NFL Draft 2014 Preview (17 page)

Weaknesses:
Is lean and needs to bulk up. Lined up in the slot and was not required to defeat press coverage. Ran an abbreviated route tree and needs refinement in this area. Prone to concentration drops. Questionable in traffic. Limited physicality and run strength. Underpowered blocker. Reception numbers were inflated by bubble screens. Does not project as an impact kick returner. Did not face NFL-caliber cornerbacks.

Future:
A lean, speedy, finesse slot receiver, Franklin missed the first four games of the season (academics), but pulled in 44 catches and scored 6 TDs in the final five games of the season, showing speed, quickness and some playmaking ability. Is raw, but has developmental value.

Draft projection:
Priority free agent.

WR [F]-RS JEREMY GALLON, #21

MICHIGAN
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Grade: 5.24

Ht: 5-7 1/2 | Wt: 185 | Sp: 4.48 | Arm: 29 1/2 | Hand: 9 3/8

History:
Two-time all-stater who played quarterback, running back and safety as a Florida prep. Redshirted in 2009. Appeared in 12 games in 2010 when he caught four balls for 49 yards (12.2-yard average) and a touchdown while returning 27 kickoffs for 589 yards (21.8) and 10 punts for 43 yards (4.3). Did not play against Ohio State (shoulder). Played all 13 games (one start) in ’11, catching 31-453-3 (14.6) with 3-46 (15.3) on kickoffs and 19-192 (10.1) on punts. Gave way to a two-tight end formation against Air Force. In ’13, was the Wolverines’ leading receiver for the second straight season and established a UM single-season record for receiving yards — started 12-of-13 games (gave way to two-tight end formation against Ohio State) and produced 89-1373-9 (15.4), with 6-32 (5.3) on punt returns. Set a Big Ten single-game record for receiving yards when he posted 14-369-2 against Indiana. Also had 16 career rushes for 102 yards (6.4) and zero touchdowns.

Strengths:
Fine route savvy to read coverage and uncover in zones. Good hand-eye coordination. Runs hard with good balance and vision after the catch. Outstanding production. Identifies with the game and is very passionate about it. Has return experience.

Weaknesses:
Short with a limited catching radius. Lacks top-end speed to separate vertically or run away from a crowd (consistently tracked down from behind). Not a natural hands catcher and will often body the ball. Lacks dynamic run skills for an undersized receiver. Much of his production results from schemed bubble screens and lateral tosses. Underpowered blocker. Will be a 24-year-old rookie.

Future:
Stocky, strong slot receiver with more of a running back’s build, Gallon possesses the hands, zone awareness and toughness to fend for a job in the pros. Lacks the top-end speed desired as a kick returner, but shows enough burst to warrant an opportunity fielding punts.

Draft projection:
Late draftable pick.

Scout’s take:
“He’s a little slot receiver. He makes the game look easy. He’s strong and compact. He’s built almost more like a running back. I like him.”

WR [F] RYAN GRANT, #3

TULANE
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Grade: 5.12

Ht: 6-0 3/8 | Wt: 199 | Sp: 4.64 | Arm: 31 | Hand: 9 5/8

History:
Prepped in Texas. As a true freshman in 2009, appeared in nine games and recorded nine receptions for 39 yards (4.3-yard average) and a touchdown. Started 6-of-12 games in ’10, tallying 33-515-4 (15.6). Started one game in ’11, but was granted a medical hardship because of season-ending hernia injury. Returned to start all 12 games in ’12, snagging 76-1,149-6 (15.1). Led the team in receiving for the second year in a row in ’13
when he started 12-of-13 games (gave way to two tight ends against Syracuse) and produced 77-1,039-9 (13.5).

Strengths:
Good size. Smooth accelerator off the line. Good flexibility to sink his hips. Tracks throws and shows terrific body control to adjust. Impressive hands catcher — quick, soft mitts. Makes NFL-caliber catches, snatching throws out of the air away from his body. Determined runner with the ball in his hands. Nice upfield quickness to pick up yards after the catch. Good field awareness.

Weaknesses:
Could stand to improve functional strength and physicality. Can be jammed and rerouted at the line. Pedestrian speed. Is an unpolished route runner and does not consistently separate — drifts into patterns neglecting deception and does not snap off breaks. Limited route tree. Marginal blocker. Appears lackadaisical at times — intermittent intensity, urgency and compete level. Questionable courage to work the middle of the field.

Future:
Productive, monotone, unrefined, enigmatic mid-major receiver with one of the best pair of hands in the draft, though he comes with concerning tweener traits he will have to overcome. Lacks ideal speed and physicality to survive outside and lacks ideal suddenness and toughness to thrive inside. Workout numbers will be critical.

Draft projection:
Priority free agent.

WR [X] MATT HAZEL, #84

COASTAL CAROLINA
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Grade: 5.17

Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 198 | Sp: 4.49 | Arm: 31 3/8 | Hand: 9 1/8

History:
Prepped in South Carolina. As a true freshman in 2010, played 11 games (three starts) and caught 20 balls for 276 yards (13.8-yard average) and five touchdowns. Missed the season opener against West Virginia (illness). Started 9-of-11 games in ’11, tallying 32-488-6 (15.3). Started all 13 games in ’12 and posted 61-799-8 (13.1). Started all 14 games in ’13 and produced 70-990-9 (14.1). Hurt his shoulder against Hampton and did not play against Elon. Led the Chanticleers in receiving his final three seasons. Owns CCU career and single-season receptions records. Was the third player in school history to participate in the East-West Shrine Game, joining Jerome Simpson (Vikings) and Josh Norman (Panthers).

Strengths:
Good functional football-playing speed. Accelerates off the line and can create separation. Tracks the deep ball well, contorts his body in the air and can make difficult catches look easy. Can create after the catch and make the first defender miss on bubble screens out of the slot. Willing blocker — displays surprising toughness for his size to mix it up with linebackers. Fared well vs. better competition (see South Carolina). Comes from a very supportive family and has strong personal and football character. The game is very important to him.

Weaknesses:
Not physically strong with a lean body build, small hands and short arms. Can be knocked off routes by tight press coverage. Average strength and elusiveness after the catch. Looks for a landing spot before contact (hears footsteps). Alligator arms appear in traffic and bodies the ball along the sideline. Shows some tightness in his body coming out of breaks and routes could use more refinement.

Future:
A smooth, fluid, athletic small-school receiver with the hands, body control and concentration to earn a roster spot and develop into a solid contributor.

Draft projection:
Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“He might be a riser coming out of the Shrine (all-star) game. He made some plays. He was one of the guys who stood out. ...He’s a little bit raw, but he is athletic. He is a little bit of a stick and his skinny frame show up. He has pretty good hands and concentration. He will highpoint the ball. He has good balance and body control. I thought he would be a late rounder.”

WR [F] ROBERT HERRON, #6

WYOMING
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Grade: 5.20

Ht: 5-9 1/8 | Wt: 193 | Sp: 4.47 | Arm: 30 1/2 | Hand: 9 3/4

History:
Last name is pronounced “HUR-on.” Los Angeles native who also starred on the track as a prep, recording a 10.5-second 100 meters. As a true freshman in 2010, played 10 games (one start) and tallied six receptions for 57 yards (9.5-yard average) and zero touchdowns. Did not play against Utah (ankle) or Colorado State (concussion). Started 8-of-12 games played in ’11, snagging 43-379-3 (8.8). Did not play against Boise and did not start the final two games against Colorado State and Temple. Started all eight games played in ’12, managing 31-657-8 (21.2). Did not play against Toledo and Cal Poly because of a shin injury, then suffered a hamstring pull against Nevada and sat out against Air Force. Started all 12 games in ’13 and hauled in 72-937-9 (13.0). Split his time between running back and receiver his first two seasons — rushed 54 times in his career for 310 yards (5.7) and zero touchdowns.

Strengths:
Good athlete. Exceptional straight-line timed speed — can accelerate and get on top of DBs vertically. Quick-footed. Above-average hands. Has return capability (despite not being used as a returner because of offensive value).

Weaknesses:
Does not play fast. Marginal toughness — does not like crossing the middle or extending across his frame. Drifts in his routes. Short-arms the ball. Does not adjust to or track the deep ball well. Lacks physical strength and is jarred on contact after the catch. Carries the ball loosely. Disinterested blocker, especially on the backside. Regularly matched up vs. inferior competition. Has been dinged a lot and long-term durability is a concern.

Future:
Very diminutive, outside receiver with the timed speed to threaten the field vertically and potentially contribute in the return game. Needs to prove he can bow up against better competition and is more than a track athlete.

Draft projection:
Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

Scout’s take:
“(Herron) has mid-round developmental potential. He has upside. I did a lot of work on him. He is a track guy. ... A lot of (scouts) were buzzing about him (at the Senior Bowl). Everyone says he will run fast and clock in the 4.3’s. I don’t see that play speed. You might see it with track spikes. He is showing better speed here than I saw on tape. He looks better in one-on-one’s than he did in team. I don’t think he likes traffic.”

WR [Z]-KR CODY HOFFMAN, #2

BYU
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Grade: 5.07

Ht: 6-3 7/8 | Wt: 223 | Sp: 4.64 | Arm: 33 1/4 | Hand: 9 3/4

History:
Father, Derrick Ramsey, was a tight end with the Raiders and Patriots (1978-1985). Redshirted in 2009. Started 10-of-13 games in ’10 and recorded 42 receptions for 527 yards (12.5-yard average) and seven touchdowns, while returning 15 kickoffs for 380 yards (25.3). Missed time during ’11 spring practice because of torn rib cartilage, then tore the right labrum in his right shoulder during training camp. In the fall, started all 13 games and caught 61-943-10 (15.5). Set a school single-season record for kickoff returns and yards with 36-879 (24.4), including a 93-yard score against Central Florida. Started all 13 games in ’12, hauling in 100-1,248-11 (12.5) with 3-72 (24.0) on kickoffs. Suffered a separated shoulder against San Jose State. After playing two seasons with a torn labrum, had it surgically repaired and sat out ’13 spring practice. In the fall, started all 11 games played and posted 57-894-5 (15.7). Sat out the season opener against Virginia (hamstring) and was suspended against Middle Tennessee State for a violation of team rules. Was the Cougars’ leading receiver his final three seasons. Owns BYU’s all-time records for receptions (260), receiving yards (3,612), receiving touchdowns (33) and all-purpose yards (5,105).

Strengths:
Outstanding size with long arms. Extends outside his frame and can snag throws outside his body. Wide catching radius. Deceptively quick coming out of breaks. Has NFL pedigree. Experienced, four-year starter. Played through a shoulder injury during 2011 and ‘12 seasons. Is tough and durable.

Weaknesses:
Comes off the line too gingerly and will struggle beating NFL press coverage. Limited agility to shake defenders releasing and does not create in space. Monotone route runner. Many of his catches are contested (minimal separation). Does not play to his size in the run game — uses too much finesse as a blocker. Average athlete with limited burst and explosion. Average leaping ability, as verified by a 27 1/2-inch vertical jump and 8’10” broad jump, the lowest of any receiver at the Combine. Must learn what it means to be a pro and could benefit from committing more to the craft.

Future:
A big, outside-the-numbers possession receiver with good length and hand-eye coordination to fend for a roster spot as a No. 4 or No. 5 receiver.

Draft projection:
Late draftable pick.

Scout’s take: “
I gave him a free-agent grade. He is soft, and he can’t run (fast). He doesn’t make our team.”

WR [F]-KR JOSH HUFF, #1

OREGON
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Grade: 5.28

Ht: 5-11 1/4 | Wt: 206 | Sp: 4.51 | Arm: 31 1/4 | Hand: 9 3/8

History:
Prepped in Texas. Wore jersey No. 4 as a true freshman in 2010 when he played all 13 games (two starts) and caught 19 balls for 303 yards (15.9-yard average) and three touchdowns with 23 kickoff returns for 567 yards (24.7). Strained his left knee during ’11 spring practice, then had his left foot in a walking boot during fall camp. On the season, started 10-of-12 games played and managed 31-430-2 (13.9) receiving with 8-174 (21.8) on kickoff returns. Suffered an ankle injury in the season opener against LSU — missed games against Nevada and Southwest Missouri State and did not start his first two games back. Was arrested in March ’12 and charged with driving under the influence of marijuana, driving without a license and speeding, though he was ultimately acquitted. In the fall, started all 11 games played, recording 32-493-7 (15.4). Hurt his left knee against Fresno State and sat out against Tennessee Tech and Arizona. Started all 13 games in ’13 and totaled 61-890-7 (14.6) with 11-252 (22.9) on kickoffs. Suffered a head injury against Stanford.