Devin Funchess NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Panthers Rookie

STRENGTHS

A former tight end at Michigan, Devin Funchess made the move to wide receiver on the depth chart in 2014. He’s a big player who makes himself a threat with body positioning, catch radius and strength. He’s a strong player coming off the line of scrimmage and uses his length well to keep defenders from jamming him.

Funchess is NFL-ready and shows good awareness and recognition of what the defense is doing. He’s comfortable lining up in multiple positions and can be swapped around to find a mismatch. His feet are quick and light for his frame, and he’ll surprise defenders with his short-area burst if he gets a safety or linebacker matchup. He can overpower cornerbacks at the line and at the catch point and uses his upper body well to box out for tough catches.

WEAKNESSES

Drops were a main issue for Funchess over the last two seasons. Many concentration-related drops are on his film. Without a great ability to separate from defenders with speed, Funchess has to better protect the football. He doesn’t have deep speed and doesn’t run like a No. 1 receiver. He’ll struggle to separate over the top and may be forced into being more of an intermediate and mid-field target.

2014 STATISTICS

Receptions: 62
Yards: 733
Receiving Touchdowns: 4

COMBINE RESULTS

40: 4.70s 
Bench Press: 17 Reps
Vertical:  38.5"
Broad:  122.0"
3-Cone: 6.98s

PRO COMPARISON: Anquan Boldin, San Francisco 49ers

A physical receiver who lacks ideal speed, Funchess is a younger Anquan Boldin—and he could have that career if he cleans up his drop issues.

FINAL GRADE: 6.25/9.00 (Rookie Impact)