We are just 21 days away from the start of the 2015 NFL Draft. Our Meet the Prospect feature will introduce fans to the players projected to be this year's top selections. How will we select the players to spotlight? Easy. You, the fans, get to decide. Who did you pick for today's profile?
@EaglesInsider Nelson Agholor, USC WR — Dave Searles (@DaveSearles) April 9, 2015
Linking Southern Cal wide receiver Nelson Agholor to the Eagles has become increasingly popular in the lead-up to the NFL Draft, especially after Agholor reportedly took a pre-draft visit to the NovaCare Complex. After three productive seasons with the Trojans, including a 2014 junior season that featured 104 catches for 1,313 yards and 12 touchdowns, Agholor declared for the draft with the expectation that he'd be an early-round pick. With less than a month to go before the draft, it looks like Agholor should be selected somewhere between the middle of round one and the tail end of round two.
At 6-0, 198 pounds, Agholor is not the biggest receiver in the draft class, nor is he the fastest (though his 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine was certainly quick enough). Where Agholor excels most is after the catch in the open field, where he is a threat to take almost anything to the house. He is also a dynamic returner, evidenced by his four punt return touchdowns over the last two seasons.
ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr., recently mocked Agholor to the New Orleans Saints with the 31st overall pick, calling the receiver "an experienced, underrated pass-catcher who can come in and play right away."
Kiper added, "Agholor is a very good route runner, has good hands, and is quietly an explosive athlete who can set up defenders and create space underneath or beat defenses over the top."
Because of his size, Agholor has drawn immediate comparisons to former Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin – Maclin entered the NFL at 6-1, 198 pounds. But while Maclin excelled on the outside, some question whether Agholor will play primarily in the slot, at least to begin his NFL career. If the Eagles view Agholor as a replacement for Maclin, surely they'd be interested on some level, be it in the first or second round.
Scouting Report From NFL.com
Runs a good route and competes hard on every snap. Able to drive defender into a poor leverage position. Bouncy, quick feet for burst out of breaks. Adequate separation quickness and twitch. Understands his position. Will improvise to get open for scrambling quarterback. Highly instinctive in space with consistent feel for working his way to open spaces as a presentable, ready target. Almost always works his way back to the throw when needed. Natural hands. Has snatch-and-run readiness after the catch with initial quickness to make things happen. Tracks the ball over his shoulder and careful not to crowd himself against the boundary. Dominated the competition over second half of the year. Dangerous punt returner. -- Lance Zierlein
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