Chris Godwin has rocketed up draft boards. Other than Solomon Thomas, it is hard to find a prospect who benefited the most from their bowl game and combine workouts. He destroyed the USC defense for 9 catches, 187 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns and had a great combine workout. His efforts have put him into second round position. Here's why:
Measurables:
Height- 6'1''
Weight- 209 lbs
Year:
Junior (21)
2016 stat line:
58 receptions, 982 yards, 11 TDs
2017 Combine Performance:
40 yard dash: 4.42 sec, Bench press: 19 reps, Vertical Jump: 36 in, Broad Jump: 126 in, 3-cone drill: 7.01 sec, 20-yard shuttle: 4.0 sec, 60-yard shuttle: 11.21 sec
Pros: Let's start with Chris Godwin the athlete. Godwin isn't especially tall, but he has prototypical size. He is quite fast (4.42 40 yard dash), strong (19 bench press reps), and explosive (36 in. vert and 126 in. broad). The good news is for Godwin that those traits show up on tape. Coming off of the line of scrimmage, Godwin uses his strength to break through press coverage and dictate where the route goes. He then uses his agility and suddenness to run crisp routes that don't give defenders time to react to the ball. Once the ball is in the air, Godwin's eyes lock on it, and he does a nice job of adjusting his body to meet the ball. Godwin has great concentration throughout the catch and came down with some spectacular grabs in his college career. As a blocker, Godwin is physical and very effective when pinching inside and taking out defenders for an outside run.
Cons: Godwin is definitely a possession receiver first and foremost. He does not generate lots of yards after the catch because he struggles to juke defenders in the open field. Godwin does suffer some drops where he lets the ball go to his chest instead of his hands. Those instances are rare but noteworthy. While he is a good blocker when pinching inside, Godwin struggles to block defenders head on. He has poor technique and can be thrown aside easily for a man of his strength.
Pro Comparison: Michael Crabtree, WR, Oakland Raiders
Michael Crabtree has himself an excellent pro career by having great hands and great route running. He has some concentration drops like Godwin, but he makes some spectacular catches and can attack defenses going vertically and across the middle. Crabtree isn't the blocker Godwin is, but as a pure receiver, Godwin could be a high-end number 2 wideout like Crabtree if he reaches his potential.
3 teams that could use him: The Chiefs have Jeremy Maclin and Tyreek Hill at wide receiver, but not many other reliable options. Godwin's possession skills would be a nice compliment to Tyreek Hill's big play ability. The Ravens have boom or bust threats in Mike Williams and Breshad Perriman, so drafting a reliable but unspectacular receiver like Godwin could create a nice go-to option for Joe Flacco. The Cardinals lost Michael Floyd and Larry Fitzgerald is getting old, so some fresh blood is due at wide receiver. Godwin would be an intriguing second round option because the Cardinals could then run three wide receiver threats with John Brown, Larry Fitzgerald, and Chris Godwin. That is a dynamic receiving core with a lot of unique weapons.
Conclusion: Godwin is a great athlete and possession receiver, but his lack of YAC ability will keep him out of the first round. Look for Godwin to go on day 2.
Stats from www.sports-reference.com, Combine Data from Chris Godwin Player Profile on NFL.com
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