Weaknesses:
Summary: The most prolific passing duo in college football last season was featured by Fresno State with Adams and quarterback Derek Carr. Over the past two seasons, this tandem put up video-game totals with a ton of points for the Fresno State offense.
Adams made a big impact as a redshirt freshman in 2012, catching 102 passes for 1,312 yards with 14 touchdowns. He and Carr worked very well together as they carved up defenses.
The combination was even more prolific in 2013. Adams had a huge night against Rutgers to open the season. He caught 14 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns. Adams was reliable at getting open in all levels of the defense all year, and he consistently beat double coverage. He had huge games against Idaho (16-185), UNLV (8-221), New Mexico (9-246) and San Jose State (13-264). To end his career, he had nine receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown against USC. Adams finished the season with a total of 131 receptions for 1,718 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Adams is polished receiver. He is sure-handed, runs good routes and uses the size he has to make contested catches. Adams isn’t a burner, but he has quickness to operate in the intermediate and deep portion of the field. It was impressive the way he beat a lot of double coverage with post routes going down the deep middle of the field.
Adams won’t be a pure deep-threat receiver, but could make some plays downfield and produce long touchdowns. Adams may not have the elite speed or size to be a No. 1 receiver, but he should be a solid No. 2. He is a good run-after-the-catch receiver and does very well picking up yards on slants and crosses.
Adams looks like a solid second-round pick, although some believe he could sneak into the end of the first round.
Player Comparison: Mike Williams. Adams’ game reminds me of Mike Williams. Both players have some quickness and are almost the exact same size. Williams played well as a rookie and in his third year, but had a disappointing season after each good campaign. Williams can make plays in the intermediate part of the field while picking up yards after the catch. He’s a good No. 2 wideout when playing well. Adams could be a similar player in the NFL.
NFL Matches: Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Oakland, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New York Jets, Cleveland, New Orleans, Carolina, San Francisco, Denver, Seattle
Adams has a number of landing spots late in the the second round. He would be a good fit in Tampa Bay or Jacksonville. The Bucs need help a lot of help at wide receiver, and Adams would be a good fit for Jeff Tedford’s offense. The Jaguars need more weapons for their new quarterback, given Justin Blackmon’s status.
If the Browns pass on a receiver in round one, they could target Adams in the second. He would be a nice complement to Josh Gordon.
The Raiders have some receivers, but if they draft Carr in the first round, perhaps they will want to give him his favorite weapon with their second selection.
Pittsburgh needs help at receiver, but Adams may not be big enough for what the Steelers are looking for. Baltimore and the New York Jets would be good fits for Adams. Both teams signed free agent wide receivers, but each one could use more help in its receiving corps.
Elsehwere in the NFC South, Carolina has a massive need at wide receiver, and Adams could be a replacement for Steve Smith. The Panthers are locked into drafting a wide receiver early. New Orleans also could consider a wideout. The Saints lost some weapons this offseason in Darren Sproles and Lance Moore. The team has some older veterans at receiver, and Adams would give New Orleans some play-making youth.
The 49ers could use more young talent at wide receiver. Denver doesn’t have a real need at the position, but Adams could be the best player available. Wes Welker is only a short-term player, so Adams could be drafted to be his replacement in a year.
Seattle lost Golden Tate in free agency, but the Seahawks would probably prefer drafting a receiver with more size.
RELATED LINKS:
2014 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2014 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2014 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 16
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
