Quote
Deadpool
Sure, size wise, they are very similar.
Natson Pro Day - 5'-6 3/4" 159 lbs. 4.46 40 (Thats pedestrian for a speedster) and a 7.20 3 cone
Atwell Pro Day - 5'-8 7/8" (I've also read 5'-7 3/4"
155 lbs. He ran a 4.32 and a 6.87 3 cone
They are both quick, but Atwell is fast. Elite fast. I bet jefferson could run a 4.46. He aint keeping up with Atwell. The other major difference, and Alyo can speak more about this, is Natson should be a sub 7 3 cone. It highlights change of direction and suddenness. 7.20 is not good. a 6.87 is again elite.
And its shows up in games. Natson was shifty, but he wasn't the ankle breaker Atwell is, and Atwell's top end just eliminated so many angles defenders took at him.
Neither one was a nuanced route runner, neither is going to win 50/50 balls. But as far as speed/twitch Atwell is way more superior. And I like his vision better in the open field. And I think he tracks the ball better.
Natson should have been more advanced as far as a WR in college, but he really was raw. And it never seemed to improve for him. Atwell (who's dad was a WR) played HS QB, so I think the route running, changing speeds in and out of breaks, changing the tempo, footwork, sinking hips, even his hands could and should all improve since he has been a WR for exactly 3 years.
So while I get the size comparison, the stats comparison is hollow to me simply because so much more goes into a WR catching passes and running. Is their QB any good, what offensive system are they in, whats the level of competition like. Did they draw the #1 CB week in and week out? And as far as the athletic comparison, I think Atwell just is more athletic. If you want to say Natson jumped longer fine. But verts and long jumps are less meaningful to me than the 3 cone. Esp with shifty runners. I love good 3 cones on LBers and DBs as well.
One last thing on size, I know I struggle with Natson's size, but give him a chance. Size isn't everything. I am 6'-0" 235 lbs, does that mean I should be a ILBer for the Rams, I mean I am 5 lbs heaver than Earnest Jones...its what you do with the size that matters. And Atwell uses it to get into the endzone once every 7 touches in college.