Player Profile: Stedman Bailey

Stedman Bailey

Height:  5'10
Weight:  193
School:  West Virginia
Position:  Wide Receiver
Ranking:  #10 Wide Receiver
Projection:  Day 2 Pick

Strengths
-Experienced.  Played in all 39 games with 34 starts
-Productive.  1,622 yards and 25 TDs in 2012
-Large hands (9 7/8") makes it easier to catch the ball
-Never lets the ball get into his body
-Long arms (32") for his body frame
-Outstanding route runner who sets up his routes well
-Possesses good speed for the position (4.52)
-Good footwork allows him to get in and out of breaks
-Can make defenders miss in the open field.  Has a little wiggle
-Good body control that allows him to make plays along the boundary
-Does a good job locking up defenders in the run game
-Good work ethic
-Provides kick return ability

Weaknesses
-Lack of  quickness (1.58) may problems creating separation
-Doesn't have the ideal height (5'10) or weight (193) of an outside receiver
-Isn't going to go up and fight for a ball
-Doesn't catch many balls outside of his frame
-Has the tendency to drop catch-able balls

Summary
Playing in a wide open spread offense Stedman Bailey was one of the most productive receivers in college football last year.  He hauled in 1,622 yards and a waping 25 touchdowns.  Bailey used his good speed and elite route running to get himself open and pile up the stats.  When you watch Bailey play it almost looks like he is mailing it in by running lazy routes.  However but uses this change of speed and good footwork to set up his routes and create separation from defenders.  Bailey is also the master of double moves and has a knack for getting past defenders and make big plays down field.  He had good hands and does a good job of plucking the ball out of the air, however Bailey isn't a receiver that is going to fight for the ball.  He does most of his catching in open space.  What is the most impressive is that Bailey has great body control and uses it to make great catches along the sidelines and in the end zone.  Stedman played mainly on the outside in college, but he'll be forced to play in the slot.  There he can uses his route running on short and intermediate routes to move the chains.  Look for him to go somewhere in on day two.