Devin Duvernay | WR | Texas
Elevator Pitch
A compact slot receiver with plenty of ability after the catch, Duvernay is an electric playmaker who brings athleticism and toughness to the wide receiver position. His skill set isn’t one of anything more than a complementary weapon at the next level, but he should be a serviceable starter in the pros.
Vitals
Height | 5-10
Weight | 200
Strengths
Duvernay exploded onto the scene in 2019, and he showcased that explosiveness in both a figurative and literal sense.
He is a fluid athlete who does a solid job of flipping his hips and accelerating out of his breaks. His coordination is impressive, as he is able to make tough adjustments to the ball in high-pointing situations and change direction seamlessly as a route runner. Duvernay’s acceleration off the ball is noticeable, and his agility after the catch gives him plenty of upside. He excels at making defenders miss and has the spring in his step to make some flashy moves in space. His deep speed allows him to stretch the field pretty well as a vertical threat.
In addition to his athleticism, Duvernay brings surprising power for a slot receiver. He is a tough runner to bring down after the catch, as he carries a compact frame and a low center of gravity. He is able to run through arm tackles and keep churning his legs through contact. His hands are also incredibly strong, as he does a great job of maintaining focus throughout his route and hanging onto tough grabs. That reliability will serve him well across the middle of the field.
Weaknesses
Duvernay is admittedly a victim of a strong class at wide receiver that pushes him down into Day 3 territory, but he does have some flaws in his game. Among them is his technique as a route runner, as the sharpness in his cuts is inconsistent, allowing cornerbacks to stick onto him at times. He doesn’t do a great job of using his hands to separate from man coverage, either.
As a shorter receiver, Duvernay doesn’t have the length to play on the outside at the next level. His catch radius isn’t all that good, and his size makes him a bit of a liability when asked to go up and grab 50/50 balls. In addition to his lack of height, he also doesn’t do a great job of boxing out defenders, whether it be on a jump ball or in tight-window situations.
Projection: Day 3
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