Drafting Buccaneers: Dede Westbrook (WR) Scouting Report
What if the Buccaneers don’t draft Corey Davis or John Ross in this year’s draft? Could the presence of another speedy receiver inspire Jason Licht to go a different direction with the team’s top pick?
While the Buccaneers are busy stacking their draft board, finishing scouting reports and really just getting into some others, there are names those of us outside of the franchise are tossing around to ourselves in hopes we can will the franchise to take the guy we’re certain will turn this team around a corner.
This roster is obviously in need of speed, and this idea will be one of the tone setters of the off-season.
If the team doesn’t get vertical help in free-agency it’ll be on the draft to provide it, and Dede Westbrook from the Oklahoma Sooners could be an early Day-2 target for Jason Licht and his staff.
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WHO: Dede Westbrook
POSITION: WR
SCHOOL: University of Oklahoma
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6’0” / 176 lbs
CLASS: RS Senior
2016 Season Stats:
- 80 Receptions / 1,524 yards / 19.1 yards per catch / 17 touchdowns
Games Watched:
- Oklahoma vs Ohio State (5 catches / 51 yards / 10.2 ypc / 0 touchdowns)
- Oklahoma vs Texas (10 catches / 232 yards / 23.2 ypc / 3 touchdowns)
- Oklahoma vs Kansas State (9 catches / 184 yards / 20.4 ypc / 3 touchdowns)
- Oklahoma vs Auburn (6 catches / 59 yards / 9.8 ypc / 1 touchdowns)
*Conference Championship or Bowl Game
Strengths:
- Speed – Short and Long
- Run After Catch Ability
- Body Control
- Stop-and-Go Suddenness
Weaknesses:
- Size
- Easily Delayed by Press Coverage
- Won’t Break Tackles
- Field Vision
Must Read: John Ross (WR) Scouting Report
Scheme Fit:
As a complimentary receiver, Dede Westbrook fits best when working in a scheme which allows him to use his speed and get him the ball with space to operate. Capable of working screens, sweeps, posts and fly routes for big plays. Relies on a shuffled release off the line of scrimmage when facing press coverage which will delay timing on routes. Perhaps his best early impact will come as his presence on the field forces defenses to keep a safety high and prevents them from crowding the short and intermediate zones. This will allow other receivers and tight ends more room to operate as secondaries attempt to keep his vertical abilities contained.
Injury History:
No Significant Injuries
Off-Field Issues:
No Significant Off-Field Issues
Career Projection:
1st Year:
Excellent vertical threat with legitimate special teams contributions. Capable of giving his quarterback a quick target against the blitz and frees up play-calling for his coaches.
3rd Year:
Cemented starter capable of taking advantage of overly aggressive defenses. Used in trick plays and screens more often as the offense gameplan’s for his involvement more and more. As part of a duo paired with a stronger and more solid possession-type receiver, can team up to anchor an offensive passing attack which finds regular success.
Summary:
Two year starter in Norman after starting his collegiate career in junior college wher he was second in the nation in receptions (76) and first in yards (1,487) and touchdowns (13).
After transferring to Oklahoma Westbrook started for the last two season and amassed over 2,300 yards of offense while scoring 21 touchdowns in the same span.
As a senior he was a Heisman Trophy finalist given to the best player in the country and became the first Sooner in school history to win the Biletnikoff Award naming him the most outstanding receiver in college football for 2016.
On offense, Westbrook possesses the quickness off the line to take advantage of loose coverage designed to prevent him from burning defenders at the line.
His ability to get in and out of his cuts with minimal speed lost forces corners and safeties to anticipate his route movement and often times leaves them susceptible to double moves.
Once he has the ball in his hands he requires good blocking or open space to operate with as he seldom breaks tackles, while he can often times avoid pursuers with a second-gear most will not be able to match.
For the Buccaneers offense, his contributions could come on the outside or in the slot where he could be used to soften underneath coverage, take advantage of overly aggressive units in the screen and misdirection games and will open up lanes on the seams and on the perimeter for slower – but bigger – targets like Mike Evans and Cameron Brate to exploit.
As a kick returner and/or punt returner, Westbrook’s presence would instantly improve upon the special teams’ ability to set the offense up in good field position.
Must Read: Comparing Corey Davis and John Ross
The player has a good motor and never stops running during plays, almost always finding his way back to the quarterback in a position to allow a scrambling thrower to make a play.
Ideally, his talents would be used early to push the top of the defense further downfield and get work during the middle part of the game in the short and screen passing game.
If coverage is off Westbrook, he is almost always going to find 5-8 yards on a screen or quick slant taking advantage of his quick step off the line of scrimmage.
With development, and as he gets more comfortable within the offense, he should be a legitimate part of the individual award conversation as he contains starter ability with true Pro Bowl potential.
Projected Draft Position: Middle Second Round
Pro Comparison: Emmanuel Sanders