In two years, he posted 167 catches, 2,718 yards, 23 touchdowns and named to the All-American team. Productivity: The numbers have been video-game-like the past two seasons for Isabella. This will make that footwork even more important to break into zone seams and break away from man coverage on timing throws. In the NFL, cornerbacks are going to try and jam him at the line a ton. Isabella is a menace running posts and stop-and-go routes. Isabella goes from quick-twitch footwork to sharp route running pretty seamlessly.Īnd it’s not limited to five- or seven-yard outs. Gets open: Isabella’s performance at the Senior Bowl, this past January, which ended with him being named North Team MVP, began with lots of praise for his work right at the line of scrimmage to gain separation. What makes Isabella even more dangerous is his ability to change directions and shiftiness, which also makes him a candidate to return punts and kickoffs on Sundays. His background as one of the fastest high school sprinters in the country surely helped prepare for his career as a receiver who just simply does not get caught in space. His 4.31 40-yard time at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis was among the best. Moss’ guidance, here is a look at what makes Isabella an interesting prospect.Įlite speed: Despite the ultimate in first world problems-a laser-guided timing mechanism not working properly-Isabella can fly. He’s been working out with Hall of Famer Randy Moss this offseason. However, his speed and precise route-running give this UMass receiver a chance to be a starter in the right system. Isabella can operate in the flats with his ability to gain quick separation. Just don’t typecast him as only a slot receiver (because he is not). However, it might be possible that NFL Hall of Famer and Vikings Ring of Honor member Moss could sway the feelings of Vikings fans to love Isabella.The Ohio high school track star turned UMass receiving weapon is ready for Sundays as few draft stocks have risen over the last nine months like Andy Isabella.Ĭall him a Biletnikoff Award finalist (because he was).Ĭall him a bolt of lightning (because he is). The rumbling seems to be that Patriots fans would love for Isabella to come to them following his days at UMass. One last note is that Isabella has worked out with Vikings legend Randy Moss in preparing for the combine. Isabella could be a concern as he almost certainly will never be more than a slot receiver. The Vikings will almost certainly be addressing offensive line needs in the first couple rounds, but could be ready to take another weapon by the third. Certainly, he’ll give you his best effort, he’s a fierce competitor, but he doesn’t have the size to back up his blocking like Laquon Treadwell does.Īs of now, Isabella is projecting as a third to fourth round pick, and that makes him a great candidate for the Vikings to pick with their 81st or 114th overall picks. On the top of being knocked off the line, he doesn’t present much in the way of run blocking. His size also makes it so he would be susceptible to being knocked off the line. Cousins can be accurate, but he’s under pressure, throwing to a small target like Isabella might be an issue. Small hands and a small catch radius would make him a tougher target for Kirk Cousins as throws to him would have to be very accurate. He’s a chronic body catcher, and would have to learn how to get his hands out and make his plays away from his body. Where Isabella would struggle is with his limitations in size. He also would have the advantage of learning from Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, two of the best route runners in the NFL, and could be molded into a top slot talent. His quick feet and ability to gain yards after the catch make him dangerous on short routes where he is matched up with one defender. His size, and slight lack of strength, make him a good fit to play inside. There’s no doubt that Isabella would solely play in the slot. Although Isabella has only returned 9 punts in his college career, he could be taught to be the replacement to Marcus Sherels long term. He’s dangerous with the football in his hands, and can make guys miss in open space. Perhaps the biggest plus in Isabella is the possibility of him returning punts. Over his 4 year at UMass, Isabella racked up 3526 receiving yards, 30 receiving touchdowns, and 3 rushing touchdowns.
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