04/30/2012 - A closer look at the Patriots' picks: Round 7/235 -- Jeremy Ebert, WR, 6-0, 195, Northwestern...A former high school quarterback, Ebert became a dangerous weapon as a receiver and rusher in college. He could wind up as a valuable contributor on special team as a rookie. - The Sports Xchange
Run a 4.38-second 40-yard dash in front of NFL scouts, and they'll scurry to pop in your game film no matter how little-known your name is. That's precisely what Ebert did at Northwestern's March 8 pro day.
At 5-11 and 200 pounds, he's built like a slot receiver and was highly productive at Northwestern with 173 career receptions. His speed was complemented by a 33-inch vertical, a 9'4" broad jump and a 4.15 short shuttle. His 6.70 in the three-cone drill would have ranked third among all receivers at the combine - had he been invited.
He is a reliable possession receiver with soft hands and very good focus to make challenging catches. Ebert tracks the ball well and shows savvy and toughness on the field that shows up on tape.
Analysis
Strengths: Reliable possession receiver, soft hands with very good focus to make challenging catches. Tracks the ball well. Sneaky quickness to get behind coverage and shows a second gear. Tough, smart and savvy, doing a lot of the little things right to maximize his ability. Very good body control and coordination. Smooth route runner and body action to sell routes. Overachieving attitude and has a strong work ethic. Very productive and finished his career with 173 total catches and 2,400 yards.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite burst to create much separation in tight coverage and won't be able to stretch the field. Average speed and won't out-run any defensive backs at the next level. Ordinary size, strength and length and needs to get stronger. Lacks elusive footwork or moves to make defenders miss or slip tackles. Doesn't have a huge ceiling to get much better than he is right now and won't contribute as a return man.
--Dane Brugler
