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Scouting Report-LaFell is another wide out that as I watch him play, his chances are a bit limited so he's tough to guage. He was plagued by inconsistent quarterback play as well as playing as part of a crowded wide receiver unit. Physically he's got great no.1 size with a long body and very fit. What you can see when you watch LaFell play is that he is a natural wide out with some serious God given talent. This may sound odd because it's backwards of what I usually say, but he's a pure football player and less athlete. By this I mean he's not a bruner and won't beat a lot of corners deep, and the technical side of his game needs a lot of work. He's slow out of his breaks, and overall his routes lack a lot of polish. What he does have is the ability to go up and get the football, use his frame to block out defenders and has shown a nice knack for being able to make the catch when his team needs it most. Should be great to move the chains.
Draft Status-LaFell should be able to find his way into the 2nd round this year, mainly due to the fact that in most cases wide outs are over valued, and a high upside player like LaFell, even one that is this raw will be tempting to teams.
Final Analysis-LaFell has a lot of things to really like about his game. You love the things like his size and his strength and his competitive nature. You love how even with a questionable quarterback situation, he was still very productive in a talented SEC. And you have to love his upside. But on the other side, if you are a football fan who loves seeing their wideouts beat corners with crisp routes and elite top end speed, making catches and running, then LaFell isn't your guy. He doesn't have enough speed to get past corners, and doesn't run good enough routes to fool them. But in a jump ball, he'll be your guy, and for the tough yards in press man, he'll make plays.
Reminds me of:Dwayne Bowe, WR Kansas City Chiefs-I know that was to cliche' but he's a lot like him. LaFell is a little smaller, but in terms of style of play and potential both postiive and negative, both players are a lot alike.
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Scouting Report written by Curt Popejoy |
