Wide Receiver

Clemson

5-9 186

40 time: 4.28

Draft board overall prospect rank: #119

Draft board wide receiver rank: #14

Overall rating: 65*

            3/23/10: When Jacoby Ford ran the fastest 40 time at the Combine this year, 4.28, naturally, everyone took notice. Possibly what’s more impressive is his amazing 10 yard split time, showing how quickly he can get off the line and into his route. However, aside from speed, he doesn’t bring a ton to the table. However, there are players in the NFL right now that don’t bring a ton to the table except speed and still have a role. Ford is not an overly dominant wide receiver. Back to back 50+ catches seasons is decent, but nothing amazing. If he gets drafted in the first 3 rounds, very likely, it will be for what he can do with the ball in his hands, rather than his elite hands or route running. He is an explosive kick returner, as would be expected with his speed, and he has had some success running the football on end arounds. He has amazing agility and quickness for a receiver and can break a play in the open field and gets a lot of YAC. He really lacks size and almost every cornerback in the NFL is going to be able to muscle him around and get above him for the football and when you combine that with his average hands, he is not going to be the most reliable target to throw to when tightly covered. He may struggle with getting out of the jam at the line of scrimmage in the NFL. In the end, Ford should get drafted in the late 3^rd or early 4^th round range, which is very reasonable for him. He’s not going to be an amazing elite receiver, but I could definitely see him as a versatile slot guy who can help in special teams.

NFL Comparison: Deon Butler

*=For a breakdown of what this means, click here