NFL Draft results 2014: Davante Adams taken by Packers at No. 53
Davante Adams was selected by the Packers in the second round of the NFL Draft. Can the prolific Fresno State product overcome concerns about his speed?
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Wide receiver Davante Adams was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the No. 53 overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft. Adams was ranked No. 53 on SB Nation's top 200 big board, and ninth among all receivers. He trailed players like Sammy Watkins and Brandin Cooks, but was notably ahead of players like Donte Moncrief and Allen Robinson.
While Adams played just two seasons with the Fresno State Bulldogs, his tremendous production in limited time earned him spots on many All-American teams during both his freshman and sophomore seasons. A two-time first-team All-Mountain West Conference selection, Adams set a conference record and finished 16th in FBS history with 38 career touchdown receptions.
Following a redshirt season his first year on campus, Adams burst onto the scene with 102 catches for 1,312 yards in 2012. He put up even more impressive numbers last season, catching 131 passes from Derek Carr for 1,718 yards and a whopping 24 touchdowns. Adams played in a pass-happy offense at Fresno State, but those numbers are impressive regardless of how many times the ball was in the air.
At 6’1 and 212 pounds, Adams isn’t a prototype big receiver, but he’s far from undersized. Many scouts and draft analysts praised him for his above-average hands and his ability to win jump balls. The biggest knock on him is the apparent lack of top-end speed. Since he’s not a burner, getting off the line and creating separation are key, but the ability to beat the jam is a major question, according to a NFL.com scouting report. Regardless, Adams wasn’t highly-productive by luck and his body control and hands should translate well to the next level. He’s only been playing football for five years, possibly giving him a high upside as he continues to learn the nuances of playing receiver.
Combine results
Height: 6’1
Weight: 212 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.56 seconds
Bench press: 14 reps of 225 pounds
Vertical jump: 39.5 inches
Broad jump: 123 inches
20-yard shuttle: 4.30 seconds
3-cone drill: 6.82 seconds
Much of Adams' production has been discounted by experts due to the spread offense led by Derek Carr at Fresno State. A lack of top-end speed was often the criticism levied at Adams, and his 4.56 40-yard dash didn't necessarily silence those critics. However, his huge vertical leap and strong showing in the broad jump and 3-cone drill did impress.
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