2014 NFL Draft Profile: Cody Latimer, WR Indiana

Sep 15, 2012; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Cody Latimer (3) catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Ball State Cardinals at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US Presswire

University of Indiana wide receiver Cody Latimer has shot up draft charts since the combine and pro days.  Scouts and analysts seem to just now be discovering the size and potential that he has.

Cody Latimer stands 6’3 and weighs in at 215 pounds.  He is a big bodied target that could be an asset in any team’s passing attack.  He has a good top speed, but seems to lack the acceleration to get there quickly.  Latimer is also good at using that big body as a blocker in the run game.  He isn’t afriad to get downfield and pop a defender to help create a hole if needed.

Concentration is another issue for him.  At times, he can snag a ball out of the air with what seem like the softest hands in the world.  Other times, he can drop a wide open pass just because he was already trying to make a move before securing the ball.  These kind of mental mistakes can be fixed, but it could take some time and a good coaching staff to do so.

Another thing that Latimer struggles with is his route running.  He sometimes will run an awkward route because he didn’t make a proper cut or get to where he’s supposed to be at the proper time.  Again, this is an issue that can be corrected with good coaching, but his flaws make it hard to see him as a potential late first/early second round draft pick.

Here are his statistics over 3 years at Indiana:

Feb 22, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Cody Latimer speaks at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

32 games played

135 receptions

2,042 receiving yards

17 receiving touchdowns

2 rushes

3 rushing yards

Strengths

•  Great speed
• Big body
• Good blocker

Weaknesses

• Acceleration
• Route Running
• Will drop open passes sometimes

Fit For The Vikings

Minnesota will be looking to add more competition at wide receiver in this year’s draft, but are most likely not in the market for a starter.

My Take

Cody Latimer could be an excellent pick for a wide receiver needy team, but Minnesota will most likely not draft a wide receiver with their first or second round pick unless they are an elite talent that drops way too far.  Latimer lacks the polish of a player worthy of a top selection in the 2014 draft.