NFL Draft: Studs, Duds, and Sleepers-Wide Receivers

Sleeper: Hakeem Butler, Iowa State

It is easy to get caught up in the measurables when you look at Hakeem Butler. Listed at 6 foot 6 and 225 pounds, Butler towers above the competition on the perimeter. Hakeem Butler has had a productive career for the Iowa State Cyclones. Butler had a breakout season in 2018, producing 1,126 yards on 51 receptions and tallying 9 touchdowns.

Butler began receiving national recognition for some very impressive acrobatic catches, but there is much more to his game than the highlight reel material. Butler is an underrated route runner who navigates through coverage without getting moved off spot by physical corners. Hakeem Butler routinely makes contested catches in traffic and produces yards after the catch.

There will be questions about Butler’s straight line speed and acceleration, but both pass the eye test on film. The most impressive part of Butler’s game is his ability to adjust to a ball in the air and make tough catches along the sideline. Butler will see a lot of action in the red zone in the NFL. Butler has an elite ability to make the catch on back shoulder comeback routes.

Hakeem reminds me of Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Butler may not win many foot races but will be a reliable pass catcher, especially in the red zone. Ideally, Butler will find himself in an offense with a quarterback who is willing to trust Butler and throw into tight windows allowing Butler to win the 50/50 balls.