JuJu Smith-Schuster had a very successful career playing wide receiver for USC. At 6’1″, 220, he possesses all the tools needed to take it to the pros. Over the last two years he caught at least 10 TDs while averaging 14.5 yards per reception. He finished his career at USC catching 213 passes for 3092 yards and 25 TDs. Scouts dinged Smith-Schuster for his lack of separation and top speed, but with top end physicality, strong hands, and an uncanny knack to win contested catches, JuJu has drawn comparisons to Anquan Boldin.
Smith-Schuster was overcome with happiness when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the second round of the 2017 draft.
DeDe Westbrook was one of the NCAA’s most explosive playmakers in 2016. His last year at Oklahoma was nothing short of breathtaking. The receiver put up 80 receptions for 1,524 yards and 17 TDs. He is also a dangerous punt returner taking one to the house as well. In fact, he finished 4th in Heisman voting last season.
So it’s a wonder up to this point why he was selected in the 4th round of the 2017 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Let Westbrook’s situation be a lesson to any aspiring football player. I think he’d also say that too. In 2012 and 2013 he was arrested on charges of domestic violence towards the mother of his child. Both charges were dropped. Then later ‘anonymous’ scouts burned him over Twitter. Later again, it was rumored that Westbrook was kicked out of a 15 minute combine interview. His draft stock obviously took a large hit, and to think of it, if this was 2015 he might not have even been drafted with the way the NFL was taking a hard look at players of questionable character- ‘but it is the way it is’.
Westbrook is well aware that he will be on a short leash in Jacksonville and he’s humbled by their selection.
Taywan Taylor played for the Hilltoppers of EKU. Because of his ‘small school’ status- opponents and scouts have severely underrated Taywan’s talent. He’s just done about everything to prove them wrong catching 9 passes for 121 yards against the NFL grade Alabama secondary. With supersized paws and the speed to match, he led the FCS in 2016 in yards on deep passes with 948. NFL scouts have pegged Taylor in as a slot receiver.
I myself- was hoping the Texans would snag him. I thought his combination of speed and size in the slot would be perfect for the team, reminding me of TY Hilton, (another prospect I had hoped the Texans would select, but ended up on the Colts instead). True to sad form, Taywan was not selected by the Texans, but rather by division rival Tennessee. The Titans took Taylor with the 8th pick of the 3rd round of the 2017 draft.
A really solid card here by Sage with a good action shot combined with clear photography and nice framing. It also helps that Taywan has a really solid autograph- something that I can appreciate. I tweeted to Taylor about his card and that he was a sleeper in the upcoming draft which caught his attention enough that he retweeted it.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
Card: Sage 2017 (#95/250)
