Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

With the 2018 NFL Draft soon approaching, here is a scouting report on a former SEC product with plenty to talk about on the field, as well as off of it, Florida’s Antonio Callaway

The entire NFL Draft process can be a very interesting one for some prospects. For some, it is about cementing your status as a coveted commodity thanks to hard work and reliable production at the collegiate level. For some, it is also a sensitive process that is centered around convincing teams why you should even be drafted in the first place.

Former Florida Gators receiver Antonio Callaway fits the latter between the two and has a tough process ahead of him. His skill set shows a talent that many teams would love to employ. Circumstances outside of that says otherwise. Here is the scouting report on the skilled slot receiver.

Measurables 

Height: 5’11 

Weight: 198 lbs 

Stats: 89 catches, 1,399 yards, 15.7 yards per catch, seven touchdowns 

Games watched: vs. LSU (2015), vs. Kentucky (2016), vs. Vanderbilt (2016), vs. Iowa (2016) 

Strengths: Callaway was often relied upon for big plays in the passing game as well as special teams during his two seasons in Gainesville. He earned Freshman All-American honors in 2015 while leading Florida in receiving yards, yards per catch, and tied for the lead in receiving touchdowns. As a sophomore, a once again led the team in receiving yards as well as receptions.

As a prospect, Callaway in the open field is a bad news for defenses. Arguably, his route-running is his most underrated attribute. He displayed various ways of executing with the ball in his hands with jet sweeps, reverses, bubble screens while also operating out of the slot and on the boundary.

A true playmaker, Callaway has scored touchdowns via passing, rushing, receiving, kick and punt return throughout his collegiate career. Callaway can also be slippery in pursuit and displays more than enough agility to make defenders miss. His footwork will only improve over time but it is already very good at this stage of development.

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Weaknesses: When his name comes about, there is nothing but the baggage that follows. He was centered around a sexual assault accusation in between his freshman and sophomore seasons. He was also involved in a traffic stop in which he was charged with marijuana possession in May of 2017. Callaway was also entangled in a credit card fraud scheme prior to the 2017 season which resulted in him not playing at all this past season.

On the field, Callaway has a slender frame that may not carry a ton of NFL weight later down the line. He is definitely quick but he does not possess top-end speed that many his size has shown to have within their skill set. His focus on the field has also been questioned on numerous occasions by scouts and coaches.

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His skill set overall illustrates a player that could carve out a nice career at the professional level. He is crafty as a receiver and a big play waiting to happen with the ball in his hands in the open field. There was a reason why the Gators often leaned on him early in his career as a freshman and a sophomore.

However, NFL teams often focus on this thing called “character.” Unfortunately, for Mr. Callaway, his character concerns involved criminal incidents and have a dark cloud hanging over his name. Take away his off-the-field issues, Callaway could solidly carry a 2nd round grade currently and maybe 3rd round at the very worst. Add in the mess and Callaway may be destined for late Day 3 and a possible undrafted free agent.