Dynasty Spotlight: J.J. Nelson, WR Alabama Birmingham – 2015 NFL Draft

Height: 5’10.5″
Weight: 156  lbs
40 yard dash: 4.28 (official)

Hand size: 8.25’’
Vertical Jump: 36’’
Broad Jump: 10.7’’

NFL Comparison: Jacoby Ford, Travis Benjamin

Scouting Notes:

J.J. Nelson showed agile feet and far too much speed as he went on to post the fastest time at this year’s combine (4.28). That should raise more than a few eyebrows going into the draft, but at 156 pounds he’s liable to get knocked down by a strong wind, much less an NFL defensive back. Aside from his speed, Nelson has decent hands, but he tends to basket-catch too many passes for someone who expects to be used in situations other than kick returns on film. However, when RosterWatch scouted his every rep live at the NFL combine, we noticed he shows terrific arm extension catching the football and catches the ball with his hands way out in front of his body time after time. Our scientific notes said Nelson has go-go-gadget arms and martian hands. His prowess on special teams does make him an asset in the open field or in traffic though, as he can change direction smoothly and quickly without losing speed.

Fantasy Outlook:

Nelson will get drafted on his track-star speed if nothing else. We’ve seen really fast players amount to little in the NFL though (hey Marquise Goodwin!) when they can’t out-muscle their defenders with any physicality in the press or pick up blocks when necessary. Nelson is tiny. For comparison, even DeSean Jackson, who is considered a pipsqueak slight by NFL standards, is almost 180 pounds. I just don’t see Nelson becoming a factor outside of special teams unless he packs on twenty pounds of muscle. He’s got the skills and the wheels to be a situational deep threat if he can gain some weight though. He’s purely flyer material in dynasty for the time being.