More Q&As with the writers who cover these college kids. Up next, all you need to know about TJ Graham from the boys over at Backing the Pack.
1) What are his strengths and weaknesses?
First and foremost, he brings good speed to the table. (Miss a tackle and… http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:7006669 ) He has a lot of experience returning kicks (he was a returner all four years) which also helps him in run-after-catch opportunities.
On the other hand, he isn’t very big, and he didn’t break into the starting lineup at WR until his senior season, so he hasn’t had a ton of snaps at receiver. He was labeled the dreaded “track guy playing football” at the start of his career, and he was really raw in the beginning. His hands are average, though I will say he did a nice job stepping up and becoming more consistent during his senior season.
2) A majority of the experts have said that Graham has speed, but he doesn’t have good route running ability. Can you elaborate?
I think that gets back to what I was talking about in the first question–he just didn’t get much time at WR for NC State until his senior year, so he’s maybe a bit further behind the curve than some of the other receivers taken in this part of the draft. He needs refinement, there’s not question about that, but he did take a solid step forward in his development in 2011.
3) Can you talk to me about his punt return ability?
This is a big strength of his and is the most likely way in which he can make an immediate impact in Buffalo. He returned kickoffs and punts from day one, and he took a kick back for a score in each of his four seasons. As I mentioned at the top, he’s very fast.
Here are three of his TD returns:
Liberty: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:6927379
UNC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb6gSGtRMVo
BC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3On_ONxB98M
4) What was his best game he played at NC State?
That’s a tough one. I’ll say the bowl game last year, if only for this pass play: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:7394896
5) Do you think this guy will be a legit pro? Why?
That depends on how you define legit, I suppose. As a legit return specialist? Sure. As a regular contributor from the wide receiver position? That’s going to take time, but I do think the potential is there.
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