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Taking a Serious Look at 2016 NFL Draft Receivers for the St. Louis Rams

By Matt Colinco

Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) celebrates his ten-yard touchdown catch against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) celebrates his ten-yard touchdown catch against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 30, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Will Fuller (7) reacts after catching a pass for a 75 yard touchdown against the Rice Owls at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2014; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Will Fuller (7) reacts after catching a pass for a 75 yard touchdown against the Rice Owls at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Will Fuller, Notre Dame (6’0”, 184 lbs)

Coming out of Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, four-star receiver William Fuller committed to the University of Notre Dame after originally committing to Penn State.

In three years with the Nittany Lions, Fuller caught 144 passes for 2,512 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Why the Rams SHOULD Pick Fuller:

Without a doubt, Will Fuller is making his way to the top of many NFL team’s draft boards, and I don’t blame them. Fuller—like Corey Coleman of Baylor—is a touchdown machine when the ball is thrown down the field or when the ball is in his hands. Rams need a lot more passing touchdowns next year if they are to compete for a playoff spot.

When Fuller puts the pads on, he seemingly doesn’t lose any straight line speed. He’s also an exceptional route runner who comes off his breaks instantaneously with explosiveness, which should help when he’s going up against professional defensive backs.

Why the Rams SHOULD NOT Pick Fuller:

It’s very unlikely that Fuller will become a “number one” receiver in the NFL. Even though he could become the deep threat that rookie Chris Givens was with the Rams a couple years ago, it remains to be seen if he can be relied on as that go-to wideout.

Just like Coleman, Fuller’s size doesn’t bother me as much as his drop issues. Fuller too often catches with his body rather than his hands, so it’s something that the Rams would have to be patient with.

Pro Comparison: Kenny Stills, Miami Dolphins

When I watch film on Will Fuller, I see Kenny Stills. They’re both 6’0” and weigh under 200 pounds but play a lot tougher than their size would indicate. Even though Stills was the New Orleans Saints’ fifth round draft pick, he’s proven to be one of the league’s more dangerous deep threats. I expect teams to realize the mistake they made on overlooking Stills and draft Fuller within the first three rounds.

Another comparison could be made to Robert Woods of the Buffalo Bills or TY Hilton of the Indianapolis Colts. Woods and Hilton have a similar body type and skill set to Fuller.

Next: Who Should the Rams Draft?

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