Class: 2008 Big Board
Pros:
This Gator has most of the tools
teams look for when evaluating wideouts. He has a good size/speed
combination, solid hands and a good understanding of how to run
routes, which allows him to beat man coverage and find those soft
spots in the zone. Soft is something Caldwell is not, Bubba (as he
is known) does not hesitate to go over the middle or shy away from
contact and relishes his role as a blocker, whether it be in the run
game or blocking for his fellow receivers. He can beat you deep and
also come back to the ball underneath.
Cons:
He does not move side-to-side as
well as he does running straight. Durability might be the biggest
concern--he suffered a broken leg on a kickoff return against
Tennessee in 2005, causing him to miss the remainder of the season. A
sprained knee caused Caldwell to miss three games this past season.
Overall:
Caldwell is a versatile football
player with a pedigree—he is the younger brother of former Florida
standout Reche Caldwell, currently of the Redskins. He can line up
outside or in the slot and has experience running the ball and as a
returner. Bubba left Gainseville as the school’s all-time leading
receiver. He appears to heal just fine and finished this season
strong, hitting the 100-yard mark in three of his last four games
following the knee injury. He displayed surprising speed and
athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Our View:
His injury woes and the not so great line of Florida receivers
preceding him to the NFL could hurt him come draft day, but he may
have made up for it with a stellar off-season. Caldwell scored the
game-winning touchdown in the Senior Bowl before going to
Indianapolis and running the second fastest 40-time, tied with DeSean
Jackson who is 35 pounds lighter. Caldwell also displayed he can
come out the blocks quickly and when all is said and done this former
Gator has made himself into a late first round sleeper.