NFL Draft: Day Three Receiver Options for the Broncos

Nov 22, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Tony Lippett (14) runs with the ball after a catch during the1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Lippett (6’2 192), Michigan State

2014 stats: 65 receptions, 1,198 yards, 11 TDs

Games evaluated: @ Oregon, @ Purdue, Baylor

Route Running- Is light on his feet and shows some suddenness in his breaks. Has a tendency to press his man, creating separation on his break, but could do it more often; sometimes he chops or breaks too soon. Shows a physical nature when he presses his man. Great at find and sitting in soft spots in zones. Likes to beat press with his quick feet but needs to add his physical element to it more.

Hands- Were terribly unreliable vs. Oregon, but were fine in the other two games in which I saw him. Has above average hand size so drops might not be a huge problem in the NFL, but he has had problems.

Speed- Has average speed and is an all right runner once he gets going. Not much burst to his game. Has shown flashes of catching through contact.

YAC- Very tight athlete, but has quick feet and shows good effort.

Fluidity- Extremely stiff in the hips; mostly an upright athlete. Decent ankle flexibility to allow him to break hard and quick.

Ball Skills- Consistent at tracking the ball. Might have some trouble high pointing, but has pretty good concentration.

Blocking- Basically a shield as a blocker. Doesn’t try to drive guys. Very soft in this area.

Toughness- The toughness is there, but he’s not as physical as he could be in some areas, namely blocking and coming off the line in press.

OVERVIEW: Lippett is an interesting prospect in that he’s played both sides of the ball at wide receiver and corner. I think both positions he’d be somewhat limited because of his athleticism and lack of fluidity, but I think that’s more of a problem at corner. At wide receiver, he can still beat guys with his quickness, on double moves with his suddenness, and working through zones. He doesn’t create consistent separation and his hands are a question mark so his ceiling is limited.

THREE WORDS: Lanky, stiff, light-footed

PROJECTION: 5th round