Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Kenny Golladay (Northern Illinois) - 2017 NFL Draft Pick #96 by DET

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Kenny Golladay - Pre-Draft Analysis (2017 NFL Draft)

College: Northern Illinois
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 213 lbs

Overview

Kenny Golladay emerged as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft after a standout collegiate career at Northern Illinois. Known for his size, athleticism, and ability to make contested catches, Golladay was viewed as a potential game-changer at the next level.

Strengths

• Size and Catch Radius: At 6'4", Golladay possesses an impressive wingspan that allows him to catch passes in traffic and make difficult catches.
• Ball Skills: Golladay has demonstrated excellent hand-eye coordination and the ability to track the ball well, making him a reliable target in the air.
• Yards After Catch (YAC): With his size and agility, Golladay is capable of breaking tackles and gaining additional yards after the catch.
• Route Running: His ability to run precise routes, combined with his size, makes him a difficult matchup for defensive backs.
• Physicality: Golladay is not afraid to use his body to shield defenders and can assert himself in physical confrontations.

Weaknesses

• Separation: While he has the size, Golladay sometimes struggled to create separation from cornerbacks at the college level.
• Inconsistent Release: He occasionally had trouble getting off the line of scrimmage against press coverage.
• Route Tree: Golladay's route tree was somewhat limited at Northern Illinois, raising questions about his ability to run a full NFL route tree.
• Injury History: Concerns over past injuries could impact his draft stock and overall durability in the NFL.

Conclusion

Kenny Golladay was considered a high-upside prospect with the ability to develop into a reliable NFL wide receiver. His combination of size, athleticism, and catching ability made him an attractive option for teams looking for a big-bodied receiver to add to their offense. While there were some concerns regarding his route running and separation, his potential to contribute as a playmaker made him a sought-after prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft.