Hakeem Butler NFL Draft 2019: Scouting Report for Arizona Cardinals' Pick
April 27, 2019
STRENGTHS
—Massive catch radius thanks to a 6'5" frame and 35¼" arms; goes up to high-point the ball and can be seen on the sideline making circus grabs to pull the ball in away from his body.
—Shows good body control and spatial awareness when working on the sideline; has serious toe-drag swag.
—Has a mean streak after the catch; will use a potent stiff-arm to keep tacklers off his body.
—Nearly impossible to press at the line of scrimmage because of length, size and speed.
—Ran a 4.48 at 227 pounds; a blistering time for a big wide receiver.
WEAKNESSES
—Way too many drops for a top prospect. Gets too ahead of himself and looks to make the highlight grab instead of simply making the catch.
—Doesn't play fast and struggles to accelerate through route changes.
—Limited production, somewhat due to poor quarterback play, but also an unrefined route-runner.
—Route tree is limited, and his ability to sink into routes and break off with acceleration is average. Can be too linear and stiff as a runner.
—Despite testing times, plays with heavier feet than you'd like to see, even at his size.
OVERALL
Butler is an intriguing height/weight/speed receiver who will straight-up Randy Moss some defensive backs, but his concentration drops and body catches are hard to ignore. If he can get into a system where he's trusted to be the deep/comeback threat and post up in the red zone, he will be productive.
GRADE: 6.89 (ROUND 2 - ROOKIE IMPACT/FUTURE STARTER)
PRO COMPARISON: Demaryius Thomas