Jalen Moreno-Cropper 2023 NFL Draft Profile
Jalen Moreno-Cropper, who will be referred to as JMC for the remainder of the post, is one of those typical smaller speed receivers that hopes to leave his mark at the NFL level. Does JMC actually have a chance given the failure rate of most smaller receivers? That’s what we’re here to talk about today. Here is your 2023 NFL Draft profile on the Fresno State receiver!
I wanted to watch more Fresno throughout the year but didn’t get the chance to. My opportunity was robbed as discussed more in the Jake Haener profile. Nevertheless, JMC was the go to target for Haener and put up really respectable numbers. JMC improved year after year and posted 84 receptions for 1,093 yards and five touchdowns. JMC posted an 899 yard season and 13 scrimmage touchdowns the year before. JMC was used frequently on rushing attempts as a way to diversify the offense. He wasn’t bad at it either compiling 343 yards as a freshman rushing the ball.
We’re still talking about 5-foot-11, 172. The track record on those guys just isn’t strong. Especially when you get to the later round territory that we would be talking about here. The 4.40 is strong but it’s also necessary with that size. JCM is probably looking at slot receiver territory that can function in those jet sweeps. He won’t be the first and won’t be the last in terms of guys like that. My question is how special is he within those constraints?
I’m not sure he is. The YAC ability is there but never feel like he’s a home run guy. The hands seem fine but had drops at the Combine. Play strength isn’t great either. Not sure he holds up physically.
I have an undrafted grade on Jalen Moreno-Cropper. Based on the size, you need to be special to overcome it. I’m just not sure that’s ever going to be the case here.
