DeAngelo Yancey, WR: The Big Bodied WR That’s Drawing A Lot Of Interest

DeAngelo Yancey, WR
School: Purdue | Conference: BIG-10
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 220 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Late Rounds
NFL Comparison: Demaryius Thomas

College Statistics

Player Overview

For a player that allegedly might not even get drafted (why he isn’t ranked on some major draft boards I have no idea?) DeAngelo Yancy is drawing a hell of a lot of interest from NFL teams. When I saw he went on visits or plans to go on visits to the Seahawks, Chargers, Ravens, Bengals, Texans, Packers, Raiders, Patriots, and Titans I knew I had to take a closer look at him. Aside from Jake Replogle (who retired after this past season), Purdue hasn’t had many players to hang their hat on with the exception of Yancey as well. He was one of the few bright spots in a struggling offense on a terrible team during his career there. Yancey did well with the opportunities he had and he flashes exciting skills and potential for the type of player he can be at the next level. He is big, fast, can create separation, and knows how to catch the football. He has the athleticism to be a legitimate deep threat at the next level and uses his body to box out defenders. He screams go-to receiver in the red zone. Whether he is drafted or gets signed as a priority free agent minutes after the draft ends he is going to make a team very happy with his value and should make his mark early in camp.

Strengths

• A fantastic blend of size, speed, and athleticism for the position.
• He can create separation with his body and hands or with his smooth acceleration downfield. Rarely gets bogged down on routes. Corners simply don't have the strength to control him.
• Height, length and natural hands allow him a superb catch radius and ability to snatch the ball out of the air.
• Has decent YAC ability.

Weaknesses

• Did not run a full route tree at Purdue, was mainly used for big plays on go routes and slants. Needs refinement in his footwork and release.
• Needs to be more active and willing as a blocker.
• Has an inexplicable case of the dropsies at times. Needs to get back to basics. Catch it then run.

Let’s see his work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

If Yancey is at all on the Redskins radar they will have to take a ticket and wait in line. This many visits lined up for a “priority free agent” gives me pause to the credit the major draft outlets have given this young man. Purdue has won 9 games in four years. Yancey has been playing on a terrible team with questionable QB play and little support on his side of the ball. His stats aren’t eye-popping but they are very respectable. He embarrassed poor Desmond King and a number of future NFL pros by having field days against Iowa, Cincinnati, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. He is no doubt going to need a lot of coaching and help with learning a full route tree and crisping up his footwork and movements. If I had to guess I think most NFL teams are hesitant on that part of his game and what him to be a more dynamic receiver given his size. If the Redskins are looking to get a great value at the WR position and want to add to the big bodies they have signed this offseason and also don’t mind molding some clay Yancey presents a great value on late day three of the draft. The problem is I think the aforementioned 9 teams that have brought Yancey in for a visit or workout and likely others will pull the trigger first.