Cody Core NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Bengals Rookie

POSITIVES

Cody Core has the size and speed NFL teams are looking for, and with 83 catches for almost 1,300 yards in his career, he has flashed the production ballclubs want.

Core has shown reliable hands. On 60 targets he dropped three passes, per our charting, and didn't shy away from passes over the middle. He has the frame to hang with linebackers and safeties in traffic and doesn't lessen his catch radius when the ball is out in front of him.

The Ole Miss offense asked Core to diversify his route tree, and he showed ability as a deep threat on the edges and an intermediate target in the middle of the field. Core is able to play above the turf and will go up and get high passes down the field or in the red zone.

NEGATIVES

Core was really just a factor in the last two seasons and never caught more than 41 balls in a season. Core's lack of production opposite Laquon Treadwell will raise concerns.

A bit of a body-catcher, Core must adjust to the close quarters of NFL defenses and learn to attack the ball with his hands. He has the hand size (10 ⅜") to be much more aggressive snatching the ball out of the air.

Route running at an NFL level is a concern for Core, who on tape didn't show the explosive hips and feet to consistently separate from defenders. He's not twitchy and doesn't have the short-area burst to create space between himself and the coverage. His overall route game needs refinement.

The same lack of explosive ability limits Core as a yards-after-catch player. He's going to get what the defense gives him and little more.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'2 ⅝"

Weight: 205 lbs.

40 Time: 4.47s

3-Cone: 6.75s

Short Shuttle: 4.40s

PRO COMPARISON: Aaron Dobson, New England Patriots
FINAL GRADE: 5.00/9.00 (Priority Free Agent)