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NFL Draft Profile: JuJu Smith-Schuster WR, USC

By Chris Schisler

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) runs in a touchdown against Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Christian Campbell (1) during the third quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) runs in a touchdown against Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Christian Campbell (1) during the third quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Baltimore Ravens would be wise to consider targeting JuJu Smith Schuster in the 2017 NFL Draft:

One of my favorite players in the 2017 NFL Draft is JuJu Smith-Schuster. He is one of the most explosive play-makers this draft class has to offer. I have him ranked as the third best receiver prospect behind Corey Davis and Mike Williams. One thing is sure, Smith-Schuster is a big play waiting to happen.

He was a productive player for the USC Trojans. In 2014, Smith-Schuster caught 54 passes as a freshman. His productivity soared in his sophomore season when he had 89 receptions for 1,454 yards and 10 touchdowns. This past season, he totaled 70 receptions for 914 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 14.5 yards per reception in his three years with the Trojans.

Strengths:

  • Quick route runner, helps scrambling quarterback out
  • Decent speed and can sharply change directions
  • Almost impossible to catch in the open field

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  • Willing Blocker
  • Good vertical ability, goes up and gets the football
  • Tracks the football exceptionally
  • Thick 6’2″ frame

Concerns:

  • Needs to continue to work on his hands
  • Could improve catching in traffic
  • Production dipped slightly in junior season
  • Needs to prove he has break away speed

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Where Should He Be Drafted?

It wouldn’t be shocking to see Smith-Schuster taken in the first round. I think he is worth that type of investment. It really depends on where how high the NFL decision makers get on him. It seems most likely that he will be taken in the second round. The Ravens should target Smith-Schuster if he drops to the second round. Even if they have to trade up to get him on day two, it would be an exceptional value. If the Ravens don’t address the wide receiver position in the first round, they should target Smith-Schuster in round two,

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