Pro: Yards After Catch
Yards after the catch is what separates receivers from good to elite. While Keenan Allen and Odell Beckham Jr. both are masters of route running, Beckham is a step ahead because of his ability to make a play out of nothing. That’s where Lamb steps in as he might be one of the most explosive receivers with the ball in his hands we have seen in years.
CeeDee Lamb comes in at wide receiver #2. Lamb is a big receiver whose yac (yards after catch) make him special. Lambs big frame also makes him an exceptional blocker. pic.twitter.com/ihOzBulBs2
— Draft Location (@DraftLocation) February 23, 2020
According to the PFF Draft Guide, Lamb is second in the nation in broken tackles with 26. Mind you, Lamb is only 198 pounds and breaks tackles like he’s 230 with a ferocious competitive toughness that is comparable to Terrell Owens in his prime. There were a few plays this season where Lamb had no reason scoring a touchdown, but he found a way to be elusive and bully his way into the end zone.
CeeDee Lamb on the reverse. I think he can get under 4.5 at the combine. pic.twitter.com/Hc8M2BTk3x
— Marc John (@TheMarcJohnNFL) February 22, 2020
The best example was the Texas game, where he made six defenders look silly. Lamb is unique with the ball in his hands and can make plays in any offense in the NFL.
Pro: Route Running
Route running is always an essential part of a wide receiver’s game. If a player can’t run routes effectively, it’s easy to see he will have a hard time translating to the NFL. Lamb is underrated overall in this department but is as effective as they come when it comes to route running and creating separation.
What stands out when you watch Lamb is how productive he is at the top of his routes. Lamb shines right at the end of his stem and displays excellent agility in and out of his breaks to create space between him and the defender. While he didn’t face much press in the Big 12, he doesn’t have any false steps in his release and gets into his route with acceleration.
Lamb mental processing is top-notch as well, with a lot of experience against zone defenses playing in the Big 12. He is smart and will find holes in the zone to make himself available to the quarterback. This will help him be pro-ready from the jump and why he is a top prospect.
Pro: Adjust/Body Control
Here is where Lamb separates himself from other wide receivers. When scouts use these terms, it is based on catching the football outside the frame or having the body control and balance to keep your feet in for sideline receptions. Lamb does this at an extremely high level.
The true Junior has made acrobatic catches his whole career, beginning with the legendary one last year against UCLA. He makes these plays look routine and displays how dominant he indeed could be in the NFL. He will be one of those players you can trust even when he doesn’t win his route, he will fight like heck to get to the football.
This is one of my favorite traits for a wide receiver because it usually always translates to the pros. If you can make catches in traffic or make special plays on the sideline, you can genuinely become a go-to player in an offense. Lamb check that box in every way possible.
CONTINUE TO CEEDEE LAMB’S WEAKNESSES
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