NFL Draft Profile: UCLA Football WR Jordan Lasley

With the NFL Draft season approaching, we here at Go Joe Bruin thought it prudent to give you UCLA Football fans NFL style draft profiles for each of your eligible Bruins. Up first is the latest Bruin to declare, Jordan Lasley.

During his time as a UCLA Football Bruin, Lasley could best be described as an enigma. A red-shirt junior who saw his production explode after his red-shirt freshman campaign, Lasley is an explosive receiver with enough speed to take the top off of a defense. In 2017 he became the an unstoppable deep threat and when forced to take the lead role because of injuries he performed very well.

Still, a three game absence in his final season for disciplinary reasons will raise red flags from the NFL. If Lasley is able to test as well as his film shows he could help erase some of the concerns that could be held by NFL teams.

Jordan Lasley/WR/6’1/205lbs

2017 stats: 69 receptions, 1,264 yards, nine touchdowns

Positives

Lasley has the size the NFL is looking for. Was able to use his six-foot-one frame to high point balls against smaller corners. Has good deep speed but isn’t purely a deep threat. Has the ability to turn a seven yard route into a house call. Can play from the slot position or out wide. Separates from coverage well using speed, foot quickness and sharp breaks at the top of routes. Will snatch the ball with strong hands not allowing the defensive back to make a play on the ball. Tracks the ball very well over the shoulder. Despite a very limited run game and being an established playmaker, teams stills struggled to slow him down. Greater strength than his frame would indicate. Has room in his frame to add more weight without losing much speed. Also offers value as a return man.

Negatives

A little thin framed. While he will make the tough catches he also will have concentration drops. Lasley will allow the ball into his body on occasion leading to some drops. Not the sharpest route runner, has a tendency to round out some of his routes, and will have to prove he can run the whole route tree. Has good deep speed but is not a burner. His three game suspension will require a thorough investigation.

Next: UCLA Football: Is the PAC-12 South division UCLA's for the taking?

Projection

During his time with the UCLA Football program Lasley went from a bit of a headcase to a reliable pass catcher. He’s not a number one receiver for an NFL team but just like he was able to do for the UCLA Football program, Lasley can be a complimentary deep threat and very solid third receiver who makes an impact on special teams. This draft class is going to have plenty of depth to it and unfortunately that might push Lasley down boards. The earliest I can see him coming off boards would be the third round. He reminds me a little of current Atlanta WR Andre Roberts who has found some success in the league as a secondary receiver and return man.