Will Fuller Scouting Report, WR, Notre Dame, 2016 NFL Draft

Introduction

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
High School: Philadelphia Roman Catholic
Recruitment: 4-Star Recruit by ESPN, 4-Star recruit by Rivals
Injuries/Discipline: Nothing notable

Awards

Second-team AP All-American (2015)
Measurables
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 184
Class: Junior
Projected 40 Time: 4.40

Stats

2015: 62 receptions, 1258 yards, 20.3 average, 14 TD
2014: 76 receptions, 1094 yards, 14.4 average, 15 TD
2013: 6 receptions, 160 yards, 26.7 average, 1 TD

Positives

• Excellent college production
• Very good speed
• Good body control
• High points the ball
• Sets up his cuts well
• Gains separation in numerous ways
• Tracks the ball well on deep plays
• Plays with good technique throughout
• Good open field ability
• Quick acceleration off the line
• Highly competitive
• Fights for absolutely every single ball
• Maximum effort at all times
• Catches a lot of balls over the middle
• Works back to the QB once the play breaks down
• Reads coverage's very well

Negatives

• Doesn't have great size
• Body is very lean
• Can struggle against press coverage at times.
• Has the occasional drop
• Sometimes catches with his body.

Conclusion

By now, you'll all know that I'm a Notre Dame fan, so I do have a little bias towards Fuller. However it also enables me to make a judgement on his potential, as I've seen every single game. Although Fuller has plenty of speed, it would be unfair to compare him to someone like Devin Smith. Fuller is much more accomplished running routes, and he shows intelligence and understanding of defensive coverage's.

He gets in and out of his breaks, he sets up his cuts and he uses his body to draw plenty of penalty flags. He has excellent speed, without it being elite, but it's his acceleration that separates him. When you have that kind of acceleration with the cutting ability and body control of Fuller, you're going to cause defensive backs some problems. I really rate his pro potential, and think he could do the most damage in the slot.

The problem is his frame. He's 6'0 and 184lb's and he really looks that way as well. He has a wiry frame which may be a problem initially against press coverage. He does use his hands better than most receivers but he'll get bumped from his route easily by more physical corners. His size is keeping him out of first round consideration.

I rate Fuller's route running very highly, and that's why I think he'll be a success. He's not the biggest or strongest guy, but he's one of the smartest guys who is fiercely competitive. His character and potential will get someone to bite in the 2nd round,

Draft Grade: 79

90-100 = Exceptional Talent
80-90 = Impact Player
70-80 = NFL Starter
60-70 = Solid NFL Potential
50-60 = Draftable - Lot of work needed
>50 = Undraftable, - Long Shot To Stick