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Deontay Greenberry raised a few eyebrows when he announced his plans to leave the University of Houston following his junior season. Greenberry, who was the first five star recruit in the universities history, is looking to become the first Cougar wide out to be selected in the NFL Draft since Donnie Avery was taken by the St. Louis Rams in 2008. The Fresno, CA native was an impact player for the Cougs from the moment his singed with UH in 2012. In 37 career games, Greenberry caught 201 passes for 2612 yards and scored 20 touchdowns.
Pros
At 6-3, 200 pounds, Greenberry has the prototypical size that every NFL personnel director hopes to see in a wide receiver. His long arms give him the ability to extend the narrow window that the quarterback has to fit a ball in. Greenberry is also able to use his solid 200 pound frame to punish smaller defenders after the catch. While at Houston, Greenberry made plays from both the slot and on the outside. His ability to play both spots gives him the versatility that NFL teams covet.
Cons
While Greenberry has the ability to go the distance any time he touches the ball, he struggled with consistently catching the football. Greenberry was tied for second in the FBS with 11 drops in 2014. As Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network noted, Deontay struggled to catch the ball in traffic or while being closely guarded.
Watching Houston WR Deontay Greenberry. Has some size and big play ability but too many drops in traffic. Worth a gamble in 5th/6th rd
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 9, 2015
Dane Brugler on cbssports.com also noted that Greenberry will need to work on his blocking technique and take up an interest in putting a solid effort into blocking downfield.
Outlook
As I noted above, it was a bit shocking to see Greenberry announce that he leaving early, but the move should pay off. Despite not being invited to the combine, Deontay is projected to be selected on the draft's final day. A majority of pundits expect Greenberry to hear his name called between the 5th-7th rounds.