Ryan Swope WR Texas A&M #25
Wt: 205
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Size/Athleticism: Adequate height. Showed off his speed with a 4.28 40-yard dash at the combine. Rarely used in situations to utilize his speed at A&M, so it caught people off guard, but he is legitimately among the fastest players in this draft class. Decent strength of a receiver. He gives a solid effort as a blocker and has the strength to control most defensive backs.
Separation Skills: Majority of his receptions in 2012 came on 3-5 yard hitch routes, which didn’t really allow him to show off his route running ability but can run crisp routes and create separation. He a go-to target of Ryan Tannehill during his junior year and ran more crossing routes. Overall, he has shown his ability to be versatile and contribute in a variety of roles and in different offensive schemes. In 2012, he also demonstrated the ability to find the soft spots in coverage after the play broke down. Johnny Manziel frequently found him after scrambling out of the pocket. While he has straight-line speed, he is somewhat stiff in terms of agility and doesn’t make the quick breaks to lose more athletic defensive backs. He will need to be able to make contested catches.
Ball Skills: Very reliable hands. He catches the ball away from his body and quickly secures it before turning up field. Limited experience battling for jump balls down the field, but he has the athleticism and strength to develop into more of a possession receiver once he’d given more experience in that role.
Intangibles: Three-year starter.
Durability: No known issues.
Comments: Swope’s role in Texas A&M’s offense in 2012 didn’t give him the ability to show off his full skill set, so he could potentially be an ever better pro than he was in college. He would be an ideal fit in a west coast offense where he can take the short routes and make plays after the catch. He isn’t a No. 1, but he will be solid contribute as a 2nd or 3rd option.
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