‘Preview’ scouting reports are when I take a look at a small amount of tape and overall output data we have on a non-QB prospect before the NFL Combine and complete a preview report on what I’m seeing before I do a larger scouting study after the NFL Combine or Pro Days. Our computer scouting models cannot function properly without the NFL Combine and/or Pro Day data, so I’m not committing to these scouting reports being my definitive word on the prospect. Using what we have, I wanted to take a glimpse at some of the bigger names to share what I see initially.
This is my quick-take on players by watching +/- 30 minutes of game film and looking over their college production numbers in our computer scouting models. I don’t have the measurables and I’m not watching several games and getting in-depth. This is just quick hit scouting to have some context for watching the college all-star bowls.
I will be scouting and reporting out on the East-West game all week (1/16-23), including a game wrap up and a preview of how to bet it (and if you’ve been with CFM for awhile…I am money in these all-star games, seriously. Find a good bookie who takes action on these all-star games).
WIDE RECEIVERS/West (in no particular order)…
WEST WR Trey Griffey, Arizona (6′2″/210)
— 23 catches for 382 yard and 2 TDs (10 games) as a senior was his best season…not good. Son of legendary baseball star Ken Griffey Jr.
Quick tape: Marginal college talent. Skinny/wiry. Didn’t see an explosive play combing through his games trying to find his work. Decent hands. Not a legit draft prospect. Name driving attention, obviously.
WEST WR Jalen Robinette, Air Force (6′3″/220)
— 2016 was his best season — 35 catches for 959 yards and 6 TDs…so-so totals at a glance, but consider that was nearly half the team’s completed passes, yards, and passing TDs. Percentage-wise his season was spectacular.
Quick tape: Legit NFL WR prospect…like a possible top 50. Surprised he’s not at the Senior Bowl. He might get a late invite. Looks like Josh Doctson to me, at a glance. We have to see what the measurables say. He has that presence that he’s going to catch anything his way…a poor man’s Mike Evans.
WEST WR Gabe Marks, Washington State (6′0″/187)
— 2015 (Jr.) 104 rec. for 1,192 yards and 15 TDs…keep in mind Washington State throws like every play. His numbers are like 20% of the pass game in 2015.
Quick tape: Thinner-framed, scrappy WR who worked in an up-tempo offense. Marks is a savvy, instinctual WR with really good hands. Reminds me a touch of Robby Anderson, but not as a good…but good.
WEST WR Austin Carr, Northwestern (6′1″/200)
— Was little used for three seasons and then 90 catches for 1,247 yards and 12 TDs (13 games) in 2016 as a senior. Led the Big Ten in catches, yards, and receiving TDs.
Quick tape: Small Jordy Nelson. Always finds a way to get open with reliable+ hands. He’s a legit prospect, but unlikely to be drafted…likely to get overlooked. Reminds me a little of Chris Hogan.
WEST WR Billy Brown, Shepherd (6′4″/245)
— 99 catches for 1,580 yards and 22 TDs, returned two kicks for TDs (89-1,492-10 in 2015). D2 All-American WR.
Quick tape: Big, stiff WR. Uses his size and solid hands to rack numbers at D2, but does not move and react like an NFL WR. A transition to TE likely, but his body is nowhere close. Disappointing tape (on what I watched).