The NFL is a copycat league. So it comes as no surprise that since Wes Welker’s surprising emergence in 2007, teams have searched the college ranks for a player similar to him. It seems there is always a receiver labeled as the “next Welker”: an athletic but under the radar prospect that relies on shiftiness instead of size to make plays. However, more often than not those prospects ultimately fall far short of such lofty expectations.
After an impressive Combine, former Fresno State wide receiver Devon Wylie is beginning to draw those ever popular comparisons to Welker. On the surface, it’s a surprising comparison. Is a player that wasn’t even a consistent starter for his college team truly worthy of being compared to Welker?
Weighing in at 5’9, 187 lbs, Wylie isn’t a guy that’s going to wow any team with his physical stature. While he may not have an impressive build, it’s easy to see why many instantly think of Welker (5’9 195 lbs) comes to mind when looking at Wylie.
Wylie’s college stats don’t necessarily jump out at you either. His senior season was by far his best outing, catching 56 passes for 716 yards. In the 3 years prior, he only managed 41 receptions for 567 yards. In his entire collegiate career eight touchdown receptions. So why is he suddenly being regarded as a guy who could be drafted as early as the 4th round (or even sooner)?
While he didn’t put up nearly the prolific numbers that Welker did at Texas Tech, their two styles of play are quite similar. Both players have a good burst off the snap that allows them to get quick separation from defensive backs. Wylie and Welker both run very good short and intermediate routes and posses solid ability to make plays after the catch. Like Welker, Wylie is also a dangerous special teams player, as he averaged over 15 yards per return and had two return touchdowns in 2011.
The similarities to Welker end here, however. And surprisingly, it’s Wylie that brings an aspect to his game that Welker just doesn’t have. As good of a career Welker has had, he’s never been a big vertical threat. Wylie however is explosive enough to stretch defenses. At the combine, Wylie ran a blazing 4.39 40 yard dash, and showed an explosive burst in both the broad jump and vertical jump as well. Wylie, while the sample size was smaller, posted a career collegiate yards per catch average of 15 yards to Welker’s 12.
In spite of his athleticism, Wylie is far from a slam dunk prospect. Among the red flags is his lengthy injury history. It’s part of what kept him out of the starting line up throughout his career. His most concerning injury occurred in 2010, when he suffered a stress fracture to his leg in the first game of the season, leading him to redshirt what would have been his senior season. Wylie also dealt with a pulled hamstring and a persistent sprained ankle in his time at Fresno State. In spite of that, he did not miss a game in 2011. Still, his injury history combined with his small statute will be a concern to teams.
Because of his size, Wylie’s potential in the NFL will likely be limited to playing as a slot receiver and contributing as a kick and punt returner. He also struggles at times to get separated from jam coverage, which will certainly be a difficulty for him at the next level. These worries, combined with his overall lack of production (due to injuries or otherwise) will probably keep him from being drafted in the first 2-3 rounds of the draft.
Regardless of the concerns that surround Wylie’s game, he’s a high character player that brings explosive, playmaking ability that many smaller receivers can’t bring to the table. Combined with his ability to contribute on special teams starting on day one of his NFL career, Wylie is more than worth a mid round pick in April.
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