2018 NFL Draft: South Dakota State’s Jake Wieneke off to a huge start
South Dakota State wide receiver Jake Wieneke is off to a huge start to the 2017 season, catching four touchdowns in the season opener…
South Dakota State wide receiver Jake Wieneke was firmly on the NFL map prior to the 2017 season, but the 2018 NFL Draft prospect wasted no time putting on a show for scouts.
The 6-foot-4, 215 pound senior receiver caught six passes for just 75 yards in the season opener for SDSU vs. Duquesne, but four of his six catches were touchdowns. He showed why he’s a mismatch in the red zone, and just how well he uses his frame to shield defenders.
Wieneke is no stranger to the end zone, having racked up 43 touchdown catches already in his career prior to this game. Here’s a little taste of what this kid brings to the table…
South Dakota St. WR Jake Wieneke #19 had 6 catches last night, 4 TDs. Enters the season as a top-5 senior WR prospect. Name to know. pic.twitter.com/d4Q5wKG0Es
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 1, 2017
Jake Wieneke shines for @GoJacksFB as the Jacks rout Duquesne 51-13 in the season opener.https://t.co/CYVXF7cvrm
— #GoJacks 🐰 (@GoJacksSDSU) September 1, 2017
Wieneke is certainly among the best receiver prospects for next year’s draft, and is almost in a class of his own when it comes to FCS prospects this season. The refinement he has shown in his game is impressive to this point, and he has a chance to be drafted even higher than last year’s FCS standout receiver, Eastern Washington’s Cooper Kupp.
Wieneke and Kupp are similar only in the fact that they both played at the FCS level collegiately, but they have two different styles of play.
Kupp is more of a slot/possession type of receiver, where Wieneke is a big play threat and red zone nightmare for defensive backs with his length and catch radius.
One of the arguments against FCS receivers is that they dominate inferior competition, and to a large degree, that is true. TCU might not be known for their great defense, but Wieneke put on a show when given the chance to go up against a Big 12 school as well:
Wieneke has a knack for driving cornerbacks crazy, making tough contested catches and working to all different levels of the field. It will be very interesting to see how well he tests at the Scouting Combine and how he fares in Senior Bowl practices, assuming he gets a deserved invitation to participate.
Next: 2018 NFL Draft: QB stock report
This is just the tip of the iceberg for Wieneke, who has a chance to really prove to NFL scouts he deserves top 50 consideration come time for the 2018 NFL Draft.