2020 NFL Draft: Liberty WR Antonio Gandy-Golden scouting report
An in-depth 2020 NFL Draft scouting report for Liberty wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden.
Today, we are going to look at one of the lesser-known prospects in this elite wide receiver class in the 2020 NFL Draft. Antonio Gandy-Golden (AGG) is going to undoubtedly be one of “my guys” and someone that I am higher on than the general consensus. He has phenomenal upside and dominated his competition with the Liberty Flames.
Name: Antonio Gandy-Golden
School: Liberty
Position: WR
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 220 pounds
Career Stats (45 Games): 240 Receptions, 3814 Receiving Yards, 33 Receiving TDs
2019 Stats (13 Games): 79 Receptions, 1396 Receiving Yards, 10 Receiving TDs
Film Assessment
Games Watched: 2018: Idaho St 2019: Syracuse, Buffalo, Georgia Southern
Strengths: Gandy-Golden’s biggest strength lies in his ability to stretch the field by winning in contested-catch situations. He has plenty of highlight-worthy plays throughout his career at Liberty. Each year, he has shown growth in every area of the position. He has very reliable hands that Liberty has utilized not only in the red-zone but in many 3rd down situations to convert.
The Flames have benefited from the catch radius he has. AGG didn’t always receive the best balls thrown his way but his insane catch radius gave Liberty a chance every time the ball went his way. In short-to-intermediate routes, he does a great job of securing the ball and becoming a relentless ball-carrier and is a threat to break away with his tackle-breaking ability. As a blocker, his long and strong frame supports his constant motor in what makes him a great blocker on the perimeter.
Weaknesses: Gandy-Golden isn’t an elite athlete. He doesn’t have game-breaking speed or a crisp and vast route tree. He is developed into a more nuanced route runner with his time with Coach Hugh Freeze, but he still has much to learn to be smooth enough route runner to mitigate his athleticism concern. When against press coverage, he can oftentimes get veered off his line and limits his ability to separate against physical and more technically-sound corners.
While he is a great blocker when engaged with a defender, there are times of momentary mental lapses downfield when trying to find the next man to block. He wasn’t much of a threat over the middle of the field while with the Flames. Improved release and route running is going to be required for him to have a more well-rounded game that will translate better into the NFL.
Route Running: 7.5/15
Catching: 8.5/10
Release: 4/10
Catch Radius: 9/10
Athleticism: 6/10
Body Control: 8.5/10
Run After Catch: 7/10
Speed: 5/10
Red-Zone Play: 8/10
Blocking: 4/5
Final Film Grade: 6.75 (2nd Round Film Grade)
Best Film: Buffalo ’19
Worst Film: Georgia Southern ’19
Best Trait: Catch Radius/Body Control
Worst Trait: Release
Summary: Antonio Gandy-Golden is a big-play threat that can be utilized in a number of ways in the NFL. He dominated his competition while at Liberty by breaking many of the school’s receiving records and finished 3rd in the NCAA in receiving yards this season. AGG was a captain for the Flames the last two seasons and is a favorite of his teammates.
On the field, he has some of the most impressive individual plays I have seen in the 2020 NFL draft class. His ability to high-point the football in tight coverage and come down with the football is very impressive. However, he does have athletic limitations. AGG has elite skills in some areas and the ability to grow in the others. Developing his route running and releases against press coverage will play a significant role in his growth as a receiver in the NFL.
Next. First-Round 2020 NFL mock draft. dark
Gandy-Golden has accepted an invitation to go down to Mobile, Alabama and compete against some of the best competition down at the Senior Bowl. Here, he will receive the best instruction and coaching he has had yet. His willingness to learn and improve throughout the week will be huge and he should turn some heads with his big-play ability. With a strong performance at the Senior Bowl AGG could see his 2020 NFL draft stock soar.