More often than not, mid-round wide receivers are not big-time impactors for their respective teams. But in the 2023 NFL Draft, West Virginia’s Bryce Ford-Wheaton is looking to join a select group of mid-round prospects.
Ford-Wheaton has been gaining steam as of late during the pre-draft process, as plenty of analysts finally understand his potential impact. His game is predicated on being a vertical threat with the ability to go up and get the ball, something NFL teams always need.
Profile
- College: West Virginia
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 224 lbs.
- Age: 23
- Year: Junior
- Draft Projection: Early Day 3 (4th/5th Rounder)
Strengths
Route Running
Ford-Wheaton is a savant regarding route running – crisp cuts, fluid hip movement, and an understanding of keeping his defender on his back hip. While West Virginia was no NCAA powerhouse, Ford-Wheaton produced a solid 2022 season (62/675/7), regularly showcasing his skills.
Mingo is getting a lot of buzz but this guy Bryce Ford-Wheaton should be on the Chargers radar. 😵💫
— 🤘🏿⚡️TIM TELESCO⚡️🤘🏿 (@timlindzay) April 12, 2023
6'4
221 lbs
33 1/2″
9 3/8″ hands
4.38 40-
1.51 10-yard split
41″ vert
10'9″ broad jump
🤯🤯
pic.twitter.com/DRBnKhEHVL
To have a 6’3″ receiver stride like Ford-Wheaton while running away from defenders is rare – something any roster could use.
Frame Usage & Physicality in Coverage
Another benefit of having a tall frame is being physical at the point of contact, and Ford-Wheaton sets the tone well. But there is more to his toolbox than just how he sets himself up at the line of scrimmage.
Ford-Wheaton tracks the ball well in the air, using concise movements to put himself in the best position possible. Even when he hauls in a pass, he keeps that same physical style, helping keep that advantage on the perimeter.
Weaknesses
Drops / Separation / Long-Term Investment
It’s tough to be successful when you struggle to catch the ball, and Ford-Wheaton has had many passes go through his hands. The only way a mid-round prospect proves his worth is by earning time on the field, but if you can’t do the main thing you were drafted for, you won’t see the field.
Bryce Ford-Wheaton visited the #Steelers today.
— Corey Crisan (@cdcrisan) April 13, 2023
Who could forget the last time he set foot onto the field at Acrisure Stadium? pic.twitter.com/FBFE9JhvQ4
His inability to separate from his defender (even though he sets a physical tone) is because of his route tree. At WVU, Ford-Wheaton’s limited route tree ensured that a first-step win was not always necessary, and working his way into routes allowed for his speed to kick in at the end.
Ford-Wheaton’s traits are not typically seen for a prospect being mocked as a sure-fire Day 3 option. But what’s working against him is that those traits require a solid coaching staff to develop, extending his developmental timeline.
Conclusion
Ford-Wheaton is your player if your team needs receiver depth and doesn’t want to use a high pick. Needing some fine-tuning on some aspects; any team that drafts him should understand he is on a three-year timeline.
As a rookie, his development should lower his ADP for your drafts while also being perfect for your Taxi squad.
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