2015 NFL Draft Profile: WR Phillip Dorsett

Nov 22, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver

Phillip Dorsett

(4) catches a touchdown pass ahead of Virginia Cavaliers cornerback

Maurice Canady

(26) in the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Here is another look at the upcoming NFL draft.

There is a lot of talent in this draft class. We have the pass rushers, whom we have talked about at length. There is a good group of running backs, like Todd Gurley and Duke Johnson. There are the two quarterbacks. Don’t forget about the offensive linemen too.

A position that is very deep is wide receiver. You have the two big names at the head of the class, Amari Cooper and Kevin White. But, the receiver class is deeper than just the first two guys, and one is in our focus this morning. This morning, we are taking a look at a blazing fast wide receiver from the University of Miami.

This morning’s profile is of WR Phillip Dorsett.

Next: College Career

Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (4) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. South Carolina defeated Miami 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

We start as always with the body of work to date. Here are Phillip Dorsett’s stats from Miami:

Receiving & Rushing

The stats reflect an interesting career at Miami for Dorsett. The stats from his “Football Reference” page do not reflect his junior year, when he only played in eight games due to a knee injury. That year, Dorsett caught 13 passes for 272 yards. After coming back healthy as a senior, he caught only 36 passes, but a career high of 871 yards and ten touchdowns.

Dorsett became a less frequent target, but emerged as a deep threat, with a whopping 24.2 average yards per reception, which we all know is high.

Next: NFL Combine

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Phillip Dorsett catches a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Phillip Dorsett displayed blazing speed at the NFL Combine, running the forty yard dash in 4.33 seconds. His agility was on display in the 3 Cone Drill, leading the position at 6.7 seconds. He measured in at only 5’10,” 185 pounds, which is small. Then again, T.Y. Hilton is only 5’9″ and Antonio Brown is only 5’10”. They seem to be OK with it, wouldn’t you say?

Here are his strengths and weaknesses from his draft profile:

STRENGTHS: Takes the top off the defense and throws it in the trash. Elite explosiveness. Gets to top speed quickly and is a seamless glider on crossing routes, leaving man-to-man defenses in his wake. Can work outside and from the slot. Elevates and attacks contested catches. Outstanding body control and can adjust to the ball in mid-air. Mind-boggling big-play production with half of his catches going for 25-plus yards in 2014. More than just a vertical-only receiver and has the blazing feet and stop-start to beat zone coverage for big plays.

WEAKNESSES: Had partial tear of MCL in 2013. Still raw in his routes, relying on pure speed. Inconsistent with his hand placement to catch and lets the ball get on top of him. Small frame and will have to withstand hits over the middle as a slot receiver.

We wrap it up with film and final thoughts.

Next: Film and Final Thoughts

There is not much to dislike about Phillip Dorsett. The speed is obvious; you can not overthrow this guy! Give Phillip Dorsett a chance to get the football, and it looks like he will be able to do that. He is fast. Dorsett also makes people miss. He also blocks in the running game, which is mature, as a lot of kids don’t really block for the running game as receivers. Dorsett commits to it, which is good to see.

He needs to get a bit more consistent with his blocking. Dorsett must seal his guy off each and every time, which he doesn’t always do. He will also need to show he can run consistent routes, and take contact over the middle. A receiver of his size will receive a lot of pain going across the middle. All receivers do, but especially a 5’10” one. Dorsett will have to show the world he can do it.

Phillip Dorsett is projected as a second our third rounder. I believe that Dorsett is a good pick in the second, or a steal in the third.

Next: Top Five Jets Quarterbacks of All-Time

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