STRENGTHS
Trent is a slot receiver or a “move” receiver with special team returning
skills. He is quick with good overall speed and excellent hands to catch
contested passes. Trent is the type of receiver who’s impact will depend on the
quarterback and offensive system he is used in and if an offensive coordinator
will allow him on the field for more than just a few plays a game. He has solid
run after the catch skills is more quick than fast and is tough with good
strength to stand up to the rigors of the NFL. In short…Trent will be labeled as
a specialty player unless some team thinks otherwise.
CONCERNS
Trent is vertically challenged and because of that most teams will think he
cannot impact in the NFL unless he can return a punt of kick. Remember size
matters when evaluating players for the draft but means nothing once a player
gets on the field. Also because of his size, teams will feel that he is more
susceptible to injuries than bigger players. Of course I find that excuse to be
just that…an excuse, it’s not reality. Big players get injured just as much as
small players. Trent will also have to prove that the next level of competition
is not too much for him to handle and this question along with his size and his
heart will affect his draft status.
BOTTOM LINE
We have seen players with Trent’s size and talent be impacting in the NFL. From
Cole Beasley to Julian Edelman, to Wes Welker, Jim Leonhard, Ray Rice, Bob
Sanders, DeSean Jackson, Antoine Winfield, Steve Smith Sr, Maurice Jones Drew,
Darron Sproles, I could go on but I think you get the picture. Some have been
injured, some were 1st round draft picks and some weren’t drafted but most of
those mentioned had excellent impact. It’s not like you didn’t know or hear some
if not all of those names and believe me I could name a ton of bigger players
who you have never heard of playing in the NFL… right now. Trent, given the
chance has the talent and the heart to impact in the NFL you just has to believe
in him and put him on the field so that he can prove it. I think he will prove
it. I saw him in the Senior Bowl practices and he wasn’t over matched. In fact
he stood out as a potential impact player for the team that selects him. The key
is how does Trent see himself? Interviews will help answer those questions and
in those interviews, teams will be looking for how big is the chip on his
shoulder and how big is his heart? Trent may not be selected in this draft but
if he is not, I’m sure he will be a priority free agent signing for some smart
team.
Drew Boylhart
APR.2017
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