Wide Receiver
Pittsburgh
6-1 226
40 time: 4.40
Draft board overall prospect rank: #123
Draft board wide receiver rank: #15
Overall rating: 64*
4/1/10: Dorin Dickerson is possibly the most puzzling NFL Draft prospect of this year, and, for that reason, also the most interesting. He played pretty much every position on the field for Pittsburgh playing linebacker, fullback, tight end, and wide receiver. He also operated the scoreboard, served as assistant coach, was the mascot, and worked the hot dog stand but I don’t think he projects long term at any of those positions on a professional level. In all seriousness, Dickerson has played a ton of positions. However, after measuring in at 6-1 226 at the Combine, he wasn’t going to be big enough to play any of those positions in the NFL, with the exception of wide receiver, where he spent the least amount of time. There were also major concerns about his speed. He had talent, making the All-American team as a tight end in 2009, but there were major questions about his position and, consequently, whether or not he’d be drafted. After running a 4.40 at 6-1 226, he got rid of concerns about his speed. He didn’t look that fast on tape last year, though I knew he was fast for a tight end, which is a bit concerning, maybe he has good track speed and not good football speed, but that definitely showed his athleticism and his ability to play wide receiver longterm. He definitely has the hands to do so, catching 49 passes for 529 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, all the while playing in a Pro Style offense, and running Pro Style routes, but he’s certainly a project. He’ll probably be taken in the 3rd or 4th round range by some time who can afford to waste a pick on a possible future special teamer, but he can be a very dangerous offensive weapon at wide receiver in the future if he can convert to the position easily. He’s a very underrated blocker and an amazing blocker for his size so he’ll have a role on special teams early and as a depth receiver, on run plays, but I am optimistic about his upside.
NFL Comparison: Robert Ferguson
*=For a breakdown of what this means, click here
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