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Showing posts from March, 2022

2022 NFL Draft: Wide Receiver Deep Dive - Calvin Austin

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     Calvin Austin III - Memphis Overview: Strengths: 1.  Release - Austin has excellent footwork off the line against press, and good speed off the line against off coverage. His lateral quickness and twitch translate to his release when lining up anywhere on the field. 2. Versatility - He can take a screen or sweep to the house, and his footwork, linear speed, and extensive route tree make him a threat on essentially every type of route imaginable. 3.  Improvisation - Will generally help a scrambling quarterback by running to the open space. He then can make the most out of the play with his RAC ability. Weaknesses: 1.  Size  - Austin cannot help getting bullied at the line on the outside. He is simply smaller, weaker, and has shorter arms than outside corners. He does not frequently win in contested catch situations, and has to make impressive acrobatic catches that 6'+ receivers would make easily. 2. Contact Balance - As much as a one-handed push can bring him down at times.

2022 NFL Draft: Wide Receiver Deep Dive - George Pickens

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      George Pickens - Georgia Overview: Strengths: 1.  Body Control - Pickens can contort his body in any direction while in the air or diving low to make the difficult catch. This translates effectively into contested catch situations. 2. Sideline Awareness - The number of twisted toe taps he had throughout his tape is remarkable. He will frequently drag his toes with both feet instead of one, which is promising to see as he enters the NFL. 3.  Physicality - He will fight for every yard and attempt to run through guys bigger than he is with surprising success. 4.  Tenacity  - Pickens will fight to the end of the play whether it is on blocks, or positioning on contested catch opportunities. He loves contact, and is determined to show the corner that he is the superior 'man' on any given play. Weaknesses: 1.  Acute Change of Direction  - Pickens plays high, so he does not drop his hips and explode out like many shorter receivers are able to do. He has average deceleration and