2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kendall Wright

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Strengths:
  • Elite speed
  • Stretches the defense
  • Explosive
  • Forces teams to keep a safety deep
  • Quick release off of the line
  • Reliable hands
  • Strong route runner
  • Athletic
  • Durable
  • Improved each season in college
  • Experienced 4-year producer



    Weaknesses:
  • Short
  • Smaller build
  • Didn't face special defenses or corners
  • Little experience returning kicks on special teams
  • May not be able operate in the short part of the field

    Summary: Kendall Wright was the No. 1 target for star Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. In 2011, Wright torched Big XII defenses with big plays downfield. All season, he raced through secondaries with special deep speed to get open for Griffin. Wright is very adept at getting separation downfield. He is very good at running go routes and stop-and-go routes. Even when cornerbacks give Wright a sizable cushion, he eats up the space quickly and gets onto corners before they expect. There weren't any defensive backs whom Wright played in 2011 that really held him down.

    As a senior, he caught 108 passes for 1,663 yards and 14 touchdowns. It was his best collegiate season, and he improved his production each year. Wright had 302 receptions for 4,004 yards and 40 touchdowns in his career. He also totaled 425 yards rushing and two scores.

    Despite being undersized, Wright never missed a game with an injury during his collegiate career. He had at least two receptions in every game he played at Baylor.



    Player Comparison: Percy Harvin. Scouts at the Senior Bowl agreed that Wright is comparable to Harvin. The last sub six-foot wide receiver to be drafted in the first round was Harvin, and Wright seems poised to be a top-32 pick this April.

    Like Harvin, Wright projects as a threat to score on any touch. He will add a big play element to his NFL offense. He has the ability to work from the slot or line up on the outside. Harvin didn't do much returning at Florida with the presence of Brandon James, but he has been able to contribute on special teams as a pro. Wright should have the ability to do the same, and could go in the same range as Harvin, who was the 22nd-overall pick in 2009.

    NFL Matches: Philadelphia, New York Jets, Chicago, Tennessee, Cleveland, Houston, New England, San Francisco

    There are a lot of teams that could target Wright. Some scouts said they wouldn't take an undersized receiver in the first round, but they were positive that other teams would target Wright on Thursday night.

    Philadelphia could consider Wright with the 15th-overall pick to replace DeSean Jackson. The Jets also need a wide receiver and they could make him their first-rounder at 16.

    The Jets, Bears and Titans all need receivers with a big-play element for their offenses. The Browns may have Wright on the short list for their second first-rounder, the 22nd-overall pick. Cleveland could use a playmaker like Wright in their offense, and it could potentially land Wright and Griffin.

    It is no secret that Houston needs a receiver, and that is one of their few needs so it would be a surprise if they passed on Wright. The Patriots and 49ers both need a wideout, but Wright may not make to their picks.





    RELATED LINKS:


    2012 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie's | Walt's


    2012 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2012 NFL Draft Scouting Reports