Jarius Wright, our next slot receiver

At 5'10", 180 lbs, the diminutive Jarius Wright is much smaller than the big receivers that we are all lusting over. But Jarius is right behind Kendall Wright in his quick-twitch route running ability. And for a careful QB like Alex Smith, getting open gets you the ball. In contrast, most of the big receivers are long striders and haven't been ask to develop a full repertoiere of routes, relying on vertical and fade routes in college. Because Jarius is a good route runner already, he has the potential to contribute early in his career, which is important when you have the nucleus to go the the playoffs next year.

His production for 2011 was 1,029 yards receiving on 63 receptions with 11 of them for touchdowns. All of them are single-season Arkansas records. And he did it in 11 games after sitting out one with a minor knee injury. - The Sports Xchange

Because of his size, his draft value is all over the place:
Draftscout.com..............155
National Football Press....55
Gil Brandt ......................56
Because of his size, he may fall to our 3rd round pick, leaving our first and second for much bigger size/speed players.

Analysis from Wes Bunting, NFP:
"An undersized, shifty little receiver with good balance and footwork as a route runner both from the outside and from the slot. Does a nice job selling routes inside, cleanly is able to breakdown, keeps his feet under him and generates a burst/separation out of his breaks. Has the body control/balance to do the same on the outside vs. off coverage. Eats up the cushion quickly, drops his pad level well on a dime when asked to run the deep out and can separate or even turn the play up the field on a double move. However, struggles to get off press coverage initially off the line. Isn't real long/physical, can be re-routed initially and slowed into his route.

Exhibits the ability to adjust and pluck throws off his frame, but looks content to simply trap passes against his chest when throw on target. Tracks the ball well vertically and can behind defenders off the line, but isn't a guy who's going to win in jump ball situations. A tough kid though, who will hold onto the football in coverage, take a lick and still come down with the catch. Displays good short area quickness with the ball in his hands and has the initial burst/speed to outpace angles in space. Has some real savvy about his game underneath, recognizes coverage's well, sits down in soft spots underneath and works his angles well toward the quarterback

Impression: A coordinated athlete who is sharp as a route runner, tough over the middle and knows how to get open vs. man and zone. Will get re-routed vs. press at times and looks more like an inside player at the next level, but has the skill set to make a roster and carve out a big niche early."

Couldn't find a season long high light film, but here he is against Texas A&M. Notice how open he is, how many catches he makes in the middle of the field, and how he has the speed to stretch the field. Seems like the Arkansas QB looks for Jarius when he is trouble.

I like him a lot as well, although he's probably more like 5'9". Obviously one of the questions is how well will he be able to hold up with his smaller frame? Smaller receivers have had some issues with injuries/concussions, the other is that he tends to catch a lot with his body rather than his hands, can he adjust to catch the ball more naturally?


Beyond that he seems like a great guy to have, terrific speed, huge deep threat, would definitely add a new element to the offense, especially if he's got better hands than Ginn. Also would be great on quick passes underneath, has great burst to get past his man in a hurry, get him the ball once he's open and now he's basically a rocket accelerating down the field.

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:

I like him a lot as well, although he's probably more like 5'9". Obviously one of the questions is how well will he be able to hold up with his smaller frame? Smaller receivers have had some issues with injuries/concussions, the other is that he tends to catch a lot with his body rather than his hands, can he adjust to catch the ball more naturally?


Beyond that he seems like a great guy to have, terrific speed, huge deep threat, would definitely add a new element to the offense, especially if he's got better hands than Ginn. Also would be great on quick passes underneath, has great burst to get past his man in a hurry, get him the ball once he's open and now he's basically a rocket accelerating down the field.

Used properly, Wright will be dangerous. In Indy, it is suggested that it's not out of the question that he could crack the 4.2 barrier. I think he'll ultimately be a low 4.3, barring injury. Wright definitely was noted for looking tiny out at the East-West Shrine game, checking in at 5'9 5/8" and 176 pounds, but despite the size, was considered the best receiver there along with Devon Wylie.

hes better than joe adams his only weakness is his size

best route runner in draft maybe smart IQ by staying in soft spots in zone and has the speed to beat man coverage

no he wont help in redzone but he should strech the field and help on 3rd downs