NFL teams love wide receiver prospects who can line up on the outside or in the slot, as well as the ability to make an immediate impact on special teams.
One such prospect in this year’s class is Michigan State’s Darrell Stewart, Jr., who recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, how his own teammates prepared him for the next level, and why an NFL team should take a chance on him in this year’s draft.
JM: How would you describe your skill set?
DSJR: I was a big play-maker throughout my time at Michigan State. I’m a guy that can play every receiver position on the field. Michigan State moved me around a lot and the results remained consistent. I’ve played both inside and outside. I did damage in the slot. I’m very comfortable with that. I’m a big guy but I’m good with the ball in my hands. I make things happen after the catch. I can go up and make the tough, difficult catches.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
DSJR: It was a great experience. I’ve been watching the combine ever since I was a small child. I grew up watching it alongside my cousins and brothers. We all used to gather around the television. To just be there was an amazing experience. It was very surreal. I was around so many great players and coaches. I enjoyed competing alongside the best athletes in the nation. It was an amazing experience that we all shared together.
JM: Taking every aspect of the combine into account, what do you feel is the overall impression that you left out there?
DSJR: I believe that the NFL teams walked away from meeting me and said to themselves, “Hey, that guy is ready to hit the ground running.” I’m not looking to come in as a rookie to just sit back and watch. I wanna come in and be a play-maker from Day 1. I just wanna play. I’m happy to play special teams and make my impact felt there. I just wanna be a productive member of the team. I’ll be ready to go once my number gets called.
JM: Who are some of the teams that you’ve met with via FaceTime recently?
DSJR: I’ve met with the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens recently.
JM: Do you have a favorite route to run?
DSJR: I love running a post-corner route. Michigan State allowed me to run that route quite frequently in the red zone. I would line up inside and the defense would usually have a safety in single-high that had to pay attention to me. I can sell the vertical route with my eyes and get him to peel off me. I would then hit that post move pretty hard and make him bite. I take that third step outside and I’m off to the races.
JM: Playing at Michigan State afforded you the opportunity to play against some of the best competition college football has to offer. Who are some of the best defensive backs you’ve played against?
DSJR: I always think back to my own teammates. Khari Willis was one of those guys at Michigan State. Josiah Scott also comes to mind. He’s a cornerback that’s in this draft class as well. He’s a great guy. I can’t forget about Justin Layne. Willis and Layne are already playing in the NFL and Scott isn’t too far behind. Going up against all three of those guys on a daily basis at practice made me a better player. All of those guys are so competitive, especially Willis. Khari Willis is super competitive. He didn’t wanna lose at anything (laughs). That’s what I liked about him. I appreciate all of those guys.
JM: Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Darrell Stewart, Jr.?
DSJR: They’re gonna get somebody that loves the game of football. I’m gonna go out there and practice like a pro so that I’m ready to contribute on game day. I’m gonna put my best foot forward and make sure that I’m doing everything that I can to help the team win games. I’m gonna be a productive guy at the next level. I’m gonna make things happen.
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