Notes: Also ran track as a Los Angeles prep. Played in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2007, catching 44 balls for 639 yards (15.5-yard average) and five touchdowns. Caught 10-168-1 (16.8) in three games (one start) in '08 before being suspended for 10 games (violated team rules). Returned to start all 14 games at the "X" receiver in '09, when he led Broncos receivers with 79-1,041-10 (13.2). Also returned 31 kickoffs for 833 yards (26.9), including a 95-yard score against Nevada and a 100-yard score against Idaho. Started 11-of-13 games in '10, grabbing 71-1,215-9 (17.1) with 24-564-0 (23.5) on kickoffs and 4-43-0 (10.8) on punts. Gave way to tight ends and fullbacks in non-starts against Virginia Tech and Idaho. Wore No. 4 prior to senior season. Did not bench at the Combine because of a left shoulder strain nor perform all agility drills because of a left calf strain.
Positives: Exceptional burst, acceleration and deep speed to stretch the field vertically. Fluid strider with big-time turnover. Quick-footed to slip the jam. Is sudden in and out of breaks and makes speed cuts smoothly. Very good hands and concentration - tracks the ball well over his shoulder. Outruns angles and can take it the distance. Agile and elusive in the open field. Versatile and highly productive - consistent playmaker as a receiver and kickoff returner.
Negatives: Has a slight build with short arms and lacks bulk - is not equipped to work inside, and durability could be a considerable issue. Can be outmuscled and does not always come down with the contested catch. Has limited run strength and exposes his frame to some shots. Occasional concentration drop. Soft blocker. Was immature early in his career. Production was slightly inflated by WAC defenses and was rarely challenged by comparably athletic cornerbacks. Did not run through the gauntlet drill at the Combine with any tempo.
Summary: Thinly built, tight-skinned, confident, competitive, explosive deep threat whose loose hips and lateral agility set him apart from generic burners. Versatility increases his value -possesses the vertical speed to scalp a secondary as a vertical "X" receiver, the suddenness and run-after-catch ability to create mismatches from the slot and the burst to pose a threat as a primary kickoff returner. Multifaceted playmaking ability could even push him into the first round, though his slight frame could keep evaluators at bay and shorten the shelf life of his NFL career.
NFL projection: Top-50 pick.
To purchase your copy of PFW's 2011 Draft Preview book, visit the PFW Store.
var CurrentYear = 2013;
Highlight Videos
