A.J. Derby NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Patriots' Rookie

STRENGTHS

Fast and tough, A.J. Derby impresses on film. He’s a natural receiver and uses his hands very well to pluck the ball out of the air. He’s a former quarterback and linebacker with NFL bloodlines (dad and uncle), and he plays with that toughness when the ball is in his hands. Derby can create after the catch (see him against Alabama) and get low to run over safeties in the open field. He projects best as a move tight end and could see time at H-back or fullback if motioned around pre-snap. Derby is a low-floor, high-ceiling player with impressive athleticism and toughness.

WEAKNESSES

Derby has been a limited starter at Arkansas and missed the final two games of his senior year due to a knee injury. With just eight starts in his career, he’s a very raw, inexperienced player in every respect. He doesn’t yet understand timing on breaking routes and does get lost in zone coverage at times. As an in-line blocker, he’s a non-factor due to a lack of technique in his hand placement and timing. The potential is there, but he’s not ready to be left on the edge in the run game.

PRO COMPARISON: Ryan Griffin, Houston Texans

Derby has big potential, but he’s incredibly raw, too. That draws a comparison to Ryan Griffin—another high-upside athlete who needed time to develop in the NFL.

2014 STATISTICS

Receptions: 22      

Receiving Yards: 303        

Touchdowns: 3

FINAL GRADE: 5.05/9.00 (Backup)