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2017 NFL Draft: Alabama ArDarius Stewart Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver ArDarius Stewart (13) runs the ball against Clemson Tigers linebacker Dorian O'Daniel (6) and linebacker Kendall Joseph (34) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver ArDarius Stewart (13) runs the ball against Clemson Tigers linebacker Dorian O'Daniel (6) and linebacker Kendall Joseph (34) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Alabama’s ArDarius Stewart is a physically gifted wide receiver prospect who is only scratching the surface of his potential.

ArDarius is a well-built wide receiver who features excellent top-end speed. He’s a quick-twitch athlete who can get up to full speed in a hurry. This speed helps him stretch the field as a pass catcher and create in space.

Alabama used Stewart in multiple roles all in an attempt to get the ball in his hands as much as possible. He saw time as a kick returner, working the in the slot, lined up in the backfield and the recipient of a  high number of jet sweeps.

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Stewart is a natural playmaker who can take a short pass and turn it into a big play. This is because he has breakaway speed and the vision to locate open lanes.

He brings added value to the field thanks to his effort as a blocker. Stewart has delivered a lot of perfectly timed blocks throughout his college career. He is a real asset as a blocker and someone who will help spring big gains for other players.

Stewart shows naturally strong hands and is committed to plucking the ball away from his frame. However, he has had some drops throughout his career which can be linked to focus. It appears that he takes his eyes off the ball in anticipation of being hit.

He needs to show a willingness to work in traffic and remain focused on the football. Otherwise, he’ll be seen as a one-dimensional player.

Stewart is still raw as a route runner and needs improve his ability to read a defense. Someone of his issues in this area can be linked to Alabama’s offensive system. This is a team that loves to run the football. They have also had some inexperience quarterbacks under center the past two seasons.

Draft Range: 3rd Round

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