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Alonzo Russell, WR, Toledo: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Eric Robinson

Jan 4, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; Toledo Rockets wide receiver Alonzo Russell (9) is pushed out of bounds by Arkansas State Red Wolves linebacker Xavier Woodson (55) after a pass reception in the second quarter of the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; Toledo Rockets wide receiver Alonzo Russell (9) is pushed out of bounds by Arkansas State Red Wolves linebacker Xavier Woodson (55) after a pass reception in the second quarter of the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /
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Take a look at teams such as the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, or Carolina Panthers. Some teams invoke the philosophy of having tall receivers with size as well as blocking ability to be incorporated into their schemes.

For the 6’4 pass-catcher who is a Washington, D.C. native, Toledo’s Alonzo Russell provides what teams look for who prefer large receivers: size and mismatch-ability.

Being from less-heralded school such as Toledo, Russell is already in the middle of the pack. However, he has qualities that some teams covet. Let’s take a look at the former Toledo Rocket.

WR Alonzo Russell, Toledo

Height: 6’4

Weight: 206 pounds

Strengths: In terms of production at Toledo, Russell was consistent….At least 36 catches in all four seasons at Toledo including a career high in catches as a sophomore (2013, 59) and amassing 960 yards as a freshman in 2012…..A weapon in the short and intermediate passing game…..Tough to bring down initially after the catch…..Solid arm length as Russell measured at 33 7/8″ inches at the NFL Combine…..Solid speed with a 4.54 40-yard dash….Arm length definitely comes into play when the receiver high points the ball, which he is very good at along with awareness in ball tracking…..At least 15 yards a catch in three of his four seasons at Toledo.

Weaknesses: Seems slow coming out of his stance at the snap….His 15 yards per catch average was more of a testament to his YAC ability and not being a deep threat….Was not pressed often at the collegiate level, must show ability to beat the press…..Blocking skills not as refined as you would think with his size…..Never seemed to dominate at times as he should have with his mismatch.

Bottom line: The size that Russell brings to the table makes him intriguing. A 6’4 frame with long arms and production can get your names floating around NFL front offices and scouting circles. Although it was curious that Russell never really dominated while at Toledo even though he did post solid numbers. His 40 time helped his cause but his three-cone shuttle and 12 reps on the bench didn’t help as much.

Also while watching his tape, Russell had notable drops and at times showed himself to be a body-catcher. If Russell can clean those two deficiencies, he can be an asset to a team that allows him time to blossom.

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