Well the 2012-13 NFL season will be underway in a week's time. We already know so much about the established star players (i.e. Aaron Rodgers, Calvin Johnson, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Chris Johnson etc) but what we don't know yet is anything about some of the NFL Rookies. So I'm going to take the time by evaluating Tennessee Titans Rookie Wide Receiver Kendall Wright and see just how much of an impact he potentially could make in the league, but first lets look at his college career stats and credentials
Baylor Bears WR Kendall Wright
2008-09 True Freshman- played in all 12 games led the team in reception(50) receiving yards(649) TD's (5)
2009-10 Sophomore- led team in receptions(66) receiving yards(740) TD's(5)
2010-11 Junior- Named Second Team All Big 12 78 receptions 952 receiving yards 7 TD's
2011-12 Senior Played in all 13 games 108 receptions 1,633 receiving yards 14 TD's named First Team All American and All Big 12
The fact that Kendall Wright's production increased every season showed that he gets better with the more experience he gets. It's no wonder that Wright was Heisman Trophy Winner Robert Griffin III favorite target.
Lets break down all components of Kendall Wright's game and look at his strengths and weaknesses.
Speed- Wright's speed is everything a QB looks for in a Wide Receiver. Wright's acceleration allows him to burst down field with his blazing 4.41 40 he is able to separate himself from defenders and get himself open down field and generates a lot of YAC (yards after catch)
Route Running- Wright's route running skills are what make his game so effective. He is able to line up anywhere on the line and give his QB a perfect target. Whether it's a short pass and Wright uses his speed to run the field, or his precise route running skills to go down field and attack the opposing team's Safeties, Wright will have a lot to offer with his play making abilities.
Size- This is where Kendall Wright will have some problems. He's rather short for a Wide Receiver (5ft 10in some list him as 5ft 11in.) As the field gets shorter it will take away from Wright's ability to utilize his down field threat. Wright will also have to fight for the ball in jump ball situations, where the QB throws the ball high in the air to make sure only his receiver can get it, like when the QB throws the ball in the corner of the end zone. Wright will also need to add some strength to fight off defenders. He only managed to rep 225 for 4 reps at the NFL Combine. Wright needs to add a good 10-15lbs of quality muscle in order to match up well against the stronger Cornerbacks. One positive to take away from this though is that Wright has great hands and has the ability to make tough catches.
What to expect from Kendall Wright
I see the Tennessee Titans using Kendall Wright often in order to get use to the system, create chemistry with Jake Locker, and use his ability to get open down field whenever the Titans need a big play and a quick score. It's going to take some time though for Wright to adjust to the speed of the NFL and the Titans. I don't see him posting career numbers in his first year, nor do I see him being the next Jerry Rice, but with time Kendall Wright has the opportunity to become one of the premiere Wide Receivers in the NFL.
Stat predictions for Kendall Wright in 2012-13 season
60 receptions 712 receiving yards 5 TD's
2012-13 Actual Stats
64 receptions 626 receiving yards 4 TD's
Image Source(s)- http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Kendall+Wright+Tennessee+Titans+v+Jacksonville+BhZfvkMCCFDl.jpg
(November 24, 2012 - Source: Sam Greenwood/Getty Images North America)
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