Kupp reprty

PLAYER OVERVIEW

A no-star recruit out of high school, Kupp did whatever he could to attract attention from FBS-level schools like Washington and Washington State, but went overlooked and received only two scholarship offers (both FCS), committing to Eastern Washington over Idaho State. After redshirting in 2012, he earned a starting job in 2013 and won the Jerry Rice Award as the top FCS freshman with 93 catches, 1,691 receiving yards and a career-best 21 touchdown receptions. Kupp started 13 games in 2014 as a sophomore and posted 104 catches for 1,431 yards and 16 touchdowns, earning consensus All-American and All-Big Sky honors. He set new career-bests as a junior with 114 receptions for 1,642 receiving yards and 19 receiving grabs, cleaning up the accolades once again, including the FCS Offensive Player of the Year. Kupp flirted with leaving early for the NFL, but ultimately returned to school and saved his best for 2016. Despite missing some playing time due to injury as a senior, he set new Big Sky records for receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,700) over his 13 starts and once again earned consensus All-American honors and the FCS Offensive Player of the Year award.
The most prolific wide receiver in FCS history, Kupp lined up both inside and outside in EWU's spread scheme, doing much of his damage from the slot where he could manipulate the entire field. Kupp is a better football player than athlete and makes up for his lack of dynamic traits with technically sound routes, ballskills to catch everything thrown in his direction and the competitive drive needed for the NFL, playing with the mentality that he can't be covered. Although he doesn't have intimidating size or speed, Kupp has the innate feel for the position and savvy skills that will fit in any NFL scheme, projecting best in the slot.

ANALYSIS
Strengths: Tall, long frame with room to add bulk. Works over the middle very well while using his body to shield the ball from defenders. Has big, strong hands and can pluck passes in traffic. Shows a good feel for zone defenses and settles into open spots without drifting back into coverage. Possesses good body control and maintains balance in and out of cuts. Utilizes head fakes, sells defenders on the wrong route and has the strength to break tackles and gain extra yards after the catch. Focuses on passes and watches the ball all the way into his hands. Displays great concentration when fighting for jump balls and times his high-points well. Tracks the ball accurately while running and will sell out to make the catch. Is a willing blocker who can engage defenders with long arms. Excellent red-zone target.

WEAKNESSES: Marginal long-speed and lacks explosive twitch in his patterns. Relies more on timing/nuance than burst to create separation mid-route. Won't consistently make NFL defenders miss in space. Unthreatening body type and build for the position. Holds the ball too loose from his body, inviting defenders to force turnovers. Needs to improve his hand use to beat press and unglue himself at the top of routes. Missed playing time as a senior due to sprained AC joints in both shoulders (Sept. 2016). Thrived against lesser competition over his career at the FCS-level.