Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Kawaan Baker (South Alabama) - 2021 NFL Draft Pick #255 by NO

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Kawaan Baker - Pre-Draft Analysis (2021 NFL Draft)

College: South Alabama
Position: Wide Receiver

Overview

Kawaan Baker, a standout wide receiver from South Alabama, entered the 2021 NFL Draft with a solid college career under his belt. Known for his versatility and playmaking ability, Baker was regarded as a potential value pick for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.

Strengths

• Versatile Skill Set: Baker displayed the ability to line up both outside and in the slot, showcasing his adaptability in different offensive schemes.
• Speed and Quickness: He possesses good speed, allowing him to stretch the field and create separation from defenders.
• Strong Hands: Baker demonstrated reliable hands, making difficult catches in traffic and securing the ball consistently.
• Route Running: He exhibited a solid understanding of route concepts, able to run precise routes that aided in his ability to get open.
• YAC Ability: After the catch, Baker has the ability to generate yards after the catch (YAC), making him a threat in open space.

Weaknesses

• Limited Competition: Playing in the Sun Belt Conference, Baker faced questions about the level of competition he encountered during his college career.
• Consistency: At times, he struggled with consistency in his production, which raised concerns about his ability to perform at the next level.
• Physicality: While he has good speed, there were concerns regarding his ability to handle press coverage and physical defenders.

Overall Projection

Kawaan Baker was projected as a late-round pick or undrafted free agent in the 2021 NFL Draft. His intriguing skill set and playmaking ability made him a candidate for teams looking for depth at the wide receiver position. With further development, he was seen as a potential contributor in a pass-heavy offense, especially in a role that maximizes his speed and YAC ability.

Conclusion

As teams prepared for the 2021 NFL Draft, Kawaan Baker's combination of skills and potential made him an interesting prospect. While there were questions about his consistency and level of competition, his upside as a versatile receiver could appeal to teams looking for a late-round gem.