Ryan Swope, WR

03/16/2013 - 2013 Texas A&M Pro Day: Ryan Swope, WR (6 1/4, 203) - Swope - who grabbed a lot of attention for running a 4.34-second 40 in Indy - stood on his numbers from the combine. Former Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson - the Aggies' starter before Ryan Tannehill emerged as starter - threw passes to Swope, who looked good in the workout. - Gil Brandt, NFL.com

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Swope emerged as quarterback Ryan Tannehill's most trusted target in 2011 as senior Jeff Fuller struggled with drops. This wasn't a huge surprise, as Swope led the team in receptions (a then school-record 72) the year before, but many of his catches as a sophomore were on underneath routes that resulted in relatively few big plays (825 yards and four TDs).

In 2012, however, Swope enjoyed the greatest season (statistically-speaking) in the history of Texas A&M football, catching 89 passes for 1,207 yards and 11 scores. The catch total and receiving yards shattered school records and his 11 scores were just one behind the 12 Fuller caught in 2010.

He finished tied for second-best time in the 40-yard dash (4.34) at the Scouting Combine, not only among receivers but of any position.

Swope plays quick and wastes little time accelerating with the ball in his hands, but he isn't known as a speedster who will easily separate with his natural athleticism.

Dane Brugler talked to a scout after the wide receivers workouts who said, "you could have given me 10 guesses to who would have run a sub-4.35 40 and Swope would have never crossed my lips."

STRENGTHS: Sturdy frame with long arms and good muscular definition. Exhibits strong initial burst off the snap. Flexible hips to sink, burst and separate across the field. Displays strong awareness and anticipation of zone windows, and exhibits suddenness to flip, sit and locate the ball. Plucks the ball routinely, then looks it in and secures it before turning upfield. Fearless over the middle, and looks to extend plays after the catch. Possesses quick, agile feet and has a knack for shaking coverage with jukes and stabs.

Shows strong awareness of mismatches with linebackers and safeties, and possesses the 2nd level acceleration to beat either one. Tracks the ball well vertically, and adjusts his body nicely to throws off his frame. Effective 2nd-level cut-blocker when asked to support the run or quick WR screens. Consistently gives good effort to the whistle. Does not shy away from contact after the catch and flashes some power on contact to drag a defender.

WEAKNESSES: Struggles to break down and redirect rapidly, particularly when asked to plant and burst out of a pivot on underneath routes. Could be more physical against press, as he doesn't always utilize his solid frame to create space like he could. Isn't a real "burner", and relies more on quickness and fakes to create separation vertically. Will sit down and wait for the throw at times rather than drive back to the ball. Doesn't possess a huge "catch radius" and isn't a guy you can necessarily just throw it up to and rely on to go get it.

COMPARES TO: Brandon Stokley, WR, Denver Broncos - I look at Swope as a bigger, more athletic version of the veteran Stokely, but similar in terms of route-running efficiency, smarts, and craftiness in creating vertical separation. Although there are more athletic, explosive receivers in this year's group, few are more refined and ready to contribute than Swope, who probably falls somewhere between rounds 2 and 4, but is capable of putting up first-round numbers in the right offense. Has been designated by many as a pure "slot" target at the next level, but I see some tools that suggest he could be effective on the outside as well.

--Derek Stephens