Nov 1, 2014; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Kevin White (11) runs with ball after a catch during the first quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Milan Puskar Stadium. TCU Horned Frogs defeated West Virginia Mountaineers 31-30. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
#4 Kevin White, West Virginia Mountaineers
Wait a minute, don’t most experts have this kid listed #1 or #2? Much like a GM weary of a player having a mediocre career then a stellar contract year, I’m hesitant about White’s breakout season. White has prototypical size and elite speed. He’s great at going up and getting the deep ball and does an average job in intermediate routes. He’s great against physical corners and his size and strength allow him to really punish smaller defenders. This trait is amplified in the redzone if left one on one.
The issue I have with White is I’m not big on guys who come out of nowhere. It’s entirely possible the kid had a “come to Jesus” moment in the offseason between 2013 and 2014, but watching him the last two years was night and day. I don’t feel he has great route running ability and is going to rely on single coverage to do anything in the NFL.
White is coming off the board early in the first round and it’s really a roll of the dice. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him out of the league in three years and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the pro bowl in three years. He’s shown the potential to be a #1 WR in the NFL, but he hasn’t shown the consistency. Let the “I don’t know what I’m talking about” comments begin.
Next: #3