Detroit Lions 2014 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Davante Adams
Nov 23, 2013; Fresno, CA, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs wide receiver Davante Adams (15) looks to elude New Mexico Lobos defensive back Tim Foley (14) after making a catch in the second quarter at Bulldog Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The SideLion Report NFL Draft Prospect Profile series gives an in-depth scouting analysis of college football players who could be on the Lions’ radar this spring.
Over the last several weeks, we’ve examined numerous first round candidates for the Lions. As we inch closer to the draft, SideLion Report will highlight prospects the franchise may be looking at in the second round.
It’s no secret the Lions’ are enamored with the thought of adding elite prospect Sammy Watkins to the offense, and there are strong opinions on both sides regarding whether or not they should pay the price necessary to do so. What does not seem up for debate is that the Lions will look to add another receiver early in the draft. One such possibility, as suggested in Todd McShay’s most recent mock draft, is Fresno State’s Davante Adams.
After viewing three games (Boise State, Utah State, USC) I gave Adams a 6.8 grade (mid second round).
Davante Adams – WR – Fresno State
Height: 6007 Weight: 212 40 Time: 4.56
NFL Comparison: DeAndre Hopkins
Strong Points:
Good height and weight. Uses size well to shield defenders. Physical – willing to lower shoulder and fight hard for YAC. Outstanding body control – can adjust to catch off target throws. Excellent vertical to highpoint the 50-50 ball down field. Possesses natural run instincts – works well off blocks and can make defenders miss in space. Explosive – accelerates to top speed quickly off plant foot. Beats press with quick head/body fake and knows how to set up defenders. Reaches out and plucks ball away from his frame. Excellent college production
Weak Points:
Needs to get stronger – can be outmuscled by physical cornerbacks. Route running lacks crispness and needs refinement. Will allow some balls to get inside his frame. Has a tendency to turn and run before securing the catch. Double steps his release. Average to below average effort as a blocker.
Summary:
A good-sized, ultra-productive prospect, Adams possesses the necessary tools to start at the next level. However, there are certain aspects of his game that warrant development. Overall, he has very good hands, though will cradle catch on occasion and needs to be more consistent in terms of securing the ball before turning up field. Adams’ timed speed is average (4.56), but he showcases the ability on tape to stretch the field vertically and is at his best on Flag, Post and 9 routes where he can utilize his outstanding body control and vertical to win on jump balls. He exhibits the ability to consistently beat press with quick head/body fakes/jab steps, though he lacks sharpness into and out of his breaks and can struggle separating on underneath routes. Perhaps most impressive is his RAC ability in space – Adams showcases nice run instincts, utilizing vision, agility and balance to consistently make defenders miss. His effort as a blocker needs to be much more consistent. Mid second round, number two X receiver with starter tools and upside, but there are facets of his game that warrant improvement for him to realize his full potential.
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