STRENGTHS
Van is a fluid and polished receiver. He knows all the tricks of the trade and might be one of the best receivers in this draft that knows how to get off press coverage. He has good size and very quick feet and in the Red Zone, he gains separation better than most NFL receivers can. Van has solid hands to catch the ball and along with his quick feet, this makes him a target to move the chains on third and short yardage. He is smart and understands spacial awareness when it comes to running his routes against zone coverage. All in all, Van is a polished, fluid, mature route-running receiver who should be able to help the team that selects him, the day after the draft.
CONCERNS
Van has the body type of a speed receiver but not the speed to go deep. He also lacks the strong hands to consistently catch contested passes. Right now, he is a twiner, not fast enough to be a speed receiver with a speed receivers’ body and not mentally tough enough with the wrong body type to handle the pounding of a third-down “catch the ball when everyone in the stadium knows”, it goes to you… receiver. Add to that a small catch radius because of a lack of strong hands and you can see that Van still has a lot to work on.
BOTTOM LINE 3.39
Van needs to get out of the spa and work on a farm and build/bulk, his body up and gain strength in his hands. He has to realize that he doesn’t have the long speed to be a “Threat” to get deep “consistently” at the next level but because of his quick feet and high football IQ he can become a great receiver if and only if, he gains the needed body and mental strength. He also lacks confidence in his abilities because deep down inside he knows his limitations, but is trying hard to hide them from his opponents. This makes it easy for his opponents to get into his head and for him to lose concentration. Working on a farm, bailing hay, doing other farm work and getting up early in the morning, will help him to gain the needed strength in his body, discipline mentally, and the needed strong hands to become a franchise receiver. He also will gain the confidence in his overall game to become that franchise receiver and not just a good receiver who goes from team to team making money but not gaining the respect that he is looking for. That’s what I see in Vans play on the field. What can I say, it’s a gift and a curse. Van can be great if he wants it bad enough and realizes the work he still has to do to become the receiver he thinks he is right now.
