Remember the elite speed that DeSean Jackson brought to the Eagles offense? Remember all that talk about “taking the top off the defense” and how the “big-play threat” opened up the running game? You do, huh. Well then keep this in mind as well: DeSean Jackson, at the 2008 NFL combine, ran a 4.35 40-yard dash. Phillip Dorsett clocked a 4.33 last February in Indianapolis. Dorsett (5’10”, 185 lbs) outweighs Jackson (at that time) by over 15 lbs and has a longer wing-span, to boot. He is the very manifestation of “explosive.” Spider charts below (via mockdraftable.com):
So the guy is a track star…can he play? The Atlantic Coast Conference seems to think so. Dorsett was a Second Team All-ACC WR last year. He hauled in just 36 catches last season but 10 of them were for touchdowns and he averaged 24.2 yards per reception. Durability, it seems plagued him some in his NCAA career. He missed the Senior Bowl game earlier this year (though he practiced all week) and missed five games in 2013 with a partially-torn MCL. We all know Chip is comfortable with guys who have injury history (especially knees) but would he be comfortable with NFL.com analysis below:
Strengths: Takes the top off the defense and throws it in the trash. Elite explosiveness. Gets to top speed quickly and is a seamless glider on crossing routes, leaving man-to-man defenses in his wake. Can work outside and from the slot. Elevates and attacks contested catches. Outstanding body control and can adjust to the ball in mid-air. Mind-boggling big-play production with half of his catches going for 25-plus yards in 2014. More than just a vertical-only receiver and has the blazing feet and stop-start to beat zone coverage for big plays.
Weaknesses: Had partial tear of MCL in 2013. Still raw in his routes, relying on pure speed. Inconsistent with his hand placement to catch and lets the ball get on top of him. Small frame and will have to withstand hits over the middle as a slot receiver.
NFL Comparison: John Brown
Remember when John Brown got behind the woefully bad Eagles secondary last year for the game-winner in Arizona? Yeah…it’d be nice to have that kind of threat back in Midnight Green. Chip must agree as Dorsett was both interviewed at the Senior Bowl as well as brought into the Novacare Complex earlier this week for one of the team’s 30 official visits. That’s a lot of attention to pay to a Day 2 prospect: look for him to be high on the Bird’s draft board.
Drawbacks? Size, evidently. “Big people beat up little people,” after all, according to Chip. Remember too, Jackson excelled in Kelly’s scheme & Kelly was high on Brandon Cooks before missing out last year. Further, he spent a third round draft choice in 2014 on Josh Huff: who stands 5’11” tall and tips the scales at ~200 lbs. Size can be a detriment in a fight…but only if the big person can actually catch the little guy. Video below:
Michael Coggin is a writer for Eagledelphia and can be followed on Twitter @mqcoggin
