Photo of Jalen Saunders
Grade
5.22 ?
  • 4.44 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 34.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 122.0 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.