2015 NFL Draft Profile: Tyler Lockett, WR Kansas State

Kansas State wide receiver Tyler Lockett could be one of those players that isn’t talked about, but makes an impact on the team that drafts him. He’s that kind of player that can be plugged into the slot in an offense with a need for a wily, elusive pass catcher to help take pressure off teams.

Perhaps his best trait is his predictability. He runs solid, crisp routes and is most often where the quarterback expects him to be. He can change up his speed to throw off defenders as well as has a double move that confuses some of the best college defenders. Even more appealing about Lockett is his squeaky-clean reputation and willingness to take contact, both in blocking and in the return game.

The only real concern that I can find surrounding Tyler Lockett is his frame. He’s a bit undersized, which has some media organizations afraid about his ability to stay healthy at the NFL level, especially if used in the kick return game. However, with the hits he’s taken at the college level, I’m not as concerned about that as they seem to be. But he does seem to get a big frustrated when jammed at the line by a physical cornerback.

Oct 25, 2014; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) runs after a catch during a 23-0 win against the Texas Longhorns at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Combine Measurables:

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 192 pounds
Arm Length: 30″
Hand Size: 8 3/8″
40 Yard Dash: 4.40 seconds
Bench Press: N/A
Vertical Jump: 35.5″
Broad Jump: 121″
3 Cone Drill: 6.89 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.07 seconds
60 Yard Shuttle: 11.14 seconds

Draft Projection

Tyler Lockett is the #79 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is their 13th best wide receiver available. He’s projected to be a second to third round draft pick.

NFL Player Comparison

NFL.com: Jarius Wright, Minnesota Vikings
CBSSports.com: N/A

Fit For The Vikings

Minnesota could be looking to add depth to the wide receiver position as well as look for a possible starter opposite Mike Wallace if the team isn’t confident that Charles Johnson or Cordarrelle Patterson is ready for that job.

My Take

I really like Tyler Lockett, but there are already some players that are similar to him on the squad. Guys like Jarius Wright and Adam Thielen both could fill this role without having to use a second or third round draft pick. I feel that if the Vikings are going to draft a wide receiver, that it will be a taller player to offset Wallace’s speed. Some team will be lucky to grab Lockett as early as the end of the second round.

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