Monson, an analyst at PFF since 2008, said that a player’s vertical height doesn’t matter nearly as much as the horizontal separation they create with the defender. A short receiver who is wide open gives his quarterback a throwing window the size of a doorframe, while a tall receiver who is covered gives his quarterback a throwing window the size of a door handle.
“The bottom line is, quarterbacks throw to open guys,” Monson said...
There is no question that bigger pass catchers get more opportunities. When play-callers get closer to the end zone, we expect them to target the 6-foot-5 receiver instead of the 5-foot-10 guy, and the data backs this up. In 2015, PFF’s Mike Clay found that taller and heavier receivers get significantly more targets around the end zone than shorter or lighter ones. But when Clay adjusted those numbers for opportunity, he found something surprising. While bigger players get more targets in and around the end zone and therefore more touchdowns, there is little evidence that they are better at converting their opportunities into scores than shorter or lighter players.
“What I found was that the efficiency on those throws was basically equal,” said Clay, now an analyst at ESPN. “There was no real difference.”
Other research backs up Clay’s findings. While height seems like an intuitive advantage, once it’s adjusted for opportunity, tall receivers have not outperformed shorter ones in the red zone or anywhere else on the field. The size of receivers has consistently gone up over the past 30 years, but height has not correlated with an increase in production.
When 73″ or 74″ is the median for all four tests, with no obvious trend indicating a taller receiver correlates to better production or stats, I can’t support the tall receiver thinking. The data indicates a 6'1″ receiver has just as good a chance at fantasy success than one who stands at 6'3″. Height on a receiver is nice, but is by no means the most important indicator of success. Since the height of successful wide receivers varies so much, be sure to weigh other factors when drafting your fantasy team.
I think ARI will be happy if Rondale catches 50 passes.
I really don't care about that. I just know I can get him around pick #169.That's a high draft pick for just 50 reception ceiling.
First player that comes to mind is Steve Smith. He was blazing fast and a tough SOB though.
The whole reason for this thread is because Rondale Moore measured in at 5'7" at the combine. I'm not sure where FFToday gets their numbers but they don't seem like a very reliable source. They might just be taking the numbers from what they were listed at in college which is often overstated.Current WRs listed at 5'10":
Current WRs listed at 5'9":
Antonio Brown
Randall Cobb
Mecole Hardman
Tyreek Hill
TY Hilton
Desean Jackson
Diontae Johnson
Christian Kirk
Tyler Lockett
Darnell Mooney
Hunter Renfrow
Amari Rodgers
Sterling Shepard
Jaylen Waddle
Current WRs listed at 5'8":
Tutu Atwell
Marquise Brown
Damiere Byrd
Brandin Cooks
D'Wayne Eskridge
- KJ
Hamler
- Scotty
Miller
Elijah Moore
Rondale Moore
Kalif Raymond
Current WRs listed at 5'7":
Cole Beasley
Jamison Crowder
Marquise Goodwin
Olamide Zaccheaus
Current WRs listed at 5'6":
Isaiah McKenzie
I got all of those heights from FFToday, which lists a total of 135 WRs. That is 30/135 = 22% of those current WRs listed at 5'10" or shorter. I think it is safe to say that NFL teams believe WRs at 5'10" or shorter can be successful. And a number of the players listed have proven that.
Deonte Harris
I also think NFL offenses are evolving, and Arizona's Air Raid based offense is an example. IMO that offense offers a stronger chance of success for a shorter WR than others would. It may or may not pan out, but it's obvious that Kliff Kinsbury thinks
Moore
can succeed in his offense.
The whole reason for this thread is because Rondale Moore measured in at 5'7" at the combine. I'm not sure where FFToday gets their numbers but they don't seem like a very reliable source. They might just be taking the numbers from what they were listed at in college which is often overstated.
BTW, I believe Tyreek Hill measured at 5'8" at the combine, so there may well be other outliers in your list if someone wants to take the time to check the actual combine numbers for all those players. I don't have time to do so.
Overview
Slightly undersized slot receiver who makes up for it with above-average strength and competitive fire that shows up throughout the tape. He can beat one-on-one coverage with speed but lacks the size and length to legitimately challenge NFL cornerbacks outside. He's difficult to press, elusive out of route breaks underneath and his ability after the catch could make him a priority target when it's time to move the sticks on third down. He lacks desired game experience on paper, but he's the same player week in and week out and teams know exactly what they will get with him. His football character and acumen are big pluses to go with his talent. Moore should become a good starting slot target with punt return potential.
Draft Projection
Rounds 2-3
NFL Comparison
Tyler Lockett
Rondale is already an outlier. He was the 49th pick in the draft and appears to have a large role locked in as a rookie. He's an outlier athlete and had one of the greatest true freshman seasons in college football.
Certainly, but they didn't have anything to do with his size. They were hamstring strains.Does is concern you that he had health issues in college?