From now until the 2023 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way down to Day Three selections and priority undrafted free agents. Today I’ll be profiling Cincinnati WR Tyler Scott.
#21 TYLER SCOTT/WR CINCINNATI – 5’11’’ 177 LBS (JUNIOR)
Combine
MEASUREMENTS
| Player | Ht/Wt | Hand Size | Arm Length | Wingspan |
| Tyler Scott | 5100, 177 | 9 | 30 7/8 | N/A |
| 40-Yard Dash | 10-Yard Dash | Short Shuttle | 3-Cone | |
| 4.44 | 1.51 | DNP | DNP | |
| Broad Jump | Vertical | Bench Press | ||
| 11’1’’ | 39.5’’ | DNP |
THE GOOD
— Explosive deep threat who can take the top of any defense
— Able to stop on a dime effortlessly
— Doesn’t lose any speed after the cut
— Tracks the ball in air and uses his body to shield off defenders
— Attacks the ball at the catch point
— Plays bigger than his size, good catch radius
— Great agility shows after the catch, makes defenders miss
— Runs with vision in the open field
— Freakish athlete with great speed and jumping abilities
— Skillset translates as a punt returner
THE BAD
— Lightly build, could use more strength to his game
— Lacks physicality against man coverage
— Needs space to show his route running skills
— Occasional drops are part of his game
— Struggles in blocks, gets pushed around by defenders
— No experience as a slot receiver, playing mostly outside
BIO
— Three-star recruit out of Barberton, Ohio
— Was on the tracks team, played football and basketball in High School
— Played Running Back in his early years
— Got multiple offers from Power 5 colleges
— No true position as a freshman – only listed as an athlete in 2020
— Second Team All-AAC 2022
— On Bruce Feldman’s Freak List 2022
— First Bearcat to have three touchdown receptions in a single half (vs Indiana 2022)
— Career Stats: 87 Receptions, 1439 Yards, 14 Touchdowns
TAPE BREAKDOWN
Scott possesses some serious speed that he shows in the route as well as after the catch. He gets early separation by cornerbacks as a deep threat who gets out of the blocks well. Because he’s able to accelerate continuously, as a former track athlete, he’s running away from defenders as soon as he gets past them.
You can see him being an agile and shifty route runner, who works off defenders with his quickness. Take this seam as an example, where Scott attacks his defender directly, what needs him to react and turn his hips. By leaning into the receiver, Scott gets the advantage in accelerating downfield.
With his great end speed, Scott always has to get special attention from defensive backs. You can see his cornerbacks playing usually off and safeties being in deep coverage to avoid getting overrun and handling his burst. This opens up space for his teammates or even himself, running short routes underneath.
Scott is a former running back who knows how to run after the catch. With a relatively low center of gravity, he survives initial contact and uses cutbacks, juke or dead leg moves to get around defenders. He’s got the vision to read blocks ahead of him and find rushing lanes.
Given his relatively small size, he works back to the ball, high-points it and brings his body in front of the defender to protect it. His athleticism helps him haul in any pass thrown in his direction, even though he drops relatively easy balls from time to time. This could come from a lack of concentration, as he tries to avoid defenders after the catch.
Scott is a spectacular and fun receiver to watch with the ball in his hands, who makes plays on a regular basis. On this 2-Point-Conversion vs UCF for example, he actually moves away from the play and his QB. By shielding off his defender in single coverage though, he is able to make a spectacular one-handed catch at the sideline look effortless.
CONCLUSION
Scott flashed as a true No. 2 Receiver in his sophomore season, with Alec Pierce and Desmond Ridder getting all the attention by the defenders. With his great speed, he always has the big play potential, if given space. His best shot as a regular starter in the NFL should be as a slot receiver, due to more physical and athletic defenders in the pros. Count on him as a possible return man in his rookie season with his vision for rushing lanes.
Projection: 3rd Round
Depot Draft Grade: 7.8 – Potential Starter
Games Watched: vs Indiana 2022, at UCF 2022, vs Miami (OH) 2022, vs Tulane 2022c
