I am on the Cody Latimer bandwagon

[FRCDFED]

He's Projected to go in rounds 4-5.

Overview

Basketball was primary sport as an Ohio prep -- played receiver, defensive back and kick returner in his two seasons as a football player. Appeared in eight games as a true freshman in 2011 (two starts) and had 12 receptions for 141 yards (11.8-yard average) and two touchdowns. Did not play against Illinois and missed the final three games because of hernia surgery. Started 10-of-12 games in '12, recording 51-805-6 (15.8). Was the Hoosiers' leading receiver in '13 when he posted 72-1,096-9 (15.2) in 12 starts. Did not work out at the NFL Scouting Combine because of a left foot injury (medical exclusion).

Analysis

Strengths: Very good size. Shows a jab step to get into routes cleanly and is equipped to combat the jam. Can use his frame and physicality to create separation on slants and "post-up" throws (strength was evidenced by bench-pressing 225 pounds 23 times at the combine, leading all receivers and besting some linemen). Nice catch radius -- extends to snag throws off his body. Soft, dependable hands. Nice strength after the catch. Good blocker -- subdues cornerbacks, shields, stalks and sustains. Improved steadily over three years as a starter.

Weaknesses: Is high-cut and shows some lower-body stiffness in his route running. Average burst off the line. Not a quick-twitch athlete -- could struggle to shake loose from more athletic corners. Lacks foot speed to separate vertically. Is straightlinish after the catch and will not make anyone miss. Marginal special-teams utility. Football was not his first love.

Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5

Bottom Line: A prep basketball standout, Latimer is a well-built, sure-handed, West Coast possession receiver whose hardwood background is evident in his leaping ability, body control and hand-eye coordination. Lacks ideal explosiveness, gear change and flexibility. Could be effective running slants and making contested catches to beat zone coverage and succeed in the red zone. Has a ceiling as a No. 3.
-Nolan Nawrocki

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profil...mer?id=2543590

[Sandy Vagina]

Originally Posted by FRCDFED

He's Projected to go in rounds 4-5.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profil...mer?id=2543590

McShay and Kiper both have him as a 1st rd pick now. I think these mock sites will scurry together quite an elevation in grade as they frequently do. That's the fun of the draft... the projections and wild surprises from prospects that we have been programmed to believe to be steals and reaches.

[saphojunkie]

Originally Posted by Sandy Cheeks

McShay and Kiper both have him as a 1st rd pick now. I think these mock sites will scurry together quite an elevation in grade as they frequently do. That's the fun of the draft... the projections and wild surprises from prospects that we have been programmed to believe to be steals and reaches.

While Kiper is no scout, I do look to his rankings because they are based on what people tell him. I think his big board is much more of a popularity contest than it is a player evaluation spreadsheet.

Which is fine. Cody Latimer might be a third round player, but based on his ranking with Kiper, he won't last that long. Too much buzz.

[RaiderHawk]

Originally Posted by Sandy Cheeks

McShay and Kiper both have him as a 1st rd pick now. I think these mock sites will scurry together quite an elevation in grade as they frequently do. That's the fun of the draft... the projections and wild surprises from prospects that we have been programmed to believe to be steals and reaches.

Makes you wonder how much of the draft process is people rolling with group think.

[Sandy Vagina]

Originally Posted by RaiderHawk

Makes you wonder how much of the draft process is people rolling with group think.

Maybe. But the NFL has invited 30 prospects to attend the draft... and one of them is Latimer. Now obviously, all 30 are not likely to be selected on day 1... but each invite would seem to indicate that these prospects are highly regarded around the League camps... where most will be 1st rounders and the rest 2nd rounders.