The Texans 2012 draft watch continues with a look at Arkansas wide receiver/kick returner Joe Adams.
One of the things you may have noticed about this wide receiver draft class is while there's a lot of size, there's not a lot of over-the-top speed.
Baylor's Kendall Wright is an exception to that statement but based on current projections he'll be long gone by the time the Texans pick at #26 overall.
And so we turn our attention to Adams, who may end up being the fastest receiver/punt returner in the draft.
Adams is carrying a Round 3-4 grade by nfldraftscout.com, mainly because of his smallish stature (5-10, 174) but if he runs in the 4.3's as expected at the combine later this month, it's doubtful that he makes it past the third round. Barring trades, the Texans will pick late in every round.
Adams seems to have overcome past issues with migranes and what was characterized by the Razorbacks staff as a 'mild stroke' a few years ago but you know the medial staff at the combine will be giving that a thorough review.
From a size standpoint, Adams (on paper at least) is comparable to DeSean Jackson who is 5-10, 175 although Adams looks a little lighter in frame to me.
As long as we brought up Jackson, during their respective college careers Adams had 164 catches for 2,410 yards and 17 touchdowns while Jackson had 162 catches for 2,423 yards and 22 touchdowns. Interesting in their similarity, although Jackson did it in three years and Adams did it in four.
While Adams may not quite be a DeSean Jackson in terms of production, he has the potential to be the next best thing. Jackson was drafted by the Eagles in the middle of the second round in the 2008 draft.
Adams is an electric athlete. Adams can play both in the slot and on the outside – Elite long speed, could run sub-4.35 40 – Has the ability to run by almost any CB and take the top off the defense, eats up the cushion in a heartbeat – Gets good seperation out of his breaks – Showed the ability to come back to the ball during Senior Bowl week – Has the skill-set and work ethic to become a very good route runner with proper coaching - nepatriotsdraft.com
Adams is also an outstanding punt returner with 35 returns for 570 yards (15.8 avg.) and 5 TDs during his final two years at Arkansas. Four of Adams' punt return TDs came in 2011 so Texans fans looking for a solution to Jacoby Jones may have it in Adams who despite a fumble, was named the Outstanding Player for the South squad at this year's Senior Bowl.
For the Texans fans looking for a pure burner to line up opposite Andre Johnson, Adams may be your best choice in this year's draft.
Whether Adams smallish frame can withstand the pounding that a full time NFL receiver must take is a question, as is whether Adams could be anything more than a situational player in Gary Kubiak's offense which has become less vertical as it's evolved into one of the best running games in the league.
Joe Adams, WR/KR Arkansas (projection and position rank from nfldraftscout.com)
- 5-10 1/2, 174
- DOB: November 22, 1989
- Projected draft round: 3-4
- Position rank: Rated #13 out of 344 WRs
- 2011 ALL-SEC First Team (Coaches) and Special Teams Player of the Year
- 2011 Paul Hornung Award Finalist (presented to the most versatile player in major college football)
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