STRENGTHS
KJ has the speed and quickness to be a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties playing in the slot. He is quick and when running free through a defense on crossing routes he will challenge a Defensive Coordinator to use a man to man defense freeing up his teammate receivers. He can adjust to the ball in the air and has the hands to make catches that are not necessarily on target. KJ is the type of receiver from the slot that can stretch a defense because of his speed when matched up against those linebackers and safeties. He is a willing blocker and gives good effort on every play and has the “team attitude” you would expect from every player who you select in a draft. KJ has been an impact player for his college team when he plays in the slot and reminds me a lot of former Giants receiver Victor Cruz.
CONCERNS
KJ has a small catch radius and that has nothing to do with his size. He is also, more quick than fast, so putting him on the outside against those fast CB’s and expecting him to catch the deep ball and run routes on the outside that he hasn’t run yet, is asking way too much from him at this point in his career. If KJ wants to move outside and be more than a slot receiver or used as an “in motion” receiver, he has to learn to run the route tree. He also has to develop and get more physical, improve his catch radius, learn how to get off press coverages, and catch contested passes against bigger, stronger and as fast or faster cornerbacks than he is.
BOTTOM LINE 4.06
The two things I look for in a slot receiver is how well do they block, and how big their catch radius is. Most of them can get open but can they catch a ball that is on them quick, down low, up high, behind them, and when the ball is deflected? Most teams look for speed or quickness and the big play but I know a slot receiver has to be able to make the catch close to the line of scrimmage, first. A slot receiver has to be able to catch the ball that helps the QB when he is under duress and before that QB can set up to make a pass. KJ has good hands but his catch radius is very small and he also needs to understand about blitzes better and understand the QB position better to be able to understand (like a QB), when and where a defense is attacking the offense. KJ also needs to prove he can take the physical play of the slot position. The punishment that comes with catching the ball and getting hit by bigger, faster, and players who are ready to take his head off and use it for a soccer ball. KJ can impact in the right system, with the right QB, and if he wants to improve his football IQ. But that means he is not a fit for everyone and I’m sure 32 teams will have him rated differently depending on their offensive systems and needs for a slot receiver who still needs time to develop.
