2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: Iowa State vs TCU

JD Spielman made the surprising decision to transfer this offseason after having a very solid career at Nebraska. At Nebraska, he compiled 170 receptions, 2,546 yards, and 15 touchdowns in his three seasons in Lincoln. He eventually landed at TCU where his experience and production will be huge for a team that has to replace their most explosive weapon from a season ago in Jalen Reagor.

Spielman will no doubt face questions about his fit and transition to the NFL due to his very small frame. That said, Spielman is one of the more explosive and elusive receivers in all of college football right now. He consistently makes defenders miss in the open field once he gets the ball in his hands and has the speed to run away from a defense with ease. Those same attributes are what make Spielman such a scary returner on special teams.

The Draft Network’s Kyle Crabbs had this to say about Spielman:

"“This dude is slick. Super slippery in one on one situations, Spielman’s change of direction skills, quickness and vision as a ball carrier pop immediately. He’s fully capable of embarrassing and undressing defenders in the open field with his low build frame and the subsequent low center of gravity that he’s afforded as a result. He’s made some nice plays down the field, too.”"

Most of the questions surrounding JD Spielman start and end with his small stature. Can he hold up to the physical nature of the NFL? Can he beat press coverage consistently? Can he make tough tough catches through contact?

Spielman will look to begin answering those questions on Saturday versus the Cyclones. Look for him to be moved all over the offense and used in a large variety of ways including receiver, running back, and return man.