FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Louisville wide receiver Jamari Thrash.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jamari Thrash
Jamari Thrash (WR – Louisville)
6’1″ – 185 lbs.
Background:
Georgia native who originally attended Georgia State as a three-star recruit out of school. Played sparingly his first two seasons there (eleven total catches), then saw his role expand the following year, ending up with 32-452-3 (14.1) in a season in which he started one game. Had a strong 2022 campaign of 62-1,123-7 (18.1), then transferred to Louisville and posted 64-855-6 (13.6) this year.
Positives:
Has been highly productive over the past two years, and showed that he could handle the jump in competition upon transferring. Faced some press coverage during the games reviewed and mixed up his releases, relying primarily on a skip release and a split release. Runs a lot of patterns within ten yards of the line of scrimmage, usually routes like hitches, curls, and overs. Knows how to sell routes to create separation. Sinks his hips into the stem. Works back to the ball on digs and other such routes. Was able to freeze defenders with double-moves to create shots downfield. Does a nice job of tracking the ball over his shoulder. Shows good flexibility and body control when adjusting to throws away from his body. Able to go low and scoop up low throws. Has some creativity with the ball in his hands, and can occasionally make the first defender miss.
Negatives:
Frame is on the thin side for a pro receiver. May struggle to stay on track against physical coverage at the next level. Not the fastest or most explosive, relying on his route-running to get defenders off-balance; could have some difficulty running away from pro corners on man beaters. Some of his production was schemed open as he navigated through congestion. As a thinner receiver, struggles to box out opposing defenders and come down with contested catches. Catch radius isn’t the widest. Doesn’t have the most reliable hands, with seventeen career drops, including eight this past season. Doesn’t survive contact as a runner. Besides his lack of ideal functional strength, motor as a blocker leaves something to be desired.
Summary:
A savvy route-runner with good flexibility, he’s been able to line up on the outside and create windows for timing-based throws on underneath routes by changing speeds and selling fakes effectively. Will come into the NFL with a relatively advanced release package, but his overall upside may be somewhat limited by his relatively thin frame, lack of functional strength, and speed which is closer to average. Looks like a mid-round option who could potentially slide inside to the slot at the next level.
Projection: Round 5
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