Scouting The 2013 NFL Draft: Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall

Introduction

In my opinion there is no elite talent at the receiver position in this draft. You may want to spend a first or second on Austin or Williams, but I prefer to look a little deeper and go to the 4th or 5th round and look at some players who represent good value. One of those guys is Aaron Dobson from Marshall. His stats won't jump off the screen at you, and looking at it in a vacuum this would suggest that if he can't put up big numbers in conference USA, he's not going to stand a chance in the NFL. However if you look at Marshall football in general, it has been plagued by poor and inconsistent QB play for years now, receivers need to rely on quarterbacks to get them the football.Coming into his senior year, he drew a lot of coverage, and the safeties would almost exclusively cheat to his side. This allowed Sophomore wideout Tommy Shuler to be much more productive this season. Again, stats don't always tell the whole story.

Measurables

Height: 6'3

Weight: 200 lb's

Projected 40: 4.50

Position: Wide Receiver

School: Marshall University

Grade: Senior

Statistics

Positives

Start as we always do, no known legal issues and has a good reputation as a leader on and off the field, good work ethic according to coaches too. Possesses good height and bulk to play the position, speed is not elite but it's definitely good, deceptive speed as he uses long strides to get down the field and stretch the defense vertically. Excellent hands, would rate them as elite. Has a background in basketball, so has good body control and leaping ability. Makes the difficult catches look easy and climbs the ladder to get the football. Tough competitor, churns out yards after the catch, works a lot over the middle and always secures the football despite the danger of taking a big hit. A good red-zone target with his ability to go up and get the football, uses his body well to box out and create passing lanes for the quarterback. Good hands off the line against press coverage, good awareness and recognition of when to sit down in zone coverage. Works through contact well, and will give 100% effort blocking when not receiving.Does well to get in and out of his cuts cleanly.

Negatives

Has played his college ball in Conference USA, which is regarded as one of the weaker conferences. Production not at the top level, although I touched on that in the introduction. Although he is a good route runner, he still could polish this a little bit. Needs to secure the football to his body when running a little bit, has a tendency to dangle it out there. Has a few moves in the open field, but isn't as elusive as some receivers in this draft. Doesn't have top end speed.

Conclusion

We're still working with Stephen Hill to develop his hands, so when I look to a receiver the Jets need - i think reliable hands is a trait that is right at the top of the wish list. Dobson has those hands, and when we do bring in a new QB he is going to need a target like that. I think his lack of production and the fact he doesn't have elite speed will make him fall to the 4th-5th round region and at that price he represents excellent value. When I look at him, the traits he has the traits he doesn't, he reminds me a little of Jerricho Cotchery, just with a little more upside.

Would I Draft Him For The Jets?

Absolutely. I would look at him in the 4th and consider the option, if he was still there in the 5th I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger if we haven't already address the position. He's just reliable, and for a 5th round pick if you can get reliable production then you take it. We should be all about looking for value in this draft, as we have a lot of holes to fill and not much cap space to do it.

Highlights

Aaron Dobson Career Highlights (via Zach Marshall)