ArDarius Stewart, WR: A Complete WR Prospect And An Explosive Playmaker

ArDarius Stewart, QB
School: Alabama | Conference: SEC
College Experience: RS Junior | Age: 21?
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 204 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd Round
NFL Comparison: Jarvis Landry

College Statistics

Player Overview

When talking about the best receivers in this draft class ArDarius Stewart has to be in the conversation. Stewart is one of the most underrated prospects in this receiver class and I would not at all be surprised if a team selected him earlier than his current 3rd round projection. Stewart is a complete receiver and in addition to catching the ball he is also a very good run blocker and can run the ball out of the backfield effectively. Stewart plays bigger than his size and has the jets to take it to the house. His big play ability makes him one of the more interesting receivers in the draft, he consistently made plays for Alabama and would have made more if not for Alabama’s reserved passing attack and freshman QB. Stewart finds himself in a somewhat similar situation as his teammate O.J. Howard. Both are supremely talented prospects that were underutilized at Bama but should make early impacts with their NFL teams.

Strengths

• Has a solid build for the position had has the strength, durability, and toughness to withstand his as well as absorb punishment. Plays bigger than his listed size, will use his body and speed to create space and looks to gain tough yards by lowering his head and running into guys.
• Is a high effort and high motor player will run his route and fight through coverage he will try and find holes in coverage when plays break down or will look to make a block down field.
• Has a second and third gear and can build steam in a flash, can take the top off defenses and pile up YAC using his agility and balance.
• Shows great vision and awareness in the open field he is patient enough to follow his blocks but also knows when to turn on the jets.

Weaknesses

• Routes need work they are unrefined and somewhat sloppy.
• Suffered from a few focus drops during the year despite solid hands.
• Played against zone heavy corners and was rarely challenged off the LOS. There is a legit concern if he can work through bigger and stronger corners in the NFL who press and jam.
• To the point above, struggled in his last few games of the season with potential 1st round corners put up duds for stats against Washington, Florida, and Clemson. We know he is fast but can he separate consistently using technique?

Let’s see his work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

There is a place for ArDarius Stewart on the Redskins. I know the team has been upgrading the size of the position lately but Stewart arguably would bring a level of versatility to the position that would warrant looking the other way on his height. His selection would be an investment in the future and would help solidify the position for a few years looking past the one-year deals of Terrelle Pryor and Brian Quick. Stewart brings and explosive quality, speed, and burst to the position and can line up on the boundary or play the slot and go over the middle. He’s also an effective and willing blocker downfield and is always looking to spring a teammate if the ball isn't in his hands. Stewart would be a near lock for WR4 duties and could also contribute to special teams. He didn't return kicks often at Alabama but he did average around 20 yards a return when he did.