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Wide Receiver Nelson Agholor
Height: 6'0" Weight: 198 pounds
Draft Projection: 1st or 2nd round
2014 stats: 104 receptions for 1,313 yards and 12 touchdowns ; 20 punt returns for 197 yards and two touchdowns
An argument can be made that Nelson Agholor's stock is one of the hottest in the league right now as he is skyrocketing up draft boards. Agholor declared in January and was thought of to be a second or third round selection. Now Agholor is considering to be a mid to late first round selection. If you look at Agholor's frame and skill set, it reminds NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks of a former Colts star:
"He reminds me of Reggie Wayne. I think he can be a superstar in the right system."
The comparison made by Brooks is spot on. Both Agholor and Wayne are 6'0" and about 200 pounds and are exceptional route runners with great hands.
NFL.com does a great job of preview draft entries each year and here is there preview of Agholor.
Strengths: "Runs a good route and competes hard on every snap. Able to drive defender into a poor leverage position. Bouncy, quick feet for burst out of breaks. Adequate separation quickness and twitch. Understands his position. Will improvise to get open for scrambling quarterback. Highly instinctive in space with consistent feel for working his way to open spaces as a presentable, ready target. Almost always works his way back to the throw when needed. Natural hands. Has snatch-and-run readiness after the catch with initial quickness to make things happen. Tracks the ball over his shoulder and careful not to crowd himself against the boundary. Dominated the competition over second half of the year. Dangerous punt returner."
Weaknesses: " Quicker than fast. Has some straight-line to him with just average fluidity through hips. Unable to blow by cornerbacks and create separation over the top. Play strength is below average. Had issues shaking Oregon State CB Steven Nelson. Will get stuck in low gear from time to time by long, press corners with strength. Lean frame. Worked well from bunch formations and might rely on pre-snap movement to free himself, depending on matchup. Will have to prove he can work inside and take punishing shots from NFL defenders. Willing blocker but lacks the core strength to be consistently effective at it."
I think Agholor's biggest problem in the NFL will be when he goes up against press coverage. Other than that, Agholor has it all to be a good NFL receiver. In my best fit for USC Draft prospects, I had Agholor going to the Baltimore Ravens at 26. If the Ravens pass on him, I could see him going to the Colts at 29 or Saints at 31.
Here is his highlight tape from YouTube: