2019 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Andy Isabella
School: The University of Massachusetts
Position: WR
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 190 pounds
Round Projection: 4-5
Stats
Hands
Isabella snares the ball in stride, traffic or during contact. With one motion, he stabs at the ball, quickly bringing it into his body. Meanwhile, Isabella will adjust to the fluttered or poorly thrown pass.Not to mention, the concentration and depth perception with the over-the-shoulder grabs will suit him well.
Speed
If you look at Isabella, leave your preconceived notions at the door. Granted, he looks a certain way and that is beyond his control. Yet, if you watch his explosion, be prepared for surprise. Isabella, off the line, brings a twitchy burst. UMass sent him vertically with regularity. As a result, Isabella would streak by the corner and safety on his way to 230 catches and 30 touchdowns. When Isabella kicks into second gear, the area of separation grows.Without a doubt, his ability to leave an opponent should translate at the next level.
Route Running
Regardless of route, Isabella sells the pattern with such belief. That is to say, on the double move, opponents will bite on the out. As a result, Isabella gains the leverage and that false step gives him the advantage. Moreover, on the underneath routes, he will drive on the hitch, luring off coverage into thinking the fly is on the way.
Route Tree
With Isabella, the three levels of route all fall under his expertise. On the short patterns, Isabella can turn on the flat, show patience for the screen and break on the slot. In addition, the post, curl, and dig allow him to turn on the acceleration. If he is operating the slot, watch the go route in single coverage.
Raiders Fit
As Jon Gruden continues to reshape his roster, the need for wideouts remains high on the offensive wish list. For this and the following reasons, Isabella makes sense. First, Gruden loves toughness with his playmakers. If you stand 5’10” and weigh 190 pounds, you will face angry safeties bearing down. Next, the Raiders value crisp route running and developing timing with the quarterback. Earlier this year, Oakland tried this with Ryan Switzer. Yet, Isabella is the far better athlete that Switzer. With him, the “deceptively fast” cliché does not hold up. Isabella can run and will outrun many slot corners. Lastly, Isabella played some running back in college and shows proficiency with wide runs like the jet sweep. As a result, his versatility, along with the ability to return punts could seize him a roster spot.
