2011 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Tandon Doss, WR, Indiana

By Ed Valentine@Valentine_Ed Apr 12, 2011, 3:00pm EDT

You wouldn't think the New York Giants will use an early-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft on a wide receiver. Yet, despite seemingly having depth at that position, there are questions marks surrounding just about everyone other than Hakeem Nicks or Mario Manningham. So, you can't discount the possibility.

That brings us to the subject of today's 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile, Indiana wide receiver/kick returner Tandon Doss. Dodd was impressive at his Pro Day recently, which was attended by the Giants. In fact, it was attended by every NFL team.

Doss is intriguing because he has size, decent though not elite speed, is a guy with a reputation for having good hands and being willing to go into traffic to make a catch. He also has been a productive kick returner for Indiana.

Some analysts think Doss could go as high as the second round, which might be a tad early for the Giants to take a wide receiver. Still, the NFL is all about offense and stockpiling reliable weapons for your passing game can't really be a bad idea.

Scouting reports after the jump.

Tandon Doss
WR/KR, Indiana
6-foot-2, 201 pounds
Projection: Round 2 or 3

Scouting Reports

From NFL.com:

Strengths:
Doss is a nice combination of size and speed. Displays elite ball skills. Catches away from his frame and adjusts to the poorly thrown ball. Doesn't lose speed in and out of breaks, sets up defenders, and gets open against zone. Has the burst and top-end speed to get vertical and make plays after the catch. Goes over the middle.

Weaknesses:
Not too many holes in this guy's game. Could do a better job high-pointing the football in jump ball situations. Does not have elite top-end speed or agility but as stated is still a playmaker. Willing and aggressive while run blocking but fundamentals need some work.

Overview:
Doss has the size and speed measurables, hands, savvy, and mentality to develop into a starting NFL wide receiver and potentially a go-to guy. Gets open underneath with polished route-running and good quickness. Eats up cushions in a hurry with elite burst off the line, has the straight-lined speed to get vertical, and the ball skills to track the football. Can make some plays in space. Very willing and productive over the middle and can catch the ball in a crowd. Hard-working, mature player who lets his play on the field do his talking. Doss is an early second round prospect.

From CBS Sports:

Release: Tall, high-cut receiver who is stiff coming off the line. Plays in the slot and outside, does not often get pressed because smaller college corners may lose the battle.

Hands: His best asset, scouts will like his hands and ability to concentrate in traffic. Can bring in throws one-handed and continue downfield. Tracks the ball over either shoulder, raises his hands up to make the grab instead of cradling. Has height and vertical to go up over corners.

Route running: Needs to be more consistent in his route-running to succeed in the NFL. Flashes suddenness and foot quickness on some jerk and comeback routes but is lazy on other routes when he is not the primary target. .

After the catch: Tough runner after the catch. Takes hits over the middle. Productive kick returner because of his strength and open-field stride, though his vision is only adequate and has average elusiveness and straight-line speed.

Overview: The depth at receiver this year could push him into the third because he lacks great speed and elusiveness. With work on his fundamentals, however, Doss could have a long career as a No. 2 receiver.

Complete List Of Prospect Profiles

Quarterback