Rookie Wide Receiver DK Metcalf Shines in Big Games
Draft Insiders’ Yearbook Scouting Report – NFL Draft 2019
Rookie receiver DK Metcalf has been a major difference maker for the Seahawks after being taken as the last player chosen in Round Two last April, #64 overall. Frank Coyle of Draft Insiders’ ranked him the #1 receiver in the NFL Draft 2019 class. Incredibly, Metcalf was the 9th receiver taken off the NFL Draft 2019 board and arguably the best value in the entire draft class. He faces the Packers in Green Bay Sunday in the NFC Divisional round.
Wide Receiver Class
Draft Insiders’ 2019 Yearbook Scouting Report – March 2019
1 * DK Metcalf #14 6-3 225 – Mississippi – Sp. 4.35
Player Comparison: David Boston Rating 90
Smooth sure handed redshirt sophomore has shown elite receiving skills during his abbreviated career at Ole Miss. Blue chip prospect and a specimen that defines the position. He has rare physical talent in the mold of Calvin Johnson, Terrell Owens or Julio Jones. Unfortunately, he struggled through a few major injuries during his time in the SEC and though he was productive, did not live up to his unique athleticism. Consensus Freshman 1st-Team All-American. Deceptively fast on deeper routes and has the fluidity as a route-runner to separate from coverage at the route stem. Long arms with good lean muscle development and fine functional strength. Big play presence which backs up his workout warrior numbers. On the field, he looks like a chiseled strong forward and plays up to his all-around wide receiver talent. His field speed is even more impressive than his track speed where his long stride is deceiving. He runs crisp and precise routes and is outstanding at creating separation coming out of his breaks. He does extremely well at using nuanced body language, as well as ability to change speed, to set up defensive backs. His hands are soft, strong, and natural. He can seamlessly pluck the ball at full extension, whether using one or two hands. He makes the acrobatic or contested catch with regularity, but also the routine ones to move the chains. In the clutch situations on 3rd down or in the red zone, he rarely drops passes. Shows explosiveness and elusiveness after the catch with quick footwork to create space. With the ball, he is tough after the catch with the speed to run away from or the power to overrun defenders. Outstanding hand-eye coordination and able to elevate and high point the ball. Reads zone coverage well and knows how to find and settle in the soft spots. Able to maintain concentration on making the catch and tapping his toes in bounds at the sidelines. Very alert to work his way back to the passer. High character individual who is well respected and liked. Committed to the program and willing to sacrifice for the team. Honest effort as a blocker both in the run game and in the secondary for his fellow receivers.
The Numbers: As a sophomore, he caught just 26 passes for 569 yards for a 21.9 average and 5 TDs while starting 7 games. As a freshman, he started 12 games and had 39 catches for 646 yards with a 16.8 yard average and 7 TDs. For his career, he totaled 67 catches for 1228 yards and 14 scores. At the NFL Combine, he came in at over 6’3” and 228 lbs. with 34 7/8” arms and 9 7/8” hands. He did 27 reps and ran 4.33 time and had a 40.5” VL and 11’2” BJ with a 4.50 short shuttle and 7.38 three cone. It was an excellent workout. Similar to former #1 pick David Boston in physique, athleticism and limited production. Also similar to wideout Julio Jones in size, speed, body type and AA. Son of former NFL guard Terrace Metcalf and grandson of for Pro Bowl runner Terry Metcalf.
The Skinny: Highly developed young receiver with rare playmaking ability to be a weapon both outside and inside. Tough athlete will go over the middle. Top 20 prospect and could go earlier in the round with the demand at the position. Huge ceiling as an NFL wideout, but also a low floor and more a chiseled athlete then a refined receiver. Injury prone blue-chip prospect will have to prove durable in the pro game. Prior neck and foot injuries. Talent to start as a rookie in the right situation. Big playmaker with the skills to bring it all together and have a Pro Bowl career, if committed to the rigors of NFL life and the finer points of the position.
