While Ateman currently grades as a third-round selection on Draft Analyst's draft board, Pauline believes the receiver's stock will jump with a good showing at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Ateman became a full-time starter for the Cowboys during his junior year in 2015. In 12 starts and 13 game appearances, he registered 45 receptions for 766 yards and five touchdowns that season.
A foot injury forced Ateman to miss the entire 2016 season. In 2017, he started 11 of his 13 game appearances and registered 59 catches for 1,156 yards (19.6 yards per catch average) and eight touchdowns, which earned him second-team All-Big 12 honors.
"Ateman has been working with former Olympic gold medalist Michael Johnson on his speed and 40 starts in Dallas," writes Pauline. "Johnson has been praising Ateman's work ethic to teams he's spoken with. I'm told the receiver-needy San Francisco 49ers are one of several teams high on Ateman."
Measurables
Height: 6-4
Weight: 220 lbs.
College Statistics
Year | G | Rec | Yds | YPC | TD |
2013 | 13 | 22 | 276 | 12.5 | 0 |
2014 | 12 | 20 | 268 | 13.4 | 0 |
2015 | 13 | 45 | 766 | 17.0 | 5 |
2016 | RS | - | - | - | - |
2017 | 13 | 59 | 1,156 | 20.0 | 8 |
Totals | 51 | 146 | 2,466 | 16.9 | 13 |
h/t to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee for the find.