CeeDee Lamb's run-after-catch ability is going to allow him to be a factor as a rookie.

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High-end NFL Player Comp(s): Tyler Boyd
Low-end NFL Player Comp(s): Brandon Lloyd

Best Scheme Fit: Universal.

Strengths

• A combination of very good hip flexibility and a strong lower half allows him to create significant damage after the catch. (0:24, 5:11, 5:23, 7:10, 9:06, 11:08, 12:37)
  
  
• Consistently sheds weak tackle attempts and seems to find another level of tackle-breaking ability when the end zone is in sight. (5:23, 7:10, 9:06, 11:08, 12:37)
  
  
• Exhibits high-end body control and does not flinch when the ball is in traffic. (0:30, 1:45, 3:14, 9:45)
  
  
• Tracks ball well and easily adjusts to throws away from his body. (0:03, 0:18, 0:25, 1:08, 1:26)
  
  
• Uses patience and tempo to get into the defender's blind spot and almost instantaneously breaks off his route to create the optimal amount of separation. (1:25, 2:23, 2:58, 9:49)
  
  
• Understands the importance of uncovering against and has a feel for finding the soft spot against zone coverage. (1:20, 1:57, 7:27, 9:12, 9:57)
  
  
• Possesses the awareness to work back to his quarterback when he is in trouble. (0:59, 2:39, 8:36, 11:09)
  
  
• Shows a lot of feistiness and good technique as a blocker; laid out a man or two during his time in college. (0:17, 1:14, 3:12, 7:27, 10:06)

Concerns

• Average deep speed and doesn't do a lot route-wise to create much separation on deep balls. (0:03, 0:18, 2:14, 9:26)
  
  
• Doesn't do much to disguise his intentions and/or gives away the route too early near the goal line. (5:56, 8:40)
  
  
• Questionable effort/route when he knew he wasn't getting the ball. (1:02, 5:17, 7:51, 8:14)
  
  
• Needs to run a crisper route to set up the cornerback on a slant. (2:43, 11:27)
  
  
• College offense (and the lack of solid Big 12 defenses willing to challenge said offense) led to one free release after another.
  
  
• Seemed as though an inordinate amount of his 2019 production came on long-developing deep crossing/over routes against zone defenses or scramble-drill plays.

Bottom Line

Lamb bears a striking resemblance to Robby Anderson in terms of his build, but that's about where the similarities end between the two. The Texas native obviously dedicated himself to the weight room and reaped the rewards for it in 2019, becoming one of the most dynamic receivers after the catch in the country. (He averaged 11 yards after the catch per reception in 2019 and forced 26 missed tackles - fifth and second among draft-eligible receivers, respectively, per Pro Football Focus). For the folks that were able to watch Lloyd in his prime, few receivers exhibited a better combination of body control and ball tracking than he did. Lamb may not be in Lloyd's class in that regard yet, but it is most definitely a strength of the former's game.

The hype train appears to be out in full force in regards to Lamb, as he has generated multiple comparisons to DeAndre Hopkins and been labeled as one of the most advanced wide receiver prospects in recent memory. Maybe he proves those sentiments right down the road, but that is setting the bar far too high initially for a player who is not a burner and doesn't create a lot of early separation. He's strong enough to defeat physical cornerbacks, but he faced so little press coverage in college that it would be premature to say he's going to be good at that right away in the pros. In short, it's hard to suggest Lamb is a transcendent player if he doesn't have elite speed or experience against press coverage.

With that said, the lack of those two traits (or at least the absence of proof in the case of the latter) doesn't mean a prospect can't be a lead receiver in the NFL. Creating separation, playing the ball well in the air and generating yards after the catch are typically much more important, and those are all areas in which Lamb easily holds his own or excels. Those qualities should ensure he'll find success in the pros regardless of where he lands, as he can make an inaccurate quarterback look good and an accurate quarterback look great. In that way, the comparison to Hopkins is mostly accurate. However, Lamb is nowhere near his physical as Hopkins and will need to add some more strength in his upper body if he hopes to get there. Ultimately, Lamb's run-after-catch ability is going to allow him to be a factor as a rookie, but it's fair to wonder if he can consistently produce as a team's primary receiving option - especially against the best corners in the league - by relying so heavily on ball tracking and body control. With that said, as long as his new team sets the bar at Boyd and not Hopkins in regards to his long-term prospects, Lamb should prove more than worthy of a top 15 pick.