2017 NFL Draft: Penn State Chris Godwin Scouting Report
Penn State’s Chris Godwin is looking to use his sensational Rose Bowl performance as a spring board into the NFL.
Chris Godwin is a big-bodied wide receiver who knows how to use his size to his advantage. He excels at using his frame to box out the defender and put himself in position to haul in the pass. His leaping ability and strong hands also play a major role.
Godwin’s aggressiveness is important to his success as he always looks to high-point the football. He has elite awareness that allows him to track the football. His body control helps him make adjustments and make plays on poorly thrown balls.
The NFL is trending towards bigger receivers like Godwin who can win in contested situations. He’s the type of down-field threat that can change the outcome of a game with one play.
More from With the First Pick
Godwin isn’t a one-trick pony as he shows the ability to run a number of different routes. He isn’t afraid to work across the middle and does a good job working the sidelines. However, it’s his down-field success that makes him such an attractive prospect.
The combine will be important to Godwin’s draft stock. He isn’t a burner but does show enough speed to create some separation. His 40-time could either create question marks about his speed or prove that he’s a legitimate big-play threat.
He needs to be a little more consistent with catching the easy passes. There are times where the ball hits his hands but are dropped. This isn’t a major concern as he obviously has good hands, but just needs to focus a little more on the easier routes.
Godwin also needs to show more aggressiveness as a run blocker. Penn State often asked him to come across the middle to block the safety. However, he didn’t attack this assignment with a ton of effort which resulted in the safety making the tackle.
Overall, Godwin has the talent to be a highly effective NFL receiver. His ability to fight through contact and high point the football is what NFL teams are looking for in a receiver.
Current Draft Stock: 2nd Round
-
NFL Week 1 odds, predictions, best bets: Lines for all 16 games
Why Chiefs' Harrison Butker missed the mark in commencement speech
2024 NFL strength of schedule: Ranking every team's slate
-
2024 NFL schedule release: Win-loss predictions, analysis for every team
Inside the NFL schedule puzzle: Byes, Christmas, overseas trips and Taylor Swift
2025 Super Bowl LIX odds: Arizona Cardinals on the move after schedule release
-
Shedeur Sanders has the hype — and skill — to be QB1 in 2025 draft class
QB Jared Goff has long-term deal in Detroit, and now he wants a Super Bowl title
Will Caleb Williams become Bears' first 4,000-yard passer in 2024?
-
NFL Week 1 odds, predictions, best bets: Lines for all 16 games
Why Chiefs' Harrison Butker missed the mark in commencement speech
2024 NFL strength of schedule: Ranking every team's slate
-
2024 NFL schedule release: Win-loss predictions, analysis for every team
Inside the NFL schedule puzzle: Byes, Christmas, overseas trips and Taylor Swift
2025 Super Bowl LIX odds: Arizona Cardinals on the move after schedule release
-
Shedeur Sanders has the hype — and skill — to be QB1 in 2025 draft class
QB Jared Goff has long-term deal in Detroit, and now he wants a Super Bowl title
Will Caleb Williams become Bears' first 4,000-yard passer in 2024?