Draft Profile - Tyrone Calico

[crizpynutz]

Tyrone Calico
WR, Middle Tennessee
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 223 lbs.
40-yard: 4.34

Strengths: Has an outstanding combination of size, strength and speed. Is powerful; drives defensive backs off the line. Shows good vertical speed and consistently gets over the top of cornerbacks. Has excellent leaping ability. Is a threat on fade routes and in the red zone. Is a strong runner after the catch and has some elusiveness. Shows a second gear in the open field once he gets going.

Weaknesses: Hands are inconsistent. Route-running skills are marginal. Should be much more polished and productive than he is. Is somewhat of an underachiever. Lacks suddenness on routes and the initial quickness to beat the press. Lacks ideal burst both in and out of his breaks. Will struggle to separate from NFL cornerbacks. Lacks upfield burst after the catch. Takes him a while to hit full speed. Has some trouble on quick-hitters because he lacks soft hands. Doesn't consistently catch on the run and at times struggles to adjust to balls in the air.

Bottom line: Calico offers a great size-speed combination and flashes some big- play ability, but he is too inconsistent, sloppy and unfocused to draft before the fourth round.

Dan Pompei analysis
Is a big receiver with athleticism and speed. Has made strides, but still needs technique work. Is tough and aggressive. Is a willing blocker. Shows inconsistent hands, and doesn't show much of a feel for getting open. Lacks the quickness to separate from defenders.

[Eastraider]

I am always leary when I read these ratings, but I try to isolate the positives from the problems/warts that the experts always give players.

In Calico's case:

Athleticism, speed, size, and quickness/explosiveness cannot be coached. Neither can intangibles like football smarts (Marcus Allen) and toughness (Matt Millen, Lyle Alzado). No mention of these traits for him.

I think that you can get better hands with more reps (remember that Branch did not have good hands when we got him) and improved techniques. Same with route running and getting off the line of scrimmage.

Strong runner after the catch and has some elusiveness after the catch but lacks upfield burst after the catch

Is he good for YAC or not? This seems to be a contradiction. But in the final analysis he does not have any warts that are not coachable or won't be improved by everyday practice. And I am positive he will be gone before the 3rd round begins.