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This is the Scouting report on Jacoby Jones in March '07 for Draft Insiders' Yearbook
Jacoby Jones #82 - 6’3� 210 lbs. - Lane College (Tn.) - Sp. 4.45 Rating 82 Hindu Theory Jerry Porter
Huge athletic senior wideout completed a fine career at Lane College after starting his college stay with SE Louisiana. Jacoby is one of the most intriguing prospects in this entire draft class. He has imposing size, speed and AA that translates well to the playing field despite limited experience playing football. He is an explosive wideout prospect with the athleticism to develop into a premier NFL playmaker. He has a huge frame that is outgrowing the wide receiver position, though NFL clubs will still line him up there in training camp. For a player of his dimensions, he moves exceptionally well and has been timed in the sub 4.45 range at 210 lbs. He has adequate hands and is a reliable pass catcher who needs extensive reps after not playing football until late in his HS career and at a lower level as a collegian. He is a legitimate pro prospect with the raw AA and the size and toughness for the position to be one of the biggest sleepers at this position in years. He creates major matchup problems regardless of where he lines up and any level. He is best suited for the wideout role where he has NFL starting ability with development on all areas of play. He gets off the line with a quick burst, though rarely challenged at the lower level. He runs undisciplined routes and needs reps on this basic technique to be more precise in his cuts and ability to find openings in coverage. He has good speed in the mid 4.45 range that allows him to separate in the deep game, though he totally outclassed the athletes he went against at the DII level. He has inconsistent hands that have improved with experience and reps and it is an area that needs development though one that shows upside with late career progress. He uses his massive frame well to outmuscle cover men and shows the toughness to go over the middle. At the East-West Shrine game, he had a good week and has risen up the charts off a strong effort there. He displayed the ability to go over the middle and use his great size to make the tough catch. He has fine leaping ability, which combined with his great height and reach allows him to make receptions receivers that few players can get their hands on the ball. As a senior, he had 68 catches for 822 yards with 6 TDs. As a junior, he had 50 catches for 587 yards with 3 TDs He also gave a strong performance as both a punt and kickoff return specialist. He usually displays reliable hands but needs work catching the ball especially in front of him and not allow the pass to get into his body. He gets off the line with adequate speed but usually gathers at the breakpoint to cut, which allows cover men to close on the ball. He fights off the bump and run easily but his footwork needs work to create separation at the NFL level. He has made several great catches in the end zone where his size and leaping ability gives him a huge advantage in coverage. He showed the ability to get into his routes easily and the sense of route running that surprised scouts at the E-W Shrine Bowl. He needs to create a bigger receiving radius to improve as a pass catcher. He instinctively uses his huge frame to shield defenders from the ball. He displayed the ability to get open and go over the middle with the leaping skills to go up in a crowd and make the catch. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.53 and a 4.60 times with a 34� VJ and a 10’9� BJ. He is similar to the Raiders Jerry Porter in size, frame, AA and hands to make the adjustment to the NFL. He needs development in most areas including his route running, defense recognition and ability to adjust to the deep pass. His strong performance in the postseason suggests that his learning curve could be fast. His fine AA with versatility to help in the return game will warrant an early 2nd day draft pick with the ability to give an offense a unique weapon. Excellent late 1st day addition with upside potential n the right situation to challenge for a starting job with development. Big upside potential to be a solid playmaker and possible NFL star.