2014 NFL Draft Profile: Wisconsin wide receiver Jared Abbrederis

The depth of this year's wide receiver draft class is awesome. Starters can possibly be found as late as the fourth round and the Eagles have shown interest in several pass-catching prospect throughout the process. With DeSean Jackson gone and other receivers coming off injuries, the Eagles need to build depth with talented prospects. One of those quality players could be Wisconsin's Jared Abbrederis.

College Career

An all-state quarterback and defensive back from Wisconsin, Abbrederis walked on to the Badgers squad in 2009. He redshirted his first season but played in all 13 games (two starts) as a wide receiver in 2010. He had 20 receptions for 289 yards and three touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. As a sophomore, Abbrederis started all 14 games at wide receiver and had 55 receptions for 933 yards and eight touchdowns. He had 1,999 all-purpose yards as he became a threat as a return man as well.

Abbrederis started 12 games in 2012 and collected 49 receptions for 837 yards and five touchdowns. He also continued to return punts. As a senior, Abbrederis caught 78 passes for 1,081 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Abbrederis receiving the Burisworth Trophy (most outstanding walk-on career) along with consensus first-team All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten honors.

Abbrederis was invited to the 2014 Reese's Senior Bowl.

Combine Numbers

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 195 lbs

Arm Lengh: 31 3/8"

Hands: 9 5/8"

40: 4.50 seconds

Bench: 4 reps

Vertical Jump: 30.5 inches

Broad Jump: 117.0 inches

3 Cone: 6.80 seconds

Shuttle: 4.08 seconds

Strengths

Abbrederis is a fundamentally sound football player, who understands the game. He is a crafty route runner, who will get open based on his techinique and intelligence, rather than his speed. He has average speed but has a good understanding of coverage and is typically one of the smart players on the field. He can make a catch and get YAC. He is able to find and make space for himself. He is a willing blocker. He uses his blocks well and has good vision after the catch.

Weaknesses

Abbrederis has very average speed with little burst. He is not much of an athlete and lacks length. His strength leaves something to be desired as it clearly impacts him as a blocker. He is not a deep threat and will not use his size to make a catch.

Eagles Outlook

Chip Kelly likes smart football players and Abbrederis may be one of the smartest in the class. He has the ability to play the slot and be a solid special teams player, which should appeal from a depth perspective. The issue with Abbrederis is that he not likely to be a starter in the league and the Eagles will likely take a receiver early in the draft. Would the Eagles spend to two picks in the first four rounds on the position? It is hard to see that happening with their current total of six picks. However, if he falls to the fifth round, the Eagles may scoop him up.

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