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By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: Over the past four years, Kupp was one of the most productive wide receivers in college football. Kupp rewrote record books as he dominated his level of competition, but also played well when he went against top competition, including games against Washington with its excellent cornerback talent. Kupp showed through his consistent production that he is a future NFL contributor.
Kupp had a huge debut season with 93 catches for 1,691 yards and 21 touchdowns. His sophomore season (104-1,431-16) maintained that high level of production, as did his 2015 campaign with 114 catches for 1,642 yards with 19 touchdowns. In his senior year, he amassed 117 receptions for 1,700 yards with 17 touchdowns.
For the NFL, Kupp is a polished wideout whp should be able to compete quickly. He has phenomenal hands and is extremely reliable. Part of that is because he has very good technique to snatch the ball out of the air with his hands and secure it. There is no doubt that Kupp is a quality route-runner and doesn’t waste steps or get sloppy with his body control. While Kupp isn’t the biggest receiver, he does a nice job of using his body to win 50-50 passes. He is superb at running the staple routes of the west coast offense in slants, digs and crosses, plus has nice yards-after-the-catch potential. He is tremendous at tracking the ball with late hands to reel the ball in.
The talent of NFL cornerbacks means Kupp will never be a burner wide receiver who challenges teams consistently deep downfield. He isn’t the fastest of wideouts and could have problems separating from quality NFL corners. Without mismatch speed, Kupp will need to move around from the outside and inside to get in position to contribute. He isn’t the biggest or fastest wide receiver, but he gets the job done with a gritty style of play.
As a pro, Kupp would fit best as a No. 2 or 3 receiver. He could be a good complement to a true No. 1 wideout as Kupp can line up on the outside or move inside as a slot. With Kupp being more of a No. 2 or 3, that makes him a second-day pick. In speaking to team sources, Kupp has graded as a third-round pick. One playoff team that is a hard grader, and very good at evaluating wide receivers, had him as a fourth- or fifth-rounder. Thus, even if Kupp slides, he should be no worse than a mid-round pick.
Player Comparison: Michael Crabtree. Crabtree (6-1, 215) and Kupp are almost identical in size. Both are well-rounded receivers who are gritty, but aren’t speed mismatches. After some rough years in San Francisco, Crabtree has blossomed as Oakland’s No. 2 receiver to Amari Cooper. Kupp would be best playing off a No. 1 as well as a No.2 or 3 receiver.
NFL Matches: Buffalo, Philadelphia, Tennessee, Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Baltimore, Dallas, New England, San Francisco, Chicago and Los Angeles
There could be a lot of teams in the market for an upgrade at wide receiver, so Kupp should be a Friday night selection.
Buffalo needs a wide receiver to pair with Sammy Watkins. The Bills badly need a reliable receiver to help their passing offense when Watkins is out of the lineup and exploit teams sending double coverage his direction. A dependable receiver like Kupp could be a good complement on Day 2.
The Eagles have to get more weapons for Carson Wentz. They need a true No. 1 receiver plus other supporting receivers for Wentz. Kupp could fill the role of the latter role. The Ravens could consider Kupp as they need a replacement for Steve Smith.
Tennessee needs to find more receiving weapons for Marcus Mariota. Kupp could be in play for the Titans’ third-round picks.
The Buccaneers need a receiver to pair with Mike Evans. Taking a receiver like Kupp on Day 2 would make sense.
Kansas City supposedly wanted Laquon Treadwell last year, so adding more receiving talent to go with Jeremy Maclin could be a possibility for the Chiefs. Dallas has Terrance Williams entering free agency, and considering the durability issues of Dez Bryant the team could use another receiver for Dak Prescott. Kupp could be a nice fit for the Cowboys.
Tom Brady is a miracle worker with what he produces with his receiving corps. New England could use more outside receivers for Brady.
The 49ers badly need more wide receiver talent. The Bears may have to replace Alshon Jeffery, and Kupp has shown to thrive in a cooler climate. The Rams need more receiving for the disappointing Jared Goff, and Kupp could be an asset to helping Goff improve in his second season.
RELATED LINKS:
2017 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2017 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2017 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 16
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
