2018 Cardinals Draft Prospect: WR Allen Lazard

2018 Cardinals Draft Profile

Name: Allen Lazard

Twitter: @AllenLazard

Position: Wide Receiver

School: Iowa State

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 225

Projected: 4th – 6th

Stats:

Bio:

Allen Lazard was destined to play for Iowa State. His father was a team captain in the early 90’s and his older brother also saw time on the football field for the Cyclones. Lazard was a four year starter at Iowa State and steadily increased production each season. He was named first-team All-Big 12 in 2016 and 2017 by conference coaches, AP second-team All-Big 12, and was the MVP of the 2017 Liberty Bowl.

Team Fit:

Lazard is a large man. He is a large man who can catch and has a knack for the end zone. The Cardinals are in need of some help finding the end zone. Lazard has the size and hands to make catches all over the field. While he lacks the speed to run away from defenders, he is adept at using his body to shield defenders from the point of the catch. The Cardinals would be wise to use Lazard all over the field depending on the situation and force safeties and linebackers to cover him. Lazard is not going to be an early selection. The ideal spot for Arizona to pick up the talented big man would be with their fifth round pick, number 152 overall.

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Strengths:

Big bodied target for quarterback. Very physical over the middle and plays to his size. Seems to enjoy going over the middle to make plays. Athletic enough to get down and make catches on low throws. Solid hand catcher which helps utilize his large size. Uses entire body to block off defenders when making catches. Is able to play inside and outside. Good hand-eye coordination and able to pick up the football early in the route. Uses size and strength to be a solid blocker in the run game. Shows ability to engage and move around smaller defenders.

Weaknesses:

Does not have explosive speed. Lack of speed allows corners to sit on routes. Will struggle against skilled press coverage. Seems slow out of breaks due to inability to drop hips. Due to lack of speed will likely need to be moved around or used in bunch formations. Is a possession receiver without much ability after the catch.

– Ryan Adverderada is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Cardinals. Like and follow on Follow @ryanadverderada Follow @Cardinals and Facebook.