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Jared Abbrederis of Wisconsin isn't particularly fast. He isn't particularly strong. He isn't particularly big. He's an average-sized player at 6-foot-2, 190 pounds. So how did this guy nab 78 receptions for 1,081 yards and 7 TDs in the Big 10? Let's take a look at Abbrederis with today's 2014 NFL Draft prospect profile.
Pros
- Absolutely SPECIAL as a route runner. Gets in and out of cuts precisely and has beautiful moves.
- Lots of wiggle and can make people miss for good YAC.
- Good short area quickness. Acceleration during route ins or outs are a plus.
- Sure handed, without too many drops.
- Unafraid of going over the middle and will routinely fight others for the ball. A competitor.
- Devastating weapon as a special teamer.
Cons
- Athleticism is likely below average compared to his competition.
- Catch radius is not as big as you'd like it to be. Able to high point a ball, but doesn't do it consistently.
- Inconsistent at beating corners when they press.
- Doesn't break too many tackles.
- Speed is a concern at the next level as is leaping ability.
Does He Fit With The Giants?
Sure does. He's more or less a clone of Victor Cruz in my eyes. He was the main weapon of that Wisconsin passing attack and so was routinely up against the best cornerbacks from the opposing team and had good games against all of them. He's certainly no Sammy Watkins and is likely only a No. 2 wide receiver (though I must admit he's got some upside to maybe be a No. 1) at the next level, but the Giants definitely could use insurance there.
Prospect Video
Jared Abbrederis (WR Wisconsin) vs Penn State 2013 (via Aimal Arsalla)
Big Board Rankings
Big Blue View - Not ranked in top 50
Mocking The Draft - 112
CBS Sports - 98
Draft Countdown - 109
Draft Tek - 80
Final Thoughts
This guy just knows how to get open. Like Cruz, he can be a slot receiver as well as a deep threat but most of his money will be made as a chain-moving intermediate route running specialist. He's certainly a worthwhile pickup because he absolutely has the ability to maybe become a No. 1 type receiver, though that isn't the case coming out as a rookie like it might be with Mike Evans or Sammy Watkins.
Considering the height/weight/speed/production receivers in this draft, it's very possible for Abbrederis to fall all the way to the late-third or even fourth round. If he indeed is sitting there in the fourth, he's a perfect candidate to pick up as he is more or less a perfect fit for any offense. You just don't find college wide receivers THIS good at running routes, so Abbrederis certainly is one of a kind.
