Detroit Lions 2014 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Jarvis Landry
Sep 21, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) carries the ball in front of Auburn Tigers defensive back Robenson Therezie (27) in the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Auburn 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
The SideLion Report Detroit Lions NFL Draft Prospect Profile series gives an in-depth scouting analysis of college football players who could be on the Detroit Lions’ radar this spring.
Over the last several weeks, we’ve examined numerous first round candidates for the Lions. As the draft inches closer, SideLion Report will highlight prospects the franchise may be considering in the second round.
If the Lions don’t opt for a receiver in the first round, there will be numerous quality prospects to choose from on day two. One such candidate is Jarvis Landry from LSU.
After viewing three games (TCU, Alabama, Florida), I gave Landry a 6.7 grade (late second, early third).
Here’s an excerpt from his scouting report:
Jarvis Landry – Wide Receiver – LSU
Height: 5114 Weight: 205 40 Time: 4.77
NFL Comparison: Hines Ward
Strong Points:
Solid frame. Smooth athlete with fluid change of direction and good short area quickness. Strong hands to pluck and run in stride. Refined, savvy route runner. Outstanding body control to adjust and catch off-target throws. Exceptional blocker. Tough and willing to work in traffic. Fights hard for tough YAC. Highly competitive.
Weak Points:
Shorter than ideal and does not have the vertical to compensate. Lacks elite speed, which limits him schematically. Doesn’t have the speed to stretch the field vertically or be a big play threat after catch. Lacks explosiveness in and out of breaks and will struggle separating vs. quick-twitch defenders.
Summary:
Landry, a former five star recruit, played in 40 games with 12 starts during three years at LSU. He finished his career with 137 catches for 1,809 yards and 15 touchdowns, the bulk of which came during his junior season. Landry has experience lining up both inside and out, but his lack of elite athletic traits probably limits him to slot (“Y”) responsibilities at the next level, as he simply does not have the speed to stretch the field vertically. A refined route runner, Landry has a natural feel for knowing how to set up defenders and stem routes to beat zone coverage on short/intermediate routes. He has quick, strong hands and is adept at reaching out and plucking the ball away from his frame on the run, also exhibiting outstanding body control to adjust to off-target passes. Not a big play threat with the ball in his hands, Landry is at his best working underneath drags and crossers, as he is willing to take the big hit and hold on to the ball. His exceptional blocking skills allow him to extend plays downfield. Overall, Landry’s athletic limitations will cause him to get pushed down draft boards, but his sure hands, competitiveness and smarts will make him a reliable ‘move the chains’ option at the next level. Late second/early third round, number three possession/slot receiver who has the potential to outplay his draft status.
He didn’t test well at the combine and his pro day wasn’t much better, but I would turn in the card for Landry without hesitation in the second round. Plain and simple – the kid is a football player and the Lions could use more players with his moxie.
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