Better Know a Prospect - Jared Abbrederis

[gettlemanjack]

Jets blogger:

"Jared's QB background, has helped him tremendously with the understanding of routes. He is truly a QB's best friend. He knows when to sit on a rout, and he knows where the gaps are in between the zones. Even if Jared didn't have 4.45 speed, he would still be able to get open. His speed only enhances his potential. These qualities I mentioned would make Abbrederis a great slot receiver, but his hands, and downfield ability, means he can line up anywhere. ... he knows how to go up and get the ball. He displays his big play potential on a regular basis.

...

Jared is undoubtedly one of the most polished receivers in the draft. For the Jets , Jared can become a reliable target for Geno, or whoever our QB is. The combination of him and Kerley, will give our QB multiple receiving threats that know how to get open.

His shortcomings will probably be exaggerated by scouts, which means he might drop in this talent filled draft. Right now, I have Jared going in the 3rd round, but a great performance tomorrow, can really boost his stock. ... I would love to grab Abbrederis. There have been reports all week from the Senior Bowl that Abbrederis is becoming the favorite target for all his QBs."

[TANTRIC-NINJA]

*sees topic is about a white receiver*

*reads zod's comparisons, hoping he isn't compared to decker/welker*

*also hopes nothing about being a technician, scrappy, hardworking, smooth, etc*

*sees all of those and ricky proehl's name*

....add Gritty...Gutty...high effort.....

[Ken]

The only thing that concerns me is how open he is getting. That won't happen in the pros. He might be open by a foot, but he won't be breaking off routes waiting for the ball to arrive.

His QB last season was straight up terrible. He was doing what he was supposed to. Many times the ball was just not delivered on time and on target.

[gettlemanjack]

Rotoworld:

"NFL.com's Mike Huguenin likes Abbrederis' "excellent hands" and "crisp routes." We were impressed with his agility, ability to separate, and propensity to come down with the ball in contested situations at Wisconsin....Don't allow people to say Abbrederis is just a slot receiver, since he does his best work out on the edge....It is crazy that Abbrederis consistently hauls in big plays, since he is the only Badgers receiver consistently generating separation. ...He produced 10 catches for 207 yards against Ohio State corner Bradley Roby, who many consider one of the top prospects in the country at his position. Roby was grabbing, pulling, and attempting to slow down Abbrederis all night, but the Badger receiver showed excellent agility and route running skill to separate and make the contested catches"

[Francis J. Underwood]

This guy IMHO is easily worth our second round pick. If you actually watch his tape and not the highlights you will see exactly why I am saying he is worth our second rounder. He makes the secondary players fear him, they grab hold just to try to slow down his very well developed routes. The film will also show you, the Wisconsin quarterback leaves a lot to be desired I the throwing department. I also would not be surprised if he is picked up before our pick. He is a very cerebral player and former high school quarterback who was a walk on to the Wisconsin team. His quarterback history allows him to understand where his quarterback wants him in different coverages.

In any other draft he would easily be considered a second round talent, and if he ran a sub 4.4 40 then he would be a box office first rounder. Measurables are not everything. This is the kind of guy that is picked by a team early and all the fans are like "WTF? Who is this scrub?" Much like we said with beason. If not for the injuries, he is a perennial all pro guy. This guy is the biggest slam dunk pick in the wr class as far as tape is concerned.

[gettlemanjack]

Walter Football:

If Abbrederis had a decent quarterback, he would have had double-digit touchdowns and about 1,500 yards last year... He produced for 1,081 yards despite spotty quarterback play from Joel Stave ...There were many plays where Abbrederis was wide open for long touchdowns, but Stave was unable to deliver the ball.

...

There is a lot to like about Abbrederis as a receiver. He is gritty, a pure football player that is ready to compete in the NFL quickly . He constantly gets open for his quarterback, as he is sudden out of his breaks with quickness to get separation from cornerbacks. With his sudden quickness, he is tough to cover out of his breaks. He constantly gains separation. Abbrederis is in the running for the best route-runner in this draft class. He is a tremendous route-runner. He is adept at finding soft spots in zone. He has good, reliable hands and is fast enough to challenge defenses in the deep part of the field. He had deep speed and should be fast enough to be dangerous in the NFL. He can stretch the field. He is a vertical threat. He is a polished, well-rounded, intelligent receiver with very good run-after-catch ability. With his body control, he can make tough, contested receptions. Abbrederis would fit best as a slot receiver who also can line up outside. Abbrederis will have some size over many nickel corners and should give them a lot of trouble on both underneath routes and with going deep.

...

Abbrederis looks like a second-day pick and most likely a third-rounder, but it wouldn't be surprising if he ends up being a steal.

...

There are a lot of teams that could consider Abbrederis in the second or third round. Carolina needs an upgrade at receiver and Abbrederis would be a good fit in Carolina. Cleveland also could target Abbrederis on Day 2 as a No. 2 receiver to go with Josh Gordon. Abbrederis would be a nice complement to Calvin Johnson, and the Lions could consider Abbrederis in the early third. San Francisco has a lot of extra picks, so it could target Abbrederis with one of its second-day picks. With Reggie Wayne aging, Indianapolis could use a young receiver with size to pair with T.Y. Hilton. Both the Jets and Ravens need some receiving weapons for their quarterbacks. The Ravens never replaced Anquan Boldin adequately, while New York is lacking receiving weapons for Geno Smith. Philadelphia could grab Abbrederis. Chip Kelly likes intelligent receivers who have some size and run-after-the-catch ability.

[gettlemanjack]

Chiefs blogger:

"I don't think the team's biggest need is wide receiver... However Jared Abbrederis , the wide receiver from Wisconsin just looks too tantalizing of a prospect and too great of a fit to pass up

...

I believe there is a chance that he could fall to the Chiefs in the third round but I hope Chiefs can trade down in the first round to acquire a late 2nd round or early 3rd round pick to get this guy. I have a feeling Denver with the loss of Decker, and Seattle with the chemistry between former Badger QB Russell Wilson and Abbrederis at Wisconsin may pick him in the 2nd round.

...

Here are several reasons why I think he can thrive on this team.

1) Great Route Running

Jared Abbrederis has been synonymous with the title "one of if not the best route runner in college football" in college football broadcasts, and deservedly so. He's the guy who people ask how he is so open every single time. His uncanny ability to turn his defenders around in space is one of his biggest strengths and is an encouraging sign for his successful transition to the NFL. He has a variety of moves to get open whether it is to find the soft spot in coverage or to go deep. The most impressing part about it is that he doesn't break stride or rhythm to do so, which I think is of utmost importance especially with our franchise signal caller Alex Smith.

2) Great Hands

Whether Stave threw for a screen pass, wheel route, deep ball, curl, out, or crossing routes Abbrederis was great at getting two hands on the ball and holding on to it. This is something most if not all Chiefs receiving options struggle with and it would be an instant upgrade for Alex Smith to have a reliable go to target. His other reiterated tagline in broadcasts was "one of the best hands in college football" and it has much merit.

3) Versatility

Abbrederis is a true offensive weapon (sorry Dexter McCluster) who consistently excelled in the screen game, end arounds, intermediate routes, and deep routes. He was a guy who Wisconsin lined up both near the sidelines and in the slot every game. His full range of offensive capabilities only enhances his ability to lose his defenders and get open. ... I believe he would be a great fit in Andy Reid's offense and would be moved around a lot throughout the game.

4) Toughness and his ability to block

Chiefs wide receivers were often asked to block more than most teams in the league. Jared Abbrederis has shown that he is one of the most consistent and grittiest blocking WRs coming out of college and when you watch his game tapes you see how effective he is. There are videos of his games on Youtube if you are intrigued enough to watch through. He is a tough son of a gun and the best way to describe it is by comparing him to a player like Eric Decker. Abbrederis plays through contact and doesn't let grabs and pulls affect his routes. Decker is a very soft receiver and is easily thrown off his timing and routes. Abbrederis' toughness mirrors Decker's weakness

5) Consistency and Production

Despite Stave's incompetence as the QB and lack of talent in the WR group, Abberederis managed to put together very impressive numbers. There were at least three times that I know of in which Abbrederis had nobody near him for a 40+ touchdown and Stave completely botched the throw.

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, Abbrederis is the most well rounded wide receiver prospect in the draft when you factor in all the nuances of being a pro such as footwork, the ability to locate the ball, composure, intelligence, and balance. ... I also think Brandin Cooks would be a good player to draft but his fantastic production and skillset will push him out of our reach."

[gettlemanjack]

Sports Illustrated: underrated draft prospects who could fill holes in AFC

Kansas City Chiefs -- Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin

"It’s not breaking news that the Chiefs need

receivers, and with the team reportedly talking

about a contract extension with Alex Smith, it

would be wise to give Smith an able possession

target .... Abbrederis would be a great complement in Andy Reid’s passing offense."

[gettlemanjack]

rotobahn:

Wisconsin’s Jared Abbrederis, is a NFL-ready receiver who grades out very highly overall... he has a seemingly innate understanding of the game. Abbrederis runs outstanding routes and uses impeccable technique. It’s really something to watch.

Abbrederis was, without question, one of the smartest kids we encountered at the Combine. Here’s what he had to say when asked what his best asset was (he gives an exact account of what you will see on tape when you watch him):

“I think a couple different things. I think the main one would be my route-running. I take pride in that, getting in and out of breaks; that’s where the DB can really gain the ground. At the top of a route, trying to be quick in and out of your cut. Also catching the football and just being smart, knowing where to be at the right time, understanding coverages, understanding the offense, concepts. When you understand a whole play, it helps you play a lot faster, so that’s kind of what I pride myself on.”

...

Abbrederis was also asked what receivers he patterned himself after. “Being a Packer fan growing up, always watching them, there’s a couple guys. One guy who’s out of the league now, Donald Driver. I love the way he played the game. The fearlessness going over the middle, kind of his underdog story as well, and how he grew up and then being drafted later and just the career that he had. Good route-runner, good player. And then also Jordy Nelson, too. I love watching him, how he high-points the ball, saves room for the quarterback to throw and just takes pride in his route-running, as well. So there’s a couple different guys like that that I see and try to play like.”

The key part of the quote was how Jordy Nelson saves room for the quarterback. It’s an under-appreciated part of route running and not only does Abbrederis get it, and he executes it as well. That’s probably because he was a quarterback himself until he switched positions at Wisconsin.

...

Things we like about Abbrederis:

1. Routes - He’s an advanced polished route runner who is unpredictable at the top of the stem. He can run all the routes. He sees all the holes in zone defense and works back to his quarterback well. You’ve heard us downgrade several players this year for rounding off their routes. Abbrederis is a shining example of why you don’t want to do that.

2. Hands - He’s a good hands catcher and displays extraordinary concentration at times. He’s a lot like LSU’s Jarvis Landry in that regard. He has the ability to make grabs in traffic and in tight coverage.

3. Intelligence - As he said himself, he understands the coverages and the offense and concepts. He’s a quarterback’s dream.

4. Quickness - He possesses good quickness and makes sudden cuts.

5. Ball skills - He tracks the ball very well and gets his head turned very early. As I already mentioned, he can make outstanding catches in tight coverage due to high-level concentration.

6. Vision - Abbrederis has great eyes and awareness. He sees things in zone coverage that other receivers miss and he’s very smart with the ball in his hands. Notice how he employs the correct tactic for a given situation. He knows when to jump for a ball and when not to, because he has outstanding feel for where the primary defender is in relation to the ball and himself.

7. Speed - at 4.50, he’s fast enough.

8. Versatility - As a receiver, he can do multiple things from multiple positions. He can also help you as a punt returner, where his sure hands can come in handy.

9. Competitiveness - He plays hard and to the whistle.. He’s a relentless player.

10. Production - Abbrederis was productive throughout his career . His sophomore surge was certainly aided by playing with Russell Wilson, and he closed strong with a big senior season in a conservative offense.

...

You see it over and over again on film. This player has great route running technique and a feel for the game that you can't teach. He’s going to be a factor at the next level... we don’t have much doubt about his ability to play

[1989]

His route running is incredible! 

[gettlemanjack]

NFL draft blogger:

"representatives from both the Colts and Patriots were recently seen discussing a possible future role with Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Jared Abbrederis. For both the Patriots and the Colts, Abbrederis should be a tremendous addition as a possession receiver. ... We saw last season how much the loss of Reggie Wayne (who will be 36 this season) affected Luck ... And from the Patriots’ end, the team reportedly was not happy whatsoever with the play of Danny Amendola after bringing him in, so there is a possibility that Abbrederis could plug that hole immediately."

[gettlemanjack]

NFL draft writer:

"Like many other Wisconsin football alumni, most notably J.J. Watt , Abbrederis came to the Badgers’ program as a walk-on... Abbrederis was starting by the end of his freshman year

...

While Abbrederis would be classified by most as a possession receiver, he’s not the type of player who’s just going to catch short passes and help move the chains. Despite his lack of an elite forty time, Abbrederis is a serious deep threat and gets downfield easily. He’s a very good red zone target as well. Another interesting aspect to his game is his exceptional elusiveness. His running style is rather unique, and he’s very good at faking out defenders with it.

While Abbrederis has plenty of skills that could make him marketable as a first-rounder, there are a couple things that could get in the way of him being one of the top receivers taken. First of all, he doesn’t have fantastic straight-line speed. He’s projected to run a 4.5 40-yard dash (he ended up running a 4.50), which makes him a bit less desirable than players like Sammy Watkins (who ran a 4.43). And he doesn't have elite size which will make him less desirable than players like Mike Evans (who measured 6-5/231)

Abbrederis will probably have to settle for being a second or third round pick, but whatever team gets him will likely be getting a great value, as he has shown throughout his college career that he’s a consistent pass-catcher who has multiple elements to his playing style.

He is a crisp route-runner and always knows where to

position himself; moves his feet flawlessly. Does a great job of stretching the field and getting open to make big catches. A real weapon near the sidelines. Runs with a hectic, shifty upright style and is difficult to take down; exceptionally elusive for a player of his size. His shiftiness gives him the potential to be a dynamic runner as a pro.

2014 Draft Projection: Second Round

[gettlemanjack]

Mile High Report on Abbrederis to the Broncos in the late 2nd R:

"Wide receiver isn’t the most pressing need, but it’s also not crazy for Denver to think about the position in round two, either. Eric Decker is gone, while 32-year old Wes Welker could be looking for a job elsewhere beyond 2014. Given the recent splashes made on defense, the Broncos might be in a position where they can take more of a luxury item earlier in the draft. Abbrederis could fit the bill late in round two, as he projects much like Decker at the next level. Thanks to good size, underrated speed and his versatility, Abbrederis just might be one of the better value buys at the wide receiver position."

[gettlemanjack]

Mel Kiper:

“Abbrederis, you saw what he did against Bradley Roby,” Kiper said, referring to the Ohio State cornerback. “Why? Because he is a great route runner. And a great route runner got the best of Bradley Roby, the great athlete. So I think Abbrederis is a Jordy Nelson type. ... a nice solid receiver in the NFL with great hands. Tremendous route runner. Probably the best route runner of any receiver in this draft.”