Day 2
K.J. Hamler | Penn State
Size: 5’9″, 179 lbs.
There are obvious limitations in the size department. There’s no lack of want to in his game, but his physical ceiling is evident. He does have some room to add weight to his frame. He’s actually got some pretty impressive contact balance for a guy his size.
Speed: Check. Hamler’s lateral quickness is unmatched. His initial burst is lightning quick. There are some questions about his long speed, but he had no trouble separating in college. I don’t think he’s quite as fast as Reagor or Ruggs, but it will be an exciting 40 yard dash.
YAC and route running: He’s the one receiver in the class that may be able to out-slippery Jalen Reagor. Hamler probably has the most exciting highlight reel of any of the guys mentioned in this article, but I suppose that depends on what you’re into. The herky-jerky movements he uses to create false steps are brilliant and he has the quickness and wherewithal to capitalize. As a route runner, he is very smooth and offers a lot in the way of diversity. He also shows an impressive understanding for when and where to break his route off — not just all speed, this guy.
Scheme fit: I mean . . . it’s almost too easy. The Eagles keep him in state and add another electric playmaker to their roster. The team took two Penn State guys last year and have shown a predisposition to certain schools in the past — perhaps Hamler is another name to add to that list. He can slide right in at the slot position.
Where I mentioned that the Eagles have had trouble manufacturing touches for YAC specialists, I don’t feel Hamler poses the same problem. He runs a diverse selection of routes and made a living turning simple pitch-and-catches into big gains. He doesn’t mind going over the middle and has good tracking ability when releasing vertically. I think his versatility means you don’t have to try so hard to manufacture touches for him. He reminds me a lot of Miles Sanders, just at a different position.
Brandon Aiyuk | Arizona State
Size: 6’0″, 201 lbs.
Aiyuk lacks some length, but has a solid frame that will transition well to the pros. He’s tough and has a body that can take a few hits and keep trucking.
Speed: He’s above average in both lateral quickness and top end speed. He really kicks into a new gear with the ball in his hands and is hard to catch once he hits his stride. Aiyuk also has a knack for finding green grass and is a constant home run threat in a multitude of ways.
YAC and route running: Aiyuk shows some proficiency in running routes so long as he’s not interrupted by strong press coverage. However, there is some room for growth in this area and his routes are not refined. He has the talent to move around the formation and run routes out of the slot or on the outside. After the catch is where he really shines. He’s creative, twitchy and has a real burst when allowed a yard of open space. He may find it differently than speedsters like Hamler and Reagor, but he’s no less of a danger with the ball in his hands.
Scheme fit: With a few years to learn the system, Aiyuk could be a great fit for Doug Pederson’s offense. He’s a good candidate for a large slot receiver that can hurt you after the catch. Of course, that’s what we thought of Golden Tate, who offers a lot of the same traits as Aiyuk. I think the rookie offers a bit more speed and outside versatility, but the same question of how to integrate him into the offence may arise. A pick spent on the Arizona State prospect is a bet on his upside. With some talent currently on the roster in the pass-catching department, the Eagles could afford to let him learn. However, in a perfect world, I think they’re looking for more of a plug and play player.
Another guy who’d projection is all over the place, Aiyuk has been mentioned in mocks as early as the Eagles’ first round pick. It all depends when the run on receivers happens, but for now he seems to carry a second round valuation. If a team decides his ceiling warrants an early selection, or he has an impressive combine, it’s plausible he goes early in the second round.
Justin Jefferson | Louisiana State
Size: 6’3″, 192 lbs.
Jefferson is a long receiver with a lean frame. However, there aren’t many receivers at this point in the draft with more tenacity or desire. He’s a physical blocker and a tough pass-catcher over the middle. Strong hands and a good catch radius made him Joe Burrow’s best friend at LSU.
Speed: He doesn’t have top caliber speed, but has good initial burst and impressive change of direction skills. That being said, he’s not a slow receiver by any means. His 40-time probably won’t jump off the screen, but he will carry over his ability to separate into the NFL.
YAC and route running: Mentally and physically, Jefferson is a very talented route runner. It takes some careful study to really appreciate the nuance in his releases and breaks. You’d like to see more physicality from a man his size, but that is one of those traits that can be coached up. He’ll have no trouble being a dependable possession receiver at the next level. With the ball in his hands, he’ll consistently lower his shoulder for extra yards and may even run some people over. He won’t break many ankles.
Scheme fit: Jefferson would be a solid option for the Eagles as a possession heavy X receiver. Carson Wentz can never have too many reliable receivers and he and Jefferson would become quick friends in the same way Burrow loved to look his way. He reminds me a lot of Miami’s Devante Parker, who has been longed after by many Eagles fans over the past few years — rightfully so. Again in this scenario there are ramifications for Arcega-Whiteside. It would be interesting to see how Jefferson would perform when moved around the formation, it wasn’t all that inciting when it happened at LSU.
The early draft process seems to undervalue Jefferson and there’s a real possibility he starts to climb up the second round as draft season continues. Still, it seems as if he’ll be right in play for the Eagles at 53.
Denzel Mims | Baylor
Size: 6’3″, 206 lbs.
He’s got really good size for an X receiver, although he could use some more weight on his frame. As a jump ball specialist, there aren’t many better — he’s got the physical attributes and a canny ability to track the football.
Speed: A former track athlete, Mimshas way more juice than you’d expect from a man his size. He has an impressive top speed once he gets going and some burst to his step off the line. His lateral quickness could use some work and will never be one of the strong facets of his game. If he runs well, he’s probably a 4.5 guy, but could reasonably add or lose .1 without too much shock.
YAC and route running: Herein lies the biggest shortcomings of Mims’ toolbox. He’s not a terrible route runner, but he lacks nuance and his frame doesn’t lend to suddenness. Some of this can be coached up, some of it cannot. He has the requisite understanding to manipulate defenders in spite of his physical limitations. With the ball in his hands, he does well to take the space in front of him and fall forwards. He won’t likely make anyone miss but he’s tough to bring down and will fight for extra yards.
Scheme fit: I will take this time to say I am a huge personal fan of Mims’ game. Something about his mental toughness and desire just jumps off the tape. I think he’s arguably a better all-around prospect than Tee Higgins, with a higher ceiling but a lower floor. He may also provide more versatility when it’s all said and done. The Eagles could do much worse for a day two player.
Schematically, he projects as another player to overtake Alshon’s duties should he part. I’ve mentioned before that this seems to be contrary to the direction the Eagles are heading; and the adverse effects this will have on Arcega-Whiteside. Mims’ price tag will likely coincide with his showing at the combine, but he currently projects as a mid round-two selection. That’s right in the Eagles’ cross-hairs should they go that direction.
Continued on the pages below.
