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Written by Al Dupuy | Wednesday, 18 November 2009 11:14 | Pro Football News
A look at the eligible wide receiver underclassmen who may make themselves part of the upcoming NFL Draft:
Dez Bryant 6-2 212 Oklahoma St.
Bryant was suspended by the NCAA for providing false information and only played in 3 games as a junior. But he has done and shown enough to be the top-rated wide receiver in this draft class. Possessing great blend of size and speed, Dez is also strong and physical. The big-time playmaker will catch in traffic and make circus catches. He is compared by some to Calvin Johnson of the Lions, a former first round selection. He has all the physical tools needed to be a dominating receiver at the pro level. Bryant will only need to answer some character questions, but that should not really hurt his draft status.
Arrelious Benn 6-2 215 Illinois
A solid receiver with good size, he runs very well after the catch. Benn has good ball skills, recording 67 receptions in 2008. He is a threat as a punt and kick return man also. His production has dropped some in 2009, but it is due to the Illinois offense and changing their quarterbacks too often. He has the physical talent to become an impact player at the next level. Benn only needs to become more consistent; he will body-catch some balls but is a good route runner and can defeat the jam at the line with his good size and strength. Benn is also a solid blocker.
Damian Williams 6-1 190 USC
Williams is an athletic, fluid receiver who excels as a route runner and has big soft hands. He lacks great speed and quickness which may hurt his draft position some. He is a willing blocker, intelligent and consistent. A clutch receiver with good character, Williams transferred to USC from Arkansas and came up with 58 catches and 9 touchdowns in 2008. He has a good yards per catch average and can run well after the catch. He may need to get stronger for the pro game and looks thin at his present weight.
Golden Tate 5-11 195 Notre Dame
A solid playmaker with very good hands, he really came on this season after teammate Michael Floyd got hurt. Tate has fine speed and running skills which he displayed in some “Wildcat” plays this year. He has been productive against top college competition even though defenses have keyed on him. Tate is a clutch receiver who has really helped his draft status this season.
Demarylus Thomas 6-3 230 Georgia Tech
A fourth year junior, Thomas is big and physical. He is not a speed burner but has physical tools. He plays in an option offense and will need work on running NFL type pass route, but can out-muscle defenders and come down with the football. Some scouts think Thomas could bulk up and become an H-back or tight end prospect. He has good upside potential but needs some technique work and improvement on his pass route running skills.
Rob Gronkowski 6-6 260 Arizona (Tight End)
A physical, athletic tight end, he has a chance to be off the board quickly to a team needing a tight end. A good receiver, Gronkowski uses his size and strength to shield defenders and make the tough catch. He has long arms and good hands but needs some improvement on his route running. He came up with 47 catches in 2008 even though he missed three games. Rob runs well after the catch and has the frame to get bigger and stronger. He needs some technique work on his blocking, but with his athletic ability this area of his game should improve. He played baseball and basketball in high school.
Aaron Hernandez 6-3 ½ 252 Florida (Tight End)
An athletic receiving tight end, Aaron can create problems for a defense. He has good speed and can go down the middle to stretch the defense. He will make the tough catch in traffic as well. Hernandez does need to refine his route running and is not a dominating blocker at this time. He is a real threat running after the catch and has good upside.
Next up: underclassmen offensive lineman
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Learn all about the prospects early, read Al’s Preview Draft Issue and use it to look at players in the upcoming college bowl games, its available now, mailed first class for only $10.00 send check or money order to:
Al Dupuy
3516 Harvard Ave.
Metairie LA 70006
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