Draft Analysis: Jaelon Darden

March 21, 2021 /
  • Height: 5’9″
  • Weight: 174 lbs
  • College: North Texas
  • Tape watched: Louisiana Tech 2020, UTSA 2020, UTEP 2020
  • NFL Comparison: Jakeem Grant

Pros

  • YAC/Athleticism
    Jaelon Darden is in a small class of receivers that can score anytime they touch the ball, from anywhere on the field. His short space quickness and elusiveness is impressive. He has great contact balance and his size is not representative of his play-style. He will outrun and break the edge on countless runs even when it appears his only option is out of bounds. Darden is fearless heading into crowded spaces and doesn’t shy from contact. He has incredible acceleration and the ability to stop on a dime.
  • Route Running
    Within the North Texas system, Darden ran very effective routes. He climbs his route stems quickly and has great snap breaking in all directions. His 10+ yard hitches and comebacks are nearly un-guardable due to his speed, and how quickly he can break down and snap back to the football, both of which demand respect. His speed cuts are seamless, which allow him to slice through defensive zones and catch slants at full speed.
  • Separation
    Darden should have no issues separating from defenders at the next level. Whether he uses his pure speed and athleticism, or his good route breaks, Darden becomes a blur. He’s is difficult to press successfully due to his lightning first step and quick acceleration.

Cons

  • Hands
    With several drops on tape, Darden displays issues with consistent and reliable hands. He struggles in contested situations and the ball can run in on his body too quickly on crossing routes. He has dropped would-be touchdown passes over the shoulder. He does attack the ball well when he sees the ball early, so there is plenty to be confident about.
  • Route Tree
    North Texas had a very simplified route tree that Darden excelled in. He ran the most standup screens of maybe any receiver in the class, scoring or converting first downs on the majority of them. However, his other routes were slants, hitches, and vertical routes. Very rarely was Darden asked to run out breaking routes, choice routes, or double moves that were found on tape.
  • Size
    He has the traits to play all over the field in the NFL, however, his short stature will limit his usage to quick screens and pick plays in the redzone where space shrinks. He is not great at catching outside of his frame and does not project as a 50/50 winner. He needs to add more active hands and power to his releases.

Overview

Jaelon Darden joins the likes of Kadarius Toney in the battle for the most electric wide receiver in the 2021 class. He has elite speed and acceleration that pairs with an elusiveness that can score on any play. He will be a nightmare to matchup against in the slot, and can also play outside. He may struggle against elite press corners, as he is not great at hand fighting and will be undersized on the perimeter. There were occasionally drops in traffic and some concentration drops over the shoulder, but overall he attacks the ball well and secures it after the catch. Look for Darden to fly up draft boards and a GM to take a swing at a superstar playmaker.