Editor’s Note: To help you dominate your rookie drafts, this series will feature a look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of over 40 dynasty rookie draft prospects and run all through the month of May and even into June. We’ll cover all the premier prospects but also give you critical information on some of the lesser known talents. All of these rookie updates will be loaded into our ever-evolving 2018 Rookie Draft Guide – the ultimate resource for dynasty enthusiasts all over the world.
Name: Jaleel Scott
Position: Wide Receiver
Pro Team: Baltimore Ravens
College Team: New Mexico State
Draft Status: Round Four, 132nd overall
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
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COMBINE REVIEW
- Height = 6’5”
- Weight = 218 pounds
- Arms = 33 ½”
- Hands = 10.5”
- 40-Yard Dash = 4.56
- Bench press = 16
- Vertical Jump = 34.5”
- Broad Jump = 124.0”
- 3-Cone Drill = 7.2 Seconds
- 20-Yard Shuttle = 4.4 Seconds
- 60-Yard Shuttle = 12.07 Seconds
STRENGTHS
- High points the ball so well he earned the nickname, “Jump Ball King”
- Plays tough despite small frame
- Plays through contact well
- Is a physical player
- Tracks the ball well
- Has elusive qualities when his quarterback must scramble
- Late bloomer who could be coming into his own
WEAKNESSES
- May lack truly elite top end speed and short area quickness
- Could be relegated to a red zone or fade route specialist
- Blocking ability needs work
- Stiff in his routes
- Plays too upright at times
- Doesn’t have a ton of experience
OPPORTUNITIES
After spending two years at Junior College and posting a non-descript 2016 season at New Mexico State (though he did lead the team in touchdown receptions with five), Scott was under the radar heading into this season. That all changed in 2017 as he posted 1,079 receiving yards on 76 receptions and burst on to the National scene with a catch against Arizona State (see video above) that was Odell Beckham-esque.
In Baltimore, Scott finds himself buried on a re-tooled depth chart that features Michael Crabtree, Willie Snead and John Brown at the top. The good news is the Ravens can get out of all those contracts very easily if a young receiver was to show well early. In short, there is an opportunity for a young receiver to make an impact – something Breshad Perriman has never done.
THREATS
The Ravens are clearly in the market for help at receiver and if the new veterans fail to pan out, expect them to blow it up again and re-load the depth chart. They look like a destination for future free agents or highly regarded draft picks in the near future – both of which would help stunt the development of Scott and block his ascension up the depth chart.
SHORT-TERM EXPECTATIONS
It’s tough to see Scott carving out much of a role soon unless he can prove his worth as a red zone target. However, I can see that happening rather easily as the “Jump Ball King” is 6’5”. If Scott can overcome his other deficiencies, he could find himself with some limited playing time in other capacities as well. Still, expect the Ravens to bring him along slowly and see what they have in their new veteran receiving corps in the meantime.
LONG-TERM EXPECTATIONS
There are some who believe Scott is a true sleeper in this draft class because of his ability to snag contested passes and box out defenders. He’ll need to add more strength to do this at the next level but you also can’t teach “tall.” Still, Scott projects to be a backup wide receiver in the league but could ascend to a better spot in reality and fantasy if he can show well in camp and have some veterans ahead of him flop, thus giving him an opportunity. Still, his ceiling is likely that of a WR2.
NFL PLAYER COMPARISON
As I watch him on tape, the player he most reminds me of is former NFL receiver Plaxico Burress. While also not an elite athlete, the 6’5″ Burress made a career out of making contested catches and had a similar physical makeup as Scott.
PROJECTED ROOKIE DRAFT RANGE
According to our Rookie ADP, Scott is a late fifth round player or left undrafted as he comes in at #60. Many of those drafting may look at the Ravens newly constructed depth chart and think there isn’t opportunity there. While that may be true early in his career, Scott should have a chance to make his mark eventually and that should be enough to merit a dart throw late in a rookie draft. He’s clearly a player to keep on your watch lists as camps open up this Summer.
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Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
