If there is one common thread NFL draft analysts seem to think about this year’s crop of wide receivers as a whole, it is that it is relatively undersized compared to past classes of wide receivers. But that shouldn’t matter according to former Penn State wide receiver and NFL veteran [autotag]Chris Godwin[/autotag].
“I do not think it’s a fair criticism, ” Godwin said in a recent interview with USA TODAY Sports. “I feel like people can be quick to judge a guy by just the measurables.”
Size is one thing, obviously, in the NFL as teams like to have a big target for their franchise quarterbacks to rely on. But according to Godwin, there is far more to what makes a good wide receiver in the NFL than a guy’s physical stature.
“To me when I look at a guy, I just look at it if they can play or not,” Godwin explained. “Do they have good ball skills? You can run a 4.2 but if you don’t know how to stop correctly, you don’t know how to use your brakes then you’re just going to be running [go routes] and teams are smart enough to stop that.”
“You have to be a well-rounded receiver. You have to be able to make tough catches. So you really have to look at how the player performs day in and day out but also in big moments.”
So what does Godwin think of this year’s crop of wide receivers ready to go through the NFL draft process beginning Thursday night with the first round?
“From what I’ve seen so far, there are some guys in this class that can really make plays,” Godwin said.
One of those guys Godwin may be referring to is Penn State’s [autotag]Parker Washington[/autotag]. Washington is entering the NFL draft a little under six feet tall but he has put together some highlight-worthy plays during his time at Penn State. If Godwin was looking for guys to jump up and make plays, then Washington delivered on numerous occasions for Penn State the past couple of seasons.
Time will tell if Washington can be one of those receivers teams count on stepping up to make something happen.
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