The Ideal Prospect Series: Wide Receiver

While people come in all different shapes and sizes, specific football positions have ideal traits. Each position has a range of size and specific tools evaluators key on. However, nothing is set in stone and different systems require different type of players. This series of articles is going to focus on what we look for in an ideal prospect while trying to remain as generic as possible. We always love feedback so be sure to include some things that are important to you.

Position: Wide Receiver

Size:No ideal size due to the different schemes and positions

Weight: Enough bulk to absorb hits and remain healthy

Speed/Quickness: It is important for a wide receiver to get off the ball quickly. He needs to be a 2 stepper with the ability to get to full speed in a hurry. Quickness off the football is more important than long speed as it allows the receiver to get into their route. However, a good receiver can stretch the field and threaten the defense deep. The more speed a receiver has the more defensive attention he will command. In order to consistently game separation, the receiver needs to have good short area quickness.

Hands: The ability to pluck the football out of the air is the most important skill for a wide receiver. The ball should never touch his body only his hands. In order to be effective, the receiver needs to get the ball at its highest point stretching his arms out and plucking the football. A receiver’s concentration and focus helps him become a reliable target and avoid drops.

Routes: A receiver that cannot run clean and crisp routes will never be successful in the NFL. Defensive backs are becoming better and better athletes and often times can out run a receiver. Thus it is important for the receiver to remain balanced and snap his routes. The balance factor is key because it allows the receiver to run his routes at full speed and not gear down to make his cut. Avoiding these wasted motions can be the difference between a completion and an interception. Savvy is an important part of a receiver’s success as it helps decoy the defense. They also need to be able to read a defense and sit into open zones.

Release: Cleaning getting off the line of scrimmage keeps the timing intact between the receiver and quarterback. A receiver needs to be either quick or strong in order avoid a jam. A bigger receiver will use his size and strength to muscle past the defender while smaller players will just lateral quickness to avoid the jam. Whatever tactic is utilized it is crucial for the receiver to maintain timing.

Body Control: A lot of passes are off there mark which is why receivers must have good body control. They need to be able to adjust to poorly thrown balls and change their pad level.

Blocking: Receivers are not expected to be excellent blockers but be willing to be physical. It is often said that long runs are a result of a receiver blocking down field.