SL Jordan White of Western Michigan ~ 6.0/216
"White has had to overcome a lot in his career at Western Michigan -- multiple serious injuries and a family tragedy, when his father suffered a brain aneurysm in 2008 while driving and as a result of the accident went into a coma. But White was still able to stand out in 2010, being named a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award and first-team All-MAC after making 94 receptions for 1,378 yards and 10 touchdowns.
In 2006, four days into White's first training camp as a true freshman, he tore the ACL in his right knee. He saw his first game action as a sophomore and posted 19 receptions for 217 yards and a touchdown. With big aspirations entering the 2008 season, White tore cartilage in his left knee and missed the entire season. In his return to action in 2009, he finished with 53 receptions for 684 yards and four touchdowns.
White brings a lot to the table -- size, speed and natural athleticism -- but isn't on a level with former WMU star Greg Jennings of the Packers. His season-ending injuries and poor route running will scare off some teams, but if he's healthy, he could prove to be a steal in the middle rounds of the draft.
***
Strengths: Excellent athleticism. A long strider but still explodes off the line of scrimmage. A natural pass catcher with strong hands who consistently sees the ball into his hands. Tucks the ball away quickly after the catch to brace for big hits. Has quick feet and can sink his hips to throttle down quickly. Very effective running screens. Turns short receptions into big plays by climbing into a second gear. Settles well in space and finds open pockets in the defense. Accelerates quickly after the catch and is a powerful runner who often breaks away from the first defender. Displays good vision as a runner. Uses a stiff arm, as well as his speed, to separate from defenders. Shows good vision and acceleration as a return man. Usually lines up as a slot receiver, but could handle an outside position.
Weaknesses: Not very aggressive in beating the jam at the line and prefers to run around defenders. Needs to improve his route-running; tends to round off routes. Gets lazy on deep comebacks -- will turn around early and back his way into the route. Short-arms the ball at times and must get stronger to make catches in traffic. Runs out of control at times and can lose his balance. Doesn't show great effort as a blocker, failing to break down and struggles to wall off aggressive defenders in space."
In 2006, four days into White's first training camp as a true freshman, he tore the ACL in his right knee. He saw his first game action as a sophomore and posted 19 receptions for 217 yards and a touchdown. With big aspirations entering the 2008 season, White tore cartilage in his left knee and missed the entire season. In his return to action in 2009, he finished with 53 receptions for 684 yards and four touchdowns.
White brings a lot to the table -- size, speed and natural athleticism -- but isn't on a level with former WMU star Greg Jennings of the Packers. His season-ending injuries and poor route running will scare off some teams, but if he's healthy, he could prove to be a steal in the middle rounds of the draft.
***
Strengths: Excellent athleticism. A long strider but still explodes off the line of scrimmage. A natural pass catcher with strong hands who consistently sees the ball into his hands. Tucks the ball away quickly after the catch to brace for big hits. Has quick feet and can sink his hips to throttle down quickly. Very effective running screens. Turns short receptions into big plays by climbing into a second gear. Settles well in space and finds open pockets in the defense. Accelerates quickly after the catch and is a powerful runner who often breaks away from the first defender. Displays good vision as a runner. Uses a stiff arm, as well as his speed, to separate from defenders. Shows good vision and acceleration as a return man. Usually lines up as a slot receiver, but could handle an outside position.
Weaknesses: Not very aggressive in beating the jam at the line and prefers to run around defenders. Needs to improve his route-running; tends to round off routes. Gets lazy on deep comebacks -- will turn around early and back his way into the route. Short-arms the ball at times and must get stronger to make catches in traffic. Runs out of control at times and can lose his balance. Doesn't show great effort as a blocker, failing to break down and struggles to wall off aggressive defenders in space."
"Possesses good height and a thickly built, muscular looking frame. Is a natural receiver who does a nice job extending his arms and plucking the football away from his frame. Displays strong wrists and has the ability to hold onto the football in traffic.
Is physical after the catch and does have some shiftiness to his game for his size, but lacks the ability to simply outpace defenders in the open field. Lacks a great burst off the line and isn't real explosive or sudden in and out of his breaks.
But has a good feel in the pass game, understands where to sit down vs. zone and find soft spots in the short/intermediate areas of the field. Uses his big frame to box cornerbacks out away from the football once he gains a step and looks comfortable working the middle of the field.
However, doesn't generate much separation from himself vs. man. Has a tendency to drift and gear down out of his routes and isn't going to run by anyone vertically at the next level.
Impression: Gives you a nice-sized body who can work the middle of the field, take a hit and hang onto the football. Isn't ever going to be able to play on the outside, but looks like a poor man's version of Jason Avant."
Is physical after the catch and does have some shiftiness to his game for his size, but lacks the ability to simply outpace defenders in the open field. Lacks a great burst off the line and isn't real explosive or sudden in and out of his breaks.
But has a good feel in the pass game, understands where to sit down vs. zone and find soft spots in the short/intermediate areas of the field. Uses his big frame to box cornerbacks out away from the football once he gains a step and looks comfortable working the middle of the field.
However, doesn't generate much separation from himself vs. man. Has a tendency to drift and gear down out of his routes and isn't going to run by anyone vertically at the next level.
Impression: Gives you a nice-sized body who can work the middle of the field, take a hit and hang onto the football. Isn't ever going to be able to play on the outside, but looks like a poor man's version of Jason Avant."
"Hands: Jordan White has a tremendous pair of hands. A pure hands catcher that plucks balls out of the air. It’s a rarity for White to allow the football into his body. He is fearless over the middle and hangs onto the football despite vicious contact. He has great in-air body control and attacks the football as well as anyone. He wants it more than the other guy.
Route Running: White understands all the aspects of playing the WR position. He excels at finding openings in zone coverage and creates space between him and the defender as well as anyone not named Justin Blackmon in this draft. He does have a tendency to round off his cuts and will need to shore that up as he doesn’t have the straight-line speed to fall back on.
After the Catch: White has a solid frame at almost 215 pounds so he doesn’t shy away from contact. He does struggle because of a lack of elite burst to find a ton of yards after the catch. His size and thick lower body make him a tough tackle in the open field.
Athleticism: This is where the Greg Jennings comparisons stop. Anytime you attend the same small school as an productive NFL receiver did you draw comparisons. White doesn’t possess the athleticism thatJennings has. His timed speed won’t draw any wows and he doesn’t have the burst off the line of scrimmage that Jennings has. I do think that he’s fast enough and has enough quickness to be an effective athlete at the position in the NFL. Not elite by any means but effective.
Bottom Line: My glowing report on White is matched only by my feeling that he will be a good NFL receiver. I think he compares favorably to Jordy Nelson of the Packers and could be effective in a similar role in the NFL. He has had some injury issues (two torn ACL’s) that could make him drop lower than I think he should go. A solid No. 2 option for a team in need of a highly productive and reliable catcher of the football.
Draft Projection: Most have White in the 4th-5th round range but I like him as late second round prospect."
Route Running: White understands all the aspects of playing the WR position. He excels at finding openings in zone coverage and creates space between him and the defender as well as anyone not named Justin Blackmon in this draft. He does have a tendency to round off his cuts and will need to shore that up as he doesn’t have the straight-line speed to fall back on.
After the Catch: White has a solid frame at almost 215 pounds so he doesn’t shy away from contact. He does struggle because of a lack of elite burst to find a ton of yards after the catch. His size and thick lower body make him a tough tackle in the open field.
Athleticism: This is where the Greg Jennings comparisons stop. Anytime you attend the same small school as an productive NFL receiver did you draw comparisons. White doesn’t possess the athleticism thatJennings has. His timed speed won’t draw any wows and he doesn’t have the burst off the line of scrimmage that Jennings has. I do think that he’s fast enough and has enough quickness to be an effective athlete at the position in the NFL. Not elite by any means but effective.
Bottom Line: My glowing report on White is matched only by my feeling that he will be a good NFL receiver. I think he compares favorably to Jordy Nelson of the Packers and could be effective in a similar role in the NFL. He has had some injury issues (two torn ACL’s) that could make him drop lower than I think he should go. A solid No. 2 option for a team in need of a highly productive and reliable catcher of the football.
Draft Projection: Most have White in the 4th-5th round range but I like him as late second round prospect."
"Was granted a 6th year of eligibility after missing two full years (2006, 2008) with knee injuries;
Has bounced back nicely and had a career year last fall when he caught 94 passes for over 1,300 yards and 10 TDs; also a competent punt returner;
Not real fast, but has some quickness off the line; still more of a possession-type receiver with good size and better hands, although route-running could be polished."
Has bounced back nicely and had a career year last fall when he caught 94 passes for over 1,300 yards and 10 TDs; also a competent punt returner;
Not real fast, but has some quickness off the line; still more of a possession-type receiver with good size and better hands, although route-running could be polished."
"Bio: Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors after posting a career high 94/1378/10. Junior totals included 53/681/4.
Positive: Strong possession receiver who can be a terrific target for the quarterback. Comes back to the pass out of breaks, uses his frame to shield away opponents, and makes the difficult reception in contorted positions. consistently extends to make the catch away from his frame, exposes himself to the big hit, and a sturdy receiver who holds onto the ball in a crowd. Displays good eye/hand coordination and snatches the ball from the air. Strong running after the reception.
Negative: Occasionally lets passes get inside him. One-speed receiver who cannot stretch the field. Has had durability issues in the past.
Analysis: Toliver possesses the size and skill necessary to be possession receiver at the next level. He must first develop a complete game and pay attention to the details of his position to be productive in the NFL."
Positive: Strong possession receiver who can be a terrific target for the quarterback. Comes back to the pass out of breaks, uses his frame to shield away opponents, and makes the difficult reception in contorted positions. consistently extends to make the catch away from his frame, exposes himself to the big hit, and a sturdy receiver who holds onto the ball in a crowd. Displays good eye/hand coordination and snatches the ball from the air. Strong running after the reception.
Negative: Occasionally lets passes get inside him. One-speed receiver who cannot stretch the field. Has had durability issues in the past.
Analysis: Toliver possesses the size and skill necessary to be possession receiver at the next level. He must first develop a complete game and pay attention to the details of his position to be productive in the NFL."
"Overview: 2010 - Named 2010 Biletnikoff Semifinalist ... finished season with school record for receiving yards (1,378) and 100-yard receiving games (7) in a season ... First Team All-MAC ... career high 14 catches for career high 180 yds vs. NIU (10/30), earning MAC West Offensive POTW. Sports Illustated Honorable Mention All-American.
2009: Earned Third Team All-MAC Offense - finished year with four 100-yard receiving games. 53 catches for 681 yards and 4 TDs
in 9 games with 7 starts.
2008: Did not see game action due to injury.
2007: Appeared in nine games with 19 catches for 217 and 1 TD.
2006: Redshirted due to injury.
Strengths: Very productive receiver and returner. Great playmaker with explosive running ability. Very hard to contain in the open field. Has good hands and catches the ball away from his body.
Weaknesses: Has been hampered with injuries (only appeared in 30 games in his 5 years with 19 starts). Need to improve route running - sometimes sloppy into and out of cuts.
Projection: UDFA"
2009: Earned Third Team All-MAC Offense - finished year with four 100-yard receiving games. 53 catches for 681 yards and 4 TDs
in 9 games with 7 starts.
2008: Did not see game action due to injury.
2007: Appeared in nine games with 19 catches for 217 and 1 TD.
2006: Redshirted due to injury.
Strengths: Very productive receiver and returner. Great playmaker with explosive running ability. Very hard to contain in the open field. Has good hands and catches the ball away from his body.
Weaknesses: Has been hampered with injuries (only appeared in 30 games in his 5 years with 19 starts). Need to improve route running - sometimes sloppy into and out of cuts.
Projection: UDFA"
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