*In order to familiarize fans with some of the top names in the 2016 NFL Draft, Chargers.com will be highlighting a different prospect each weekday leading up to the first day of the draft on April 28th. *
We continue the series with a scouting report of Notre Dame WR Will Fuller.
Name: Will Fuller
School: Notre Dame
Height: 6-0
Weight: 186 pounds
Position: Wide Receiver
NFL Network Pro Comparison: Ted Ginn, JR.
Every team covets a home run threat capable of taking it to the house each time he touches the ball.
Will Fuller fits that description in spades.
The Notre Dame star ran the fastest 40-yard dash time for a wide receiver at the Combine this year, and his 4.32 time was just 0.01 shy off the top mark in 2016. Most importantly, Fuller's speed translates to the football field. Over 27% of his catches went for 25-plus yards as he can not only stretch the field vertically, but also make defenders miss by weaving through them after catching intermediate routes. The wideout reaches full acceleration quickly, causing cornerbacks to give him a cushion off the line out of respect for his speed.
Fuller capped an impressive three year career in South Bend with a monster junior season, catching 62 passes for 1,258 yards and an incredible 14 touchdowns as he was named the Fighting Irish MVP. The 6-0, 186-pounder averaged 20.3 yards per receptions last season, surpassed 120 yards in eight of his 13 games and scored a TD in at least 10 contests. After barely seeing the field as a freshman, he took a major leap forward during his sophomore campaign as he caught 76 passes for 1,094 yards and 15 touchdowns. He left Notre Dame with 144 career receptions for 2,512 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Pundits note Fuller needs more consistency catching the football in order to reach his full potential as he has struggled with some drops in the past. Overall, Fuller is one of the most exciting prospects in this year's draft class which is why he figures to hear his name called early.
Combine Metrics
40-Yard Dash:4.32 seconds
Bench Press: 10 reps
Vertical Jump: 33.5 inches
Broad Jump: 126.0 inches
3-Cone Drill: 6.93 seconds
The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed above do not represent the opinions or policies of the San Diego Chargers' front office staff, coaches or executives.
