Mountaineers in the Draft: Alric Arnett

The next Mountaineer I plan on profiling before today’s late round draft is none other than wide receiver Alric Arnett. Much like Capers, he was invited to the NFL Combine. He came to WVU from Scottdale (AZ) Community College, where he appeared in nine games; eight catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns at Scottsdale Community College and was selected as an NJCAA All-Star. Redshirted his junior year at WVU, and started all 13 games at wide receiver … saw action on more than 775 plays, including a season-high 86 against Cincinnati … used in 50 or more plays in all 13 games … led the team in receiving yards (466), average (13.3), was second in receiving touchdowns (6) and tied for second in catches (35) … long catch of 52 yards … season-high seven catches for 93 yards and two touchdowns against North Carolina in the Meineke Car Care Bowl (see photo)… finished with a one-hand touchdown reception over the right shoulder and caught the game-winning touchdown from 20 yards out in the fourth quarter.

Here are his combine stats
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 188
Arm length: 32 1/2 inches
Hand size: 9 inches
Vertical Jump: 40
Broad Jump: 10’2″

Strength
Tall receiver with a long wingspan. Uses his long arms to fight off press coverage at the line and gain early separation. Fluid athlete who sinks his hips to maintain speed in-and-out of his breaks. Possesses great body control and catches errant passes with ease.

Weakness
Lacks the top-end speed to stretch the field and will not run away from defensive backs at the next level. Does not run precise routes and struggles to disguise them limiting his ability to separate. Is a little lean and may lack the strength to battle against bigger players in the NFL.

Analysis
Arnett is a good-sized WR who shows better than average speed at this level but likely will meet his match at the next level. He plays the game with speed but lacks the top-end gear to simply run away from defenders and will struggle with deep routes in the NFL. He is inconsistent with his route work and will telegraph a lot of his moves. He can beat the press at the line of scrimmage, but the separation he manages to get at the top of his stem often disappears quickly. While he is not the type teams are looking for in a No. 1 or 2 receiver, he will have a chance to help a team from the bottom up.

Prediction
I hate to say it, but I believe this man will either be taken in the 7th round, or he will go undrafted. Teams that have a need at WR are: Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, Miami, NY Jets, and St. Louis.