1.Tajae Sharpe
Experience: Senior School: Massachusetts
Height/Weight: 6-2/194 Projected Round: 4-5
Career Stats: 277 receptions; 3486 yards; 16 touchdowns
Tajae Sharpe is not a household name, but he was one of the most productive receivers in the nation last year and throughout his career. Sharpe improved each year at Massachusetts and capped his career with 111 catches in 2015 and left the school with nearly every receiving record. He also led the nation with 9.3 receptions per game.
There are many positives about Sharpe that could allow him to become a very solid receiver in the league. He has great fundamentals, including route running, reliable hands, awareness, footwork and consistency. Sharpe is quick off of the line and can get to top speed fast, which allows him to be a deep threat as well very good on medium and short passes.
One of the best qualities of Sharpe is his mind. Coaches continuously praise his high football IQ as they say he taught them a lot about the game. He is also humble, coachable and a great teammate.
What causes Sharpe to drop to the fourth or fifth round is his speed and size. At 6-2, 194 Sharpe needs to add more weight and muscle to play at the NFL level, but this is very attainable.
Sharpe’s speed is the biggest question for him in the NFL. He only has average speed, which doesn’t allow him to get open at times and makes his big-play ability minimal. He also doesn’t do much after the catch due to his size and his lack of speed.
If Sharpe bulks up, which is very reasonable, especially for a player with his work ethic, he has a chance to be a very productive receiver in the NFL. He could see playing time his rookie year, but could see a significant increase in year two.
With Sharpe not expected to be drafted until the fourth or fifth round, the Broncos could get a great value player drafting him on day three.
