Draft Countdown: Leonard Hankerson
April 19, 2011
Leading up to next week’s NFL Draft, HurricaneSports.com will run frequent draft outlook pieces on former Hurricanes likely to be selected in the three-day event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City beginning Thursday, April 28.
Here are the players we have already looked into, with more to come over the next week.
CB B. Harris
DE A. Bailey
OL O. Franklin
LB C. McCarthy
Today, we will discuss wide receiver Leonard Hankerson.
Hankerson enjoyed arguably the best statistical season by a wide receiver in Miami history in 2010. He became just the third player in program history to record a 1,000-yard receiving season and the first to have 2,000 yards for a career and 1,000 in a season. His 22 receiving touchdowns rank third all-time at Miami behind Michael Irvin (26) and Lamar Thomas (23). Hankerson is also one of only three players in school history with back-to-back 800-yard receiving seasons (Irvin, Andre Johnson). He caught a pass in 26 straight games dating back to Sept. 7, 2009, played in 41 games over his career (2007-2010) and earned First-Team All-ACC and SI.com All-America honorable mention honors his senior season. The Fort Lauderdale native wrapped up his career with 2,160 receiving yards on 134 receptions.
ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper has Hankerson projected as a second round pick to the St. Louis Rams, while Todd McShay has him going a round later to the Cleveland Browns.
Here are some other thoughts on Hankerson from experts and writers across the country…
ESPN (Insider) – Great work ethic. Will pay the price. Matured during career at Miami. One of the most improved players on the team in 2009 and continue to improve in 2010 due to hard work. No off the field issues to our knowledge. Taller and bigger than average WR prospects. Timed speed is a bit faster than he appears to have on tape. Has slightly longer arms (32 1/4 inches) and massive hands (10 5/8).
Xlog – “This could be a great pick for the Bears who need to come up with a number one receiver at some point. Johnny Knox and Devin Hester are good, but neither is a number one. This would give the Bears three Hurricanes in the passing game with Hankerson, Hester and tight end Greg Olsen.” – 1st round to the Bears
Draft Countdown (Scott Wright) – “The next in a long line of great Hurricane wideouts following in the footsteps of guys like Michael Irvin, Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson, just to name a few — More of a possession target and doesn’t really profile as a true #1 option but has the tools to be a starter at the next level.” – 2nd round to the Ravens
NFLDraftScout.com – “Compares to: Sidney Rice, Vikings — Hankerson would be a good fit in a West Coast-type offense because of his size and build-up speed. Rice was the 44th overall pick in 2007 and is more fluid and taller than Hankerson, but had a similar skill set entering the NFL.” – 2nd round to the Chargers
Sideline Scouting – “Good size and speed combination… Catches the ball with his hands and his arms extended… Will make the acrobatic catch, has above-average body control… Good route runner, very crafty… Has received great coaching, high school position coach was former NFL great Cris Carter at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Florida… Great leaping ability, can out jump defenders to the football… Consistent production, had four or more catches in 11 of 13 games this year… His 13 touchdown catches in 2010 set a single season school record at Miami (FL)… Hard worker, a high character player… Always working in the offseason to improve his game, worked last year with former NFL wide receiver Mark Duper… A viable deep threat, averaged 17.8 yards per catch in 2009 and 16.1 yards per catch in 2010… Has gotten better every year, should continue into the NFL… Has absolutely massive hands… Terrific showing at the Senior Bowl, saw his stock rise as much as any receiver.”- 2nd round to the Rams
A few other links to draft projections…
Mel Kiper (Insider) – 2nd round to St. Loius
McShay (Insider) – 3rd round to Cleveland
Sports News Southwest – 2nd round to Chicago
