Jarrett Dillard WR 5'10 191 Rice

Dillard had a very good freshman season for the Owls in 2005, finishing the season with 35 receptions for 524 yards and five touchdowns. That was nothing however, as Dillard blew up as a sophomore, having the best single season for a receiver in Rice history. He caught 91 balls for 1,247 yards and a TD in every game, finishing with 21 total touchdowns on the season. Dillard could not sneak up on people anymore, but he still had a fine junior season catching 79 passes for 1,057 yards and 14 touchdowns. Dillard had another amazing season as a senior, catching 87 passes for 1,310 yards and 20 touchdowns. He became a 2 time All American, and became the NCAA all time leader in touchdown receptions with 59 for his career.

Strengths

Dillard is a tough matchup on the field. He has very good speed and quickness, allowing him to get open consistently and make plays once the ball is in his hands. He is not afraid to catch the ball underneath and go over the middle while taking a hit, and he also shows the ability to get down the field behind the defense. It’s tough for a corner to cover him because he will go anywhere and do anything needed to catch the football. What separates Dillard from a lot of receivers his size is his ball skills. He has excellent leaping ability, and an uncanny ability to go up and get the ball, adjusting to it in the air.

Weaknesses

Size is the only thing keeping Dillard from being a premier prospect in the draft. His size is average at best, and he may not even be as big as his listed size. That could limit him in the league because he may find it tough to go up and get the ball in the air against bigger corners, and his body may not be able to take going over the middle on a consistent basis.

Future

It seems like no matter what Dillard does, he remains on the underrated list. His production is off the charts, has amazing hands but he is said to be too small and too slow. He then shows up at 5'10 192lbs and runs a 4.53 40 at the combine, both respectable numbers, and he still seems to fly under the radar. Dillard had one of the best verticals at the combine, regardless of position, with an amazing 42.5" leap. Dillard is just one of those people that won’t get the love of a superstar, but will consistently make plays and move the chains. He may not come off the board until the fourth round, but he will be a player that outperforms his draft stock in the NFL. Whoever gets him is going to get a productive NFL receiver for many years.