Peoples-Jones uses freak athleticism to turn heads at NFL Combine

How the Wolverines WR fared in the combine and what advanced analytics are saying about his prospects.

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The NFL Scouting Combine was always going to be Donovan Peoples-Jones’ event. Always.

The talented wideout had some work to do to emerge in a stacked WR draft class this year, especially considering that NFL.com gave him a 5.9 draft grade, essentially slotting the freak athlete as a potential backup at the professional level.

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Though, with a stunning performance in Indianapolis this week, Peoples-Jones turned some heads, with a near-record breaking performance on the vertical jump, and showcasing his speed in the 40-yard dash. Next Gen Stats, the NFL’s advanced statistics arm, took a look at what Peoples-Jones accomplished athletically and noted him as being among the upper echelon of the elite.

Combine results and NFL.com evaluation

40-yard dash 4.48 Vertical jump 44.5
Bench press – Broad jump 139

Like we said, however, NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein wasn’t particularly enthused about Peoples-Jones as a prospect, despite all of his athleticism. He notes drops, inability to get off the line of scrimmage, inability to use his burst and other reasons why he isn’t sold on DPJ as a high-level NFL prospect.

Overview

Former five-star and top-rated receiver coming out of high school, Peoples-Jones failed to find the success and production expected over his three seasons at Michigan. His route tempo is sluggish, but he has some savvy and shortcuts footwork for out-breaking routes to the boundary. He doesn’t run well enough to play outside in the pros but has decent tape as a big slot. His pro limitations go beyond Michigan’s spotty offense and he may not reach any higher than being an average backup.

Strengths

  • Big receiver with imposing frame
  • Stair-steps cornerbacks for leverage into routes
  • Clever footwork adds quickness getting in and out of breaks
  • Able to track and bring in throw over his shoulder
  • Hands have been reliable during his career
  • Grabbed a touchdown once every six catches over last two years
  • Smooth body adjustments laying out to grab fades
  • Able to break tackles and find yards after catch
  • Size to help spring runs as slot blocker

Weaknesses

  • Release lacks twitch and suddenness
  • Press jams find him all game long
  • Play speed is very gradual and non-threatening
  • Will have NFL cornerbacks parked in his pocket
  • Unable to shake tight man to open extended windows
  • Slowed by redirection from shallow zone defenders
  • Focus drops popped up against Ohio State
  • Never posted a 100-yard game at Michigan

We’ll see, especially given that Peoples-Jones was quite limited with injury to start 2019, if a now-healthy DPJ can make it to the pros and thrive.

Given his freak athleticism, we’re not betting against him.