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2015 NFL Draft Profile: Devin Funchess, WR Michigan

By Adam Carlson

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 The biggest debate about Michigan’s Devin Funchess is whether he is a wide receiver or a tight end.  Depending on what experts you talk to and which teams they see him as a fit for, it’s still uncertain which spot he will get drafted at during the 2015 NFL Draft.  Because of that, he could either go a lot sooner than possible be teams that want him as one or the other, or he could fall like a rock if seen as a jack of all trades and master of none.

He’s got that tall, athletic frame that teams love to see in wide receivers, and can make effortless strides after catching the ball to accelerate.  His height is another great asset as he can win jump balls a majority of the time since he has good leaping skills, long arms, and has good timing to try to catch the ball at his highest point.

However, Devin Funchess is at an odd point where he’ll either have to bulk up a bit to be a better protector at tight end or work on his concentration when it comes to his drops at wide receiver.  Because he’s not a solid prospect at either spot, I think this makes him an extremely hard player to evaluate.  Because of this, I’m not really sure how he’d fit with many of the teams that don’t need both a tight end and a wide receiver.

Nov 29, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Devin Funchess (1) against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 42-28. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Combine Measurables:

  • Height: 6’4″
  • Weight: 232 pounds
  • Arm Length: 33 1/2″
  • Hand Size: 9 3/4″
  • 40 Yard Dash: 4.70 seconds
  • Bench Press: 17 reps
  • Vertical Jump: 38.5″
  • Broad Jump: 122.0″
  • 3 Cone Drill: N/A
  • 20 Yard Shuttle: N/A

Draft Projection

Devin Funchess is currently the #62 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is their #11 wide receiver available.  He’s projected to be a second round draft pick.

NFL Player Comparison

Fit For The Vikings

If Devin Funchess was a better wide receiver, I’d be all for having him in Minnesota.  However, Minnesota is fairly set at the tight end position and already have quite a bit of competition for wide receivers.

My Take

I’ll be honest.  I don’t understand the hype.  He’s a wide receiver that struggles to catch and a tight end that doesn’t have the mass to block.  Personally, I don’t see him as a viable option to draft until about the 4th round, but it’s because of his height and athleticism that a team will take a stab at him.  I’d pass if I was Minnesota.

Next: Top 10 Biggest Vikings Salaries For 2015

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