Michael Crabtree Scouting Report

It is no surprise that a Texas Tech receiver puts up big numbers in their high flying passing offense, but what Michael Crabtree did last year as a freshman was simply amazing. Crabtree caught 134 passes for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns. Through four games in 2008, he has tallied 457 receiving yards and six touchdowns. For most wideouts those would be pretty good numbers for an entire season.

What makes Crabtree so special is that he is not just a product of the system. He will use his 6-3, 214 pound frame and be a physical receiver when he needs to do so, but he also has the speed to blow right past the defenders. There are not many receivers who have his size and speed, and that is not just counting the college ranks. Crabtree even has great hands and rarely drops a pass. There is nothing he cannot do.

To many Crabtree is the best receiver coming out of college since Calvin Johnson. It would be very surprising if Crabtree was not the top receiver taken come April. The more interesting facet is how high he can climb up the overall rankings. Coming off of a draft with few great receivers, and none selected in the first round, Crabtree could (and probably should) be a top five pick.

11/11 Update: If there was any doubt who the best receiver in college football was, there is not anymore. Crabtree has caught 78 passes for 1,010 yards and 18 touchdowns through ten games. The success of Texas Tech has put Crabtree in the national spotlight and he will stay there from here on out. He may not be the first pick in the draft, since the Lions will not be taking a wide-out in the first round any time soon, but he will not last long after that.

12/17 Update: Crabtree finished his sophomore campaign strong and ended up with 1,135 receiving yards and 18 touchdown receptions. Crabtree won the Biletnikoff Award for the second consecutive year, and he would probably make it three or even four straight if he opted to stick around Lubbock, Texas a while longer. But, that is unlikely. Crabtree is a top five pick come April and that will not change between now and then.

3/24 Update: And Crabtree is still a top five player on most boards right now. The only possible concern is the injury to his left foot that was revealed during the NFL Combine. That concern, along with Seattle and Cincinnati adding some receiver help during free agency, means Crabtree could fall to the Raiders with the 7th overall selection.