USC wide receiver Nelson Agholor follows a recent tradition of pass catchers from that school transitioning to the NFL. He’s thin, agile, and can be elusive at times. He’s fast off the snap and shows great speed. Running crisp routes and using his athletic ability is how he gets separation from defenders.
However, Agholor can contribute in other ways as well. He’s an excellent return man with elusive and explosive moves that can make even some of the most solid tacklers miss. Using his soft hands, he can reliably catch passes or field kicks with a very low risk of losing the ball.
Despite those skills, Nelson Agholor isn’t at his best when asked to stretch the field. Instead, much like the USC wide receivers before him, he’s most effective when running routes underneath as a reliable pass catcher and check down option. He also seems to shy away from hits, which could be something that extends his career, but lowers his immediate value to teams. It could also frighten away some squads that look to use him on kick returns.
Nov 1, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Nelson Agholor (15) carries the ball on a 65-yard punt return in the first quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Combine Measurables:
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 198 pounds
- Arm Length: 32 1/4″
- Hand Size: 9 1/4″
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.42 seconds
- Bench Press: 12 reps
- Vertical Jump: N/A
- Broad Jump: N/A
- 3 Cone Drill: N/A
- 20 Yard Shuttle: N/A
Draft Projection
Nelson Agholor is currently the #46 overall prospect according to CBS Sports and is their #8 available wide receiver. He’s projected to be a second round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
NFL Player Comparison
- NFL.com: Ryan Broyles, Detroit Lions
- CBSSports.com: N/A
Fit For The Vikings
Minnesota could look to the draft to add a wide receiver to compete for the spot opposite Mike Wallace in the Vikings offense. Also, depth could be sought after at the position as well.
My Take
Minnesota seems set for a kick returner, but could look to add a reliable pass catcher to complement Mike Wallace. I don’t think the Vikings would use one of their first two picks in the 2015 NFL Draft on him, but by the time their third round pick comes around I don’t think Nelson Agholor will be available.
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