2015 NFL Combine Preview: USC WR Nelson Agholor

USC wide receiver Nelson Agholor is headed to the 2015 NFL Combine as one of the highest rated wideouts in the NFL Draft.

What did he do at USC?

Agholor began his career at USC in the shadow of Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, but made solid contributions as a freshman in 2012 as a third option. He was named to Scout’s Freshman All-American second-team with 340 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns.

The receiver’s breakout came as a sophomore when injuries to Lee opened the door for Agholor to take up the top spot among USC’s receiving options. He finished the season with 918 yards and six touchdowns to go with two punt return touchdowns, earning a place on the All-Pac-12 second team as a returner and an honorable mention as a receiver. He also received several All-American second and third-team honors.

As a junior, Agholor reached new heights, logging 1,313 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns in 2014. Leading the Trojans in receiving, he was named to the All-Pac-12 first team and found a spot on the AP All-American third team.

What’s his current draft stock?

Agholor is a likely second-round pick in the 2015 draft.

Both CBS Sports and Walter Football rank him as the No. 9 receiver in the draft.

Agholor’s best position could be working from the slot as a reliable possession receiver who can step right into the punt-returner job on Day 1. — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Scouts like his athleticism, build and quickness, but question the consistency of his hands and wonder about his breakaway speed.

His ability as a special teams player gives him an added dimension which could help his movement on draft day.

While most mock drafts seem to have him land somewhere in the middle or end of the second round, there is room for him to leap up into the earlier part of the round.

What can he improve?

The question marks surrounding Agholor’s speed could be answered with a better-than-expected time in the 40-yard dash at the combine. Without it, the perception that he cannot offer a deep threat will continue to hurt his stock.

There’s also the issue of Agholor’s strength, which may need to be increased to convince NFL scouts that he can be a capable blocker in the NFL.

More NFL Combine previews:

Leonard Williams
Buck Allen
J.R. Tavai
Josh Shaw (Friday)
Hayes Pullard (Saturday)
Randall Telfer (Sunday)

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