NFL Draft: Darren Waller a late-round steal for Green Bay Packers?
Dec 31, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Darren Waller (88) makes a touchdown catch as Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Jamerson Love (5) defends during the first quarter in the 2014 Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Raw talent, needs development
Walter Cherepinsky of WalterFootball.com believes the physical tools are there, but he lacks the polish right now to be an early draft pick. Cherepinsky ranks Waller 28th among receivers in this year’s draft.
He added:
"“Waller is a giant receiver who is a size mismatch, but he struggles to get separation. Waller doesn’t play as fast as his 40 time from the Combine. The senior had 26 receptions for 442 yards with six touchdowns in 2014. Waller had very little production as a junior (17-367-3) and sophomore (8-162). He had a quality week at the East-West Shrine. Sources say that Waller hasn’t shown enough as a blocker to be considered for a move to tight end.”"
Cherepinsky believes there is work to do for Waller, however many people have sang the praises of the receiver on Twitter:
It looks like Georgia Tech's Darren Waller is like a clone of Jermichael Finley. Could be a steal.
— Dakota Sievert (@DakotaSievert) March 28, 2015
I really like him…as a developmental tight end. Slot nightmare RT @Xaveus: @NFLFilmStudy what do you think of Georgia Tech WR Darren Waller?
— Ian (@NFLFilmStudy) March 18, 2015
Darren Waller from Georgia Tech is 6-6 and is just scratching the surface of his ability...runs 4.47 and is intriguing late round prospect
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) February 21, 2015
Ga Tech WR Darren Waller, at 6'6" 238 lbs., ran an impressive 4.46. Athlete who's willing to mix it up as a blocker.
— Dion Caputi (@nfldraftupdate) February 21, 2015
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote that Waller is an ‘effortless strider with untapped vertical speed to go yard’, and believes he is ‘almost impossible to guard on back-shoulder throws’.
Back-shoulder throws, you say? It so happens the Packers have the master of the back-shoulder pass on their roster, and his name is Aaron Rodgers. Zierlein added:
"“Late bloomer who is faster than quick and has coveted size-speed combination. Waller isn’t just a tall receiver, he has legitimate hands and body control and can impose his size on mismatched cornerbacks. Waller has a low floor, but with a little more competitive fire and technique work, he could become a legitimate touchdown maker in the league.”"
Next: The Verdict