Ryan Switzer: Denver Broncos 2017 NFL Draft target
The Denver Broncos have a need in the slot as well as on special teams. Could North Carolina’s Ryan Switzer be the missing piece?
The Denver Broncos must have North Carolina wide receiver/return specialist Ryan Switzer.
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Since he was a true freshman for the Tar Heels, Switzer has been one of the most exciting prospects in the country. He was unstoppable as a punt returner, taking back five punts fur touchdowns and proving his worth in the offense with 32 catches, three for scores.
Getting more involved in the offense as a sophomore, Switzer caught 61 passes with four touchdowns, and 55 passes with six touchdowns as a junior. He also returned another pair of punts for touchdowns as a junior in 2015, pushing his career total to seven.
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In 2016, Switzer had his best season as a receiver, hauling in 96 passes for 1,112 yards and six touchdowns.
This kid is exactly what the Denver Broncos’ offense and special teams needs. Though he’s not the biggest receiver at 5-11, 185 pounds, he has excellent quickness and soft hands, working the middle of the field as good as I have seen any college receiver do.
One huge weakness of the Denver Broncos’ offense has been on third downs and in the red zone. This is the type of player who can not only set you up with good field position as a returner, he can help move the chains consistently, making tough contested catches in the slot and getting yards after the catch.
His open field elusiveness is fantastic, and while Switzer probably isn’t going to set the track on fire for the 40-yard dash, he has enough speed that I feel like he could translate really well to the next level. He’s a two-time All-American (2013, 2015) who is humble and will certainly attract coaches around the league…
He could have an immediate impact on this Denver team, depending on what happens in free agency. This is the type of playmaker the Broncos need and is someone I could see John Elway having significant interest in come time for the 2017 NFL Draft.