NFL Draft: Day Three Receiver Options for the Broncos

Nov 8, 2014; Syracuse, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Jamison Crowder (3) returns a punt between a group of Syracuse Orange defenders during the first quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Jamison Crowder (5’8 185), Duke

2014 stats: 85 receptions, 1,044 yards, 6 TDs

Games evaluated: @ Miami (FL), @ Pittsburgh, Wake Forest

Route Running- Utilizes his super quick feet to help him off press coverage. Also willing to fight off the line; will slap away at the defensive back’s arms. Needs to have better and more quick cuts in his breaks; has the ability to do it. Flashes some head fakes but could use more.

Hands- Small hands and lets some passes into his chest. Weak hands; gets contested catches ripped away.

Speed- Nothing to write home about. Has decent burst off the line.

YAC- Has good foot quickness but average balance. Has some nice burst off his feet as well, but won’t burn anyone with his speed.

Fluidity- Good hip and knee bend when he shows crispness on his breaks; doesn’t utilize it as much.

Ball Skills- Is very good in this area for his size. Great tracker of the ball and shows concentration around a group of defensive backs. Can catch it with his hands over his shoulders. Flashes the ability to high point the ball but needs to bring it down with him. Has a hard time fighting for the ball against other defenders.

Blocking- Willing blocker, which is excellent for his size. But due to that size he can get manhandled and have trouble sustaining. Falls back on cut blocking at times

Toughness- Makes catches through contact and sticks his nose in as a blocker.

OVERVIEW: Crowder has some things you like to have in a wideout his size, but overall needs a lot of refinement. He has good quickness and burst, but doesn’t use it in his breaks, often rounding them out. He beat multiple backs with his quickness and speed alone, but the kind of separation he got was alarming and says that he won’t get what he wants at the next level. Working on his routes will be crucial to him finding success as a receiver. He also doesn’t have the most consistent hands so the success he does find might not be constant anyway. Not to mention he’ll probably have to put on some weight to prolong his NFL career. Could probably contribute as a returner (four punt return touchdowns in career).

THREE WORDS: Inconsistent, quick, special-teamer

PROJECTION: 5th round