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Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By George Stockburger

Oct 31, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Will Fuller (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Temple Owls during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Notre Dame won the game 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Will Fuller (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Temple Owls during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Notre Dame won the game 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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In every draft, the second round is loaded with offensive weapons. We’ve seen guys like Allen Robinson, Jeremy Hill, and DeSean Jackson fall into the second round and become some of the biggest steals in the draft.

This is where guys like Will Fuller fall in. A speedy receiver with an extensive route-tree, Fuller will soon be torching NFL secondaries and giving opposing coaches headaches.

Tape Watched: Stanford 2014, Florida State 2014, Georgia Tech 2015, USC 2015, Texas 2015, UMass 2015

Height: 6’

Weight: 184 lbs

Class: Junior

Awards: 2nd Team AP All-American

Strengths

The first thing that jumps out with Fuller is his straight line speed. It’s unmatched by most college receivers and makes him a deadly downfield weapon. With that speed comes the separation downfield and the ability to run any route thrown on the chalkboard.

Watch him throw off USC cornerback Adoree Jackson on his first play of the 2015 USC game.

Fuller is also used in a lot of screens, mostly bubble from the outside position. In this play from the 2014 Florida State game, watch Fuller come out of this screen and use his dynamic speed to burst into the endzone.

Finally, Fuller is an above average blocker. For a guy with that speed and deep ball potential to be willing to throw in key blocks, that really speaks volume.

Against UMass this year, Fuller throws a great block that allows for a Notre Dame touchdown. Watch him start at the top of your screen and come all the way down to the endzone on the other side of the field. That’s situational awareness and teamwork at play right there. If he gives up on that play, no touchdown for the Irish.

Weaknesses

After all that love I just gave Fuller, it’s time to get nitpicky. Biggest concern is that he’s a body catcher. He needs to get his hands out and not rely on being able to pull the ball into his chest.

Second is controlling the catch. The biggest instance I saw this play out was against UMass in 2015 when he can’t control a ball which should have been held onto. To his credit, he makes the initial catch, which is a tough one, but he doesn’t hold onto it. I’ll show the play from multiple angles.

Final note on Fuller is a two parter. First, I hardly ever see Fuller jump up and highpoint a ball. I only saw it once in all those games I watched and it wasn’t the cleanest one I’ve ever seen. Part two of that is his reliability in the redzone. Unless you’re throwing a screen, I haven’t found Fuller to be reliable in the redzone.

Final Thoughts

Fuller is a late second round prospect in my book. The speed and athleticism will help his draft stock, but the body catches will force teams to look else where. I think he’s a good fit in San Francisco for Chip Kelly.

The 49ers need some young, speedy blood at the receiver position and Fuller fits the bill with a lot of what Chip likes. A reliable guy who can make blocks and provide a versatile option outside. Kansas City is another spot Fuller would do well.

Houston could also make a play on Fuller if he falls a big, but I doubt he will. New England and the Giants are also teams to keep an eye on.

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