Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Ryan Whalen (Stanford) - 2011 NFL Draft Pick #167 by CIN

---

Pre-Draft Analysis: Ryan Whalen (Stanford)

Overview: Ryan Whalen was a wide receiver from Stanford University who entered the 2011 NFL Draft after a productive college career. Known for his strong work ethic and solid route-running skills, Whalen was viewed as a reliable option for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.

• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 195 lbs
• College: Stanford University

Strengths:

• Route Running: Whalen displayed exceptional route-running ability, often creating separation from defenders.
• Football IQ: He had a strong understanding of defensive coverages and was able to exploit mismatches effectively.
• Hands: Whalen had reliable hands and was known for making tough catches in traffic.
• Work Ethic: His dedication to improving his craft and preparation was noted by coaches and scouts alike.

Weaknesses:

• Speed: While he was effective, he lacked elite speed, which limited his ability to stretch the field.
• Size: At 6'0", he was not the tallest receiver, which could be a disadvantage in jump-ball situations.
• Consistency: While he had standout performances, there were games where he was less impactful, raising questions about his week-to-week reliability.

Draft Projection:

Ryan Whalen was projected to be selected in the later rounds of the 2011 NFL Draft. Teams looking for a dependable receiver who could contribute on special teams and in specific offensive packages found his skill set appealing.

Conclusion:

Ryan Whalen was viewed as a solid prospect who possessed the tools to succeed in the NFL, particularly with a team that valued technical receivers and strong work ethic.