Tag: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Every NFL team loves a big, physical wide receiver who can box out defensive backs and win in contested-catch situations. That’s why Louisiana Tech’s Malik Stanley should hear his name called in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Stanley recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his physical playing style, his recent pro day performance, and why an NFL team should take a chance on him in this year’s draft.

JM: How would you describe your play style at the wide receiver position?

MS: I would start by saying that I have a physical style of play. I try to bring a bit of a different mentality to the wide receiver position. I’m a big-bodied guy that can climb above the rim and make those tough catches. I’m a strong route runner all over the field. I run short routes just as effectively as I run a long route. I can make catches in traffic. I can create separation as a route runner. That’s what comes to mind.

JM: Do you have a favorite route to run?

MS: I would probably say a post route or any route that allows me to cross the defensive back’s face. It allows me to bait them into thinking that I’m running a go route. It creates some misdirection and confusion for them. It’s bait. It makes them flip their hips in the wrong direction. I can create a lot of separation with a post route.

JM: You held your own pro day recently. Tell us about some of the results.

MS: I ran a 4.59 in the 40-yard dash. That’s the time I was shooting for. I wasn’t surprised by the result. Some of the other drills, they weren’t my best results. I’m capable of better. We had some trouble with our footing in the turf. I had a pretty good day overall though. We made the best of it. I showcased my strong route running skills. I definitely think I had a productive day.

JM: Have you spoken with many teams via FaceTime throughout this process?

MS: I’ve been asked to keep the teams private at this time, but I’ve spoken with a few teams in the AFC. We’ve held some meetings and I’ve answered all of their questions. I feel good about how those meetings went.

JM: Who are some of the best defensive backs you’ve ever gone up against?

MS: I came from the JUCO ranks. When I first came to JUCO, everybody was talking about JaMarcus King. He was a big name at the time. That’s the first defensive back that comes to mind. He’s a long guy. He eventually went on to play at South Carolina. Amik Robertson also comes to mind. Him and I were teammates at Louisiana Tech. He’s a little on the smaller side, so he’s been underestimated his entire career. He’s a great player. He has the production to back that up. He’s a great player for his size. Those two guys definitely come to mind.

JM: Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Malik Stanley?

MS: I bring a worker’s attitude to the position. I’m always trying to get better. My work ethic remains consistent all throughout practice. I always try to practice like I play. I’m trying to make sure that the team succeeds. I always put the organization first. I’ll do everything I can to help the team win ball games. That’s the mentality I bring when I walk through the door.

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