Rookie Report Card: Week Six

In my weekly column, we take a long look at two rookies.  I compare their performance to date against my original expectations of them.  Let’s continue the 2013 series by looking back at New England wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins and New Orleans wide receiver Kenny Stills in their matchup against each other’s defenses.

Kenbrell Thompkins, WR NE

Here is what I saw in college from Thompkins: In his last two years of college, Thompkins never had more than 536 yards or two touchdowns in a season.  His senior tape against Virginia Tech was very impressive, though.  In that game, Thompkins was strong off the line of scrimmage.  He is a long-striding, physical runner and did a good job getting defenders off-balance, making them miss in the open field.  Thompkins is deadly at starting and stopping his body, causing most defenders to over-run him.

Thompkins demonstrated effort on his run blocking as well as his ability to concentrate on the difficult low to the ground receptions.  He fights for the ball with physical defenders and isn’t afraid to make catches in the middle of the field in traffic. Although he does not have blazing speed, Thompkins long strides can create separation with smaller corners.  He certainly flashes some great skills, but needs to be more consistent if he wants to be an impact NFL receiver.

This is what I saw from Thompkins against the Saints: Thompkins was not in the initial two wide sets, instead it was Aaron Dobson and Danny Amendola lining up in those.   While he is only 6′ 1″ and 190 lbs, he plays much bigger as he is willing to roam in the middle of the field.  This was clear on his first reception of the day as he darted inside, catching the ball in full stride, while spinning away from his coverage.  Thompkins uses good leverage and keeps his feet driving like a running back to gain extra yardage.  He does a good job of getting separation against physical coverage.

One of his underrated aspects in his ability to run in the open field as the young wide receiver took a short pass and streaked past three defenders until the turf monster reached up and tripped him or else Thompkins would have gotten to the end zone with his second catch of the day.  His downfield vision helps set up blocks and find the best running lanes to use his quickness. Thompkins also had a long touchdown pass broken up in the end zone, when the ball got knocked out his hands at the last second.  He had good position on the ball, but did not have the concentration or hand strength to secure the ball.  On the year, the rookie has caught less than 45% of the targets thrown his way.  While Tom Brady is not playing at a high level this season, his receptions versus targets are still a huge disappointment.

Thankfully, the rookie was given the opportunity to win the game with less than ten seconds when he made a clutch jump ball 17-yard reception in the back of the end zone and snatch the win for New England. Brady trusted his young receiver to go up and fight for the ball which he did splendidly.

It seems the New England coaching staff is not sold on any of these rookie receivers long-term as they get used interchangeably.  I would be trying to sell Thompkins or Dobson high if you can. Brady does not have a favorite receiver unless you are Randy Moss or Wes Welker in their prime. Thompkins will be hard pressed to finish with over 60 catches, 850 yards and seven touchdowns, which would only be WR3 type numbers at best.

Kenny Stills, WR NO

This is what I saw Stills do in college:  While he isn’t the biggest or the fastest, he has good hands and adjusts to the ball well in the air. The young wide receiver sits down well in a zone and catches the ball with his hands, not his body.  Stills knows where he is on the field, using the sidelines or referees to help set up running lanes.  He has quick feet, fights for the ball in the air, and is more physical than most receivers.

Stills is a technique guy, not an elite athlete.  I see a good possession type receiver who won’t get much yards after the catch, but runs clean, precise routes.  He is willing to come back to the quarterback when they are under pressure and can adjust to poorly thrown passes.  The young receiver has good body control, gets to the highest point to make the catch and shields the ball away from the defender.  He needs to be in a pass first offense to be effective fantasy-wise.

Here is what I saw from Stills playing against New England: Stills lined up all over the field for the Saints, including on both the left and right outside receiver spots, in the slot, and as the fullback.  The young receiver does a great job of catching the ball out in front which helps him not slow down on any of his routes and run through arm tackles.  Stills has good concentration making receptions between a corner and safety and holds his own against physical coverage.

Drew Brees likes that he runs crisp routes and has the body control to adjust himself to contort to the ball in the air. Stills uses his body to maintain separation between him, the ball and the defender.  Unlike the Saints other receivers, Stills brought in every target thrown his way.  He skied over the cornerback to make a clutch touchdown catch, getting the ball at its highest point.  He reminds me of a younger more athletic Lance Moore (aka the player he is replacing).

My biggest concern with Stills isn’t his athletic ability, but his place in the pecking order in New Orleans – it is a Jimmy Graham town and Darren Sproles is great in space.  If things continue to dry up forMarques Colston (three catches on five targets in the last two games combined), there might be hope for Stills to become the third option in the Big Easy.  I wouldn’t count on it this season, though.

For follow-up questions or information, contact me on twitter @AndrewMiley