(Editor's Note: With just one month until the start of the 2016 NFL Draft on April 28, the staff of DallasCowboys.com intends to preview the landscape of possible Cowboys draft picks – from the top of the first round to the bottom of the talent pool. Today's featured player is Notre Dame wide receiver Will Fuller.)
Name:Will Fuller
Position:WR
College: Notre Dame
Height/Weight:6-0/186
*Honors: *Fuller was named a second-team All-American for his 62-catch, 1,258-yard season that saw him rack up 14 touchdowns in 13 games last year.
Key Stat:Three big stats come to mind when considering Fuller. Firstly, his speed – he clocked an impressive 4.32 in the 40-yard-dash at the NFL Combine. That speed makes him a dangerous deep threat, as his average yards per catch will demonstrate. Despite going against top corners, Fuller averaged 20.3 yards per reception in his final campaign. If there's one knock against him, it's below average hands. He dropped nine balls in each of his last two seasons at Notre Dame.
Where He's Projected: Fuller's speed and penchant for making big plays have pushed him high up the draft board. He was already considered a top talent, but his blazing 40 time has helped him earn first-round consideration. Plenty of people are scared off by his below-average hands, but it's still a safe bet that Fuller will hear his name called on the first or second day of the draft. If he isn't a first-round pick, look for him to go somewhere in the top 40 or 50 selections.
How He Helps the Cowboys:Many people have pointed out that Fuller fills a similar role for the Cowboys as current No. 2 receiver Terrance Williams. That's a good point, though Fuller possesses better deep ball speed and has the versatility to play inside and outside in the formation. He'd give Tony Romo another speedy option to pair with Dez Bryant. If the Cowboys were to draft him, it'd be hard to imagine them offering a new deal to Williams – who is out of contract after the 2016 season.
Scout's Take: Fuller can break corner down. Quick in and out of his cuts. Can cover some ground. Plays to his 40 time. Can present himself to the ball. Can gain separation. Will come inside for the ball. Get in the way blocker but gives effort. Quickness to avoid press and will adjust his route. Makes big plays, game changing ones. Can adjust to the low ball. Can run down passes, tracks the ball well. There are snaps where he tends to let the ball get to his body. Not always a natural hands catcher. Explosive quickness after the catch. Full speed off the snap. Can make things happen with the ball in his hands. Nice job of finding space. Plays with some toughness. -- Bryan Broaddus
