Draft Analysis: Ricky White III

February 28, 2025 /
  • Height: 6’1″
  • Weight: 185 lb
  • College: UNLV
  • Tape watched: Syracuse, Boise State, Air Force (2023)
  • NFL Comparison: Rashee Rice -Jalen McMillan hybrid

Pros

  • Versatility

A team captain, back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, 24 career touchdown receiver that led the NCAA in blocked punts? Ricky White III does it all. He has experience playing both perimeter and slot receiver. Teams drafting Ricky White III are getting a competitive and all-around football player.

White III blocked four, yes four, punts in 2024.
  • Footwork

White III is surgical with his footwork, both in his releases and in his routes. He has fantastic lateral ability that he uses in all facets of the game. Ricky White III forced 23 missed tackles, good for Top 20 amongst pass catcher in the NCAA.

  • Route Running

Ricky White III wins against all coverage. Pairing his exceptional footwork with his ability to change tempo in his routes, White III excelled against man and zone coverages. I really liked White III’s consciousness to work back to the quarterback, specifically on horizontal breaking routes.

One area White III can improve in is running vertical routes. He can be leveraged to the sideline, erasing any pocket for the quarterback to throw the ball. His route cuts were sometimes rounded without explosion, tipping defenders of his route.

This ball is likely intercepted if White doesn’t work back to it.

Midline

  • YAC

When there is space, White III is dangerous with the football. He can shake defenders with the best of them. His stopping power behind his pads is limited, giving up weight disadvantages in most instances. He has good ball carrier vision and finds cutback lanes well. He returned one punt for a touchdown in only four attempts at UNLV.

  • Hands

Drops have been somewhat of a plague for Ricky White III, totaling 21 in his last three seasons. He is above average for his body type in contested catch situations. I thought he tracked the ball well on the sideline and downfield.

  • Release

White III hides his deficiencies with his footwork. White III struggles to use his hands against press coverage. Physical corners can give him trouble as a result. In mirror coverage, White sets up his route stems really well. He chases the blind spots of cornerbacks and uses jab steps efficiently.

Cons

  • Frame

Rail thin, White III stands to gain a lot from an NFL strength and conditioning program. He can improve his blocking, press release, and route running from gaining functional strength.

  • Blocking

While his effort at times can be great, his technique struggles consistently. Ricky White III has the tenacity you want from a receiver blocking. He attacks defenders off the line of scrimmage and will look for more work downfield. His struggles stem from upper body strength and holding his ground on blocks. His angles can be lazy, and he rarely uses good stance and leverage.

A glimpse at the potential White III has impacting the run game positively.

Overview

Ricky White III should start to have his draft stock heat up the closer we get to April. He has proven success, great supporting analytics, and passes the vibes check of a receiver that will be successful at the next level. White III will be a great addition to an NFL locker room, contributing day one to some aspect of the game.

White projects to be a solid Z or slot type receiver that can make big plays. If he can improve his hands, deep route profile, and blocking skills, he may develop into a Top 50 receiver in the NFL.