2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Florida State WR Rashad Greene
RASHAD GREENE- 6’0, 180- SR.
When discussing the best college wide receivers in the nation, he isn’t necessarily one of the first names that comes up, but in evaluating meaningful contributors to some of the best teams in the NCAA, Florida State wideout Rashad Greene is certainly up there in terms of value.
Greene is Jameis Winston’s favorite target and by far the Seminoles’ leading receiver this year. As of Saturday night, his numbers placed him ninth in the Football Bowl Subdivision in yards and 10th in receptions.
Despite Greene’s great success at the collegiate level, there’s reason to be skeptical of his prospects as a pro. His size isn’t exactly ideal at 6-foot flat and 180, and his lack of weight is a particular concern. In addition, Greene doesn’t seem to possess the elite athleticism that has enabled recent high draft picks like Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, and Odell Beckham, Jr. to stand out as can’t miss prospects. Still, though, he does have very reliable hands, and he should be a nice depth option for someone.
Live Feed
Arrowhead Addict
A player who Greene projects similarly to is current Seattle Seahawk and former Alabama wideout Kevin Norwood. They’re both experienced receivers who dependably contributed to National Championship teams and saw college success year after year, yet due to their lack of exceptional physical skill they project more as fourth or fifth receivers in the NFL. Norwood was impressive enough during the pre-draft circuit to earn a fourth round selection from Seattle, so maybe Greene will be able to similarly improve his stock.
POSITIVES: Nice, reliable hands; solid route runner; sustained college production is too great to be completely ignored; has experience returning punts; considered to be a great leader, is a captain and is considered to be “like a coach on and off the field for FSU’s younger receivers”, according to the coaching staff.
NEGATIVES: Is he really a great receiver, or is he a product of Jameis Winston’s immense success at Florida State?…average, if slightly unimpressive size; weight is particularly concerning; not a lot of physical strength, which will pose issues against bigger defensive backs in the NFL; not very polished positioning skills when running routes; doesn’t do a great job of gaining separation from defenders when trying to get open; tends to shy away from contact and will run out of bounds instead of trying to evade defenders and get upfield; ability to make catches is not consistent enough to override his deficiencies in other areas; potential character questions could stem from family background, as his father was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2013 following cocaine trafficking charges.
2014 Summary: Greene’s had his second straight 1,000-yard receiving season in 2014, finishing the regular season with 83 catches for 1,148 yards and five touchdowns. He should have a few more opportunities to prove his worth, as the Seminoles will take part in the ACC Championship Game next weekend and also look like a prime candidate to take part in the inaugural College Football Playoff.
Talent Grade: Fifth to Sixth Round
Rams Role: The Rams obviously are going to need to restock at the wide receiver position in 2015, what with only four receivers currently on the active roster, Kenny Britt being a free agent, and Chris Givens having shown very little through the past two seasons. Greene, who projects as a depth receiver in the NFL, probably isn’t what the Rams are looking for, as they’ll be looking for a wideout earlier in the draft. Perhaps if they lose Britt, though, they’ll look at someone like Greene later in the draft as a back-of-the-roster option.
Film Watched: vs. Notre Dame (2014), vs. Oklahoma State (2014), vs. NC State (2013), vs. Boston College (2013), vs. Pittsburgh (2013), vs. Georgia Tech (2012)