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Texas Tech's offense has produced some prolific receivers over the past decade, and Cantrell's the next pass-catcher trying to continue that success at the next level. He was a four-star recruit from Whitehouse, Texas, before joining Tech, and receiving playing time right away, playing in 11 games as a back-up and catching nine passes for 70 yards and a score. Cantrell started six games the following year (20 receptions, 312 yards, two touchdowns in 12 games), but then had to redshirt the 2015 season due to a back injury. He missed two games with an injury in 2016, as well, but was still one of the team's top receivers (58 receptions, 675 yards, eight touchdowns in 10 starts). Cantrell received honorable mention All-Big 12 notice from league coaches in 2017, starting all 13 games and catching 71 passes for 816 yards and seven scores.
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Rounds 5-6
Overview
Getting through Cantrell's tape is a lot of fun because his instincts, ball skills and body control are so good. He is well-versed in using his frame to create separation and needs small catch windows to do his thing. While he does have an NFL frame, his lack of quickness and speed will be hard to get past for evaluators. He lacks functional speed to back cornerbacks off and the quickness to create separation underneath. If he runs better than expected, he could hear his name called late, but back-end of the roster may be his ceiling.
Getting through Cantrell's tape is a lot of fun because his instincts, ball skills and body control are so good. He is well-versed in using his frame to create separation and needs small catch windows to do his thing. While he does have an NFL frame, his lack of quickness and speed will be hard to get past for evaluators. He lacks functional speed to back cornerbacks off and the quickness to create separation underneath. If he runs better than expected, he could hear his name called late, but back-end of the roster may be his ceiling.
Strengths
- Big body wideout who knows how to use his size
- Ball magnet as pass catcher
- Drops are extremely rare
- Possesses late hands that can stab throws without advanced notice
- Master of the sideline
- Uses frame to create space near the boundary and shields cornerbacks from the throw
- Impressive ability to leap, turn and secure the back shoulder throw time after time
- Consistently drops toes inbounds
- Comfortable with company as he has a talent for finding catch room underneath against press
- Aggressive runner after catch
- Squares and gives good engagement as a blocker
- Has slot experience
Weaknesses
- Feet are lethargic off his release
- Sees loads of press coverage as defenders know he can't beat them deep
- Lacks route speed and quickness to uncover on intermediate routes as a pro
- Very little acceleration out of breaks
- Most catches against man coverage are contested
- Doesn't have much improv to his game once route comes to an end and quarterback scrambles.
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