Donnie Avery SELECTED BY: St. Louis Rams Round 2(2)

SI Grade 3.86 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Four-year starter awarded All-Conference honors as a senior after posting career-high receiving numbers of 91/1456/7 and averaging 28.3 yards on 15 kick returns with one touchdown. Junior-year pass-catching numbers included 57/852/5.

POSITIVES: Game-breaking receiver who can take it the distance. Plays with outstanding balance, body control, and quickness. Fluid off the line, quickly gets to top speed, and leaves defenders in the dust if given the slightest bit of open space. Has a second gear, easily runs to the long throw, and makes the difficult over-the-shoulder catch running full speed. Displays solid eye/hand coordination, finds the soft spot in the defense, and for the most part catches the ball with his hands.

NEGATIVES: Not a strong, sturdy receiver, loses out in battles, and easily brought down. Average route-runner with marginal sharpness into breaks.

ANALYSIS: Avery comes off a career season and his game-breaking speed is intriguing. He must polish his game, yet he could quickly find an opportunity at the next level as a third receiver and learn on the job.