The player I saw in a few B1G games this year is a pretty good prospect. You can't teach speed- but you can teach route running.
Sounds like our GM in training really likes him. From Optimistic Bob's summary:
Made All-Big Ten second team. “Big, strong guy,” said Eliot Wolf, the team’s director of football operations. “Excellent hands. Good speed. He plays much faster than the 4.5.” Finished with 141 receptions for 2,344 (16.6) and 20 TDs. “Really confident player,” Wolf said. “Sometimes with guys that don’t get invited to the combine you don’t always see that. I thought he was a player from day one.”
ChilliJon posted:Usually best to trust what Ted sees when it comes to WR.
This.
I think the last time Thompson cut a rookie that had be drafted in the first five rounds was back in 2009. I would say this pick was a hard one to figure out, but I've just come to accept that Thompson drafts 40-times and 3-cone drill results these days.
I think they hoped, with his size and frame, that he would be a physical receiver with speed. Just never clicked upstairs I guess. Worth the gamble because he could be another Ty Montgomery if it ever clicks.
Hate to see a 5th rounder get cut this fast. Wasted pick. But it's hard to argue with it either. Things never clicked with the guy. Maybe some time on the PS helps.