Rice wide receiver Jarett Dillard has found a way to beat his opponents to the ball, despite his 5-foot-10 stature. Jump over them.
Dillard enters the 2009 NFL Draft with the best vertical leap of any player, proving it in film and at the combine with a 42.5 inch jump.
But even with a play style reminiscent of Panthers WR Steve Smith, Dillard has a ways to go toward proving he can make it in the NFL.
To continue...
Strengths
Dillard dominated in college. He finished his college career with 4,138 yards and 60 touchdowns (21, 14 and 20 his final three years respectively). He did all this at a school not known for its offense.
And he did it with more than just a crazy vertical. Dillard enters the draft with unparalleled route-running ability and hands.
He comes in and out of his cuts as fast as any player, making him a dangerous option out of the slot, but his ability to go up and get the ball at its highest point should make him a great option split out wide as well.
Weaknesses
It's all about size and speed with him. He entered college at 145 pounds, gaining about 45 pounds in four years. It shows his work ethic to continue building muscle, but at 5-foot-10, 191 pounds, he's still very small.
While most pro prospects with his size combine their small stature with blazing speed, Dillard has only average speed. He won't outrun too many people in the NFL, clocking in at 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine.
He also faired poorly in the 20-yard shuttle and the 3-cone drill, finishing in the bottom half of receivers in both and calling into question his overall athletic ability.
How does he fit in Seattle?
Dillard seems to be a perfect fit for a West Coast style offense. With his near perfect routes and hands of glue, he should have no problem getting separation in the first 10-15 yards.
While he doesn't quite have the size or game-breaking ability you'd like to see, his game heavily favors that of Deion Branch, who's been very effective for Seattle when healthy.
Dillard could eventually provide a replacement, should Seattle choose to part with the oft-injured Branch.
Draft position
On the surface, Dillard is a seventh round to undrafted type prospect. But someone will take a chance on him much earlier, banking that his route-running and quickness will be enough.
On tape, Dillard shows he has game speed, a combination of his overall quickness and his knowledge of the game, allowing him to break down a play quicker than his opponent.
He'll get drafted in rounds three or four, and should Seattle not go receiver early in the draft, he may be too good to pass up if available at the top of the fourth round.
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
