Offers up a quality ratio of size, speed and quickness. Long-strider who can eat into cushion on vertical routes. Plays with consistent level of confidence. Showed off his competitive nature and held his own against four cornerbacks who should go in the first two days in Kevin King, Sidney Jones (Washington), Adoree Jackson (USC) and Chidobe Awuzie (Colorado). Better-than-expected play strength and quality hand fighting help him clear press coverage. Works to stack corners when he gets on top of them. Impressive catch radius extends in all directions outside of his frame. Able to finish catches with corners draped on top of him. Brings some attitude to the field as a blocker and can be effective in that capacity.
Weaknesses
He's been a factory of injuries over his three seasons at Utah, missing 17 games. Saw limited route tree and was primarily a vertical threat with slants mixed in. Routes lack smoothness. Will need working setting up his breaks and stems. Tape speed doesn't always match his timed speed (4.47). Needs runway to build-up his speed. Struggled to find necessary vertical separation to open throwing windows against talented trail coverage from Kevin King and Sidney Jones. Shows inconsistent focus when working over the middle leading to some drops. Defaults to body catching.
Draft Projection
Round 6-7
Bottom Line
Patrick is a size-speed prospect with vertical ability and above average play strength who plays with a competitive spirit. Utah asked him to get deep and make contested catches underneath so he will have to prove that can operate on the intermediate level. Durability concerns could cause him to fall out of the draft. Patrick's size, tape and workout give him a shot to make the back end of an NFL roster in the future.
-Lance Zierlein
