2020 NFL Draft: Creating the perfect spread offense from prospects
By Ryan Roberts
Slot Wide Receiver: K.J. Hill, Ohio State
An important position in this spread set, the slot receiver is paramount to loosening up the middle of the defense to establish running numbers inside the box. Right now my highest graded slot receiver prospect is Ohio State’s K.J. Hill.
Coming off a rock-solid redshirt junior season, Hill is ready to be relied upon as the No. 1 option with Parris Campbell and Terry McLaurin off to the NFL. More smooth than overly quick, Hill shows an advanced IQ with where to establish the soft spot against zone coverage. He understands how to manipulate angles to create space in the short and intermediate zones.
Every once in a while, Hill shows some juice down the seam, eliminating a high degree of angles. Wherever his opportunities come on the football field, Hill demonstrates outstanding hands at the catch point and can be the chain-mover in this offense.
Others considered: Kalija Lipscomb (Vanderbilt), Jeff Thomas (Miami), Donovan Peoples-Jones (Michigan)
Tight End: Grant Calcaterra, Oklahoma
Blocking is not as important for tight ends in a spread alignment. That position is instead a glorified big slot that preys on mismatch opportunities against smaller and/or slower defenders.
There is no better fit into this modern mold than Oklahoma’s Grant Calcaterra. Playing almost exclusively in the slot for Oklahoma, Calcaterra made some of the most impressive one-handed grabs in the entire country last season. Listed at 6-4, he has the notable length to make plays outside of his frame. Couple that with speed for days, Calcaterra profiles as one of the more intriguing pass catchers in the entire 2020 NFL Draft class.
He also has one of the more advanced route trees you will find from the tight end position, showing great flexibility to get in and out of his breaks. In the spread, he can also split out wide — especially in the redzone — to create mismatches with smaller cornerbacks.
Others considered: Colby Parkinson (Stanford), Hunter Bryant (Washington), Mitchell Wilcox (South Florida)