Davante Adams’ reputation precedes him. How can it not when the Fresno State redshirt sophomore receiver led the nation in both receptions (131), receiving yards (1,719), and touchdown catches (24) this past season?
Still, with the 21-year-old, 6-foot-2, 216 pound rugged wideout having recently declared for the upcoming NFL draft, some scouts are yet wondering just what to make of the two-time All-American, All-WAC Conference performer as it relates to the next level.
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Those who know Adams best seem to think there lies a simple, though provocative response. NFL media draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah compares Adams to emerging San Diego Chargers rookie wideout Keenan Allen, adding he has great body control and uses his strength to do a more than adequate job of run blocking and serve as a pass option on screen passes.
But like Allen, there are questions about Adams’ speed, as he’s averaged out at roughly 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, though some scouts insist his stride and size often times make it appear as if he is moving at a much faster pace.
There are also some concerns about the routes, or lack of them, Adams was asked to run as part of the high-powered Fresno State offense. NationalFootballPost. com notes he ran primarily bubble screens, go routes, and comebacks this season. But in the end, production is production, and over the last two seasons no one has produced nearly as much as Adams has.
On the heels of his most recent record-setting season, in 2012 he caught 102 passes for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns. “What he does do is use his size and body very well,” FootballPost added. “He has great length and a huge receiving radius. He has the strength to shield defenders and the jumping ability to go up and get it.”
In a draft some are predicting could see as many as eight receivers tabbed in the first round, the consensus is Adams will be selected somewhere between the middle of the first round to early in the second.
“Adams is still a raw work in progress, opines FootballPost. “He hasn’t begun to reach the level of receiver he can be. It’s all in front of him, and he has the physical traits to become an excellent NFL receiver.
In a statement released by the school Adams reflected “I felt that this was a good time for me to take the next step. I felt that I have done all that I can do and I felt like it was a good move to make going out on a good note because you never know returning and then maybe your stock can be dropped.”
