Originally Posted by :
Powell was a top-50 prospect nationally coming out of Greenville, North Carolina, but struggled during his first four years on campus to get playing time ahead of talented pass catchers Mike Williams, Tee Higgins, Justyn Ross, Hunter Renfrow, Deon Cain, Ray-Ray McCloud, Amari Rodgers, Artavis Scott and Diondre Overton (plus Jordan Leggett at tight end). He played in nine games as a reserve in 2016 (12 receptions, 87 yards, 7.3 average) and 14 games in 2017 (eight receptions, 57 yards, one touchdown, 7.1 average; three kick returns, 65 yards, 21.7 average). Powell redshirted his third year with the national-champion Tigers but played in four games (five receptions, 63 yards, 12.6 average; four kick returns, 117 yards, 29.3 average) as a backup while maintaining the year of eligibility. He was a larger part of Clemson's offense in 2019 (15 receptions, 122 yards, 8.1 average, two touchdowns). With Higgins off to the pros and Ross sidelined due to a spinal condition, Powell played well enough to earn third-team All-ACC honors (53 receptions, 882 yards, 16.6 average, seven touchdowns). He accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. -- by Chad Reuter
Overview
Unique evaluation as a wideout who came into the program as a four-star recruit, never beat out talent in front of him and then put together impressive tape in his single season as full-time starter. Powell is well-skilled beyond the career production as he's clearly taken in the coaching and learned from others at the position. He's smooth but will have to win with route polish and competitiveness as his long speed and separation burst appear to be very average, which could lead to a higher number of contested catches outside the Clemson offense. The tape is good but the testing will be important as teams grapple with the single season of production. Powell will be an NFL backup, at worst. Strengths
Moves around the field with smooth gait.
Leverages route turns against tight man coverage.
Sneaky hand fighting to create separation.
Clears out catch space at the top of his routes.
Showed and proved as downfield ball-tracker and body-stacker.
Athletic in air with outstanding body control and catch instincts.
Plucks it at high-point and hides it away from swatting hands.
Plus hand-eye coordination through noisy catch-points.
Quarterback's friend with sudden but soft hands.
Will go get the football where it is thrown.
Gets run-ready even before completing hitch catch.
Not overly elusive but makes tacklers miss after catch.
Has ability as a stalk and wall-off blocker.
Weaknesses
Only one year over 15 catches and 125 yards in a season.
High-cut with limited wiggle in his movements.
Expect average release success against press.
Drive gear doesn't seem to generate panic in cornerbacks.
Route fakes lack salesmanship.
Below-average separation burst.
Route asks were rather basic at Clemson.
Dropped easy would-be touchdown catch headed into end zone against Virginia Tech.
Originally Posted by Bowser:
Can you imagine that phone call?
"Hey Cornell, this is Brett Veach - general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs. I was just wondering what you think about the idea of catching passes from Patrick Mahomes, and if that is something you might be interested in? We just happen to have your position available on the team at the moment, if you hadn't heard....."
“That dude who lost the Super Bowl? Fuck no, I’m going UDFA to Brady.” [Reply]
Originally Posted by Cosmos:
A hands catcher...with 10 in. paws...
Love WR’s that don’t have to use their body to corral the ball.
He doesn't seem bothered by contact, either. Looks like he can make catches when he's well covered and being bumped around. That's something you didn't really see with Conley, or even Hardman. [Reply]
Originally Posted by penchief:
He doesn't seem bothered by contact, either. Looks like he can make catches when he's well covered and being bumped around. That's something you didn't really see with Conley, or even Hardman.
I don't want to get too high on the prospect of this kid, but when was the last time we had a physical receiver in his mold? I hope he wows everyone and wins the X position THIS year. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Bowser:
I don't want to get too high on the prospect of this kid, but when was the last time we had a physical receiver in his mold? I hope he wows everyone and wins the X position THIS year.
Agreed. I’ve been watching some of his stuff on YouTube and there is untapped potential in his frame. Perfect fit for the ‘X’ role.
If he can pick up the playbook, I think he could immediately produce more than our other current options would. There’s just some uniqueness to him that I think could turn into a steal.
Our entire day 3 set of picks have high ceilings IMHO. Will they all meet them? No, but I think Powell might actually have the best chance of the bunch. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Bowser:
I don't want to get too high on the prospect of this kid, but when was the last time we had a physical receiver in his mold? I hope he wows everyone and wins the X position THIS year.
Chris Conley. And he was actually quite good for us in 2018 when Sammy missed a lot of games. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Bowser:
I can't remember Conley breaking tackles like Powell did in college, but I suppose that's not a bad comparison.
Feels like Conley never lived up to his numbers or potential here; he was a pretty decent receiver for Jax.
Conley was just a big target who had a good connection with Patrick and somewhat reliable hands. He was also benefitting from Kareem Hunt drawing the defense’s focus instead of dropping 7-8 into coverage.
Powell reminds me of what we had in Maclin, albeit slower, but smooth routes and solid hands. And he’s stronger.. [Reply]
Originally Posted by MAHOMO 4 LIFE!:
Tyreek can literally do everything. Need a contested ball catch check. Need him to run any route check. Need him to run jet sweeps check.
This guy is a fucking beast. Tyreek isn't running through five guys on any play.
He could bring a little of what Bowe gave us in that intermediate range. We haven't had anyone like that since. [Reply]