Josh Palmer could be just the WR Washington needs this year

Josh Palmer, WR
School: Tennessee | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 6’2” / 210 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Rounds 4-5

College Statistics

Player Overview

The Canadian born Josh Palmer played in 12 games for the Vols during his freshman year, starting six. As a sophomore, he started 8 games and finished first in the SEC (and 5th in the nation) with 21 yards per catch. As a junior, he was second on the team with 34 receptions - Tennessee’s offense was terrible during his tenure there - and made the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

As more evidence of the Vols’ offensive ineptitude, he led the team in receiving yards (475), receptions (33), and receiving TDs (4) during his senior season, eventually earning a Senior Bowl invite. Palmer’s story is one of a very solid WR trapped on a terrible team. His lack of production may well cause him to slip later than he should in the draft.

Strengths

• Had success on contested catches against some of the best CBs in college.
• Routinely collected first downs with his receptions.
• Physical and tight route runner.
• Has pro-level ball tracking ability.

Weaknesses

• Poor production in college, primarily because of weak QB play.
• Lacks impressive burst.
• Doesn’t produce tremendous yards after the catch.

Let’s See His Work

How He Would Fit

After running through countless mock drafts this offseason, I’m unconvinced that Washington should necessarily spend a Day 1 or 2 pick on wide receiver. Chances are, potentially, Palmer could be sitting there in the 4th round, and I think he’d be a very good value there. He’s not the fastest WR - his 40 time was in the low 4.5s - but he’s an accomplished route runner with good hands and a demonstrated ability to win contested catches against cornerbacks who will be playing on Sundays.

Palmer projects as an X or Z WR at the pro level and he’s a player who numerous talent evaluators expect to be more productive in the NFL that he was in college. I think he could be a very solid addition to McLaurin and Samuel at a fairly reasonable draft price and would be happy to see Washington take him in the mid-rounds and fully exploit his potential.