RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

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

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

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.