There are a lot of underrated receivers in the 2015 NFL Draft that dynasty owners must get familiar. Sure, I well aware of the bad rap USC receivers earned for themselves in the past ten years or so.
While Nelson Agholor is no Robert Woods or Marquise Lee, this receiver is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Unlike most wide outs in this class, Agholor can play any receiver spot as well as return the ball on both punts and kickoffs. After viewing three of his games against Colorado, California, and Arizona State, I thought it was clear that he could make a major impact in the NFL.
WR Nelson Agholor, USC 6’ 0” 198 lbs.
Cons: The receiver didn’t face much physical coverage during his college career and was left mostly uncovered split out wide. When he got pressed at the line and running routes, Agholor got disrupted and took a few steps to get back on track. This lack of physicality might cause him to work mostly in the slot and return game. He is a decent run blocker, but needs to be more consistent to stay on the field all three downs.
Pros: This former high school running back can change directions quickly using amazing foot speed, balance, or a devastating jump cut to make the first man miss. At USC, he lined up on the outside, in the slot, and occasionally in the backfield. Agholor has a tremendous burst with an outstanding first step, follows blockers well, and has the vision to exploit cut back lanes easily. Bubble screens can be deadly with the ball in his hands. He will do whatever it takes to get separation whether it’s a stutter step, hand fighting with a defender, selling a double move, or spin move that can make him a scary deep threat once he is behind the defense.
The receiver tracks the pigskin well in the air and catches it in stride. Agholor attacks the ball at its highest point using his leaping ability to sky above his defenders. He has soft hands and catches the ball away from his body smoothly. The entire field is available to him as the young wide out can make contested catches down the middle by shielding the ball from defenders or use the sidelines while tapping both of his feet in bounds. This also makes him an effective red zone target, keeping control of his feet while making a bucket catch in the back of the end zone with great concentration.
Agholor runs crisp routes and a versatile route tree. He protects the pigskin well, fights for extra yardage, and can take a hit, unlike most men his size. This receiver is a feisty competitor with a great catch radius and is a willing blocker once another receiver catches the ball.
Overall thoughts: I view Agholor as a cross between Jeremy Maclin and Bruce Ellington. He is a tough, versatile player who might need to play on special teams for his first year or two in the league, but will quickly find a role in the offense. The receiver probably will never be a dynasty WR1, but with the right fit might make a great borderline WR2.
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