Scouting report: Brandon Gibson

6’1, 200 pounds | Washington State | Wide receiver
Strengths: Known to have great work ethic. Continued to compete hard as a senior even as Washington State struggled and Gibson continually faced double teams or bracket coverage. Willing to go over the middle to make a play on the ball. Competes for the ball in the traffic very well. Does a good job adjusting to the ball in the air and making a play on poor passes. Catches the ball consistently at its highest point. Maintains good concentration when the ball is coming from over his shoulder and he knows a defender is bearing down on him. While Gibson is not the best blocker around, he gives a good effort. Strong enough to hold up a block for more than just a brief period of time.

Weaknesses: Only average hands. Had some struggles early during the 2008 season with dropped passes. Takes a while to get up to speed. Has a hard time breaking away in the open field. Could do a better job finding a hole in a zone and sitting in it. Below-average quickness and agility for a receiver. Not very slippery after the catch, Gibson won’t make many defenders miss on tackles. Has never gotten many yards after the catch. Benefited from playing Washington State’s spread, particularly his first three years with Alex Brink as his quarterback. Doesn’t have great agility or quick-twitch muscles. While Gibson has been mostly healthy his entire college career, he’s had some injuries linger on him.
Final word: Gibson opted to return for his senior season after considering the NFL following a productive junior season. Worked with Washington State’s younger receivers as a senior. Started more than 30 games during his career. Learned a more complex, no-huddle offense as a senior after playing his first three years in a standard spread. Production dipped greatly from his junior to senior season. Gibson finished his career as the Cougars’ all-time receiving yardage leader with 2,756 yards.
Round projection: 5