Rams pick -- - Kevin Curtis with 3rd
By Rams Nation's staff
Notes: Caught 30 passes for 600 yards and five touchdowns
in 1996 at Snow College (Utah) and 55-1,100-19 in '97, when he was a junior
college All-American at Snow. Went on a religious mission in '98 and '99. Enrolled
at Utah State in 2000 and walked on to the football team. Redshirted in 2000
but more than earned a scholarship in '01, leading the nation in catches per
game and finishing third in receiving yardage per game. Caught 100-1,531-10
in 11 games. Received scholarship in '02. Has been timed in the 4.3 area on
Utah State's very fast timing surface. Started 10-of-11 games iwith 3rdn '02,
catching 74-1,258-9. Had strong Combine showing.
Positives: Has speed, intangibles and smarts. Better-than-good
athletic ability and hands. Can pluck the ball. Quick off the line of scrimmage.
Runs good patterns. Good feet, speed and cutting ability. Leverages defender.
Gets separation. Has a burst. Good hands and reacts to the ball. Can catch in
crowd, adjust to the ball and get deep. Willing. Pesty blocker. Has second gear.
Productive. Moves into and out of breaks with speed. Knows how to set up a defender.
Will catch the ball anywhere. Has very good concentration, ball skills and hands.
Good route runner. Has good feel for zone coverage.
Negatives: Lacks great size and has some problems with press
coverage and escaping bump. A little straight-linish. Needs better moves and
more patience. Average strength and explosiveness. Gets knocked around and off
routes. Not elusive after the catch.
Summary: Does not have great size or speed but was very productive
in college and is still learning the game. May not be as quick and crisp as
Wayne Chrebet, but he is a very similar player.