23, April 2010

Profile:
Emmanuel Sanders
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 186 | College: Southern Methodist

Sanders is a slashing receiver who could become a playmaker at the next level despite his lack of size because of his explosiveness with the ball in his hands. SMU's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, he was under the radar until recently because of the program's lack of success.

After he redshirted in 2005, Sanders earned two straight honorable mention All-Conference USA selections as a receiver. He led the team with 46 catches for 605 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman in 2006, also averaging 24.0 yards on 12 kick returns. He topped those numbers as a sophomore, again leading the Mustangs with 74-889-9 and averaging 9.1 yards per punt return. Coaches named him to the all-conference second team in 2008, as he caught 67 balls for 958 yards and nine scores in 10 games under new head coach June Jones.

Sanders exploded in 2009, when he racked up 98 receptions for 1,339 yards and seven touchdowns. He also resumed his return duties by averaging 13.8 yards per punt return (with one touchdown), helping SMU reach a bowl game for the first time since 1984. His play during the East-West Shrine Game week and excellent Combine (4.4 40, very quick in agility tests and drills) cemented his status as a mid-to-late round pick.

Release: Good, not great, quickness off the line. Has the deep speed to accelerate past the average NFL cornerback on vertical routes. Plants to get inside for slants or seam routes after taking corner upfield one or two steps.

Hands: Solid receiver who adjusts to low, wide and short throws downfield as well as leap to bring in overthrown passes. Loses concentration on catchable passes at times when trying to make something happen before the catch. Adequate vertical on jump balls, may not win the strength battles at the next level. Tracks balls over either shoulder, but lacks great flexibility to continue running at full speed. Ball security can be an issue, though, as he will hold the ball loosely as a receiver and returner (three fumbles in 2009).

Route running: Takes advantage of spread offense, using his speed to press corners and a quick shift to get the seam or corner route. Adequate body control, gets a bit loose on the run but manages to get feet down before going out of bounds. Effective on jerk routes because of his knack for crossing the field in front of linebackers.

After the catch: A bit of a long strider but flashes the ability to sink his hips, cut inside or outside, and accelerate after the catch. Best when sidestepping oncoming defensive backs and using quick cuts when running downfield. Should get a chance as a punt returner, though he must be consistent in his willingness to run straight upfield instead of running backwards or getting the corner against quicker NFL special teamers.

Blocking: Usually tries to fake defender into thinking he's going into a route to keep him out of the play instead of blocking on the line. He will get in the way or even lower a shoulder downfield against defenders focused on the ball, but his slight build and marginal effort makes it tough to him to sustain.

Intangibles: Earned his place as a team leader in 2009, getting his teammates to work harder so they could go bowling this season. Suspended for the last two games of 2008 for three minor academic and football violations. That's not a major character issue; in fact, it probably pushed him to be better.






Steelers drafted WR Emmanuel Sanders with the 82nd Selection 18th Pick in the 3rd Round Of 2010 NFL Draft. Sanders is considered an undersized receiver, but not afraid of going over the middle. He is quick off the snap and has great vertical speed. Sloppy with his route running as most young small school receivers are and likes to run before catching the ball which results in drops. An out wide receiver that can ultimately work in the slot. Best fits the No. 3 receiver role. Very thinnish out of SMU. Sanders can dunk and leap out of buildings according to reports. Has returned kicks and punts at SMU, but not known as a return guy. Been playing in a June Jones spread offense that has a tendency to inflate numbers.

Tags: emmanuel sanders, jason worilds