Photo of Tajae Sharpe
Grade
5.42 ?
  • 4.55 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 11 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 33.5 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 114.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 6'2" Height
  • 32 1/4" Arm Length
  • 194LBS. Weight
  • 8 3/8" Hands

Overview

This tall, lean receiver presents problems for defenses on short, intermediate, and deep routes. The two-time first-team All-MAC pick caught 85 passes for 1,281 yards and seven touchdowns in his junior year, setting up big expectations for 2015. He exceeded those expectations, winning second team All-American honors from the Walter Camp Foundation by leading the nation with 9.3 receptions per game (total of 111) and ranking sixth in yards per game (109.9-yard average). Sharpe also finished his career catching a pass in every game he played for the Minutemen.

Analysis

Strengths

Has staccato footwork that works in his favor. Able to shake press coverage and get into routes quickly. Gets to top speed quickly. Plus route-­runner with athleticism to sink hips and break routes off sharply. Can stutter, shift and sell complex routes to create doubt in cornerbacks. Worked outside and from slot and hit on almost the entire route tree. Reliable target who drew double teams. Scouts love his humble personality and eagerness to take coaching and get better. Supple hands are automatic when he has room to catch it. Has improved football IQ under current head coach and former NFL coach, Mark Whipple.

Weaknesses

Narrow frame needs more muscle and overall play strength. Without a clean release, can be slowed or completely redirected by press. Average in contested catch situations. Needs to get better at using body effectively to shield the catch and create space. Long speed not overly threatening. Can't break tackles to maximize run after catch potential.

Sources Tell Us

"I'll bet he steals the show in Shrine Game practices because he's got such great hands and he's so meticulous with his routes. He'll win one-­on-­one battles all day long in those settings." --­ NFC East area scout

NFL Comparison

Devin Street

Bottom Line

Sharpe is the most productive receiver to come out of UMass, and as a receiver who turned 21 in December, it is conceivable that he could still be filling out his long frame. Sharpe has the athleticism, hands and feel for space to work from the slot and the size and route acumen to work outside. It might take a year, but he has the talent and football character to become a productive NFL receiver.
-Lance Zierlein
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.