Prospect Spotlight: Christopher, Gooden, Addae

[Lil Uno]

Instead of releasing several mocks between now and the draft, I will look to introduce several prospect profiles to introduce players that aren't getting much attention. Prospects that I feel our organization will be interested based on numerous deciding factors. With that, we start with:



DeVonte Christopher, WR, Utah
Size: 6'1, 200
Projected Round: 5th-7th Round Pick
Christopher vs. USC

Positives:
*Hands
*Strong Build
*Leaping Ability
*Body Control
*Blocking

Negatives:
*Production
*Character
*Long Speed

Uno's Take: Christopher is a guy who seemed ready to break out this year and was being discussed as a 2nd day pick. However, after working in his 5th different offense in as many years he was unable to take that next step. DeVonte isn't a flashy player, but he does a lot of the little things well. He is a solid route runner who does a good job of setting defenders up in both the short and deep game. He is built well for the position and he uses his strength to fight for passes. Christopher was in the dog house for most of the season for reportedly not working hard enough in practice, so there are character concerns. Overall, Christopher has a lot of the tools look for in a receiver but he will have to get behind NFL coaching to step his game up.


Zaviar Gooden, LB, Mizzou
Size: 6'2, 230
Projected Round: 3rd-5th Round Pick
Gooden vs. Syracuse

Positives:
*Coverage Skills
*Speed
*Range
* Athleticism
*Physical
*Effective Blitzer
*Leadership

Negatives:
*Run Support
*Block Shedding
*Injury Concerns

Uno's Take: Gooden is a tremendous athlete who lost his senior season to an achilles injury. Gooden is a converted safety who has legit 4.4 speed. He can cover backs and tightends from sideline to sideline but he struggles in run support. He possesses good but not great instincts and will have to work on hand placement at the next level. Gooden was the local leader for Mizzou the last few seasons and should be counted on to provide the same at the next level. At this point, Gooden projects as a developmental player with terrific upside. He will have to show that he is healthy if he wants to cement his early round status.


Jahleel Addae, S, Central Michigan
Size: 5'11, 200
Projected Round: 6th-7th Round Pick
Addae 2012 Highlights

Positives:
*Size
*Leadership
*Closing Speed
*Big Hitter
*Versatile
*Agressive
*Reliable Tackler
*Hitter

Negatives:
*Angles
*Level of Competition
*Deep Coverage
*Hips

Uno's Take: In one word, Addae is a playmaker. Addae reminds me of Reggie Nelson as a prospect. He flies around the field making his presence known, but he is inconsistent defending the deep area. Addae plays with a aggressive and tenacious nature that will remind you of Troy Polamalu. Central Michigan often uses Addae in the box, much like Polamalu. He will have to prove that he can produce in both the shallow coverage and defend the deep ball to help improve his stock. The East West shrine game will be an opportunity to show if he can do this.
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