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Scout's Take - 4.2.09

Pros: Maclin is a game-changer and is much faster than his 4.4 forty shows. He has great acceleration and with his straight line speed, he won’t be caught in the open field. He is a threat receiving, rushing, and returning. When cutting, he loses no speed and can shoot through small creases for big gains. He breaks tackles with a nice spin move and a good stiff arm. He showed nice hands over the middle and often makes catches that look out of his range. Maclin is strong and won’t be brought down by weak arm tackles. He is a team first guy and is dedicated to making plays when his team needs a boost. In a very strong receiver class, Maclin stands out due to his mix of size, speed, and knack for making big plays.

Cons: Maclin is not a great route runner. He did most of his damage when left alone on drags, screens, and quick slants. He is fast but doesn’t create a lot of separation without the ball in his hands. He will struggle in the NFL against physical corners in man and press coverage. He is still raw due to only playing two college seasons. He is not extremely physical and looks to jump out of bounds instead of turning up field for the extra yards. He was not able to show his ability on the deep ball very much due to the offense MU ran and Chase Daniel's inability to throw the deep ball. Ball security and durability are also issues. He missed the entire 2006 season with a torn ACL.

Scouts Take: Maclin was the definition of a game-breaker at Mizzou. Time and time again he turned what looked to be a short gain into a huge play or a touchdown. He should be a top ten pick due to his college production and blazing open field speed. Don’t be surprised if he is selected before Michael Crabtree. He is a reliable receiver with big play potential each time he touches the ball. He is the type of guy that will need the ball at the next level, and one whom opposing defenses must be aware of. Since he can run the long routes, short routes, screens, reverses and handle punts and kicks, he should touch the ball at least six to ten times a game. The two areas Maclin must improve on, can and will be addressed by his NFL coaches. First, he will need to learn to run routes against man coverage. He needs to take advantage of his size and speed against corners that try to jam him at the line. Also, he needs to learn to protect the ball before the hit. Despite those two weaknesses, he should still be a big contributor on offense and in the return game in his rookie season. He should have a long, exciting, and productive career in the NFL. Think of DeSean Jackson or Ted Ginn with more strength.

School Bio

College Football Insiders Interview - 1.17.09

Player Spotlight: WR Jeremy Maclin - All Access Football Radio On Location at the Walter Camp Dinner

3.20.09 - Twenty players worked out, half from Missouri, half from other schools. Jeremy Maclin did all the drills at Missouri’s pro day. Maclin (6-0¼, 197 pounds) ran a 4.43 and 4.47 in the 40, had a 10-foot broad jump, a 35½-inch vertical jump, a 4.25 short shuttle and a 7.12 cone drill.

He didn't improve his 40 time, but so what? As a Big XII devotee, I saw this kid play, a lot, and if Maclin lasts past the Raiders at number seven, I'll be shocked. His most impressive running comes DURING the game, when he blows past opposing DBs with his explosiveness. The thing is, Maclin is a 200-pounder too, one who knows how to use his size. Combine that size and speed with Maclin's athleticism and you've got a Playmaker with a capital "P". His ability as a return threat makes him a top-10 pick...even if it IS the Raiders. Not to say Maclin is a finished product, he he needs to work on his route running. The speedster will have to learn how to run more complex routes as a pro. Once he gets that solved, he'll be super. - All Access Daily Dose: Pro Day Impact & Analysis

1.8.09 - The NFL Draft Bible reports Missouri redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jeremy Maclin has scheduled a press conference at noon ET on Friday to announce that he will declare for the 2009 NFL Draft, according to sources.

12.29.08 - Jeremy Maclin took only one season to establish himself as one of the most dangerous offensive players in the college ranks. In 2007, Maclin hauled in 80 passes for 1,055 yards and nine touchdowns. He also carried the ball 13 times for 375 yards and four touchdowns. Maclin also returned 25 punts for 307 yards and two scores and 43 kickoffs for 1,039 yards and one touchdown. He was the only player in D-1 to score touchdowns by rushing, receiving, punt return and kick return. His 2,776 all-purpose yards were a freshman record and earned him consensus All-America honors. He hasn't slowed down much in 2008. Maclin has 95 receptions for 1,221 yards and 12 touchdowns, 35 rushes for 250 yards and two touchdowns, 987 yards and one score on kick returns and 188 yards on punt returns. At 6-1, 200 pounds, Maclin obviously has the size but his 4.3 speed and big play ability is what will make him so appealing to NFL teams. The Biletnikoff Award finalist will lose quarterback Chase Daniel to graduation and that may prompt him to leave school early. If that is the case, Maclin should go off boards in the first round.

Photo Credit: Mizzou Media Relations, College Press Box