NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech by Rob Staton 24/2/2009
Michael Crabtree could be the most talented prospect in the 2009 NFL Draft. A dominant force in college football, he was the focal point of Mike Leach’s clockwork passing game at Texas Tech registering 41 total touchdowns in just two playing years. He became the first prospect to win back-to-back Biletnikoff awards and was also a two-time All-American. With nothing left to prove in the college game, it’s time to make his mark on the NFL. Some have compared Crabtree to Larry Fitzgerald due to his sure hands, physically imposing nature and lack of elite straight line speed. A perhaps more fitting description would be a Fitzgerald/Anquan Boldin hybrid. Crabtree won’t have the ‘unbeatable’ nature Fitzgerald showed in this year’s playoffs, but there are certain similarities between the two. He also has that shifty running style and excellent yards after the catch ability we see so often from Boldin.
Nobody can ever accuse Michael Crabtree of being dull. He’ll always be remembered for ‘that catch’ against Texas with one second on the clock. He’s moved on from creating drama on the field to causing a stir at the NFL combine. Despite insisting he won’t work out for teams in Indianapolis there was widespread surprise that he measured only 6’1 in height, a couple of inches shorter than expected. That was just the start soon after it was revealed he needed surgery to repair a fractured metatarsal and the media circus began. With conflicting reports circulating almost every hour, Crabtree finally made a statement saying he will delay surgery until after his pro-day on March 26th. It remains to be seen how the injury or the subsequent confusion will affect his draft stock.
Nevertheless, his talent will ensure he doesn’t leave the top ten picks. On the right team Crabtree can have an impact from game one of his rookie season. Put him on a roster alongside an experienced quarter back and he can be a potential rookie of the year candidate. A lot of people talk about the risk of selecting a wide receiver early in the draft, but Crabtree’s play making ability demands attention.
What we like about Crabtree
Extremely productive play maker. Catches exclusively with his hands and shows good body control getting into position. Explosive into his breaks and has good, not great straight line speed. Showed an ability to make plays in double coverage, often drawing attention away from other receivers. Great YAC ability. Has the awareness to go back to the QB when play stalls. Excellent short game a real threat on screens and slants but also has the ability to go deep to stretch the field. Has shown a durability to play when hurt and still be effective.
Question marks about Crabtree
Didn’t cover himself in glory at the combine during confusion about his need for surgery. Held one particularly bizarre 20 second press conference may have maturity issues as a redshirt freshman. Fracture to his metatarsal need’s surgery, but also picked up a more concerning ankle injury at the end of his 2008 campaign. Sometimes has a false step on his release, needs to be corrected. Has a tendency to run with the ball loose.
Highlight of college career
Scoring the winning touchdown against Texas with one second left on the clock. Crabtree caught a 28 yard Graham Harrell pass in traffic on the sideline, shook off a defender and stayed in bounds to secure a 39-33 victory. He caught 10 passes in total for 127 yards and the game winning touchdown.
Other snippets
Michael Crabtree was born in Dallas, Texas on September 14th, 1987. Played quarter back for David W. Carter High school before switching to receiver at college. Career stats 231 receptions for 3127 yards and 41 touchdowns Ranked top of Mel Kiper’s big board, also ranked the number one overall prospect by NFL Draft Scout.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Nobody can ever accuse Michael Crabtree of being dull. He’ll always be remembered for ‘that catch’ against Texas with one second on the clock. He’s moved on from creating drama on the field to causing a stir at the NFL combine. Despite insisting he won’t work out for teams in Indianapolis there was widespread surprise that he measured only 6’1 in height, a couple of inches shorter than expected. That was just the start soon after it was revealed he needed surgery to repair a fractured metatarsal and the media circus began. With conflicting reports circulating almost every hour, Crabtree finally made a statement saying he will delay surgery until after his pro-day on March 26th. It remains to be seen how the injury or the subsequent confusion will affect his draft stock.
