Grade: 86 (2nd round)
Strengths: Is a big, strong receiver. Big target with extremely reliable hands. Consistently catches the ball thrown over his head, can pluck on the run effortlessly and does a great job of securing the ball in traffic. Not afraid to go over the middle. He has functional speed for his size. Most impressive is his ability to get in and out of breaks so quickly, especially for a bigger receiver. Displayed much better initial quickness and burst as a senior than he had in previous seasons. He runs crisp routes. Converted high school quarterback, shows a great feel for running routes, finding soft spots in zone and coming back to his quarterbacks when initial play has broken down. Very tough, competitive runner after the catch. Also shows excellent vision to navigate through traffic both after the catch and in the return game. Will lower his shoulder and drag smaller DB's for extra few yards at the end of the play. Continues to improve with experience. High character player and hard worker.
Weaknesses: Lacks ideal top-end speed. Is not going to consistently get over the top of man-coverage as a vertical route runner. Runs hard and shows good vision but not overly elusive and doesn't display the second-gear necessary to run away from NFL defenders. Needs to improve technique and overall consistency as a blocker.
Overall: Nelson redshirted in 2003 and didn't see any action as a defensive back in 2004. He moved to wide receiver in 2005, appearing in 24 games (20 starts) over his sophomore and junior seasons (2005-'06). He had 84 receptions for 1,216 yards (14.5 average) and nine touchdowns during that span. Nelson was slowed by a knee injury in '06 but wouldn't sit out any games. Nelson was sensational as a senior, delivering 10.2 receptions for 133.4 receiving yards per game (both second in the nation) and 155.3 all-purpose yards per game (20th). His 2007 totals: 122 catches for 1,606 yards and 11 touchdowns; five punt returns for 264 yards (52.8 average) and two scores; and two passing TDs (on four attempts) for 45 yards. Nelson capped off a ridiculously productive senior season with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. While he lacks elite speed and athleticism, Nelson is quicker than people seem to think and he simply knows how to separate and make plays. He will likely slip to the third round of the upcoming draft but it wouldn't shock us if Nelson spends 10-plus productive seasons in the NFL as a possession No. 2 or No. 3 receiver.
Strengths: Is a big, strong receiver. Big target with extremely reliable hands. Consistently catches the ball thrown over his head, can pluck on the run effortlessly and does a great job of securing the ball in traffic. Not afraid to go over the middle. He has functional speed for his size. Most impressive is his ability to get in and out of breaks so quickly, especially for a bigger receiver. Displayed much better initial quickness and burst as a senior than he had in previous seasons. He runs crisp routes. Converted high school quarterback, shows a great feel for running routes, finding soft spots in zone and coming back to his quarterbacks when initial play has broken down. Very tough, competitive runner after the catch. Also shows excellent vision to navigate through traffic both after the catch and in the return game. Will lower his shoulder and drag smaller DB's for extra few yards at the end of the play. Continues to improve with experience. High character player and hard worker.
Weaknesses: Lacks ideal top-end speed. Is not going to consistently get over the top of man-coverage as a vertical route runner. Runs hard and shows good vision but not overly elusive and doesn't display the second-gear necessary to run away from NFL defenders. Needs to improve technique and overall consistency as a blocker.
Overall: Nelson redshirted in 2003 and didn't see any action as a defensive back in 2004. He moved to wide receiver in 2005, appearing in 24 games (20 starts) over his sophomore and junior seasons (2005-'06). He had 84 receptions for 1,216 yards (14.5 average) and nine touchdowns during that span. Nelson was slowed by a knee injury in '06 but wouldn't sit out any games. Nelson was sensational as a senior, delivering 10.2 receptions for 133.4 receiving yards per game (both second in the nation) and 155.3 all-purpose yards per game (20th). His 2007 totals: 122 catches for 1,606 yards and 11 touchdowns; five punt returns for 264 yards (52.8 average) and two scores; and two passing TDs (on four attempts) for 45 yards. Nelson capped off a ridiculously productive senior season with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. While he lacks elite speed and athleticism, Nelson is quicker than people seem to think and he simply knows how to separate and make plays. He will likely slip to the third round of the upcoming draft but it wouldn't shock us if Nelson spends 10-plus productive seasons in the NFL as a possession No. 2 or No. 3 receiver.
