Deon Cain, WR , Clemson: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Eric Robinson | Feb 17, 2018

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Wide receiver Deon Cain /

With the 2018 NFL Draft soon approaching, here is a scouting report on a big-play receiver from out of the Atlantic Coast Conference, Deon Cain.

Clemson was once known as a school in a small town in the state of South Carolina, but has now turned into the football factory. In recent drafts, the institution has produced receivers such as Mike Williams, Sammy Watkins, Martavis Bryant, and DeAndre Hopkins; big body receivers that were big playmakers at the collegiate level.

The university may have another big name receiver on the rise that may not have the early round buzz as his predecessors but he still has plenty of skill set to intrigue numerous NFL teams, Deon Cain.

Measurables

Height: 6’1

Weight: 210 lbs

Stats: 130 career catches, 2,040 yards, 15.7 yards per catch, 20 touchdowns

Games watched: vs. Alabama (2017), vs. Syracuse (2017), vs. Auburn (2017), vs. Florida State (2016)

Strengths: Only listed as 6’1, Cain plays bigger and is known as a legitimate deep threat, which was quite clear in his freshman and sophomore seasons. His best season came during the Tigers 2016 championship season in which he averaged 19.1 yards per catch along with a career-high nine touchdowns.

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One of his best attributes is his ability to attack the ball in the air with a sense of aggressiveness that many coaches look for. Cain has difference-making speed with the ability to stretch defenses vertically.

Coming out of his pre-snap stance, Cain has an explosive first step that can keep defensive backs on their toes most times. He possesses the ability to shield off opposing defenders with his size when going up for the catch and applies reliable ball-tracking skills. When needed, Cain showcases the ability to adjust to passes not thrown quite accurately.

Weaknesses: Observe his film and you’ll notice that Cain has a very minimal route tree. For a receiver his size and potential, it will be vital that he expands it to not be labeled as a one-trick pony. His production did not see the ascension that many expected over the course of his career. Cain is not consistent and refined enough as a blocker.

With his frame, there is a ceiling in that department for him where he can excel. Cain also has a notable red flag on his profile. Which was that he was suspended for the team’s two playoff games during the 2015 season. Cain’s overall skill set may indicate that he is better off as a WR2 at the next level and not a primary receiver.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft

The recent production of NFL receivers from Clemson University allows a prospect such as Cain to garner eyes from the NFL scouts. There is plenty of resemblance of former Clemson receiver Martavis Bryant in Cain’s overall game. Cain does not have necessarily the greatest size in the world and development is needed but he is a deep threat and a good one at that. Cain will likely be a day two pick with definite starter potential in year one.

Slight polish to his game will make Cain an excellent weapon to an offense in search of a big receiver who can beat defenses over the top.

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