With the 78th pick of the 2011 Draft, the Rams take Austin Pettis, WR, Boise State

[Nick]

Height: 6025
Weight: 209
40 Yrd Dash: 4.56
20 Yrd Dash: 2.56
10 Yrd Dash: 1.60
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 14
Vertical Jump: 33 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'00"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 3.88
3-Cone Drill: 6.68



Peter King on Twitter:

Sam Bradford is going to make Austin Pettis (3d rd, pick 78) a slot-receiving star in St. Louis. Love that pick.

Sideline Scouting Tweet:

Austin Pettis is a dependable player, not explosive, don't really like that pick. Parallels what Danario Alexander already does too much.

Wes Bunting (NFP) Tweet:

#Rams need a 3 step wide out and Austin Pettis can be that guy, works middle of field and goes gets football #NFLDRAFT

NFL Draft Scout report:

Overview

Not many receivers can list 39 touchdown receptions among their college accomplishments. Then again, not many possess Pettis's focus in traffic. It's a skill that allowed him to overcome a lack of elite deep speed and a minor lower leg fracture his junior year en route to four straight productive seasons.

Pettis used his long frame to rack up at least 45 receptions in each of his first two years and more than 60 as a junior (65-855-14) and a senior (71-951-10). He was also one of only five true freshmen to play for Boise State in 2007, scoring six times, and he finished his career as a two-time first-team All-WAC receiver.

Of course, it takes more than a big body to become a successful NFL receiver. Pettis lacks ideal speed for the outside and won't outrun anyone in a professional secondary. He has the natural athleticism, size and body control, however, to contribute as a sub-package pass-catcher. Still, he has work to do as a route-runner, and he'll have to hope a team is willing to take on his learning curve in the hopes he can be the big-bodied option to complement its speedy receivers.

Analysis

Strengths: Tall, long frame with room to add bulk. Works over the middle very well while using his body to shield the ball from defenders. Has big, strong hands and can pluck passes in traffic. Shows a good feel for zone defenses and settles into open spots without drifting back into coverage. Possesses good body control and maintains balance in and out of cuts. Utilizes head fakes, sells defenders on the wrong route and has the strength to break tackles and gain extra yards after the catch. Focuses on passes and watches the ball all the way into his hands. Displays great concentration when fighting for jump balls and times his high-points well. Tracks the ball accurately while running and will sell out to make the catch. Is a willing blocker who can engage defenders with long arms. Excellent red-zone target.

Weaknesses: Sluggish off the line and takes too long to reach top speed. Allows too much recovery time for defensive backs when stopping and starting. Needs space to stride and accelerate, but still cannot run past defenders and possesses only average speed for the position. Lacks an adequate second gear to consistently get behind defenses and does not show ideal burst when coming in and out of cuts in his routes. Can be pressed and jammed at the line and allows defenders to control him early due to lack of physicality and quickness. Will tip his hand when running routes by drifting toward his destination. Gets sloppy with his footwork and lacks the route discipline to create separation in man coverage. Is not a shifty, quick-twitch athlete and struggles to make defenders miss in the open field. Overextends and loses leverage and balance as a blocker in the run game.

Sideline Scouting:

Positives: Good red zone target, uses his size to his advantage and has good body control when he's in the air... Good concentration and focus when tracking the ball... Above-average hands, catches the ball with his arms extended, doesn't let the ball get into his body... Shows a willingness to make plays across the middle of the field... Great route runner, finds ways to get open... Solid run blocker, walls off his defender... Consistently wins jump ball battles... Prototypical possession receiver, similar in many ways to current Texans receiver Kevin Walter... Led all receivers at the combine with a 3.88 shuttle time.

Negatives: Not very fast or explosive, solely a possession receiver... Slow getting off the line of scrimmage, struggles to beat press coverage... Marginal route runner, rounds off many of his cuts... Doesn't always come back to the football... Below-average after the catch, isn't going to run away from a defense and doesn't break a ton of tackles... Suffered a broken ankle in 2009... Will have to prove that his production wasn't a result of playing in Boise State's high powered offense... Limited potential with his lack of speed... Seemed to get outplayed by teammate Titus Young this year.

National Football Post:

A tall, long-armed wideout with a decent-sized frame but still possesses some growth potential to fill out physically. Displays a strong set of hands and does a nice job setting up defenders as a route runner, changing gears and going up to secure the catch. Is at his best working the middle of the field and using his long frame to box out corners once he gains a step and come down with the tough grab. Possesses a very average first step off the line and isn't a guy who has the type of second gear to consistently run by defenders at the next level. Lacks an ideal burst in and out of his breaks as well. Will struggle to consistently generate significant separation from man coverage and relies more so on his initial quickness and big frame to create plays for himself. Also, doesn't consistently get off pressman initially off the snap, isn't real sudden in tight areas and doesn't display the type of physicality to routinely shrug off the initial bump.

Displays good overall body control and balance as a route runner, but gets a bit impatient at times and will begin to drift into his routes prematurely. However, has a good feel vs. zone, knows how to set up defenders using his head fake and balanced footwork and does a nice job working his way open on all levels of the field. Can be difficult to bring down after the catch. Isn't real shifty, but plays big and can shrug off defenders initially and get up the field after the catch. Also, can play a key role on special teams, has a knack for getting after the football on punt blocks and acts as a holder on field goals.

Impression: Possesses a nice-sized frame, good body control and ball skills and knows how to work the middle of the field. Isn't a real dynamic threat, but has enough talent to make a roster and contribute on an offense, possibly as a number two threat, but I see him more as a sub package guy.

Sporting News:

Iyer
The Rams lost out on the top two wide receivers early, but in Pettis, they get a smart, tough and likely reliable one.

Strengths: Has great size, good arm length and some definite growth potential to add to his frame for the position at the next level. Is a solid overall athlete with good body control, balance and agility in his routes. Has soft hands with the consistent ability to extend and snatch the ball out away from his body. Has proven to be durable and productive in his career. Is a tough and physical receiver across the middle and in a crowd. Has value as a special teams player.

Weaknesses: Has only average playing speed, initial quickness in his release, separation quickness from man-to-man coverage and elusiveness in his run-after-catch ability. Is a one-speed athlete with no real burst, acceleration or suddenness in his movements. Is not a great blocker on the edge for the run game.

Bottom line: Pettis started all four years at Boise State. He deserves high fifth-round consideration because of his size, hands and production as a possession wide receiver prospect. Pettis also provides value as a strong contributor to special teams.

[Fettmaster]

Hate this pick.

[md8]

We still need a #1 WR. Once we get one(by next year hopefully) this will turn into a wasted pick like Gilyard last year.

[BrokenWing]

Reading his description I believe he was drafted to work in the redzone.

[rams_man13]

I would have liked Hankerson instead... I think his ceiling is a LOT higher.

I would have liked Kendall Hunter over both.

[thoey]

From FFToolbox.com

Position: WR
School & Year/Status: Boise St. - Senior
Jersey Number: #2
Height & Weight: 6'3 - 203 lbs.

NFL Combine Results
40-Yard Dash 4.61
Vertical jump 33.5
Broad jump 10'0
Three-cone drill 6.68
20-yard shuttle 3.88
60-yard shuttle 11.14
See All Combine Results

2011 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report:
person
Austin Pettis, WR, Boise St.
Few true freshmen work their way into the regular rotation at Boise State, but that is exactly what Austin Pettis did in 2007. Pettis did more than just play the occasional snap, he was one of the team's best receiving options, catching 46 passes for 465 yards and six touchdowns. Pettis followed up his successful freshman campaign with a great sophomore season, totaling 49 receptions for 567 yards and a team high nine receiving touchdowns. The good times continued in 2009 when Pettis caught 63 passes for 855 yards and once again led the team in receiving touchdowns, this time with 14.

Through seven games in 2010, Pettis is continuing his impressive receiving career. However, the 6-3, 203 pound Anaheim, California product does a lot more than catch passes. In a one minute span against Virginia Tech earlier this season, Pettis blocked a punt, caught a touchdown pass and stayed in the game to hold on the extra point. He has even thrown for a touchdown during his senior campaign. That is some impressive versatility.

Yet, it is Pettis' size that will make a quality receiver in the NFL. He is not a little wide receiver who catches short passes and then makes plays with his legs. While Pettis is certainly capable of racking up yards after the catch, Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore can throw the ball up to his big receiver and know that more often than not he will make a play.

From FFToolbox.com Austin Pettis Scouting Report - 2011 NFL Draft Prospect

[rammiser]

They seem to be concerned with his speed. The analysists said he would have to become an exceptional route runner to be effective. Why not Hankerson there?

[thoey]

From KFFL:

2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Austin Pettis, WR, Boise State

April 18, 2011 @ 16:32:38

Comment on this article Printer friendly Email this article

By Cory J. Bonini
Edited by Keith Hernandez

Boise State senior wide receiver Austin Pettis is a safe prospect in the 2011 NFL Draft class because of his experience, size, hands and low probability for failure.

Pettis tallied a career-high 71 receptions for 951 yards last year. He scored 10 times. In 2009, as a junior, he racked up 63 grabs for 855 yards and 14 touchdowns. Pettis caught at least 46 passes in each of his four seasons with the Broncos.
Strengths

* Size (6-foot-2 5/8, 209 pounds)
* Red zone target - fantastic jump-ball threat
* Shows good body control while fighting for the ball
*
Austin Pettis, draft prospect
Reliable possession receiver
Above-average hands
* Good effort - willing to sacrifice his body to make the play
* Plays with confidence over the middle
* Understands how to exploit zone coverage

Weaknesses

* Lack of elite athleticism - possession receiver with little upside
* Sloppy route runner - fails to create separation
* OK speed (official 4.56-second 40-yard dash)
* Not elusive in the open field

Expected draft placement

Pettis' steady hands and reliable nature as a possession receiver will likely earn him a fourth-round selection in the draft.

The Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers have shown interest in Pettis.

Read more: 2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Austin Pettis, WR, Boise State :: KFFL.com - Article -

[npow81]

So so excited, I realize I'm biased here, but this is a fantastic pick. If I had one word to describe AP it is undoubtedly reliable. If anyone questions this pick please let me change your mind!

[rammiser]

That being said I really don't know what the hell I'm talking about. I trust the new front office and will support Pettis hopefully he makes all us doubters look stupid.

[BrokenWing]

Let me put it like this: Red Zone Red Zone Red Zone

[Ramblin` Ram]

i quite like the pick but please back to D now!!

[gap]

Looks we're planning another Dink-N-Dunk season with this "catches well in a crowd" WR and a pass catching TE. As long as we don't stall in the endzone, a successful Dink-N-Dunk offense will at least take more time off the clock, and should give the D more time to rest.


gap

[Nick]

This feels a bit early for Pettis in my opinion, but clearly the Rams wanted (1) some size and (2) a reliable option. After the Seahawks game that finished last year, a reliable receiver doesn't sound like a horrible idea. Not quite sure how I feel about it, but I can see the argument for Pettis over someone like Hankerson who has had trouble with drops.

[Dwight Frye]

I like this pick. AP was 'money' at BSU.