2022 Raiders Draft Prospect: WR Jalen Tolbert

2022 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Jalen Tolbert
School: University of South Alabama
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’3″
Weight:190 pounds
Stats

Hands

From the film, you can see the grip strength when securing the ball. Also, the occasional one-handed grab in the midst of a route looks commonplace. With his catch radius, Tolbert will prosper with the contested catch, so long as he focuses on the ball and not the impending contact.

Route Running

Like many long-legged wideouts, Tolbert excels with the vertical routes, chewing up yardage with long strides. While the entire route tree does fit Tolbert’s game, he will excel with the intermediate to deeper routes that accentuate the size advantage. If he wants to climb the depth chart in the NFL, he will need a bit more route nuance. On the positive side, those end zone fades look rather enticing.

Athleticism

In breaking down this trait for Tolbert, consider the two primary areas: speed and agility. First, despite his angular frame, Tolbert explodes at the start of his routes. Regardless of jam, he gets up to speed rather quickly, possessing the ability to run away from defenders. Moreover, shorter routes, like a slant or screen will see him explode through the pattern. Meanwhile, the agility aspect, due to his frame isn’t elite. However, the prospect displays an uncanny feel for the sidelines with his feet. Lastly, another part of the puzzle is the ease in which the former standout highpoints the ball.

Raiders Fit

Hunter Renfrow, standing all of five-foot-ten remains the best wide receiver on the Las Vegas Raiders. While he catches just about everything in his vicinity, everyone knows that he works best in the slot, confusing defensive backs, gaining separation with footwork. The jury on Bryan Edwards isn’t out. To this point, he profiles as a fourth receiver. If you’re honest, Edwards’ limitations are rather obvious. He will never win with explosive speed. Meanwhile, Zay Jones isn’t the answer either. Granted, he does maintain chemistry with Derek Carr. However, Jones, much like Edwards won’t strike consistent fear in defense. In actuality, the Raiders need immediate improvement at all levels of their receiver group. Even signing a veteran outside receiving threat should not dissuade Vegas from looking at the former USA standout. Tolbert should walk in and at least challenge for reps in multiple receiver/spread sets. On the outside with his length, and reach, he will earn his share of targets. Furthermore, in the red zone, where the Raiders show a perennial struggle with scoring touchdowns, Tolbert could win on the outside in the money area. Turning threes into potential sixes should be a primary goal for whoever runs the offense.

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