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Our insider scouting report series continues this morning as the 2013 NFL Draft continues to drift closer. Too get a better look at some of the potential targets for the Miami Dolphins next week, we have been turning to the managers of SB Nation's college blogs, going to the source for the best information on each prospect.
We are continuing our look at wide receivers today, following Tavon Austin yesterday with Markus Wheaton today. AndyPanda from SB Nation's Building the Dam gives us our look at the Oregon State wide out.
Strengths: Markus Wheaton has legitimate track sprinter speed, but he's also learned well how to use that speed in the form of burst that allows him to achieve separation from defenders, be it on deep routes or possession situations in traffic. It's what made him the career leader in receptions at Oregon St. He's also become a pretty good route runner during his career as a Beaver. When he arrived, as with most freshman, it was his speed that made him a factor immediately, but he was smart enough to know he would have to continually refine his game.
As a result, he was a consistently reliable receiver, with catches in his last 36 games.
Wheaton is also a sneaky good downfield blocker. While he will lay out a careless defender that loses track of him, mostly his blocks are more a function of knowing where to be, and when, in order to create or extend a play for another.
Andy Wooldridge, Buildingthedam.com
Weaknesses: At just 6'1" and 182 lbs., Wheaton isn't going to be able to physically overpower many opponents, and isn't particularly a threat at high, leaping catches either. While he was good at staying healthy in his collegiate career, and doesn't have any nagging injury issues, durability against a prolonged diet of physical defenders could become a concern.
Intangibles: Wheaton has always been a lead by example type of guy, not an outspoken leader. That works well for a newcomer at the next level, but down the road, any team looking for a take charge of the locker room guy probably won't find that in Wheaton. Wheaton did evolve into a respected and unquestioned leader of the team, though.
Another thing an NFL team won't find are any problems in the locker room or off the field either. Wheaton was always that lead by example person, a hard worker in practice, and a trouble-free student and solid member of the community.
(Photo Credit: Andy Wooldridge, Buildingthedam.com)
A big thank you AndyPanda. For more on Wheaton, as well as all things Oregon State, check out Building the Dam.