Jalen Cropper 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Three-star recruit out of high school where he played quarterback, receiver, and running back

• All-Mountain-West Honorable Mention (2020)
• Named to All-Mountain-West Second Team (2021)

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Spread
• 2022 projected role: Starting WR

Pros: Fresno State’s Jalen Cropper is one of the most productive receivers returning to college football. Cropper has made a significant impact since the day he stepped foot on campus as a true freshman in 2019. Cropper lines up predominantly in the slot where he is extremely difficult to defend. He possesses very good short-area quickness and burst which allows him to create easy separation in the short and intermediate areas of the field. He is an excellent route-runner who runs with good tempo and pace and can easily change gears to get in and out of breaks. A smart and savvy football player, Cropper understands how to find holes in zone and also set up defenders with body fakes and leverage. Cropper has excellent hands and body control. He plucks the ball out of the air, catches the ball cleanly through traffic and in the middle of the field, and can also high-point the ball above the rim. Cropper is excellent with the ball in his hands and is used often in the quick game, reverses, and screen game.

Cons: Jalen Cropper is an undersized receiver who may struggle against bigger and longer defenders at the next level. He will have to work to get off press and can easily be re-routed by physicality throughout the stem. While Cropper has very good quickness and lateral agility, he does lack top-end speed and isn’t necessarily a threat to take the top off the defense. He lacks play strength as a runner and rarely breaks tackles.

Jalen Cropper NFL Draft Scouting Report by Brentley Weissman