2017 NFL Draft big board: Top 10 wide receiver prospects
By Dan Dahlke
9. Malachi Dupre, LSU (6-4, 195) — Film Grade: 77.5
Quick Take: Some may be surprised to see Dupre graded out this high. After all, despite being LSU’s leading receiver the past two seasons, he’s only recorded moderate production as a receiver. 41 receptions for 593 yards and three touchdowns in 2016 is hardly impressive.
However, on tape, Dupre possesses all of the essential traits for an NFL receiver. He has size, speed, ability to make plays after the catch, and he’s tremendous in jump ball situations. He has the hands and leaping ability to high point the ball and haul in the reception with a defender on his back.
Dupre’s pedestrian production will certainly hurt his draft stock with some. However, I would argue that Dupre’s lack of receiving numbers are more of a result of lack of opportunity than a shortcoming in talent. Dupre made the most of his opportunities at LSU, and while he played in a run-heavy offense with subpar quarterback talent, he did make plays when the ball came his way.
The 6-foot-4, 195-pound wideout is a legitimate downfield threat who creates mismatch problems for opposing secondaries. With good testing numbers at the NFL combine he could make a strong case to be an early-round selection in the draft.