His height and 40-yard dash time have been scrutinized. But Justin Blackmon has proven he produces on the field. And that’s why his former offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State says he’ll be good in the NFL.
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Could that occur with the Redskins? Maybe. It’s more likely that Washington will use that sixth pick on a quarterback or another position and find a receiver in free agency.
But Blackmon is a legitimate top-10 pick despite those who wonder about his size (6-foot-1, 207 pounds) and time in the 40-yard dash (he didn’t run at the combine but some fear he’ll only run it in 4.6 seconds).
Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Todd Monken — a former receivers coach in the NFL with Jacksonville — said Blackmon’s strength is his ability to make plays after the catch, which the Redskins sorely need.
“It’s hard to teach someone natural run instincts after the catch,” Monken said. “Guys catch it and think they’ll score or they’ll fall down and run into the wall on the sideline. Guys who play strong through the ball, they get their hands away from their body and even though defenders are around them they make the catch. Some guys can’t do that and they play small. He doesn’t do that.”
Monken said Blackmon has qualities that are tough to teach, like his competitive edge.
“That doesn’t mean he’ll make it. I just know that guys that don’t have it, it’s much harder to make it,” Monken said.
This information was pulled from John Keim’s Redskins Report, emailed each Friday. To sign up for a free subscription, visit: http://vip-stage.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/redskins-confidential/2011/10/redskins-insider-emails-sign-here/149547.
