Scouting report: Jeremy Maclin

6’1, 200 pounds | Missouri | Wide receiver
Strengths: If a team is looking for an explosive deep threat, Maclin is about as good of a bet as there is in this draft. He uses his speed and quickness to beat jams at the line and create separation. Can take it to the end zone on any possession. Incredible vision when he as the ball in his hands. Elusive and slippery. Maclin can stop and start to shake defenders and juke around them in the open field. Routinely catches the ball with his hands. Improved his hands from his freshman to sophomore season. Maclin also has some toughness to him, which a lot of people don’t recognize. He’ll go over the middle and doesn’t mind blocking down on run plays.
Probably the best return man in this class. Will immediately contribute returning punts and kicks. Also a serious threat on gadget plays running the ball. In two years, Maclin had 91 rushes for 694 yards and six touchdowns.
Weaknesses: Quite raw as a route runner. Rounds off his cuts and isn’t as quick out of them as he should be. Too often looks to run after the catch. Because of Missouri’s offense, he didn’t have to run a lot of NFL routes. Used mostly on quick slants and vertical routes. Can he run the comeback? Probably not the best red zone option. Played in a wide-open spread which increased his touches, especially considering he’s probably the only NFL wide receiver on the offense. Although it seemingly didn’t slow him at all, Maclin suffered a serious knee injury in 2006, which forced him to redshirt.
Final word: Maclin is about as explosive of a player as there is in this year’s draft. He’s gotten much stronger since arriving at Missouri, which helped make him an elite prospect. His history as a receiver is what separates him from Percy Harvin of Florida. Named a two-time All American. Finished his two-year career with 182 receptions for 2,315 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Round projection: 1