Vertical target coming off a monster season with several big plays to light up the stat sheet. Bayless struggles with hip sink. His short-area agility severely limits functional separation out of breaks underneath and on intermediate routes. He appeared to flash quality speed on tape, but scouts aren't sure he has true top speed to become a vertical threat as a pro. He's athletic in the air, but needs to play tougher/stronger both through the route and on 50/50 balls. He might get a shot to prove himself as a later-round pick if he runs well.
Without question, Merritt is one of the most athletic and explosive receivers in this draft. He won the SPARQ national title in high school in 2014, was a 100- and 200-meter sprinter in high school, ran track at Oregon and can easily bound over 40 inches in the vertical leap. For all his physical prowess, he doesn't impose his explosiveness on opponents often enough. The ball skills are impressive, but the route running needs work. The play traits and athleticism would usually be enough for him to land on Day 3, but character concerns in his background could keep him from being picked.
