The wide receiver class is one of the deepest in recent memory, and many prospects have seen their stock fallen as a result of that. He did not go to one of the biggest schools, but Davante Adams has a nice NFL future ahead of him. He had a lot of production in college, and he possesses the ball-skills that offensive coordinators in the NFL salivate over. Let's take a look at eDraft's official scouting report on the prospect.
College: Fresno State
Ht: 6'1"
Wt: 210
Video
Strengths
Ball-skills: There is a reason why Adams was Derek Carr's favorite target during their time together at Fresno State. Like a safety, Adams shows the ability to target the ball and make a play on it at all times.
Vision: After Adams catches the pass, he can be a playmaker with the ball. He has the ability to read defenses after the catch, and this is another example of his play-making ability.
Run-blocking: Many receivers in college don't really try on running plays, but Adams rarely takes plays off. This shows a lot about his effort and his demeanor.
Weaknesses
Hands: At times, Adams can take his eyes off the ball and drop the ball off his fingers. Another thing is that he takes off before the ball reaches him. He needs to improve this part of his game.
Catching in traffic: It seems as if Adams hears footsteps when he is in the middle of the field. In the NFL, receivers risk their bodies to make plays in the middle of the field, and Adams has to do a better job at focusing in on catching the ball in traffic. If not, the ball may tip off of him and land into the arms of a defender.
No route tree in college: Although Fresno State uses a pro style offense, Adams did not have a route tree in college. This is happening to a ton of college wideouts now because offenses are starting to open up. This was the case last year with Terrance Williams. Adams only ran screens, go routes, and curl routes.
NFL Comparison: Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens: Like Adams, Smith won't beat you with speed, but he will be a dangerous weapon on an NFL offense. Smith is matchup problem for opposing defenses, and that is something Adams can be in the NFL as well.
Draft Outlook
Because of the deep receiver class, I have Adams as an early second-round pick, but a team could very well pick him in the back end of the first round. There are a ton of receiver-needy teams, and they could really like Adams by just his game tape alone.
Best Fits
I look at a team like the Carolina Panthers who could select Adams at the end of the first round. Besides Jason Avant, the Panthers basically have no one in their receiving corps who could make an impact. They released Steve Smith and Ted Ginn Jr. left in free agency. Adams could have a big role in Carolina right away.
Other possible fits include the New England Patriots, San Fransisco 49ers, and the Oakland Raiders.