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Scouting Report
Crabtree is a superb physical specimen, if lacking some of the ideal height that some NFL teams look for. He's got long arms, and huge hands to make up for that. His speed, while not elite, is deceptive and is faster on the field than in shorts. He's got a real physical nature about him, and although he doesn't always get clear separation from the defender, he's got excellent body control, and the power to win the ball. One he has the ball in his hands he's very good after the catch, finding good angles and making players miss. He, like so many great college wide outs, have a supreme confidence in his abilities, and an air about him, that he can win every play against anyone. One thing that has always stood out when watching Crabtree is what he does the first couple of seconds after the snap. He uses his hands very well, and gets off the line quickly and with aggression. He's been incredibly productive in college, although many say that has much to do with the Red Raiders offense.
Draft Status
This is the $8 or $9 million question. At one point, Crabtree was a top 3 or 4 pick lock, but concerns about his foot and any lingering effects, could drive him out of the top 10, which would cost him a ton of money in his rookie deal. I still think Crabtree is one of the 5 best players in this draft, and some team in that top 6-8 teams will take a shot at him being healthy, because even if he does have to heal up his rookie year, before he's full strength his talent cannot be denied. I look for Cinci to bring him in, if he makes it to them.
Final analysis
Coming soon...
Reminds me of: Anquan Boldin
Physically almost clones of one another. Both very physical wide outs who work hard to get the ball, struggle at times to get separation, and can really make magic happen once it's in their hands. Good leapers with excellent ball skills, and a supreme motivation to be great. If whoever drafts Crabtree can get a player the level of Boldin, they should count themselves lucky.
Red Flags: Injury
Scouting Report written by Curtis Popejoy |
