Phillip Dorsett Miami WR: Seahawks Draft Profile
Mel Kiper has long been identifying Miami WR Phillip Dorsett as a likely target for the Seattle Seahawks in rounds one or two of the 2015 NFL Draft. After watching him on film, it seems unlikely to me that he would be taken at #31, but possible at #63.
Here’s why.
Phillip Dorsett Draft Profile: Strengths
Dorsett is fast. He is really, really freakin’ fast. In college, he was able to simply run down the field and no one could stay with him. He averaged 24.2 yards per reception for the Hurricanes in 2014.
Here is what Kiper had to say.
Feb 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Miami wide receiver Phillip Dorsett speaks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
"“Another player who shined in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, Dorsett would offer Seattle something they simply don’t have on the roster right now, which is a player who can consistently create space with quickness in the passing game. The Seahawks are simply far too reliant on Russell Wilson‘s ability to extend plays and allow wide receivers time to get open, and Dorsett is a Porsche in terms of acceleration and the ability to start fast and stop quickly. He also can beat you deep if you let him to run in a straight line. Remember that Paul Richardson will be coming off an ACL surgery recovery period as the 2015 season starts, so an already thin wide receiving corps isn’t a given to be better without any additions.”"
He is best against man coverage obviously with his speed, but he is also pretty good at finding soft spots in the zone and being patient. And once he gets the ball in his hands, good luck catching him.
Dorsett also has fantastic body control while leaping for throws. The downside is that his size doesn’t allow him to be a jump-ball receiver, but he is able to adjust to poor throws.
Phillip Dorsett Draft Profile: Weaknesses
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Route-running is the difference between Desean Jackson and Tavon Austin. Right now, Phillip Dorsett is closer to Tavon Austin. At Miami, he was basically a track runner playing football. In order to succeed in the NFL, he will have to learn to run better routes. He has the foot-quickness to be able to stick his foot in the ground and change directions, he just has to be taught to do so consistently.
His size also limits his ability to be a consistent deep threat, as NFL cornerbacks, unlike in college, will have the speed to stay with him.
Phillip Dorsett Draft Profile: Seahawk in 2015?
With the amount of talent at receiver in this draft class, it seems likely that the ‘Hawks will be looking to take one early. I wouldn’t take Dorsett in the first round, but it’s possible Dorsett could still be available at pick #63. If that is the case, the smart money will be on Dorsett on the next flight to Seattle.
Previous reports in the Seahawks Draft Profile series include:
Photo credit for all above pictures: USA Today Sports