| Strengths: |
Has soft hands and rarely drops balls. Does a great job of planting his foot on routes and selling the fake. Crabtree isn't afraid to go up and get the ball on high throws or going across the middle. Has maybe the best quick slant route of any WR in this draft. Crabtree is a serious threat after the catch, always looking to take the ball the distance. A very explosive player that has performed well in big games. Outstanding body control when leaping, catching, or running. Crabtree is a competitive, high character player that would make a great addition on any NFL team. |
| Weaknesses: |
Numbers were inflated by playing at pass-happy Texas Tech. The Texas Tech offense also didn't require Crabtree to run a variety of NFL routes, which he may struggle with going into the league. Has trouble getting off the line at times as he tends to take a "jump step," which biggers, physical corners will take advantage of. Coming off surgery to correct a stress fracture in his foot, and was unable to be timed coming into the draft. Making things worse, Crabtree has never possessed elite straight line speed and works better in on short to intermediate routes. Crabtree also needs to improve his downfield blocking, though he is a willing blocker. |
| Quick Hits: |
Two time winner of the Biletnikoff Award, which is given to the best WR in the country. Big 12 offensive player of the year in 2007. Crabtree is a very well rounded WR prospect and should transition very well into the NFL. The foot surgery raises some health concerns, but Crabtree played with the foot injury for most of 2008. Decided to leave school with two years of eligibility left, but probably didn't have much more to prove in college after putting up ridiculous numbers for the Red Raiders.
|
