From now until the 2017 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
Josh Malone/WR Tennessee – 6’2/6 208
The Good
– Impressive triangle numbers, classic height/weight/speed type player
– Vertical threat, long strider and build-up speed type but shows an impressive top speed
– Big play threat and numbers reflect it
– Finds the football vertically and capable of adjusting to the arc of the ball during his route
– Size makes it difficult for him to be brought down by smaller defensive backs, fights hard for extra yardage
– Shows adequate ability to drop hips and break down underneath
– High effort guy as a blocker, throws his weight around, and appears to take pride in that aspect of the game
– Upside and game is far from refined, plenty of room to grow, only a junior
– Strong final season, put up impressive stats
The Bad
– Struggles vs press coverage, seems indecisive and doesn’t use hands well enough to beat press, too much wasted time and motion
– Generally a one trick pony, will disappear from games when he can’t get involved vertically
– Didn’t always dominate the way his tools would suggest
– Struggles to sell vertically on underneath routes, turns his head before breaking down and gives away route with his eyes, making it easy for CBs to read and react to the ball
– Route running is unrefined and primarily a vertical threat, doesn’t see a lot of success on routes outside of those
– Only one year of serious production
Bio
– Junior, declared for NFL early
– Ran a 4.