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Scouting Report-Wooton has gotten a lot of attention seemingly over the past 2 years. It was alwasy going to be the year he blew up and became an elite player, but it never happened. His size is great good, and with his long frame he looks to be able to pack on some more quality weight, which makes him an interesting 3-4 DE prospect. I personally think the reason that he's looks at more of a 3-4 player even though he lacks the ideal size to do it now is the fact that his skill set has never caught up to the hype. He's a solid player on the end, and he works hard. He's strong at the line, does a nice job backing up the run game, and is a very technically sound football player. Having said that, there are a lot of concerns with Wootton. He's got some serious injury red flags, and isn't a great athlete. Not real agile or explosive and his list of big plays is pretty short.
Draft Status-I wouldn't touch Wootton before the 3rd or 4th round. I just don't see enough in his game or his potential to warrant anything higher. But in the draftnik community there seems to be a huge push that Wootton is a day one pick. All it takes is for one team to fall in love with you, to get overdrafted and I suspect that's what will happen to Wootton as well.
Final Analysis-Like my man Chuck D says, "don't believe the hype." I think Wootton is a lot of fluff as a football player. I watched 8 or 9 of his games over the past 3 seasons, and I saw no signature game. No game that he was making big plays, forcing an offense to account for him, or flashing enough to think he's got a lot of upside. I think he's a good football player. And I think in a 3-4 where you are basically asked to be an offensive guard on defense, he has potential. He'll need to be ok with beefing up some, but it shouldn't be a problem. He's a solid player in run support, and does well enough with his hands to deal with larger players. Those skills will serve him well as a 5 technique defensive end. But he's never going to be a great pass rusher, and while he gives great effort, his lack of athleticism limits his ability to pursue and chase down players. He is a solid tackler and does a nice job finishing the play.
Reminds me of: Ryan McBean DE Denver Broncos-Both are similar body types and solid in run support but no threat as a pass rusher. McBean was a later round pick, who's had to work hard to earn a spot. Wootton will be in a similar spot even though he's going to be drafted sooner.
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Scouting Report written by Curt Popejoy |
