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2016 NFL Draft: German Phenom Shaking Up Wide Receiver Class

By Erik Lambert

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Given the popularity of passing in pro football these days, no position garner more attention during every off-season than wide receiver.  The 2016 NFL draft was to be no different, but experts were coming away from this latest class with a severe case of “meh.”  Though there are some intriguing talents, the general lack of a wow factor in most of the top names has led some to think this may be the worst receiver class in years.

Yet in the midst of this disappointment, opportunity can often appear for those in position to seize it.  Enter Moritz Boehringer.

The name won’t be familiar unless one lives over in Europe and is a football fan.  Boehringer is a rising star of the German Football League, coming off a season with the Schwabisch Hall Unicorns where he dominated the competition for 70 catches, 1,461 yards and 16 touchdowns.  He is a rangy 6’4″ with a solid 220 lbs frame and drew the attention of several NFL teams when he worked out at Florida Atlantic’s Pro Day.

Not only did he post an impressive 4.43 in the 40-yard dash, he also delivered a 39-inch vertical jump.  To top it off he showed the quickness and knowledge to run routes and didn’t drop a single pass during the entire workout.  It’s amazing to think he only started playing football just three years ago.

Given the somewhat lacking star power of the 2016 college class, it’s the perfect atmosphere for an unknown international talent to throw his hat into the ring.  There is no doubt Boehringer could become a huge sleeper if he can learn to play at the NFL speed.  Talent certainly isn’t the issue.  Whether he can deal with much more physical defensive backs he’s sure to face is the big question teams must get answered.

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