Senior Bowl 2012: Iowa's Marvin McNutt Can Be Great Possession WR in the NFL

The Iowa Hawkeyes were treated to three incredibly reliable and productive seasons from Marvin McNutt. The 6'2 1/2'', 212-pound wideout is in Mobile this week preparing for the Senior Bowl on Saturday, and he has the ideal skill set to become a viable possession receiver in the NFL. 

During his time in Iowa City, McNutt was the staple of consistency. 

As a sophomore in 2009, he reeled in 34 passes for 674 yards with eight touchdowns. In 2010, his role in the offense increased, as did his numbers. 

He caught 53 passes for 861 yards with eight more touchdowns. 

During his senior campaign, McNutt improved once again. As the focal point of the offense and go-to guy in the passing game, he had 82 receptions for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdown catches. 

NFL coaches love to see that type of progression in college. 

Entering the 2012 predraft process, many scouts and draft analysts noted McNutt's lack of top end speed as a major concern. 

While he hasn't shown elite explosiveness or burner-esque downfield ability during the opening Senior Bowl practices, he has displayed one important element of playing the wide receiver position in NFL.

That is, the ability to consistently beat press coverage. 

Defensive coordinators are countering the vast array of spread systems at the pro ranks with tight, man-to-man press coverage in hopes of disrupting the vital timing between quarterback and wideout. 

The Buffalo Bills' Stevie Johnson is a prime example of how a guy can become successful without premier athleticism. At 6'2'' and 210 pounds, Johnson has a similar build to that of McNutt. 

He doesn't have great speed and isn't that impressive as an athlete. However, he's been able to piece together back-to-back 1,000 yard receiving seasons due to his innate ability to get off press coverage and find openings on short and intermediate routes for Ryan Fitzpatrick. 

McNutt's a bit more physically imposing and is more gifted athletically, but will rarely beat a corner and safety over the top.

Not every receiver needs to do that. 

Every NFL team would love to have a chain-moving, reliable receiver that keeps possessions going. 

While it's unlikely that he'll be picked in Round 1 or Round 2, McNutt has good value in Round 3 and has the natural ability and soft hands to carve out a solid career in the NFL. 

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