Pro Football Focus: ASU receiver Devin Lucien tops list of NFL Draft sleepers
Apr 27, 2016, 7:25 PM | Updated: 10:29 pm
Arizona State's Devin Lucien (15) beats Washington's Kevin King, right, for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, in Tempe, Ariz. Arizona State won 27-17. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona State’s pass-heavy offense missed deep threat Jaelen Strong in 2015 but maybe UCLA transfer Devin Lucien didn’t get enough credit.
In his lone year wearing maroon and gold, the senior was far and away the best receiver for coach Todd Graham, leading the team with 1,074 receiving yards, co-leading with eight touchdown receptions and ranking second with 16.3 yards per catch.
Maybe the 6’2, 195-pound wideout isn’t receiving much NFL Draft buzz but many analysts, including those at Pro Football Focus, believe he could be a sleeper pick. Pro Football Focus named Lucien the top sleeper of the draft.
There are a number of receivers in this class who project as good NFL players, and that depth has pushed Lucien down draft boards, making him a potentially excellent value. He has strong hands and plenty of experience adjusting to poorly-thrown passes at Arizona State, so he can make plays even when covered. He’s effective on the outside and on shorter routes, so look for Lucien to provide an effective option in the second or third tier of wide receiver prospects.
That’s a huge compliment to Lucien, though part of said compliment is also a not-so-subtle shot at ASU quarterback Mike Bercovici, who helped recruit his top receiver to Tempe for his senior year.
Lucien was an under-the-radar signing for ASU after recording no more than 29 receptions and 339 yards in a single season during his three-year run with UCLA.
In any case, Pro Football Focus’ down-by-down grading system likes Lucien so much it could justify a team picking him in the second round of the draft.
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