2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd
By Brad Andrews
Editor’s Note: As we get ready for the 2012 NFL Draft, we’ll be “meeting” some players who just might find their way to Buffalo come April. In this series we’ll take a look at possible Bills draft picks and break down their abilities and potential.
Overview: This talented wideout has all the physical tools. But can you trust him?
Strengths: Super productive in college, putting up back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons his junior and senior year. Pretty much the perfect body for an NFL wideout at 6’3, 224 pounds. Plenty strong – it won’t be an easy task for corners who try to bump him at the line. Not a true burner but fast enough at a 4.47 for a 40-yard dash. Appeared to have slimmed down for his senior season and looked faster. Better on-field speed than stopwatch speed in any case. Outstanding leaping ability and very adept at getting vertical to get the ball. Really versatile – can line up in the slot or outside effectively. Has no problems going over the middle and is deadly on slants. Not easy to tackle – he will run over defenders after the catch, especially corners. Willing and strong enough to be an effective blocker.
Weaknesses: Real questions about his maturity – couldn’t seem to avoid trouble with alcohol in college. Arrested twice for underage possession of alcohol and once for a DWI. (It should be noted that he worked with an alcohol counselor after the DWI and hasn’t had trouble since.) Not fast enough to run away from NFL DBs. Inconsistent hands – drops more passes than he should. Will need some polish on his route-running. Can he separate enough from NFL corners?
How He’d Fit in Buffalo: As our lead writer Chris Trapasso wrote earlier today, Floyd would really help this offense. Floyd and Stevie Johnson would be a deadly combination. Plus, Floyd would be an excellent fit for the quick-hit offense Chan Gailey and Ryan Fitzpatrick are running right now. His strength and versatility make him a matchup nightmare.
The Bottom Line: Honestly, if I were Buddy Nix and Floyd was there at #10…that’s probably who I’m taking. I’m not terribly worried about the character “concerns.” A few underage drinking citations aren’t a huge deal. The DWI is a big deal, but he seems to have turned things around since then. He’d do well in the protective cocoon of Buffalo’s excellent locker room atmosphere. In any case, Fitz would absolutely love this guy. If he keeps his head on straight, he’s going to be a star.
Previously:
North Carolina DE Quinton Coples
Boston College LB Luke Kuechly
South Carolina DE Melvin Ingram