bears-look-to-aaf-for-potential-starting-kicker/

        1. TrollD, talk about being a liar, you know full well that I was not, and never will be, a fan of the aaf. I called it the Amateur Athletic Fumblers.
          .
          Go troll Cassie, she is the cheerleader for that league that folded like a house of cards.
          .
          Quit lying about me.

          1. Sweet, sweet Sebbie…

            Whether you like it or not, several ex-AAF players are being signed by NFL clubs. No guarantee any will be on final rosters during week 1 of the ’19 season, of course. I suspect a few will be.

            You got caught hating on the AAF without thinking about the larger development league idea. Some enlightened fan you are.

            1. Cassie’s right, Sebs……….I didn’t see it until she pointed it out, but you ARE hating on the aaf players!! Not consistent with looOOve and tolerance…..after all, those guys have to put food on the table, too!

              1. The players should have been treated better, then. Not much love seeing their belongings taken out of their rooms, and being told to pay for the way they get back home.
                .
                The aaf needed to be prepared better, with more long term financing, and money secured to pay for a whole season.
                .
                Where is the love for the injured players? They have none.

              2. Those second chance leagues are cr@p. Waste of time and money. No matter how much money they throw at it. Always will be a bust, but they won’t learn.

    2. I hope they ask for a 4th round pick, and settle for a 5th round pick, so Gould can be reunited with his family in Chicago.
      .
      I think there are several good kickers in the draft, but the Niners should sign an UDFA. The Niners should look at Chase Mclaughlin as a possible candidate.

      1. Seb’s,

        Will the next mock draft for your Los Angeles Rams include a trade for the 49ers 1st round pick?
        The 49ers would have no need of it if they draft that UC Davis WR —What was his name–Dodder–who runs slower than JJ Stokes.

        We all know you hate the 49ers, what with wanting them to keep Jarryd Hayne, the rugby player, and to continue on with a subpar Kaep….A true 49er fan doesn’t want to stock the roster with lousy players as you do.
        I noticed you were touting LA last season, that’s all.

          1. Admit it, you want the slow UCD WR on the 49ers roster, who’s slower than JJ Stokes…At least JJ made the pros as a starting WR, what’s Dodderer done?

            1. Also Seb, my possible late round WR picks of Tylan Wallace, OK State, and Anthony Johnson (videos provided above) are better than your recent effort.

              You want “the Dodderer.” I’ve chosen players who belong on an NFL roster.

              “I love that he can play inside and outside right away in the NFL, and is a capable blocker, but Johnson ceiling may be a what-you-see-is-what-you-get possession receiver whose skill set will hardly be considered irreplaceable.”
              4th Rd projection”
              https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/anthony-johnson

              1. Nope, Keelan Doss is superior to them. Keelan Doss not only showed separation in the Senior Bowl practices, he caught 3 passes in the game, including a tough catch over the middle.
                .
                Keelan Doss will be zooming up in the rankings, after running a 4.45 forty during his Pro day.
                .
                Maybe you get a clue before inserting your foot in your mouth.

        1. TrollD, conversely, you must have been cheering for the Pats to get that 6th ring, surpassing the Niners.

  22. Dane Brugler’s 7 round mock draft on The Athletic today. 7 round mocks are recipes for incorrect picks, so it’s probably better to focus on the positions he sees the Niners choosing in the draft:

    San Francisco 49ers
    1 2 EDGE Nick Bosa
    2 36 WR Marquise Brown
    3 67 SS Amani Hooker
    4 104 CB Jordan Brown
    6 176 OL Brandon Hitner
    6 212 LB Dre Greenlaw

    1. Love his 1st pick, The Bosa Constrictor. Brown’s injury gives me pause, but you know Shanny loves his natural separation and speed….

  23. McShay:

    Round 1 (2): Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
    Round 2 (36): Taylor Rapp, S, Washington
    Round 3 (67): Terry McLaurin, WR, Ohio State

    1. Bradbury and Rapp would be a nice coup for the Niners. Wish they could figure a way to land both of those guys.

  24. Grant….

    I assume some within the Press Democrat organization read some (if not most) of this blog’s content. What do the say? Are they amused? Astonished? Chagrined?

    As noted earlier, we need a ‘Best of Grant’s Blog‘ piece.

  25. A tweet from the doofus club to CFC’s pretentious club:

    Matt Barrows

    @mattbarrows
    Too soon. I spoke to him the other day at Stanford’s pro day. He said that what he went through in his personal life last year had a major impact on his on-field performance. How could it not have? Let’s give him another year.

    JIN PHAM
    @nulsofficial
    Replying to @mattbarrows
    Solomon Thomas should be next to A.J. Jenkins

    1. Champions focus during turmoil and usually excel on the field. How many times have we heard stories of personal tragedy followed by the player having one of the best games of their life.

      Thomas is just a player, nothing special. Should have been drafted in the third round.

  26. Mock 13, derived from the double trade back, outlined in the -‘Time for John Lynch to prove himself.’ posting.
    .
    Niners trade back with TB and Denver. They select Haskins and Lock. Giants settle for Jones.
    .
    Niners end up with pick numbers – 10, 36, 39, 41, 67, 104, 176, 212. They also get TB’s 2020 second round pick. They will miss out on Bosa, Allen, Q Williams, Oliver, Sweat, J Taylor and D White. They could select Ferrell, Gary, Burns, Greedy, Wilkins, Hockenson, J Williams or Murphy.
    .
    Using the Draftek big board, and trying to select within 5 of each assigned pick, the Niners could select.-
    .
    10. Clelin Ferrell EDGE.
    36. N’Keal Harry WR.
    39. C Gardner- Johnson S.
    41. Bobby Evans OL.
    67. Tre Lamar ILB.
    104. Foster Moreau TE.
    176. OLI Udoh OL.
    212. Keelan Doss WR.
    .
    Niners get an EDGE, WR, S and OL in the first 41 picks.
    .
    I challenge others to take those numbers, and create a superior mock.

    1. Kick back Sebbie… Grab a cup ‘o Joe and savor the view of your 2.5 acres. Open your music streaming service and listen to Seasons Of Love as a backdrop…

      Five hundred twenty-five thousand………..

      1. Wrong, as in so many things, like the aaf cheerleading.
        .
        Please notice this is mock number 13.
        .
        Cassie, you like to waste my time. Use those numbers to derive a mock, although you probably want to just keep touting aaf camp fodder.

          1. Cassie, typical Baalke stunt. Sure likes to dish it but a wuss at heart.
            .
            Another profile in cowardice. Baalke can’t ever do a mock, for fear of being ridiculed.

          2. Cassie, I will allow you to whine some more, and put up a different mock.
            .
            Mock draft 14. This is a curveball mock, with a further tradeback in second inning. Niners trade back 6 spots with Atlanta, who wants to move up to get a safety. They give up the 39th pick for Atlanta’s second and 4th round picks (45,117). It adds up exactly on the TVC.
            .
            After 3 tradebacks, the Niners end up with pick numbers- 10, 36, 41, 45, 67, 104, 117, 176, 212, and a 2020 second round pick from TB.
            .
            Using the CBS big board, to throw another curveball, and trying to pick within 5 of the rankings, the Niners could select-
            .
            10. Noah Fant TE. Only one who did not participate in the Senior Bowl.
            36. Nasir Adderly S
            41. Erik McCoy C.
            45. Deebo Samuel WR.
            67. LJ Collier EDGE.
            104. Renell Wren DT.
            117. Te’Von Coney ILB.
            176. Oli Udoh OL.
            212 Keelan Doss WR.
            .
            Fant would be too hard to trade up for, so trading back and getting him as the first is the better move. They miss out on the best EDGE players, but Dee Ford made the Niners’ EDGE needs, less. It would eliminate one of 2 TEs, the Pats want to replace Gronk with.
            .

    2. Seb,
      I’ve noticed your strong stance on Doss. My son was the first one to bring him to my attention last year, so I checked him out on youtube.

      His game and physical makeup reminds me a little of Keenen Allen. He looked like a natural receiver with his ability to catch and seamlessly run routes, but I felt (at the time) that he was playing against lesser competition.
      But then, I heard that he performed very well during the Senior Bowl practice week and than went out and had a good game in the game itself.
      There’s no doubt that he opened the eyes of many NFL scouts during the week and game.

      Here’s my question to you. Do you think that he will last until our final pick at 212? I see him as a sleeper in the draft that many teams could be interested in anywhere between the 4-6 round.

      1. AES, on the CBS Big Board, he was ranked 212, and the Niners have the 212th pick in the draft.
        .
        However, he just ran a 4.45 forty in his Pro Day, so I expect he will zoom up in the rankings, just like Ed Oliver did after his stellar Pro Day.
        .
        If the Niners want him, they should use their 4th round pick for him.
        .
        Being from UCD, I just see Pro Bowl written all over him, and I hope Doss helps the Niners win another SB. ;p

  27. I understand the concerns regarding Metcalf and they are warranted. He’s got flaws and he is a projection. But I also think he is one of only a few WRs in the draft with true game breaking ability.

    I think used correctly he can be a bit like TO. In the NFL he will get used more on slants than he did at college, and he has the attributes to be a monster on the slant. He’s a guy you also need to cheat safety coverage to. False steps or not, if he gets up on the CB its over. And he’s not a guy you can jam consistently with any success. Despite obvious limitations, what he does do well is enough to make him a dangerous WR in the NFL.

    1. Greedy Williams erased Metcalf. NFL corners will see Metcalf’s false step on film and have dozens of ways to tie him up.

      1. I really don’t understand why Ole Miss didn’t get him the ball on a few slants a game. Against Greedy it would have worked.

        One of the reasons CBs were able to take Metcalf out of the game on occasion had more to do with knowing he was running a go route most of the time. Made the CBs job a bit easier. In the NFL he will be asked to do a bit more, which should help him.

        Anyway, that’s my take on Metcalf. I’m not one to get carried away by big, fast WRs. I prefer guys that run good routes and get open. But what I have seen of a raw Metcalf makes me believe with good coaching he can be a menace.

          1. Hill’s not a great comparison as they were different body types. Different types of players.

  28. I think a lot of folks are sleeping on Hollywood Brown.
    Small.. yes. Lighting fast and can be a game breaker? Hell yeah.
    Let Goodwin go take a shot at gold and snatch this kid in the second.
    Oh and Go Sooners. ??

      1. Naaa. He’s a tough cookie.
        It’s not like he would quit on his team and milk the rest of the season at home playing video games or anything.
        ??

      1. Samuel runs good routes. Catches with his hands, very effective after the catch. Built to take hits. Could be a very effective return man as well.

        Jennings has height and speed, clean route runner. Some interesting stats on him from Rotoworld: Jennings (6’1/214) doesn’t get a ton of love from the draft community despite catching 97 passes as a junior, scoring 13 touchdowns as a senior, leading the group in contested catch rate, and running a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Jennings also had the 2nd-best touchdown rate (17.6%) and averaged the 4th-best yards per target (12.6), so he has the profile of a Day 2 prospect despite sitting on the Day 2/3 borderline.

        Both players had good showing at Mobile as well which is something I put stock in.

        1. Good stuff. You’re right about Jennings making a high rate of contested catches. Surprisingly, Samuel made a low rate of contested catches — only 37 percent. He’s not the biggest target. I think he’ll find most of his success at split end, where he can win one on one in space.

            1. I see that with Deebo. He ran those specialty plays at South Carolina.

              Re: Jennings. At West Virginia, he ran seam routes, screens, slants, curls, shallow crosses and deep over routes, from I’ve seen. Haven’t seen him run a square in. Not sure he’s the best fit at flanker. When he catches a ball in traffic, he tends to leave his feet unnecessarily and catch the ball with his chest. Good player, though. Maybe more of a Ferrari (split end) than a 4Runner (flanker).

              1. I may be wrong, but I get the feeling Deebo is a bit smaller than Shanahan would like his flanker to be. Jordan Matthews is 6’3″. Mohamed Sanu and Leonard Hankerson are 6’2″. Deebo is 5’11”. I think he’s a better fit at split end.

              2. That is OK. I also mocked Keelan Doss. 6′ 2″ 211 lbs. He has film showing him high pointing the ball.

    1. 67??

      I think for a player that’s not particularly effective on the boundary, and lacks ball skills; 104 is more likely.

      I think they could trade down 15 spots from #36, pick up a draft pick and still get Samuel.

      1. Interesting. Deebo fell 48 to now rank 108 on Draftek, yet CBS has him at 48. That is a second to 4th round range.
        .
        Jennings is ranked 180 on Draftek, and 165 on CBS, that is a late 5th, early 6th round pick.
        .
        Parris Campbell is skyrocketing up with a + 66 change, and a ranking of 73.
        .
        Kelvin Harmon had a -52 change, so he dropped like a rock, and now sits at 69. He was ranked as a first round pick before the Combine.

  29. https://www.49erswebzone.com/news/124635-49ers-mailbag-improved-other-positions-watch-nfl-draft/

    I picked Kittle to have a breakout season last year.
    This year I’m saying Pettis will have his.
    I think a little bulk this offseason will help him a lot. As the season went on last year he was less hesitant on going over the middle, and was making some catches he wasn’t earlier in the season.
    I’ll go as far as guessing close to or maybe a 1000 yard season.

    1. MD,
      I agree with you on Pettis. The kid showed out a little bit in his rookie season and I expect that he will come in with more confidence and better acquainted with the speed of the game in 2019.
      Kitt’ game took off in year two and so will Pettis’.

  30. I am an Ole Miss fan and have seen a lot of Metcalf, if one can say he has played a lot. I agree with the thrust of the analysis: Metcalf’s realistic upside is as a very dangerous #2/deep threat. Whether he realizes that upside will depend heavily on whether he gets good coaching, and can take that coaching. He has not received enough such coaching at Ole Miss in part because of the coaching issues there, but mostly for the simple reason that he hasn’t played enough. Basically Metcalf has erred in entering the draft as an r-soph. He is too raw even for the SEC right now. As you note, his only developed ability so far is the ability to run by people.

    But whatever his upside, there are virtually no issues in this film that cannot be improved – and improvement is what will make him a better player. If there was any wisdom in him turning pro, it is that he might get better and more consistent coaching at the pro-level than he has received in Ole Miss’s soap-operatic program. (Although it should be stated that the new receivers coach, Jacob Peeler, is pretty good). But in general, more college experience would have benefited him.

    Some of your criticisms are indeed very nitpicky, if not downright creative. The latissimus thing is pretty silly. As is, “put your arms up and catch the ball”? The ball in question was thrown it was thrown to eye-level and slightly behind the route. A receiver should put his arms and hands where the ball is.

Comments are closed.