Round 3, Pick 82 - Pittsburgh Steelers - Emmanuel Sanders

Emmanuel Sanders, WR, SMU

Ht: 5’ 10 7/8” Wt: 186

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Sanders is thought to be in the mold of a Wes Welker type slot receiver.  His thin frame may prevent him from fulfilling his potential, but, at this point in the draft, the Steelers are making a low risk / high reward pick.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Slightly built, physically underdeveloped slot receiver who consistently stands out on tape but will have to prove he is tough enough to survive playing between the numbers at the next level. Capped a very solid senior season with an outstanding East-West Shrine Game.

NFL projection: Mid-round pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report: Sanders is a short & thin receiver who jumps off the film with his foot quicks, explosiveness play-making ability.  Having played in SMU’s wide-open passing attack Sanders was not asked to run many routes beyond 5 yards, but when he did he showed the athleticism to run sharp/precise route & was able to explode out of his cuts to consistently get separation.  He has good hands & on passes within his frame he consistently catches the ball & he flashes ability to make touch catches, but does not consistently come up with the very tough catch. In the games graded he caught 88% of the passes that he could get both hands on, but did not step up & make great catches in key situations consistently. His lack of size & strength is going to hinder his ability to gain yards after contact in the NFL & will likely have trouble maintaining durability if he is over-used at his current weight. Overall, Sanders is an explosive & very athletic receiver with the physical talent to be a big play receiver in the NFL. However, right now he is best suited to making his impact as a # 3/Slot receiver & punt returner because of his lack of size/bulk, but if he can add weight & prove durability he could become a productive starting receiver in the NFL. To become the receiver he has the talent to be he must also improve his ability to make the very tough catch more consistently.

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

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