It remains to be seen what Odell Beckham Jr. elects to do in free agency, especially as he recovers from a torn ACL that will force him to miss part of the 2022 campaign. Positives: Reliable receiver who runs good routes and separates from defenders. With Nailors ability to stretch the field vertically, the Rams could have him on their radar if they are interested in adding a wideout in the draft. After catching 93 passes for 1,736 yards and 26 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Bishop Gorman, the Nevada product earned a three-star recruit billing and fielded Power Five offers. Nailor is god awful in contested catch situations and didnt haul in a single contested catch in 2021. Beyond the gridiron, Nailor showcased his speed in track. Using strength at the top of the route to create space was not commonly used. Nailor is a legitimate deep-threat burner whose production comes from demanding schematic respect over the top. From now until the 2022 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. With the draft beginning on Thursday, and just enough seven-round mock drafts available for perusal, let's check out some potential landing spots for these former Spartans. During his time at Michigan State, Nailor had three seasons where he averaged 17-plus yards per reception. Physicality can knock him off his routes He landed with the Spartans in East Lansing, Michigan, and made a big impact. With the 191st pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have selected Jalen Nailor, the wide receiver from Michigan State University Nailor has had his share of injury issues. Los Angeles Chargers: Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He is able to get separation with quickness and manipulation and has the speed to get over the top. Here are five things to know about Nailor: The hosting of this year's draft by Las Vegas brought things full-circle for Nailor, who was there for the weekend of the draft. Nailor adds some value in the run game, where he is always in a good position (despite not being the most physical player), as well as with the ball in his hand on end-arounds. On the sliding scale of acts that cause NFL prospects to fall down draft boards, two misdemeanors for a prospect that profiles as a future All-Pro at his position can get ignored fairly easily. Soft hands and ability to adjust around his frame born March 2, 1999 (23) 1 in USA TODAY's Super 25 rankings. Hundreds of prospects ranked and updated throughout the season. Copyright 2019-2023. Wide receiver isnt a blatant need for Los Angeles, but Sean McVay has shown a tendency to add skill players consistently in the draft. He received scholarship offers from plenty of schools in the west, including Colorado, Arizona State, and Nevada. And down the field, he can seep into blind spots, and he tracks the ball in the air exceptionally well. 16 on career receiving TDs (12), No. Thursday: Defensive linemen and linebackers (3 p.m. Some cosmetic factors work against the Michigan State WR, but there are tools to mold. But Michigan State WR Jalen Nailor also has an appealing NFL Draft scouting report. 2022-08-23-jaxon-smith-njigba. But on Day 3, for a team that knows how to use him and can develop receiver talent, Nailor could be a diamond in the rough, who at the very least can catalyze an offense as a rotational spark plug and deep threat. "Theres no lead back in Houstons RB room right now. Pro Football Network projects Nailor to the Philadephia Eagles in the fifth round, 162nd overall. He was a preseason All-Big Ten selection by Phil Steele (second team) and Athlon Sports (third team). 8 overall in 1967) and Mike Hurd (picked 336th overall in 1975). An early look at Michigan State's 2023 NFL draft prospects. Nailor's biggest stats in one game occurred on Oct. 11, 2021, when he totaled a career-best 221 yards and tied a school record he had already matched with three scores . Walker, the Walter Camp and Doak Walker award winner, is expected to be a Day 2 pick, while Nailor and Heyward are potential Day 3 selections. Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem? Follow full coverage of Jalen Nailor during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. named an All-Big Ten honorable mention by the media, Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week honors that week, GAME THREAD: Michigan State at Nebraska - Mens Basketball, How to Watch Michigan State at Nebraska - TV, Quick Facts and Prediction, Game Preview: MSU Looks for Plains State Redemption in Nebraska, BBDs 3pt Shot: Epic Collapse Overshadows MSU Finding its Dude and Rotation - What it All Means. At the NFL scouting combine, Nailor posted a 4.50 40-yard dash (19th among WR), a 38-inch vertical jump (8th among WR), and a 7.03 three-cone (5th among WR). For a comp, Ill go with Amon Ra St. Brown who has very similar measurables with Nailor having better speed. The Michigan State WR caught 8 passes for 138 yards and 2 scores and picked up 9 carries for 128 yards and a touchdown. The Michigan State WR gears up deceptively quickly and can blow by unsuspecting defensive backs. This demands some extra cushion for corners who cant match the speed, which Nailor will punish with a good ability to plant his feet and turn on curl routes. Across that stretch, he caught 26 passes for 515 yards and 4 touchdowns, leading the Big Ten in yards per catch. Doesn't have the size to consistently win on the outside, but can be productive working the middle of the field and as a return man. He did well to sell blocks and then good timing to release on screens and play action plays and get behind defenders. Wins consistently on deep routes If he can further refine his route running and improve his hands, he can be a dynamic, versatile receiver for an NFL offense. I saw some slips on his break on in-breaking routes and comeback routes and physical DBs can knock him off his route. Warrants were issued on Wednesday for the arrest of Jalen Carter, a potential top-five pick in the coming N.F.L. An arrest warrant has been issued for Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter stemming from the crash that killed a . Nailor also has some shiftiness to his game, and his combination of acceleration and agility translates to good run-after-catch potential. Those having Walker going two picks later to the Bills at 57 including The Athletic's Dane Brugler, the Sporting News and Draftek. In particular, his speed can bring a dynamic element to an NFL passing attack. He missed a significant portion of 2021 with a hand injury he suffered in the victory over Michigan. Check out the latest and greatest, most up-to-date, fantasy football rankings. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. This is a boom or bust player and for every blow-up game, there will be one or two disappearing acts. He had a streak of two or more receptions in six-straight games as part of a 15-game streak with at least one catch halted by going without a catch in Nebraska game and also has 163 rushing yards and one TD on just 17 carries (9.6 avg. The injury issue is big one and must be taken into consideration. Jalen Nailor with No. Does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball into his pads and chest. In 2021, the Spartans passing attack took a drastic step forward, and much of the credit goes to Nailor and his teammate Jayden Reed. Injuries have cost him parts of three seasons and will be a concern. He can also expand his release package. If the Big Ten scraps divisions and goes to the 3-6-6 model - who should Michigan State get as its three permanent rivals? (19%*), 4.50 (C) Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jalen Nailor runs an official 4.50-second 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. The most pressing issue on his tape is his catching ability. You know what youre getting with Nailor and its homerun ability on go routes. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports. Several other MSU players have used up all of their college eligibility and could opt to pursue the NFL Draft, or move on from their football careers. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet. And after the catch, he doesnt consistently break tackles with his lighter frame. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Follow full coverage of Jalen Nailor during the 2022 NFL Draft on ESPN.com. He knows where the sideline is and keeps his feet in good position when on the boundaries. Of course, Nailor is far from a finished product. His arm length is below average. Nailor helped the Gaels win the state football title in each of his three seasons and finish No. Vs Miami, from the right edge his movement behind the line turns into a wham block that opens up a running lane for the back. Nailor has a fairly limited route tree and does not do much of his damage over the middle. Analysis: Nailor is a consistent pass catcher with outstanding short speed and route-running ability. 26 games, 21 starts But the 21-year-old . Jalen Nailor is an exciting playmaker who has 80 catches for 1,346 yards, reaching the 1,000 career yards mark in the Western Kentucky game, becoming the 46th player in MSU history to reach. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Best with free release, but not ideally suited for a slot role. He ranked second in the Big Ten by averaging 18.8 yards per catch and earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors from media in 2021. He would choose to attend Michigan State in college, spending four years with the Spartans. Vs Pittsburgh, from the bottom on a post route he makes a nice adjustment to make the one handed catch on a ball behind him. Jalen Nailor NFL Draft Profile Position: Wide Receiver School: Michigan State Current Year: Redshirt Junior Height: 6'0 Weight: 190 pounds Jalen Nailor Scouting Report With a nickname like "Speedy Nailor," you'd expect speed to be a vital part of Nailor's game. Nailors upside will be enough to sell him on teams, but hes not a finished product. This limits him as a route runner despite his burst out of cuts, hes likely a specialist more than an every-down player. The Bills cant sleep should Walker fall a little bit despite the fact hes a complete back and they got a good finish with Devin Singletary last season. Tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes fluidly without breaking stride downfield. When healthy, and that is a big caveat, he has a day two skill set. https://theramswire.usatoday.com/lists/rams-nfl-draft-2022-jalen-nailor-profile/, Rams 7-round mock draft: TE at No. Quick-footed in and out of breaks, sells routes, and stays low on exit. 7 for career active FBS players for yards/catch (16.8) but doesnt have the 100 career catch minimum and ranks No. Had some struggles in contested catches Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage, immediately gets to top speed, and tracks the pass in the air. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Vs Pittsburgh, he is lined up at the top on a fourth and five play. Projection: Nailor's speed is unquestioned, with a 19.2 yards per catch the past two seasons, but his lack of durability is an issue. Nailor attended Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, where he was a part of three state championship and two national championship teams. The yardage is the most by a visiting player in a game at Rutgers, topping 207 by Larry Fitzgerald while with Pittsburgh in 2003. ), along with eight punt returns for 48 yards (6.0 ypr) and eight kick returns for 163 yards, for 1,720 career all-purpose yards (63.7 ypg). March 1, 2023 Updated 5:46 p.m. Hes assignment-sound and isnt afraid to square up and be physical. Three Spartans were invited to the NFL Combine, which begins on March 1: tailback Kenneth Walker III, wide receiver Jalen Nailor and tight end/H-back Connor Heyward. Nailor keeps his feet churning well on his stems and can get back up to top speed quickly from his cuts. (89%*), Drafted: ROUND: 6 - Pick Number: 191 (MIN), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL. Balanced, savvy route runner with top field awareness, setting up and selling routes beautifully. Writes the site: "Kenneth Walker is a tough back who runs with great balance.". The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Jenkins against Northwester in 2011. Seeing that the Rams have seven of their eight picks on Day 3, theyll have a few chances to select Nailor before the draft concludes. Has the speed to get over the middle for 128 yards and 2 and. 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