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Photo of Nate Swift
Grade
?
  • 4.70 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 12 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 35.5 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 110.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 6.78 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.24 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 11.59 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'1" Height
  • 203LBS. Weight

Overview

Many scouts look at Swift on the hoof and say, "This guy's a player?" But it doesn't take much time watching film to see he's more than just another jersey on the field.

He started at least six games in each of his first three seasons in Lincoln, averaging 34 catches, 522 yards and four touchdowns. His game went to another level in 2008, as he was named honorable mention All-Big 12 as a receiver (led Nebraska with 69-941-10) and punt returner (23-296-1).

Swift's reliable hands, consistent routes and sneaky speed could land him on an NFL roster as a rookie. Had an arm span of 30 7/8 inches and a hand span of 9 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Legitimate NFL height with an adequate build. Reliable hands; able to catch the ball away from his body and adjust to poorly thrown balls in any direction. Secures the ball quickly after the catch and gets two hands on it in traffic. Runs crisp routes. Find holes in zone coverage in presents a big target for the quarterback to find. Lines up at X, Y or Z -- or anywhere in between. Used in motion and on crossing patterns; able to shield defenders in man to get first downs. Bounces off arm tackles or body hits downfield, and maintains balance. More elusiveness and agility than you'd expect given his size. Able to make the first man miss with a quick shake on receiver screens or punt returns. Used on reverses; patient runner who can cutback to get additional yardage. Willing blocker downfield who can dominate corners on the edge. Negatives: Hears footsteps over the middle. Must be more consistent high-pointing balls in traffic instead of waiting for them to reach him. Makes a quick move to get off press coverage but lacks the speed to separate downfield. Must prove he can continue to elude quicker defenders at the next level. Lacks the upper-body strength to sustain blocks against NFL linebackers. Diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome (disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system) as a youngster, but has been in remission since middle school with little chance of it returning.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.

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