We all know the stereotype. White skill players, specifically wide receivers, are always linked to either Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, or Jordy Nelson. Ryan Switzer from North Carolina falls into the Wes Welker category for many people. While we can debate about the morality of the stereotype, Switzer may actually be similar to Welker than other white prospects in the past. He may even have just as productive of a career as Welker. Here's why:
Measurables:
5'10''
185 lbs
Year:
Senior (22)
2016 stat line:
96 receptions, 1112 yards, 6 TDs
Pros: Ryan Switzer is a quarterbacks best friend. He primarily works out of the slot, using crisp route running to get open for the quarterback. He cuts fast and has a good acceleration out of his break to pull away from defenders. He then uses his strong hands to reel in catches that are high, low, and everywhere in between. While some people just think of slot receivers as dump off targets, Switzer is much more than that. He can run posts and corner routes down the field and be an effective receiver. While Switzer is small, he plays big. He is absolutely fearless and does not shy from contact. That translates to the return game, something he excels at. He has taken 7 punts and kicks back to the house over the course of his college career, and he uses his foot quickness and agility to evade defenders on his way to the end zone.
Cons: The obvious weakness for Switzer is his size. His height and weight will limit him to slot and return duties. It also limits his impact as a blocker. He gives effort, but there is only so much a 185 receiver can do against a defender. His size also prevents him from fighting to gaian extra yards. I noticed on several occasions that Switzer was bounced back or halted inches before he could reach the marker because the defender was bigger than him. He needs to learn to find the marker and fall forward if he wants to be a great slot player. Switzer is very agile but not extremely fast, so he won't pull away from elite corners when running full speed.
Pro Comparison: Wes Welker
Yes, I am well aware that this is the traditional white guy stereotype, but hear me out. Welker is about the same size as Switzer and uses route running and agility to get open. Welker was known for being tough as nails, willing to take huge hits as long as he made a catch. Welker was also a huge asset in the return game, and he used his foot quickness and agility to evade defenders on his way to the house.
3 teams that fit him: The Panthers would be smart to select the hometown guy in the late rounds, as they have a ton of big play wide outs (Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess, and Ted Ginn) but no reliable check down guy. Switzer could step right in and be a safety blanket for Cam Newton. The Broncos passing offense last season mostly consisted of Trevor Siemian chucking deep balls to Demarius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Switzer could provide a new dimension to a struggling offense. Jared Goff needs all the help he can get at Los Angeles, so the Rams would be wise to select a late-round security blanket for him such a Switzer.
Conclusion: Ryan Switzer's size limits him to the slot, but he is a special player at that position. Add in his return game, and Switzer can be a late round gem for a team looking for a specialist. He will probably go in rounds 3-5.
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