San Diego State’s Donnel Pumphrey is a versatile offensive weapon who is a big play waiting to happen.
Donnel Pumphrey is a playmaker who can attack a defense from several spots on the field. San Diego State has used him a wide receiver, in the slot and at running back. The key is to get Pumphrey the ball in space where he can use his speed and shiftiness.
He reminds me of Desean Jackson because of his thin frame and ability to produce big plays.
As a running back, Pumphrey is undersized and lacks the bulk most NFL teams look for at the position. It’s a concern because it brings durability questions and whether he can handle the pounding NFL running backs deal with on a weekly basis.
However, he has all the skills needed to succeed at the position. Pumphrey features great vision in that he appears to be setting up defenders several moves ahead of time. It also helps that he’s a quick-twitch athlete capable of quickly getting up to full speed.
His ability to change direction without slowing down helps him make a ton of would-be tacklers look silly.
Pumphrey’s skills as a receiver are raw and will be something he needs to work on. The biggest concern would be the fact that he’s a body catcher and doesn’t pluck the ball away from his frame. This is an area where he could improve with more reps and experience.
He shouldn’t have an issue becoming a very strong route runner because he plays with great balance and change of direction ability. Again, Pumphrey will just need time and reps in order to perfect his craft.
Pumphrey’s draft stock will be one of the more interesting stories this year. Based on his big-play ability he is an elite talent, but the size issues and lack of a ideal position will make it tougher to project his success at the next level.
Current Draft Stock: 2nd Round