Michael Gallup Scouting Report

Written by Christian Lysek

Photo from Alex Gallardo, Associated Press

 

Colorado State WR Michael Gallup Scouting Report:

Michael Gallup took an underdog path to the draft. He went unrecruited out of high school and signed with a JUCO school in Kansas. After an impressive two seasons, he signed on to play for Colorado State, posting two back to back 1000-yard seasons and earning a Senior Bowl invite. As the NFL draft approaches, he is one of my favorite wide receivers in the class. Here's why:

Measurables: 6’3/4’’, 205 lbs, 31-1/2’’ arms, 9-1/4’’ hands

Year (Age): Four Year Senior (22)

Career stats by year: 

						Receiving				Rushing				Scrimmage
Year	School	Conf	Class	Pos	G	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	TD	Plays	Yds	Avg	TD
*2016	Colorado State	MWC	JR	WR	13	76	1272	16.7	14	4	15	3.8	0	80	1287	16.1	14
*2017	Colorado State	MWC	SR	WR	13	100	1418	14.2	7	0	0		0	100	1418	14.2	7
Career	Colorado State					176	2690	15.3	21	4	15	3.8	0	180	2705	15.0	21

Drop Rate: 4.9%

Pro Day: 

40-yard Dash: 4.62 seconds

Vertical Jump: 34 inches

Broad Jump: 122 inches

3-cone Drill: 6.95 seconds

20-yard Shuttle: 4.37 seconds

60-yard Shuttle: 11.84 seconds

Bench Press: 10 reps

Tape Evaluation:

Strengths: Michael Gallup has an ideal skill set for a possession receiver. He has good size at a little over 6 feet tall, and his vertical jump is respectable at 36”. What really sets him apart are his hands. He has strong, clamp-like hands that can snatch passes away from his body and maintain control of the ball through contact. This makes him ideal for fade routes, back shoulder throws, and passes in traffic over the middle of the field. Gallup is also a solid route runner who does a nice job of forcing a corner back to flip their hips, leaving them a step behind. When the ball is in his hands, Gallup turns upfield and breaks through contact like a running back. His agility isn’t the best, but he shakes off plenty of DBs. Gallup is also a willing blocker who can sustain blocks downfield.

Weaknesses: While Gallup does create separation when releasing inside, he struggles to get past corners outside the numbers. His lack of elite speed and good technique keep him right in the DB’s pocket instead of a step ahead of him, limiting his deep threat ability. There are also times where Gallup flat out does not try and catch poorly thrown balls, instead opting to try and draw a pass interference penalty. It isn’t the end of the world, but I would rather him make the tough catch than rely on refs.

Pro Comparison: JuJu Smith-Schuster

JuJu Smith-Schuster shined a rookie for the Steelers thanks to his strong hands, YAC ability, and physical play style. Despite not having elite speed outside the numbers, his work in other areas of the field is too valuable to keep on the bench. Gallup has a similar playing style and skillset, and I envision him adopting a similar WR2 role as Smith-Schuster has in the NFL.

 Teams that Fit: The Brandon Marshall signing didn’t work out at all for the Giants, so finding a compliment to OBJ on the outside should be a priority. Gallup’s skill set compliments Beckham’s very well. The Titans could use another receiver in the room as Corey Davis, Taywan Taylor, and Rishard Matthews have yet to stand out. Gallup would be a nice addition to boost the group. The Seahawks could use an outside receiver after the loss of Paul Richardson, and Gallup’s physical style of play would be a welcome addition in Seattle.

Where he should go: 2^nd Round

Where he (probably) will go: 3^rd Round

Conclusion:

Michael Gallup doesn’t have the highest ceiling, but his strong hands and physical play style are sure to make him a productive WR2 in the NFL.

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Combine Results courtesy of MockDraftable.com, Drop Percentage courtesy of Pro Football Focus, Career Statistics courtesy of sports-reference.com/cfb, Date of Birth courtesy of Scout Hub