2017 NFL Draft big board: Top 10 wide receiver prospects
By Dan Dahlke
4. JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC (6-2, 220) — Film Grade: 80.5
Quick Take: The former USC standout has become a bit of a forgotten man at the position. Coming off a monster 2015 season (89 rec, 1454 yards, 10 TDs), Smith-Schuster had a quiet junior campaign, recording a modest 70 receptions for 914 yards and 10 touchdowns.
However, Smith-Schuster has shown in his 2016 film all of the traits that made him one of the top receivers in college football his sophomore year.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound wide receiver isn’t the fastest receiver prospect, but he does show the ability to separate from defenders when breaking out of his routes, while also possessing the athleticism and strength to post up defenders and haul in contested catches.
Smith-Schuster is at his best working intermediate routes. He can find soft spots in zones or use his size and leaping ability to box out defenders and high-point the ball over coverage. He’s a legitimate red zone weapon. He also does a nice job working down the sideline and can be effective on comeback routes.
While lacking explosive downfield plays, the former Trojan possesses the athleticism to make plays after the catch and can be a reliable possession receiver in the NFL.