Oklahoma Sooners Football

What The New York Jets Should Know, Now That They've Drafted WR Jalen Saunders

Jalen Saunders is electric both as a receiver and a punt returner.

By M. Hofeld@CCMachine May 10, 2014, 1:01pm CDT

A lightweight, quicker-than-fast, competitive slot receiver and punt returner, Saunders will always have size limitations, but has the hands, suddenness, polish and moxie to be a useful piece for a creative offensive coordinator able to free him up. Return ability adds to value. -Nolan Nawrocki (NFL.com)

Jalen Saunders has been one of the most electrifying players at Oklahoma over the last two seasons. A small, but physical, receiver who can play both inside and on the edge Saunders is also a nasty blocker who can punish defenders.

In less than two full seasons at Oklahoma, he racked up 1,558 yards on 123 receptions. He also averaged 16.5 yards per punt return, with three taken back for scores. Following the the 2013 season he was named as a first team All Big XII punt returner and a second team receiver.

Vitals

HT	5-9
WT	165

Career Moment 11-24-12

With the Sooners trailing 38-30 at the onset of the fourth quarter of the Bedlam Game. Saunders fielded a punt and returned it 81-yards for a score, setting up a 2-point conversion play that tied the game. Oklahoma would go on to beat their in-state rivals 51-48, in overtime, with Saunders catching 10 passes for 162 yards and another score.

Strengths

Great Balance And Control

Saunders speed is top notch but his balance and body control allow him to adjust for a catch, spin out of a hit, and makes him an elusive runner with the ball in his hands.

Speed And Routes

His speed allows him to put separation from himself and defenders. He sinks his hips which allows him to come clean out of a break. That, with his speed, can turn a short pass into a down field gain.

Soft Hands

Saunders didn't drop many passes in college. He tallied up 203 catches for 3,085 yards and 26 receiving touchdowns.

Weaknesses

Small Frame

His body isn't built to take a pounding and he could easily get knocked off his routes by physical NFL caliber defenders.

Often Uses His Body To Complete The Catch

Needs to trust his hands more often and not complete the catch by bringing the ball into his body. Without gripping the ball with his body defenders have the opportunity to separate him from it.