From now until the 2020 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#1 KJ Hamler/WR Penn State – 5’8/5 178
The Good
– Game-breaking player, dynamic in the open field and routinely the fastest player on the field
– Great burst off the line, elite stop/start ability
– Strong route runner who creates space at top of route, uses head fakes and setups to lie to defenders, threatens vertical and gets on CBs toes to win underneath
– Tracks and adjusts to the ball in the air well
– Shows effort as a blocker, even if size hurts him
– Some versatility, played inside and out (mostly in the slot), used as bit-piece in run game on jet sweeps
– Big-play ability reflected in stats and production
– Experience in kick and punt return game with moderate production
– Young, developing player with room to grow
– Good hand size despite small frame (9 3/8 inches)
The Bad
– Small, slight frame without much muscle
– Size will create obvious durability concerns
– Struggles in contested situations and jump balls, too many drops and hands are below average, body catches too often and bobbles some grabs he should make with ease
– Didn’t have to face much press but likely will struggle in NFL with releases and had more issues as a route runner when faced with any type of physicality
– Predictably overpowered as a blocker and offers little in functional strength, though shows effort and works hard
– Production was good not great, more limited body of work as a two-year player
Bio
– 26 career starts
– Redshirt sophomore, only 20 years old (turns 21 in July)
– Career: 98 receptions, 1658 yards (16.