At the end of every February, hundreds of NFL coaches, scouts, doctors, and staff members flock to Indianapolis. At the same time, die hard football fans start to show the effects of rookie fever and flock to their TVs to set their DVRs for the NFL Combine.
When you stop to think about it, it really is a strange phenomenon.
We watch these young men run, jump, and lift over and over again. They get measured like prize cattle and prodded by team doctors to see if they fit the bill. The only issue is that no one really knows exactly what to look for in these measurements! Some NFL teams are known to have a strong affinity for one measurement over the others (for example, Oakland and 40 yard dash times) and there are a ton of commonly held beliefs such as quarterbacks needing to be 6’2” or taller to succeed. What exactly does the combine mean to us, the dynasty fantasy footballer? Sure, faster and bigger is better. But the question that I’ve always had is exactly how fast is fast enough? Is it just a fast 40 or do I need to look at cone, shuttle, 10 yard splits, and everything else too?
I decided to delve into these questions by looking at what seems to be one of the most difficult positions to predict for fantasy players and NFL teams – the wide receiver. My goal was to figure out what measurements mean the most and see if there were any trends that might help us increase our odds of getting that next big receiver and lessen the chances of drafting yet another wide receiver bust.
To start this process, I took the top 25 scoring receivers in a PPR format from the 2011 season. I then tracked down as much of their NFL combine (or pro day info when the combine didn’t apply or wasn’t complete) data as possible, so I was comparing pre-draft specs to pre-draft specs. For some of the older players in the top 25 (like Reggie Wayne and Brandon Lloyd), this was a bit more difficult as combine data from 5-10 years ago was a lot more sparse than it is now. Even with that issue, I was able to put together quite the list of data for pretty much all the top 25 in the following measurements:
1.) Height
2.) Relative body size (pounds per inch)
3.) Hand size
4.) 40 yard dash time
5.) Vertical leap
6.) Broad jump
7.) 20 yard shuttle
8.) 3 cone drill
Once I had that list, I was able to find the maximum, minimum, and average for each physical measurement so that I knew what I was looking for in rookie WRs. A rookie receiver who was better than the average of the top 25 was awarded a “point” while a rookie receiver who was below the minimum of the top 25 lost a “point.” If a measurement was between the average and the minimum, no “points” were awarded or deducted. Using this method, I was able to come up with a list of receivers who have the physical tools that are closest to the top 25 WRs from last year, as well as eliminate several receivers who just don’t fit the bill using this data.
The only non-physical trait that I looked at (because I noticed a pattern) was round drafted. Of the top 25, nearly half of them were first round picks. The rest of the rounds, including undrafted receivers, had 2-3 receivers each with the exception of round 5 (no top 25 receivers). Given the disproportionate number of top 25 receivers from the first round, a bonus point was given to receivers taken in the first round of the NFL draft since they seem more likely to make it to that level.
Caveats:
1) There was one top 25 WR that seems to be the exception to everything – Wes Welker. According to the analysis (-3 for a score), he is too small, too slow, and his jumps are way under par, yet he excels in the league. I would like to think of him as the exception that proves the rule. Anyone could be a top 25 WR; however, what are the chances that we will find someone exactly like Wes Welker again? Not very likely.
2) Low scores don’t mean NFL failure, just that they don’t possess the tools to make it to the top 25 level. They could still very productive NFL WRs and worthy of a roster spot. After all, pretty much all fantasy WR3s and flex play guys on most rosters are outside of the top 25 WRs.
3) The combine drills only measure physical skills. I did not look at or consider any of the other things that go into player evaluation such as injury history, character issues, college production, intelligence, work ethic, or situation. You’ll need to use these things to round out your own evaluation.
4) I am NOT guaranteeing the success of a WR with a high score. I am just saying that physically they meet the qualifications of a top 25 WR.
5) Failing in one measurement seems to be okay as 8 of the top 25 were deficient in one area. However, only one top 25 WR was deficient in two areas (aside from Wes Welker), and that was Antonio Brown.
6) In a lot of cases, we are talking about differences of hundredths of seconds. Take all measurements with a grain of salt.
I think that covers it, so now it’s on to the results!
After looking at the top 25 PPR WRs from last year, I found these to be the bare minimum physical requirements. Remember, a WR seems to be able to make up for being deficient in one area; however, those deficient in more than one area aren’t very likely to ever be top 25 WRs.
In order to be a top 25 WR, the numbers show you should meet the following:
Height – At least 71” (5’11”)
Size – At least 2.6 pounds per inch
Hand Size – At least 9”
40 yard dash – Under 4.58 seconds
Vertical Leap – At least 32”
Broad Jump – At least 120” (10 feet)
20 yard shuttle – Under 4.4 seconds
3 cone drill – Under 7.1 seconds
The average of the top 25 WRs is:
Height – 73.25” (6’ 1.25”)
Size – 2.83 lbs/inch
Hand – 9.5”
40 yard dash – 4.47 seconds
Vertical Leap – 36.7 inches
Broad Jump – 124.2 inches (10’ 4.2”)
20 yard shuttle – 4.24 seconds
3 cone drill – 6.96 seconds
Highest scoring WRs in 2012 class (deficient area if any):
7 points – Alshon Jeffery, AJ Jenkins
6 points – Greg Childs, Michael Floyd, Stephen Hill (shuttle), Mohamed Sanu (40 yard)
5 points – Justin Blackmon, Keshawn Martin, Marvin McNutt, DeVier Posey, Tommy Streeter
4 points – Nick Toon, Marvin Jones (vertical), Chris Owusu (hand size), Devon Wylie (Height)
2012 WRs who did not score 4+ and have multiple deficient areas (Very slim chance of being top 25 according to the data):
Kendall Wright (Height, Hand size, 40 time)
TY Hilton – Lowest score of the class at -3
Chris Givens (hand size, jumps)
Travis Benjamin – Second lowest score (height, size, hand size, jumps)
Joe Adams (Height, size)
*Again, not saying they won’t be NFL productive. They just likely won’t be fantasy WR1/2 level productive if history repeats itself.
Highest scoring WRs in 2011 class (deficient area if any):
10 points – Julio Jones
9 points – Jon Baldwin
8 points – AJ Green
7 points – Greg Little
6 points – Greg Salas, Leonard Hankerson (vertical)
5 points – Clyde Gates, Torrey Smith (Hand size)
4 points – Kris Durham (shuttle), Denarius Moore (vertical), Austin Pettis (40 time)
This analysis falls in line with the general idea that last year’s receiver class was truly special at the top end, but there wasn’t a lot of depth. While this year’s group doesn’t have that elite top end group, it does have a very solid group of WRs (11 WRs between 5-7 points in 2012 vs five in 2011). Again, keep in mind, I’m not promising success for those with high point totals as there are a lot of other things that go into the equation such as work ethic, injuries, and situation. I’m just saying that they fit the profile of a top 25 WR.
Just for reference, here are the point totals for the top 25:
10 points – Megatron and Julio Jones
9 points – None
8 points – Roddy White, Larry Fitzgerald, AJ Green
7 points – Dwayne Bowe, Hakeem Nicks
6 points – Victor Cruz, Vincent Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Dez Bryant
5 points – Percy Harvin, Mike Wallace, Greg Jennings, Laurent Robinson
4 points – Reggie Wayne, Brandon Marshall
3 points – Marques Colston, Steve Smith, Stevie Johnson
Under 3 – Jordy Nelson, Antonio Brown, Wes Welker
*Nate Washington and Brandon Lloyd were excluded due to lack of data on them.
After looking at the data, two things stood out to me.
First, the common belief that big guys don’t need to be as fast was not backed up by the analysis. In fact, when looking at the receivers in the top 25 who were 6’2” or more, they were actually slightly faster in the 40 yard dash and cone drill than those under 6’2”. None of the differences between “big” receivers and small ones were significant, aside from the broad jump. Big WRs averaged a full 7 inches more than their smaller counterparts.
Second, I unfortunately wasn’t able to find that one measurement that seems to be more important than the others (though the jumps seem to weed out more people than anything else), but rather a combination of all of them that paves the way to success.
That is it for this study – I hope this profile helps you in your evaluation of rookie receivers so you can find the next great one instead of the next big bust!
- Final 2021 Pre-Draft Rookie Mock: Round Three - April 28, 2021
- Final 2021 Pre-Draft Rookie Mock: Round Two - April 26, 2021
- Final 2021 Pre-Draft Rookie Mock: Round One - April 25, 2021
Good article. What about B. Quick. You seemed to left him out.
I’m interested about Quick being left out too..?
I guess it just seemed odd that you mentioned these guys who scored sub 4 (Kendall Wright, TY Hilton, Chris Givens, Travis Benjamin, Joe Adams) but left Quick out.
I’m also curious about previous season’s top 25.
I think it’s interesting to note that the top25 sub 3 point guys (Jordy Nelson, Antonio Brown, Wes Welker) aren’t the #1 options on their teams. (Possibly Welker)
You feel stupid don’t you
Thanks for clearing that up Jacob, I must say again that this was a wonderful article.
This was truly the best article I have read on rookie WRs.
Agreed. I actually believe this is something an NFL scout would prepare for his boss.
Marvin jones vertical was 33 at the combine. Higher than your minimum but deficient?
great studt, curious about Quick
Just another reason to hype up my guy AJ Jenkins.
There’s been basically no buzzy about him since the draft. Actually, more detractions about him being “over-drafted” or “mired on the depth-chart”, yet he has all the tools in places to be successful. Consider SF allows Crabtree to walk in the offseason (there’s been no talk of any contract extensions past his rookie deal), Moss wins a starting job or fails out and finishes his 1 year pact, and Manningham stays just what Manningham is – a NFL 3rd Wide Receiver and nothing more. There will be room for Jenkins to make a leap into the starting lineup next offseason. He’ll at least be a 3rd WR for them, considering its near impossible to believe all three of Crabtree, Moss and Manningham will carry over as starters onto next year. Thats very unlikely.
Yet no buzz about Jenkins. I dont get it. I got him in the 3rd round in a rookie draft.
i agree. guy gets no love. got drafted in the 1st round by a team that seems to know what they are doing lately. thats good enough for me. also agree that the surrounding options make for easy opportunity for jump to WR1 within a couple years
Jenkins didn’t go til third round in my league also. Has to do with the bad press the niners were producing about him showing up to camp out of shape and not motivated. Most were shocked when the niners took him as soon as they did and felt that he was not a first round receiver.
I took two other receivers (Jeffery and Sanu) while passing on Jenkins. I don’t like his situation or what I have heard so far.
There is definitely buzz about Jenkins….it’s just not positive!
In the hindsight afforded after AJ’s 1st season, is it too early to call Jenkins on the road to being a 1st round bust? Or just a much longer development timeline?
What about Kendall Wright? He clearly plays faster than his timed 4.61 at the combine. He also ran a 4.43 and 4.46 at his pro day so that would go from a -1 to a +1 for him. What would his score be if you gave him the 2 point swing?
I’d also be curious about Rueben Randle’s score as well- any insight there?
So, Last week DLF interviews Josh Norris, who declares Kendall Wright to be his number 1 receiver. This article might be seen as contradicting that enthusiasm. I am on the fence at 1.9….Wright or Jeffrey…I may just flip a coin.
I think SJK’s point just illustrates how tricky projecting top fantasy WRs out of the college ranks can be.
AJ Jenkins (deficiency area); Shi**y quarterback.
That’s the deal right there! I don’t care how high you can jump, if you are on a running team or have bad QB with no hope in sight. I’ll take the guy with smaller hands and a passing factory all day long!
You could say that about a number of guys on the Top 25 last year – Garcon, Bowe, Stevie Johnson, Harvin, to name a few. And Crabtree/Davis seem to be doing okay value wise. Crabtree was just out of the Top 25
To me thats just a statement or excuse, rather than a reason
Well when your team is 31 out of 32 teams when it comes to passing attempts that certainly is going to limit your opportunities which is the point to be made and it is a valid one.
The Vikings had nobody else to throw to except for Harvin. The Bengals had Green and Greisham.
The niners have Davis, Crabtree, Moss and Manningham this year and you can play the “what if” scenario with every team as far as players coming and going. The fact is that right now…..Jenkins is buried on a team that likes to run the ball, throw little and have a bad QB.
Throw in the reports of him showing up to camp out of shape and lacking motivation and that is why I, as well as most others passed on him in the early rounds!
Your statement wouldve made sense if Jenkins was going in the 1st as a high pick but he’s being drafted in the late second. That’s dynasty value and the whole reason for this site.
Another thing is that this is a dynasty for a reason. Some rookies come in and struggle for a year then they get it. It’s not always about who has the best camp immediately after being drafted. Sure it’s a nice bonus, but when I’m drafting WR’s I’m willing to deal with the process of 2-3 years and know full well not everyone will come in tearing it up.
AJ has a lot to be excited about long term. I’m willing to jump on that and give him a mulligan 1st year.
ha!
I vote for seeing Randle’s and Quick’s #’s too. I’m at the bottom of the draft and very interested, since they have decent QB’s. If Alex Smith only throws 16TD’s per year (his 3year avg, & 17 last year), how is 1 one of his WR’s really going to ever be worth a darn. There just aren’t enough to go around.
First of all, Wright Hasnt “played fast”. The defenses merely “played RGIII” and Wright or any other mediocrely-skilled WR flourished in that system. Wright was almost NEVER double covered and the CBs that were covering him had to be mindful of a QB who could beat virtually all of them in a foot race.
2ndly, it’s cold hard stats like these that demonstrate how Julio is truly in the Calvin class versus AJ Green who is great in his own right but just not enough to ever be at the top unless he has an elite QB throwing to him
Julio was a big time prospect, when to a major college program an got drafted within the fist 10 NFL picks.
Anyone who doubts hes a top class receiver talent is just an idiot.
Of course, I’m only making a point of Julio vs. AJG and what puts me over the edge in Julio’s favor.
All I am saying is he clearly doesn’t have 4.6 speed. Thank you for not being helpful though. On your second point I agree about Jones and drafted him #2 overall last season over Green.
maybe he doesn’t have 4.6 speed, it will really be impossible to say now and in the future as at the combine apparently he jumped his arms too quick and set the timer off early and then at his pro day the track is faster and its not in direct comparability to other like the combine.
i was trying to be helpful in the game-sense by saying that he’s never double covered and when you have a running QB and you’re single covered.. ALL WRs do get seperation eventually and ‘look fast’
Look at you, acting like you are entitled to something. He is offering a tool, if the tool isn’t deemed reliable to you. Find another one?
i hope you’re not talking about myself?? lol
this statistical stuff is almost entirely what i believe in and use. i’m thrilled that this article exploded discussion on DLF.
thats the point of the article taken. wr is one of the hardest positions to read. if there is a tool like this to help seperate some of the stats, use it. for me the #1 tool i always use in gauging young wrs progress, is when they get into the game, how many targets are they getting. that to me tells me of the confidence the QB and the OC have in the youngster? that is a proven fact. this tool helps gauge some of the stats before he gets in the game.
You could say that about a number of guys on the Top 25 last year – Garcon, Bowe, Stevie Johnson, Harvin, to name a few. And Crabtree/Davis seem to be doing okay value wise. Crabtree was just out of the Top 25
To me thats just a statement or excuse, rather than a reason
Crabtree will never be an impact fantasy WR.
He was pretty “impactful” down the stretch last year. I’m not a fan of him personally but he almost had 1000 yrds. I think a lit of ff owners would take that
Your talking about a kid who has never taken part in an NFL off-season program(rookie holdout/ankle injury/NFL lockout)with a quarterback who has had 7, count em’, 7 different offensive coordinators in his 7 year career and crabtree just missed the Top-25. my money is on him breaking into top-20 this season
Jon Baldwin = 9. Interesting. He’s got the tools, now just needs to get his act together. Oh, and get a real QB throwing the ball to him. I drafted him in my dynasty league. Let’s see what happens.
Yeah, I was surprised about Baldwin being ranked so high.
I really liked this article. I’d be interesting to expand this in a number of ways. Looking at the top 25 of the last few years could give these results greater predictive accuracy. Looking at WRs often ranked in top 25s, like Harvin, Marshall and Britt, would be interesting as well.
Great job!
I agree as well.
I would be interesting to see which highly touted, high measurable guys like Baldwin flamed out or never reached the potential over the years.
I know this would be a lot of work, but it would be cool if Feldman did this evaluation over the past five WR draft classes just to see which players panned out.
With this post, we already got an idea of the guys who exceeded/met expectations. Would be interesting to the other end. May be too many players to keep track of.
That would be cool
How do Megatron and Jones score a 10? There are 8 categories and +1 for being a first round pick. Am I missing something else?
Thanks. It seems that the information for Arms is not listed in the article. Could we get that information when you have time? Thanks for this great article!
there are a bunch of receivers who come to mind that are physical beasts but didn’t even score 4 points to get included here….got to be an oversight….Maclin, D Thomas, Austin, Britt….none in your top 25? Seems ridiculous….this is good for the rookies and 2011 class but don’t think it is complete at all when looking at total picture….those 4 WR’s I just listed are ALL top 25 IMO and certainly have the measureable’s
I think he meant top 25 statistically last year. Not rankings.
I disagree with you Sean – I think Jacob did exactly what he set out to do – this is a great study, and I would invite you or anyone else to pick up the mantle and compile the 2010 top 25, for instance, or take this beyond the top 25, if you wish – using his formula. Sure, a person could include all 300 or so NFL WRs in this study if they wish, but what’s the point? Then it gets tedious. I prefer concise studies with valuable info like this. -oo-
ok thanks would be great to see how those 4 measured and Andre…think a few of them could be pretty high up there(at least based off what I know about them)…Is D Thomas in Megatron league in these measureables?
This is a Great Article, it really adds a different twist to things when getting ready for the rookie drafts. One of the things that popped in my head was to have this done for RB’s.
Thanks for the article!
If you have enough data would be interesting to see what Andre Johnosn would of scored. Guessing between 8-10. Great article. Hasn’t happened yet but I assume sometime in the near future players grades during caulk sessions with coaches will be available for public viewing. Assume a guy like Welker would be off the charts in this category.
First off, great article.
One question- Before his injury, Greg Childs was highly touted. He ends up slipping in the draft. According to your formula, he grades out better than many WR taken before him (although, he does not grade out elite). Just wanted to hear your general thoughts on him, since many were able to use a later pick on a guy that had been projected to go a lot higher pre-injury. Thanks again. Great read.
I think this is good analysis that identifies the premier prospects. However, I would like to see how the average and minimum statistics of the Top 25 compare to the Top 100 receivers, or even to all active receivers. My guess (and I have no data) is that 95% of receivers in the league are taller than 5’11”, can run a sub 4.6 and can jump higher than 32″. And I bet that if you got the average stats for all receivers in the league, it would look very similar to the average stats of the Top 25.
I know it is hard to determine who is going to excel, but since all these guys are superb athletes and great physical specimens, my guess is that success is more a factor of work ethic, health and confidence… and a good QB also helps.
This is a very interesting take on wrs. I wonder what would happen if u used this formula with TE or Rbs
Also thanks for doing all this work. Great concepts for discusion
Flawless article! This is actually something that I had wanted to work on but wasn’t sure how to accomplish it, nor had the time for. Really appreciate the research and how well put togther it is. This is definitely going to help with my drafts this summer. Somewhat worried about Quick and Randle now.
Thanks for replying and for the additional advice on Quick and Randle. This article is definitely going to be a big help, I had started to warm up to A.J. Jenkins a few days ago, after reading this, I might be full-on conductor of his hype train now!
Yes, get a ticket and get on!
Considering the measurables alone, he’s worth the price to pay for.. I mean what more could u want from a mid to late 2nd rounder. Even if he becomes the next J.Baldwin, people still paid a 1st rounder to get him last year.
Sounds like value to me
Great article. I have always struggled picking rookie wideouts since I managed to pick Marvin Harrison one year. Very interesting read.
Interesting article and an attempt to find meaning out of observable statistical data.
Every such attempt is flawed, as evidenced by non-drafted Jon Baldwin scoring a 9-ponter in the 2011 draft class.
If this analysis were correct, Jon Baldwin would have been drafted….as in big time, by one of 32 NFL teams (MEANING-FULL, observable, statistical data)
i believe he was, by the kansas city chiefs and with bowe having contract problems baldwin could be a huge breakout candidate this year?
Baldwin was drafted by the Chiefs in the first round last year. He slipped or went undrafted in some fantasy leagues because he broke his hand in preseason and was generally acting the fool.
I dug up some info on D Thomas probably would be in the 8 + range …..4.35 40…..6’3 and a half 232 ills bid enough hands has the explosiveness on the jumps only question is quickness in cone drills no idea there but doubt it is a weakness from what I have seen on the field no where can really compare to Megatron as he is a freak of nature but Thomas may be closest thing to him and he’s faster…..people think he is being over valued/drafted and maybe he is but given this guys skills and beastly stats one has to think his upside is IMMENSE…..Manning key if he is good to go entire year I a stat line like 90/1350/13 is very possible with some very long ones in there…..the kid has got the measurables and now has a stud qb….sky’s limit
Great article Jacob. I just traded for both Jenkins and Hill as a result. Hoping the stats hold true for this year’s class, and I’ll be considered ‘genius’ thanks to you! I would also be interested in a similar study for QB, RB, and TE, but I can only imagine the time each takes for you to do. Thanks again.
WOW! I thought everybody knew Baldwin was drafted in the 1st rd. Great Article
Between the article and the reader comments, once again the evidence suggests that this is a pretty bitchin’ site.
i will say that i’m a very firm believer in the players situation over the talent in some instants. take laurent robinson for example; he was just basically a also ran in fantasy football circles till he ended up in dallas last year. now he’s in jax???? you do the math…..he was in a great spot at the right time, he got his payday, but his fantasy production will never be the same.(my opinion, and many others also) so i usually try to find those kind of situations to capatalize on, but this is a great tool to get the measurables on a young wr.
i just read jerry rice’s opinion on the top 6 wrs under 26……dez bryant, percy harvin, antonio brown, aj green, julio jones and victor cruz???? for what its worth.
Jerry rice was a great WR he blows as a analyst and this is just an example of that…..horrible
i said for what is worth. he should know wrs i suspect? any better from you?
Bigd have u heard jerry on ESPN? He sounds like an idiot?….u think those guys are for real trade for them….I don’t ……….maybe I should call myself BigNY and that would make a difference…..that was a VERY weak bunch of the best under 26…..u likely u buy I dont care
i didnt say that jerry was the last and best analyst? i said he should know wrs. i’d trust his opinion on them? these group of 6 ARE the future of the nfl at wr. look where they finished last year and look where they are ranked this year……how can you say this is a weak bunch? yes i would trade for any of them if i could…….the owners wont part with them.!!!!!!! i’m bigD because my name is dave. i’m 6’2″ and 260. i drive truck. if you go by bigNY, hey love it. but if you aint buyin on these 6 as young and upcoming who are you going with? i’d love to know, i could use all the help i can get at this point then if i’m wrong on these guys? damn that jerry rice!
settle down man….wow are you irish? me too, and i love irish ale……..red and strong.
Big d sorry was a little fired up last night….I had just seen a clip with Jerry and he came across sounding moronic….he was one of the best that’s for sure. Just not sold on some of those guys especially cruz…he probably had like 600 of his yards and 3 or 4 TDs on crazy plays that should have never happened……I am a giants fan watched every minute…..he is a nice WR…..maybe even will be a consistent WR2 ….but he is not goimg to be a WR1 last year was an fluky…..
Actually hope he does will be good for my g-men……he is being way overvalued…..UMASS grad and didn’t really even stand out there…..have a good oceans to all yhe fathers out there HAPPY FATHERs DAY
To answer who I would switch out….Maclin for Harvin he is just as explosive has slightly better size and in a MUCH better situation in Philly compared to the Ugly QB situation in Minny…..the headaches with Harvin are also troubling……I easily would out D Thomas above Cruz for reason’s already stated…..this article just adds credence to Thomas if u plug in his numbers…..brown is good but until Wallce moves on he will play second fiddle in a offense that will MAYBE throw 25 TD……maybe desaun Jackson instead?
good points on some good guys. love thomas, but got this gut feeling decker could be the next jordy nelson out there? maclin is interesting for sure. cant stand jackson, and not really high on vick as a #1 qb anymore. he only had 18 tds last year. harvin is the ? in the group no doubt. he did come on strong at the end of the year last season. i capatalized on it and sent him to a viking fan for mcfadden straight up? if dmc stays healthy, i’m gold on that one. this is always my delemia……wrs. happy Fday to you too. try the irish ale mate…..good stuff and it will settle the nerves some, and it will make jerry sound smarter. hahahaha
I love my ale…..I hate Jackson as well….nicks is better one to trade out for brown….nicks is real deal….good stuff Bigd look forward to more debates in the future
How does a WR get 10 points? From what I read I could only see 8 possible category points and 1 additional point for being drafted in the 1st round
Let me clarify des aj and Julio are legit the rest? Questionable…..Cruz? Flash in pan he reverts to a solid number 2 no way he is as good this year…….just my opinion big d can have his own
Great article. It’s a tool like many others, but I like the logical reasoning here.
As for the comment stating, “Between the article and the reader comments, once again the evidence suggests that this is a pretty bitchin’ site.” – I agree that the article is great and the site it bitchen….the comments however. The comments to me illustrate the inability to read, understand the difficulty in the study, and general unwillingness to do work for yourself that is so prevalent today. Truly depressing.
Again, thanks for the article and the thoughtful process that can be applied going forward.
I’m curious what Randall Cobb’s score was, I didn’t see him listed with the 2011 WR’s
I think you should do Lestar Jean. That would be funny compared to the hype he’s getting.
Lestar Jean
6’3″ 215 lbs = good size for an NFL WR
9″ hands = ok but kinda small for his size
33″ arms = good
4.62 forty = pretty good result for his size
14 bench press = decent
37.5 vertical = good
7.45 3cone = slow, super slow in fact. slowest WR last 8+ years
4.43 shuttle = also slow… super slow. Slowest WR in 2011
113″ broad jump = 3rd worst of any WR in 2011
Looks like he lacks explosiveness and really struggles to change direction
So what would Josh Gordon’s score be? He scored above the minimum on every stat I could find, but I couldn’t find a time for shuttle or cone drill… Could you help me out here?
Jacob,
Really nice article. I wish there was more of this stuff out there. By the way, what is your email and/or twitter handle. I can’t find you listed.
Looks like TY Hilton said F*** your stats! 😉
Hey Jacob…have you been introduced to a fairly new way of comparing players called RAS? If you, or anyone else, is interested in learning more about it, then check out the following links:
http://www.prideofdetroit.com/2016/5/10/11634906/athleticism-and-offensive-line-success
One of our writers over at Pride of Detroit (SB Nation), Kent Platte, has been compiling the stats and tweeking his formulas for years to create this new unique and innovative new metric. Think he might be on to something…well worth a look.
Loved this article, any chance you could do something similar for running back measurements?