Washington Redskins Draft Profile: Devin Funchess, WR, Michigan

Devin Funchess

Michigan

WR/TE

6'4

232 Pounds

Devin Funchess is a terribly difficult player to evaluate. Funchess possesses all the physical tools to be a dominate playmaker, but his production doesn't always indicate the same. What Scot McCloughan and the rest of the Redskins scouting team has to figure out is what Funchess is worth. Is the raw potential (Funchess never had the luxury of playing with a good QB at Michigan) worth a second round pick? Funchess is the type of pick that will make you look really smart or really... not smart a couple years down the road.

Strengths:

Is a big bodied receiver who uses his long frame to create mismatches against defensive backs, especially in the red-zone. Although he has tight end size, he runs more like a receiver, with the ability to get yards after the catch. Uses his length to high point the ball, and can win jump balls using good body control. Is very versatile and can be used in multiple ways and from multiple positions, including being effective in the screen game.

Weaknesses:

Simply should have been more productive given his abilities. Catches the ball with his body instead of with his hands at times. Has dropping concerns, and isn't the blocker he should be when the ball isn't in his hands. Used his physicality and athletic ability to win in college, will have to improve technique and route running to win in the NFL.

Let's take a look at some of Funchess' film:

Here you see Funchess' upside, and what he is capable of when focused, making a difficult catch on a poorly thrown ball:

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Here Funchess makes a solid catch in tight coverage, high pointing the ball to make the catch:

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Here is a better example of Funcess' ability to high point the ball, making a difficult catch along the sideline (although Funchess didn't catch the ball cleanly, he hauled it in regardless):

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Here's the knock on Funchess, an example of his inability to concentrate, and drops a ball that hit him in the hands.

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The Bottom Line:

Funchess is an intriguing prospect, who could really add some height to the Redskins receiving corps as well as a legit red-zone threat (If Gruden keeps calling fade routes to Jordan Reed I may rip my hair out), which the Redskins desperately need. However, with many other needs I can't see the Redskins drafting Funchess unless they get multiple second round picks, and even if they do it would be a questionable move. Funchess has potential, but he also has bust potential written all over him, and I'm not sure he's the player you want to take a chance on while trying to start the re-building process.