Jaleel Scott, Wide Receiver, New Mexico State University

Height: 6’5”

Weight: 215 lbs.

2017 stats: 76 receptions, 1,079 yards, 9 TDs

40 yard dash: 4.56 seconds

Vertical Jump: 34.5 inches (9th best receiver)

Broad Jump: 124 inches (4th best)

Analysis

Described as one of the most intriguing wide receivers in the Draft, redshirt senior Jaleel Scott has seen his draft stock rise significantly since the beginning of the 2017 season, thanks in large part to this amazing one handed catch against Arizona State that put him on every scout’s radar.

Things weren’t always that way, however.

Coming out of Rock Hill High in South Carolina, Scott was recruited by Maryland and Kentucky but enrolled at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa. There he redshirted and became an all conference receiver before joining NMSU in 2016.

As a redshirt junior Scott did not start, but he still appeared in all 12 games and led the team with five touchdowns. He then took the summer to train and the results showed on Saturdays.

After a full summer of workouts, Jaleel put up 1,079 yards and nine touchdowns earning himself First Team All-Sun Belt Conference and invites to the Reese’s Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine.

Thanks to strong showings at both of those showcases, Jaleel is an almost certain lock to hear his name during the Draft.

Pros

Scott is a tall, long armed wideout with strong hands (see catch above). All of these things are unteachable attributes that NFL teams drool over. They will also love that, despite his thin frame, he isn’t afraid of contact and doesn’t get thrown off his route when he is pushed. He also loves using his body to create separation and go up and make catches on contested throws, something QBs love.

One thing I will say, is that Jaleel had his best games when facing arguably the best competition (eight catches, 149 yards, two TDs vs. Arizona State; nine catches, 174 yards, one TD vs. Arkansas). That should tell you that he is able to elevate his game to match his opponent.

Cons

Jaleel isn’t the fastest wideout, running a 4.56 40 yard dash. He relies more on his long strides to get open than his natural speed. That, along with a lack of foot quickness hurt his ability to get separation down the field and allow corners to read routes and make plays on the football.

Draft Projection

NFL.com projects that Jaleel will be drafted in the 5th or 6th round of the 2018 NFL Draft. They give him a draft grade of 5.49, which means that expect him to be a backup or a contributer on special teams. I, however, believe Scott can crack the starting lineup and be a late round gem for any team that decides to give him a chance.