Safe hands? Check. Skilled route running ability? Check. Willing and able blocker on the perimeter? Check. Making plays after the catch? Check. Ability to snare the ball between 3 defenders? Wait for it... Check. As a Wide Receiver prospect, LSU's Jarvis Landry ticks all the boxes that NFL teams are keen on in terms of finding the right man to make plays down the field in the passing game. Following one of the most decorated individual seasons in the long, storied history of LSU football, Landry declared for the 2014 NFL Draft and fits the bill of a well rounded, physical specimen ready to instantly contribute to a team's throwing attack.
Nicknamed "Juice," Jarvis Landry arrived in Baton Rouge from just down the road in Convent, La as a highly sought after 5 star recruit. As a Freshman in 2011, Landry made his mark on the SEC Champions' kick coverage unit, delivering several bone crushing hits to help illustrate the physical punch packed into his 6'1 195 lb frame. A foot injury during fall camp coupled with a run heavy offense limited his impact in the passing game, but Landry was able to flash his skills in spurts in addition to his consistent impact on the Tigers' Special Teams units.
As a sophomore in 2012, Landry and the Tigers' Passing Game took a step forward and opened up somewhat with the introduction of Quarterback Zach Mettenberger. The strong-armed Junior College transfer helped ignite the offense's downfield attack with Landry and fellow star wideout Odell Beckham Jr. the main benificiaries. Landry hauled in 56 receptions for 573 yards and 5 touchdowns as the Bayou Bengals wrapped up another 10 win season under Head Coach Les Miles. Landry also showed his flare for the incredible catch, making a remarkable one handed overhead catch in the regular season finale against Arkansas.
LSU WR Jarvis Landry makes an acrobatic catch for a TD in 2012If 2012 was a step forward in the right direction for Jarvis Landry and his teammates, 2013 was a giant leap as the team welcomed the addition of Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron. Under Cameron, known for his potent offenses as a long time NFL coordinator, the Tigers' Offense flourished even further in all facets, with Landry and Beckham becoming the first Southeastern Conference receiving tandem to post dual 1,000 yard seasons since 2001. Landry finished his Junior year with a team high 77 receptions, 1,193 yards and 10 touchdowns. He continued to make spectacular, nearly impossible catches and displayed mesmerizing abilities to generate yards after contact. Following LSU's Outback Bowl victory over Iowa on New Year's Day 2014, Landry announced his intention to enter the 2014 NFL Draft and should be one of the top receivers to be selected, with first round status not out of the question.
While Jarvis Landry is not the 6'4 225 4.3 second 40 yard dash running 30 bench rep crushing Calvin Johnson clone that every NFL team and fan dreams of having on their side, his tape tells the tale. A physical, capable playmaker with strong, safe hands, pro route running ability, perimeter blocking skills and a strong knowledge of his position, he fits the profile of a prospect that will be ready to step right in and contribute to a team straight away. Landry has been prepping for the draft in Gulf Breeze, AL where he has been working on further developing his skill set and increasing his knowledge in the classroom and in the nutrition department as he looks to put himself in the best possible condition ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine and his pro day at LSU. Landry says he hopes to turn in a sub 4.5 forty yard dash time which should help slot him in as a 1st round pick.
A student of the game and a willing learner, Landry will endear himself to his future NFL team with his strong work ethic and desire to improve every day, not to mention his natural playmaking skills. Like most college prospects, Landry will need to enhance some of the aforementioned skills to truly reach his potential as an NFL player, but the coaching that awaits him at the next level will help mold that talent. With a good summer, training camp and preseason, Landry should be able to provide enough "Juice" to an offense in need of another perimeter playmaker.