Jalen Cropper, WR Fresno State: Offseason 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Cropper was a four-star ATH recruit from Buchanan High School in Clovis, Calif. in the class of 2019

Most analysts watching Fresno State last year focused on quarterback Jake Haener, but his top wide receiver, Jalen Cropper, will also hear his name called in the 2023 NFL Draft. Cropper is one of the premier small-school FBS wide receiver prospects heading into the 2022 college football season. Let’s take a dive into his background and playing style.

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Jalen Cropper, WR Fresno State: 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Classification: Senior slot receiver from Parlier, Calif.

Background: Cropper was a four-star ATH recruit from Buchanan High School in Clovis, Calif. in the class of 2019. He was the No. 409 recruit (three-star) according to 247Sports and No. 336 (four-star) for On3.com. Cropper was an unranked three-star recruit for Rivals. He was unranked for ESPN with an 80 grade out of 100 (four-star). Cropper played high school football at Sanger High School (Sanger, Calif.) before spending his final season with Buchanan High School. As a high school senior, Cropper caught 22 passes for 565 yards and three scores. He also rushed for 179 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries and intercepted two passes on defense. As a high school sophomore, Cropper scored 19 total touchdowns and rushed for over 700 yards. He has four younger siblings.

2021 Production: 13 games, 85 receptions, 899 yards, 11 touchdowns + 19 carries, 76 yards, 2 touchdowns

2020 Production: 6 games, 37 receptions, 520 yards, 5 touchdowns + 9 kick returns, 184 yards

2019 Production: 10 games, 15 receptions, 196 yards + 20 carries, 343 yards, 3 touchdowns + 5 kick returns, 113 yards

Injuries & Off-Field: Minor ankle injury (2020) but missed no time, carted off the field with a knee injury (2021) but didn’t miss a game

Awards: 2020 Honorable Mention All-Mountain West, 2021 Second-Team All-Mountain West

Pros: Eliminated drop concerns in 2021, experience as a return man, speed to threaten defenses vertically, acceleration to separate from defenders, varies route tempo, bounces off more tackles than you would expect at his size, looks like he weighs more than 172 lbs., has added nearly 20 lbs. since his freshman season, choppy feet coming off the line, not twitchy but he’s elusive, comfortable working the sideline, dynamic YAC threat who can string together multiple moves and break arm tackles, vision

Cons: Fumbled six times in 2021, slot-only option, no experience on special teams coverage, negative in contested catch situations, lean and high-hipped, not a true burner in the long run, he’ll struggle to battle through press or tight coverages in the NFL, physical defensive backs will disrupt his route, lacks productive outings against NFL-caliber corners, given plenty of schemed touches, limitations as a blocker, frame might be maxed out

Overview: Cropper is unofficially listed at 6'0", 172 lbs. The California native possesses great speed, although I wouldn’t put him in the same class as some of college football’s elite burners. Despite his size, Cropper shows resilience with the ball in his hands. He generates YAC through a combination of spin and juke moves and broken arm tackles. As a former do-it-all high school player, Cropper has excellent field vision and an understanding of spacing. However, I’m concerned about his frame. He appears to have high hips, which could hinder his ability to sink on various routes, and he doesn’t possess the broad frame to add much more weight. I’d believe you if you told me he was more around 180 lbs., but that’s still light for a player with his height. Cropper’s frame opens him to being pushed around by aggressive corners, getting crowded at the catch point, and being moved backward as a blocker.

Overall, Cropper is a heavily traits-based prospect for a wide receiver who will need to play in the slot to avoid press coverage. There’s a lot to like about Cropper’s game, but NFL teams need to see him produce more when facing elite competition to buy him as anything higher than a Day 3 selection.

Role & Scheme Fit: Slot receiver (Y) in an 11 personnel heavy scheme

Round Projection: Mid Fourth to Early Fifth

Player Comparison: N/A

Submitted: 07-15-22