Devard Darling (Washington St.) - 2004 NFL Draft Pick #82 by BAL
Pre-Draft Analysis for Devard Darling (2004 NFL Draft)
College: Washington State University
Position: Wide Receiver
Overview
Devard Darling entered the 2004 NFL Draft after a productive collegiate career at Washington State, where he showcased his speed and playmaking ability. With a combination of size and athleticism, Darling was viewed as a potential deep threat in the NFL.
Strengths
- Speed: Darling is known for his exceptional straight-line speed, making him a dangerous vertical threat.
- Size: Standing at 6'3" and weighing around 205 pounds, he has the physical attributes that NFL teams covet in a wide receiver.
- Playmaking Ability: He demonstrated the ability to make big plays in crucial situations during his college career.
- Route Running: While still developing, Darling showed promise in his route-running skills, which could improve with professional coaching.
Concerns
- Consistency: Darling struggled with consistency in his hands, occasionally dropping passes that he should have caught.
- Limited Experience: He had a relatively limited collegiate career due to injuries, which raised concerns about his durability.
- Technical Skills: There were questions about his ability to run complex routes and separate from defenders at the NFL level.
Projected Draft Position
Devard Darling was projected to be selected in the late second to early fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft, depending on team needs and how evaluations of his potential developed leading up to the draft.
Conclusion
With his combination of size and speed, Devard Darling was an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for a dynamic wide receiver. If he could refine his skills and improve his consistency, he had the potential to become a reliable contributor in the league.