2018 NFL Draft: Could Iowa State wide receiver Allen Lazard change positions?
Allen Lazard was a forced to be reckoned with at Iowa State. Is his raw talent enough to earn him a 2018 NFL Draft selection as a wide receiver?
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There may not have been a more consistent wide receiver over the past four years in the Power 5 conferences that was more consistent than Iowa State’s Allen Lazard. Lazard was a hometown hero from the Des Moines-suburb of Urbandale, Iowa and followed in his dad’s footsteps by playing his college football at Iowa State.
In his four years in Ames, Lazard caught 241 passes for 3,360 yards and 26 touchdowns. He is one of the few players ever to hold the distinction of catching a pass in every game he played in, which is 48 for those keeping track. While he was not the fastest or most explosive receiver, the Cyclones could always count on Lazard to make the big play when needed most.
Lazard’s biggest career highlight will perhaps be the game-winning touchdown catch he made against then-number three Oklahoma down in Norman to give Iowa State their first win against the Sooners since 1990.
Many expect to him to go at some point in the NFL Draft. The biggest question that is raised by many Cyclone fans and draft experts is”Will he stay as a receiver?”.
Strengths
Lazard rarely drops passes and does and excellent job of high-pointing the football. Lazard’s large frame allows him to shield defenders away from the football and for a receiver who is 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, is able to control his body very well.
A key trait that goes unnoticed by many is that he is also a very serviceable run blocker, which is always positive for a receiver. His blocking ability could also peak the interests of the scouts and general managers who see Lazard possibly moving to the tight end spot and playing a hybrid role in their offense.
Weakness
While Lazard did make some highlight reel plays and caught so many passes, he did so mostly against some horrible Big 12 defenses. He is not a very explosive receiver and his route running has left to be desired.
Lazard’s lack of explosiveness could hurt him when going up against the fundamentally sound cornerbacks that are littered across the NFL. His body type also hurts his play as his NFL comparison to me is Keyshawn Johnson, a player who had great hands but did not posses great speed.
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Draft Expectations
Lazard’s biggest knock is his lack of speed and explosiveness, something that is imperative for all NFL receivers to posses. Many believe that he would benefit greatly from a move to the inside as a pass-catching tight end and I tend to agree with that evaluation.
He could very well be a fantastic late-round pick up for a team needing another piece in the passing game. Lazard will find a home in the NFL, it just depends on where it is.
Projection: Round 4 or Round 5