Scouting Profile: Da'Rick Rogers

Should the Rams consider the very talented, but troubled, Da'Rick Rodgers?

By Brandon Birkhead Mar 4, 2013, 11:53am CST

Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech

Overview:

Rogers was first team All-SEC at Tennessee his sophomore season. He had 67 catches for 1040 yards and 9 TDs and was a major force for the Vols.

In the spring of 2012, Rogers was dismissed from Tennessee for violating team rules, ESPN reported that is was due to "multiple violations of the school's substance-abuse policy for athletes." Failed drug test are concerning, but they aren't completely detrimental to a NFL prospect. Weed doesn't concern NFL teams very much, but if it's anything worse it would be a huge red flag. What is very concerning here is it was multiple failed drug test. This means he either didn't learn his lesson or he didn't care. His combine interviews he did with teams could change his stock greatly.

Rogers transfered to an FCS school for his Junior season so he wouldn't have to sit out a year per NCAA transfer rules. He predictably had a good season against inferior competition compiling 78 rec., 1207 yards, and 11TDs.

Strengths

Good size at 6' 2" 217lbs.

Very tough to bring down and has good moves.

Tremendous after the catch.

Decent hands. Doesn't drop many, but he lets too many balls get to his body.

Doesn't seem bothered by defenders around him while making the catch, which is huge for the style of WR his is.

Knows how to use his body. Physical over the middle.

Good at tracking the ball in the air, but not great. Smooth adjusting to off target throws.

Good run blocker.

Weaknesses

Not explosive off the line. No second gear. One speed player.

Just an average route runner, and doesn't seem to have potential to improve much here.

Character concerns. Coachable?

Not a natural hands catcher.

Not a savvy player yet. Relies on simply being better than the player covering him.

Overall

Da'Rick Rogers can step in and be a physical after the catch WR in the NFL, but he doesn't have the speed or explosiveness to be a true number one WR. Think Hines Ward or Anquan Boldin mold. I love using him on crossing routes and slants. Also is a good option to throw to on quick screens. Right now I would draft him in the mid to late 2nd round. If I am the Rams, I would not be very interested in Rogers. He is talented, but the Rams already have Brain Quick, who the team is still high on. He and Da'Rick are too similar to for the Rams to draft Rogers.