WO42
Jalen Saunders
WR Oklahoma
Grade
5.22
?
4.44 SEC
Top Performer34.0 INCH
Top Performer122.0 INCH
Top Performer
- 5'9" Height
- 30" Arm Length
- 165LBS. Weight
- 8 7/8" Hands
Overview
2013: Second-team All-Big 12 selection. Started in 13 games. 2012: First season at Oklahoma after transferring once Tim Deruyter replaced Pat Hill at Fresno State. Played in nine games with eight starts after becoming eligible midway through the season. 2011: First-team All-WAC pick after playing in 13 games with eight starts. Led the WAC with 12 touchdown receptions. 2010: Played in 13 games with one start.
Analysis
Strengths
Light on his feet with a fluid stride. Good balance and body control. Nifty, conscientious route runner. Has speed and twitch to separate vs. man coverage -- sinks his hips with ease and pops out of breaks. Quick, soft hands. Slippery after the catch. Eludes the first tackler and can turn a short throw into a long gain if he gets a step. Three punt-return TDs in 25 returns at OU -- eludes the first wave, runs to daylight and can take it the distance.
Weaknesses
Marginal size. Cannot play outside -- is easily knocked off course and needs a free release. Lets throws into his body. Small catch radius. Lacks elite top-end vertical speed, especially for his size (averaged just 12.0 yards per catch as a senior). Outmuscled in a crowd. Limited run strength. Lets throws into his body. Weak blocker -- gets ragdolled outside. Durability could be a concern -- is not built to take a pounding.
Draft Projection
Rounds 5-6
Bottom Line
A Fresno State transfer, Saunders is a lightweight, quicker-than-fast, competitive slot receiver and punt returner. Will always have size limitations, but has the hands, suddenness, polish and moxie to be a useful piece for a creative offensive coordinator able to free him up. Return ability adds to value.
-Nolan Nawrocki
C
| Grade |
Title |
| 9.00-10 |
Once-in-lifetime player |
| 8.00-8.99 |
Perennial All-Pro |
| 7.50-7.99 |
Future All-Pro |
| 7.00-7.49 |
Pro Bowl-caliber player |
| 6.50-6.99 |
Chance to become Pro Bowl-caliber player |
| 6.00-6.49 |
Should become instant starter |
| 5.50-5.99 |
Chance to become NFL starter |
| 5.20-5.49 |
NFL backup or special teams potential |
| 5.01-5.19 |
Better-than-average chance to make NFL roster |
| 5.00 |
50-50 Chance to make NFL roster |
| 4.75-4.99 |
Should be in an NFL training camp |
| 4.50-4.74 |
Chance to be in an NFL training camp |
| No Grade |
Likely needs time in developmental league. |
