Artavis Scott, WR, Clemson: 2017 NFL Scouting Report
By Brady Lunt
A seemingly forgotten man in Clemson’s offense, Artavis Scott has shown versatility by contributing on both offense and special teams. But, can his talents translate to the NFL?
After committing to Clemson, Artavis Scott became an immediate contributor totaling 965 yards and eight touchdowns. His phenomenal freshman year earned him Freshman All-American honors and a spot on the third-team All-ACC team.
He followed that up with a productive sophomore campaign, finishing with 901 yards and six touchdowns along with 371 kick return yards. Once again, he earned all-conference honors as a member of the first-team All-ACC group. He played well in the absence of Mike Williams and helped carry the Clemson Tigers to the national championship.
In 2016, however, his productivity and consistency tapered off as Williams returned from injury to become one of the best receivers in the country. While Scott still finished the season with 614 yards and five touchdowns, his effectiveness on the field was felt more on special teams than offense.
Measurables
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 193 lbs
40-yard: 4.61 seconds
Vertical: 31.0 inches
Strengths
Became a reliable member of the offense when Mike Williams went down in the season opener, demonstrating an ability to step-up his game when needed. Plays with a competitive nature, staying aggressive through his routes. Gets physical when the ball is in the air.
Has become a reliable returner on special teams, in both the kick return and punt return game. Intelligence is a sure thing, illustrated by his graduation with a degree in communications studies in just two and a half years.
Weaknesses
Scott’s decline in production from year to year, may not entirely be his doing, considering Mike Williams’ rise as one of the best in the nation, but it is still cause for concern. At 5’10”, lacks the size and speed (4.61) to be a deep ball threat on the outside, but also lacks the quickness to make a living in the slot.
His role in the offense continued to diminish throughout 2016 and he was more often used on special teams. Scott doesn’t possesses any unique physical or athletic traits that would have scouts pounding the table for him on draft day. Will likely have to prove himself on special teams.
Final Thoughts
Scott lacks the physical and athletic traits that would make him a productive receiver in the NFL. That, combined with his year-by-year decline in production, almost assuredly push him to the bottom of the draft. But, he is a competitor and demonstrated his worth on special teams.
If he can become a regular contributor on special teams and improve his quickness, Scott could find a place on an NFL roster.