Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | Michigan
Elevator Pitch
Peoples-Jones was a highly touted, five-star recruit and number one wide receiver in the country when he committed to play at Michigan. He never lived up to the hype surrounding him in Ann Arbor. A lot of reasons outside of his control but teams in need of a big receiver with punt return ability will like him. Great ball tracker who can win from different spots on the field.
Vitals
Height | 6-2
Weight | 212
Class | Junior
Strengths
Peoples-Jones is one of those players who looks like a center fielder with the ball in the air. He does a great job of tracking the ball in the air. His long arms will help with catches outside of his frame. Peoples-Jones shows good ball skills and that will help due to his lack of production at Michigan. Which was mostly due to suspect quarterback play.
He can be a return man at the next level. Recorded two touchdowns as a punt returner. DPJ returned 89 punts in three seasons for an average of 8.3 yards per return. Teams that struggle on special teams could use his skillset, at least early in his career until he becomes a more focal point of the offense in the future.
He can beat teams down the field using his speed. This allows DPJ to create larger throwing windows for his quarterback. Shows good footwork that allows to create separation when coming out of his breaks. His best spot in an offense might be working the slot role even as a bigger receiver.
Weaknesses
There are questions surrounding his game, some of which can be explained by the quarterback that was throwing him passes in Ann Arbor. He needs to limit the drops by focusing on the catch prior to running after the catch. On top of the focus drops, he will need to be better refined in his technique when dealing with being jammed at the line.
He won’t be a receiver that wins with a quick-twitch. It takes him a little bit to get up to top speed. DPJ will struggle with physical corners off the line, playing in the slot will give him more free releases that will allow him to win off the snap.
Projection: Top 100
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