Skill Positions (WR/RB/TE) Summary: Rookies, UDFAs, and Camp Invites

[EastStreet]

Providing info on all 3 categories. More on our drafted rookie, a little less on the UDFA pickups, and the basics on what I can find on the camp invites. Posting the WRs first, and will add RB and TE a little later. I'll also add some film/vids later as well.

 

Thought it would be good to capture it all while I was reading myself, and post for the lazy :-)

 

Current list - thank you @austriancolt

WR Parrish Campbell (Rookie 2R59)

WR Penny Hart (UDFA)

WR/Return Asthon Dulin (UDFA)

WR Justin McCinnis (TRYOUT)

WR Ryheem Malone (TRYOUT)

RB Maquise Young (UDFA)

RB Aeris Williams (TRYOUT)

RB Lexington Thomas (TRYOUT)

TE Hale Hentges (UDFA)

 

WR Parrish Campbell (Rookie 2R59) - Ohio State

NFL.com's grade - 6.11 (should become instant starter)

6-0 / 205lbs / 4.31 40YD / 40in Vert / 135 BJ

Strengths: Speed, YAC

Weakness and questions: limited route tree, hands, how he translates coming from a gadget guy at OSU

Production:

SO RCV 12-13-121-9.3-0 (games-catch-yards-avg-TDs) / RUSH 4-54-13.5-1

JR RCV 13-40-584-14.6-3 / RUSH 10-132-13.2-1

SR RCV 14-90-1063-11.8-12 / RUSH 9-24-2.7-0

Use (in college):

Played their slot/HB position. Most that follow OSU know that their WRs are a bit hard to grade. A lot of experts have commented that he was misused or that his use was limited too much.. Used as a gadget guy SO and JR years. Still a gadget guy his SR year but they upped his targets and opened up his route tree a tad bit. The majority of his targets were short, but did get a few long opportunities his SR year. Had very good YAC.

Projection:

Since many thought he was misused and limited in the slot role, several have suggested he play more outside with his 4.31 speed. TDN sees him as a primary Z (TY's position), that can would play a fair amount in the slot too. Others have suggested he could play a speed X with time in the slot also. Since he played off the line primarily at OSU, X might be a development type position until he learns to beat the press and get off the line.

Summary/Prediction:

Great prospect with high ceiling, but will require development to become more well rounded. He could be used at almost any WR position long term and provides a lot of flexibility. When TY starts to slow, Parris could eventually take over the Z, which would allow TY to move inside to slot and extend his career/productivity. Early options are slot (likely competing with Rogers and Funchess), TY's backup and apprentice, and/or limited speed X for deep routes. Personally I think a lot will hinge on how Cain recovers and how Funchess pans out. However you look at it, this adds a legit WR2 option out of the gate even if limited, will help keep TY out of double coverage, enable more deep balls, and provide another level of competition in the WR room. Has Pro-Bowl ceiling and low bust potential (excluding injury), and at minimum will be a 600+ yard WR with limited route tree by year 2.

3 decent reviews of Parris: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/parris-campbell

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NFL.com's Overview

Blue-chip athlete with elite package of size, speed and fluidity as a big slot receiver. Campbell's athletic attributes could create a coverage conundrum if his offensive coordinator puts him in a diversified role that allows him to attack vertically more often. Teams know he's a gifted athlete, but he needs to add more polish as a route-runner to become a well-rounded target instead of a gadget slot. His upside is bolstered by his traits while his special teams ability and talent with the ball in his hands should level out any bust concerns.

Strengths

Track speed to scare safeties and corners

Expected to crush combine in all testing

Extremely explosive but still fluid

Early cushions of respect offer easy catches underneath

Light feet dart around defenders looking to impede

Generates separation on all three levels

Lived on Jugs machine last summer and improved hands

Comfortable plucking throws in stride

Size to break initial tackle after catch

Quick gather and leap to rescue overthrows

High-end potential with ball in his hands

Acceleration to split tacklers with speed to defeat angles and house it

Can get after it as slot blocker

Capable kick returner with above-average cover talent on punts and kicks

Weaknesses

Handcuffed to a more limited role in college

Jet sweep and catch-and-run specialist with much to learn still

Limited experience with the route tree and downfield looks

Appears to be step-counter on intermediate patterns

Flat, rounded routes lack quality fakes at the top

Doesn't change route tempo very often

Tons of zone looks made life easy for him in space

Catch focus will need continued work

Sources Tell Us

"Urban (Meyer) has a system and it works, but it makes it harder to evaluate his receivers. Mike Thomas was just okay in their offense and then he gets to the pros and he's great. Campbell is kind of raw, but that same thing could happen with him." -- Personnel executive for AFC team

 

 

WR/Return Penny Hart (UDFA) - Georgia State (Sun Belt)

NFL.com's grade - 5.32 (NFL BACKUP OR SPECIAL TEAMS POTENTIAL)

5-8 / 180lbs / 4.55 and 4.63 40YD 

Production:

FR RCV 13-72-1109-15.4-8

SO RCV 2-8-61-76-1 (assuming injury)

JR RCV 12-74-1121-15.1-8

SR RCV 12-49-669-13.7-2 (as below, GSU had a very bad QB in 2018 compared to prior)

Summary/Prediction:

Small at 5-8, and quicker than fast. Took a step back in 2018 from a terrific 2017 season due to bad QB play, but excelled when he had a good one. Could get a look at return specialist and as slot depth.

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NFL.com's Overview:

Smallish slot receiver who pairs good play speed with above-average quickness out of his breaks. Tape showed his lack of senior production was mostly due to inaccurate throws and that notion was backed up by strong practices during Senior Bowl week. Hart's size and limited catch radius will require an accurate passer, but his speed and suddenness paired with his return value could make him a Day 3 draft selection.

Strengths

Big early acceleration off the snap

Opens early window for quarterback on speed outs and crossing routes

Glides with steady stream of turnover in quick feet

Consistently gains space from route bends and breaks

Stair-steps coverage off of him

Unafraid to work into traffic

Ladder climber with a big vertical

Has catch-and-go juice with wiggle in open field

Offers kick- and punt-return value

Escape artist quality in tight quarters

Looked like he belonged at Senior Bowl.

Weaknesses

Smaller than the average slots in the league

Needs to allow routes to breathe rather than rush them

Doesn't leverage off defenders as well as he could

Would benefit from varying route speed

Occasionally bullied near the line by bigger defenders

Waits on throws rather than working back

Small catch radius requires accurate passer

Lack of size shows up when playing deep ball

 

 

WR/Return Asthon Dulin (UDFA) - Malone College

NFL.com's grade - 4.99 (SHOULD BE IN AN NFL TRAINING CAMP)

6-1 / 215lbs / 4.43 40YD / 38in Vert / 121 BJ

Production:

FR RCV 10-19-329-17.3-3 (rushed for 106yrds and 1 TD as well)

SO RCV 9-50-825-16.5-4 

JR RCV 10-59-1050-17.8-10 (rushed for 137yrds and 1 TD)

SR RCV 10-61-984-16.1-11 (rushed for 120yrds and 1 TD)

*As a KR he had 836 years, a 29.9 avg, and had 3 TDs his SR year

Summary/Prediction:

Good sized and very fast developmental project. Diamond in a pile of coal at Malone. Needs work on fundamentals and route tree. Could see time early as KR if his hands are reliable.

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NFL.com's Overview

Highly decorated developmental size/speed receiver from an unsuccessful program on the DII level. Dulin was a beacon of light for the Pioneers racking up 26 total touchdowns over the last two years as a pass catcher, ball carrier and kick returner. The jump in competition is substantial and may be too much to overcome and his route work is very basic right now. However, his size, speed and ball skills give him a chance while his kick return value could make him a day three selection worthy of stashing and developing.

Strengths

Combines NFL size and speed outside

Track man with verified 4.47 in the spring

Dominated his level of competition averaging 98 yards per game over three years

Moved and used all over the field to get him him the ball

Suddenness in press release with ability to go either way

Smooth and athletic in mid-air

Well-timed, explosive leaps to overlook defenders at high-point

Above-average talent in open field with ball in his hands

Averaged 29.9 yards per kick return with three touchdowns in 2018

Weaknesses

Integral part of a program that won just four times in four years

Wasn't challenged by NFL-caliber talent across from him

Good speed looked great against his competition

Multi-stepper into breaks

Needs to get better at dropping his tail and playing lower at break-point

Routes are rounded and inconsistent

Can play with greater acceleration out of cuts and turns

 

 

WR Justin McCinnis (TRYOUT) - Arkansas State Red Wolves

6-6 / 206lbs / 4.63 40YD

Production:

SO RCV 10-83-8.3-1

JR RCV 49-800-16.3-4

SR RCV 63-748-12.3-5

Summary/Prediction:

Big possession guy with good hands who lacks speed and quickness. Uphill battle unless he can improve speed. RZ threat maybe if he can clean up some things. Basically a TE-lite with low ceiling.

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Draft Analyst's Summary

*: 

Nice-sized possession receiver who plays strong football. Displays focus and concentration and consistently makes the difficult catch in a crowd. Extends and exposes himself to the big hit, uses the sidelines well and makes the over-the-shoulder reception in stride. Contorts and comes away with the difficult catch, looks the pass into his hands and takes a pounding and holds onto the ball.

Neg: 

Displays little quickness, runs poor routes and plays to one speed. Lazily comes off the line on occasion.

Analysis: 

McGinnis has the size and ability to be a fifth wideout who can be used on third downs and in the red zone at the next level. He must polish his game but is a prototypical possession receiver with nice upside.

 

 

WR Ryheem Malone (TRYOUT) - Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns (Sun Belt)

5-9 / 187 / 4.53 40YD

Production:

SO RCV 23-258-11.2-2

JR RCV 44-676-15.4-4

SR RCV 44-525-11.9-4

Summary/Prediction

Quicker than fast who struggle with contested catches, but has decent YAC capability. I'd expect a guy from a small school like this to have more production. Might be looked at as a return specialist.

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Draft Analyst's Summary

*: 

Quick, explosive receiver who’s dangerous in space. Comes back to the ball, extends his hands and offers the quarterback a target. Lays out and extends for passes and works to come away with the difficult reception. Swift, agile and shows the ability to create yardage after the catch. Easily adjusts to the errant throw.

Neg: 

Loses out in battles and does not come away with the difficult reception. More quick than fast and lacks great burst.

Analysis: 

Malone is a shifty skill player who can be used as a receiver and return specialist and run reverses on occasion. He lacks great upside, but his playmaking ability and route-running skill could help him find a roster spot.

 

 

 

[EastStreet]

 

 

RB Marquis Young (UDFA) - UMASS

6-1 / 210 / 4.49

FR 152-960-6.3-7

SO 198-898-4.5-4 

Production:

JR 182-982-5.4-9 (plus 35-280-8.0-2 receiving)

SR 154-778-5.1-9 (plus 22-173-7.9-0 receiving)

Summary Description:

His 40 conflicts with the critique below. UMASS is a bad team, and often playing from behind, so they just don't run a lot. Assuming this guy is perhaps a STs add if anything, but not a lot of info on him out there. 

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Draft Analyst's Summary

Pros: 

Tough interior running back who effectively catches passes out of the backfield. Patient, waits for blocks to develop and displays solid quickness in a short area with the ability to cut back into the openings. Keeps his feet moving, consistently runs north/south and gets through small openings in the offensive line. Rarely brought down by the first defender and shows the ability to pick up yardage off initial contact. Displays outstanding vision, follows blocks everywhere and produces as a receiver.

Neg: 

Displays limited speed and agility and struggles to turn the perimeter. Won’t beat defenders into the open field.

Analysis: 

Young was productive at the college level and nicely projects as a third-down back or situational player at the next level, but he must stand out on special teams this summer.

 

 

RB Aeris Williams (TRYOUT) - Miss St

6-1 / 215 / 4.6

Production:

FR 40-206-5.2-3

SO 137-720-5.3-4

JR 236-1107-4.7-6 (plus 16-142-8.9-0 receiving)

SR 85-524-6.2-3 (plus 9-100-11.1-1 receiving) - injury?

Summary Description:

Not a natural player, and has accountability issues... SEC caliber player, and has measurables, but likely a low ceiling. STs maybe?

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NFL.com's Overview

Developmental running back prospect with ideal physical traits but a fundamental lack of instincts to help him play his fastest brand of football. Williams should be more effective as a pro-style zone-scheme runner, but he looks more practice-squad caliber than roster worthy at this point. However, his ability to cover kicks and help on third down gives him an outside shot at finding a RB3/RB4 spot.

Strengths

Height-weight-speed traits

Some experience in pro-style, single-back formations

Instant acceleration can create explosive runs when the path is clear

Enough speed to challenge the perimeter as outside runner

Linear runner with ability to stick and step around tacklers at full speed

Has frame to steady through contact in the hole

Body lean and size to challenge and finish

Has third-down ability as leak-out pass catcher with adequate blocking potential

Weaknesses

Lowest rush output since freshman season due partly to "accountability issues"

Better physical traits than play traits

Slow to process blocks and find lanes between the tackles

Hesitant and disjointed from offset, shotgun positioning

Unable to improvise effective pathways when early rush path gets cluttered

Sluggish to string moves together

Ineffective setting up open-field tacklers to miss

Tripped up by balance issues that are generally self-created

 

 

RB Lexington Thomas (TRYOUT) - UNLV

5-9 / 170lbs / 4.42

Production:

FR 81-506-6.2-3

SO 124-642-5.2-8

JR 211-1336-6.3-17 (plus 8-143-17.9-0 receiving)

SR 215-1067-5.0-12 (plus 19-165-8.7-1 receiving)

Summary Description:

Change of pace guy with high production. Too small to be anything but a Hines type guy, or convert to a Slot type roll. Return guy?

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NFL.com's Overview

Undersized lead back whose running style combines heart, athleticism and vision. His vision, tempo and speed are perfect fits for UNLV's off-set stretch plays as he can access the corner or find cutback lanes at a moment's notice. Thomas doesn't have the pass-catching production or the ability to pick up blitzers that most teams want from third down backs and he's a change-of-pace only prospect due to his lack of size. He's fun to watch and has the talent to compete for a spot in camp despite a lack of desired size.

Strengths

Rhythmic runner who glides on the grass

Runs with a sense of calm in navigating the maze

Plus field vision to choose and alter paths

Has good timing to cut it back on zone runs

Lateral jump cuts are sudden

Rare leg strength and contact balance for diminutive back

Slips and slides out of tackles all over field

Above-average ball security

His 4.42-second 40-yard dash at his pro day shows up with pull-away speed

Weaknesses

Thin frame will limit how teams can use him

Wear and tear as inside runner will be a concern

Needs to pick up play speed and burst urgency as pro

Shows tendency to anticipate contact inside

Slows feet and drops eyes/head when heading into congestion

Offers zero blocking ability to protect quarterback

 

 

TE Hale Hentges (UDFA) - Bama

6-5 / 254 / 5.03

Production:

JR 7-75-10.7-3

SR 4-34-8.5-3

Summary Description:

Big slow TE that blocks well. Sat behind Irv Smith. Used primarily in the running game.

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Draft Analyst's Summary

Pros: 

Polished tight end with limited speed and athleticism. Displays outstanding vision as a blocker, fires off the snap and shows explosiveness at the point. Blocks with proper pad level, bends his knees and works his hands throughout the action. Always looks for someone to hit. Solid intermediate pass catcher who uses his frame to shield away defenders and makes the reception with his hands.

Neg: 

Rarely involved in the passing game. Limited quickness and speed.

Analysis: 

Hentges is a high-effort player rather than an athletic playmaker, but he could make a roster as third tight end if he stands out on special teams.