There's not a whole lot of film available on the internet of Patriots third-round pick Devin Asiasi. Guess Chip Kelly's 4-8 Bruins weren't exactly must-see TV for most.
And, to be honest, what film was available ... wasn't very compelling. Asiasi looked like a mix between Jermaine Wiggins (undrafted by the Jets in 1999 but went on to average 62 catches for the Vikings after a stint with the Patriots) and Michael Hoomanawanui (fifth-round pick by the Rams in 2010).
Asiasi looks slow and plodding. There's nothing special in his route running. His blocking isn't great. Look for yourself against Washington State, No. 86 (there's a schemed-up TD at the end):
Could have called him Wiggy-awanui.
Setup: He's in the slot (as he often is) and you'll see him at the 20-yard break out on a corner route.
Skinny: This was the first clip where I saw a guy who had some explosion off the line and ability to get out into a route and make something happen. Good route, good explosion. OK, now we're talking.
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NEGATIVES
- Inconsistent on the college level. Looks like a stiff who won't stay long in the league in some games (especially early last season), and then looks like a future All-Pro in others.
- What's the deal with that? What are the reasons? Very leery of players who think they can turn it off and on when they want. Did he only turn it on last year when he thought about turning pro? Does he have maturity issues? Had a lot of penalties for his position. Left Michigan, three-game suspension.
- Blocking, at this point, is terrible, but almost all of it is technique. He exposes his chest too much, lets defenders get into body, thumps with shoulder. Someone needs to show him how to block like a man, man0 a mano. Patriots will get him out there on the edge. Let John Simon go a round or two with him.
- Not a great football body and could get heavy. Does he care enough? Weak with only 16 reps on the 225-pound bench press. Shows up in his blocking. Not a dynamic athlete. May limit his ceiling in the NFL.
- May have trouble getting off man coverage at the NFL if someone is physical with him. Will need to show he's not soft on those types of plays.
- Gets into his route quickly and has a great fluidity to him as an athlete — almost like a basketball player. This is probably the part that excites me the most. If he wants to be a good pro, he has a lot of potential just due to the underlying athlete he is. He has way more potential to even what he's shown.
- Doesn't power down after the catch and gets up to speed quickly.
- Tremendously soft hands (only one drop last season) and adjusts very well to the ball in the air.
- Has rare after-the-catch ability for the position so he'll be more than just the type who catches the ball and dives forward.
- Can line up all over the formation.
- Despite his maturity issues, was extremely well-liked by teammates. Comments by one: "I can honestly tell you he was a great teammate. All of the players love the guy. If I ever wanted to get extra work in, he was always wanting to be a part of it. He wasn’t a big party guy that some people make him out to be. He is really relaxed and calm with a strong work ethic."
- Seems to have an infectious attitude and love of the game on the field.