FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at TCU wide receiver Eric McAlister.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Eric McAlister
Eric McAlister (WR – TCU)
6-foot-3 | 205 Pounds
Background
Eric McAlister was a three-star recruit who spent the first three seasons of his career at Boise State, playing sparingly in the first two. He recorded a line of 47-873-5 (18.6) for the Broncos over nine appearances in 2023 before quitting the team mid-season to pursue more NIL funding.
McAlister then transferred to Texas Christian and caught 39-762-5 (19.5) in 2024. He had a monster 2025 campaign of 72-1,190-10 (16.5).
Positives
A productive three-year starter between two different programs, who made his senior season by far his most productive. A big, long receiver who typically plays on the outside, but has a bit of experience in the slot as well. Long-strider with solid speed who has functioned as a legitimate deep threat for both programs he’s been at.
Didn’t see a lot of press during the film review, but he showed clean, simple releases there. Puts on window dressing at the top of routes to freeze defenders sitting in off-coverage. Cuts off patterns sharply at the stems to create windows for anticipation/timing-based throws. Willing to work the middle of the field, and a solid amount of his patterns are slants or in-breakers.
Shows the ability to improvise and create opportunities when the play breaks down. Presents a big, quarterback-friendly target with good leaping skills and some aggressiveness to high-point the ball. Was used as a red-zone target on isolation fades. Has impressive flexibility and body control to adjust to off-target throws.
McAlister’s speed makes him a threat to gain big chunks after the catch if he finds a lane. A lot of his production comes on in-breaking routes where he’s able to accelerate away from defenders afterward for more yardage.
Negatives
The decision to quit on Boise State mid-season will raise questions about his football character. For such a big receiver, McAlister struggles to box out defenders and come down with contested catches, which are a relatively high percentage of his targets. He seems to have difficulty holding on through contact.
Doesn’t carve back his routes much either, which allows opponents to make plays on the ball (seven interceptions on throws targeting him this past season). Has 10 career drops against 168 career catches. Fumbled three times this past season. Doesn’t show consistent urgency to engage as a stalker. Can be too obvious on rub routes, which could make him penalty-prone.
Summary
A legitimately talented height-weight-speed prospect who produced for two different programs and offers the type of flexibility and body control you’d like, but whose evaluation is also a bit challenging. McAlister doesn’t box out opposing defenders or win in contested-catch situations as much as you’d like. Has had some issues with drops, fumbles and urgency as a blocker.
If teams feel comfortable about the circumstances surrounding McAlister’s decision to leave Boise State mid-season, he could be an early Day 3 pick, but he might not be on some teams’ boards at all, so I’ll split the baby here a little bit.
Projection: Round 5
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