STRENGTHS
Michael is a big body receiver with solid speed and those soft yet strong, “absorbing type” hands to catch just about everything thrown to him. He can move the chains on third downs and against zone coverages and has the ability to go long and make the dramatic catch. He is smart and will go over the middle and make the tough catch when he knows the safety is ready to hit him like a Train wreck. Michael is a willing and good blocker and will even block when the play is not coming to his side. Inside the red zone, Michael shines with his ability to adjust to the ball in the air and because of his height, (6’4”) and long arms his advantage to go up and get the ball makes him a weapon on any pass route you could think of at any point on the field.
CONCERNS
Michael, at the next level, will struggle to free himself up deep, against single coverage. That being said when going deep he is smart and will use his body to shield his defender from the ball. He does struggle to bring in those low passes and that’s to be expected because of his long strides
BOTTOM LINE 2.28
Michael has excepted and will go to the Senior Bowl this year. That is where he will be able to improve his ability to run routes against man to man coverage and get deep but even if that continues to be an issue I believe Michael will be an impact receiver for the team that selects him no matter what round he is selected in. He reminds me a lot of former Broncos/Jets receiver Eric Decker. In this draft there are a lot of good and flashy receivers and Michael might get lost in the shuffle (so to speak) but that will not affect his ability to impact on the field, especially in the red zone with his size and pass-catching talents. The truth is, Michael is the type of receiver who is perfect for the NFL. A big body, pass-catching “absorbing hands”, type of receiver that every team and quarterback needs to have a successful passing game. I guess you could call him “Absorbing Jr.” instead of Michael Pittman Jr?
