I_am_1z wrote:ChrisPozz wrote:Since I have been and will continue to be all about adding more size monsters to the 49ers roster for the foreseeable future, one of my next targets I could see wanting to add is New Mexico State WR Jaleel Scott. My thoughts:
He's a junior college transfer. Very good size (listed at 6'6/215 lbs.). Uses his size well to go up and get the ball, showing the ability to track the ball and box out his man, and is good at the catch point overall. Shields the ball from the defender with his body consistently. Maybe made the catch of the year this year vs. Arizona State (not going to post it for now). What I like above all else is that he moves extremely well for his size and it is what separates him from most bigger receivers. He borders on special movement skills. Has good fakes and is better than most bigger receivers in his route running ability because of his quickness for his size. Plus production against good teams and hasn't just beat up on the little guys. Midway through the year he was leading FBS in catches 20+ yards down the field. He had 5 drops on 67 catch-able passes this year which isn't a great number. Could stand to gain some NFL weight and needs better development beating press coverage. He's one of my favorite receivers in this draft. Day 2 target if the interviews are good.
He will be at the Senior Bowl this next week. Check him out if you haven't already.
The one year wonder thing doesn't scare you, Pozz? He definitely impressed this year, but last year I thought NMSU had WRs they found in the parking lot before the game. Hogan was their best WR in 2016 and Hogan is trash. I'd say odds are low he'd be able to make another jump in the pros to compete for a starting position. He's rosterable but I think it's just that this is a boring year at WR that's getting you overly excited.
Scare? Not really. It'll be a part of his transition process but it doesn't scare me. I'm not guaranteeing anything with him. Would it put me into the scared category if I told people he was going to be an all-pro year in and year out? Yeah, then I might step back a day later and worry about eating those words.
Is it concerning there isn't more than just the one year to look at for the production? Sure. But as I said I really like a bunch of the physical abilities he brings to the table and I could see many of them translating well to the pro game if the head stuff is there because of his rare movement skills at that size. For that reason, if the head stuff checks out, and that's a BIG ask a lot of times, I really like where I believe his floor would be developmentally. If he's coach able and consistent personality wise on and off the field, I really like where his ceiling could be set in the right spot.
If he hits on that stuff he has one of the best ceilings in this class IMO. I would not RULE OUT number one option with him. But again no guarantees. Not right now. Would I guarantee it? No. I don't throw that stuff around lightly. It's possible I do more digging and don't like some of the off the field stuff with him but I love where I see his floor being if the other stuff checks out but that'll be a big ask like I said.
For the 49ers specifically he makes more sense because of that size and those movement abilities. He's a good fit for them in those areas. He's what they need to add a ton more of if this Jimmy G. stuff is going to get off the ground...or go higher than where people already have it IMO. I'm far more specific this go around with this coaching staff and with this QB that I want to see added to the roster and that kid has many of the things I want added.
As far as this WR roster class. I am not in love with the top end but it has a quite a few fun projects who could surpass expectations IMO. I could take a bunch of them and tell you I will guarantee you that you'll get this and this out of this guy but whether or not he puts it altogether is another story and largely will come down to system fit and the people around him. That makes for a somewhat uneasy class and maybe even a bit of a down year with the class. A bunch of guys this year are really easy to peg what certain characteristics you WILL DEFINITELY get out of them but whether or not they become a well-rounded, finished product and surpass the expectations will vary from guy to guy and you just have to dig in and find what guys are for you IMO.
You'll like this more maybe. I'm also a semi big to big fan of
Penn State WR DaeSean Hamilton for similar, albeit not quite the same reasons. Similar to Jaleel Scott where he's very good at the jump ball. He also has good tracking ability and good hands. I see good catch range like Scott - high, low, back shoulder and under throws. Not quite the drop rate I don't believe. Very good transitions at the top of his route and shows a great ability to plant and use his head to fake out the defender like Scott. Might be one of the best route runners overall in this class. Hamilton probably/possibly beats Scott out here because Scott still needs to work on getting off the line with less difficulty and more consistency. DH doesn't quite have the size Scott does obviously and doesn't quite give you the size monster feature but Hamilton plays bigger than his listed size right now I think and might be further along developmentally.
