Smaller receivers who excel in space are slowly becoming a more valuable commodity in today’s NFL, with exceptional recent production from players like Tank Dell and Tyler Lockett.
Does the speedy Anthony Gould from Oregon State have the NFL Draft scouting report that suggests he can be a big-time contributor to an NFL offense?
Anthony Gould’s Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 5’8″
- Weight: 174 pounds
- Hand: 8 7/8”
- Arm: 29 5/8”
- Position: WR
- School: Oregon State
- Current year: Redshirt Junior
Gould was a three-star playmaker prospect from West Salem High School in Leavenworth, Kansas. He was a multi-sport athlete during his prep days, excelling on the football field and the track.
Gould’s collegiate career at Oregon State got off to a slow start through his first two years, but he would finally start getting involved in the offense in 2021 with 13 receptions for 185 yards and a score to go with an additional 50 rushing yards on five carries.
I'm in the weeds studying a lot of lower tier guys for the Rookie Guide.
Watching Anthony Gould has been like an oasis in the desert. Kid can play! pic.twitter.com/YE7wkUgjbY
— CouchScouts (@CouchScoutsFF) April 20, 2024
His 2022 campaign was his true breakout year with an admirable 27 receptions for 457 yards and three scores while excelling as a punt returner with 256 returns yards and two more scores. He finished out his collegiate career with 44 catches for 718 yards and two receiving scores in 2023.
Gould’s Scouting Report
Strengths
- Acceleration and burst jumps off the tape; Gets up to top speed in an instant off the line of scrimmage (LOS).
- Foot quickness helps him defeat defensive backs with his release package.
- Fluidity and deception on vertical route concepts are present; Could have had far more production in 2023 with better quarterback play.
- Top speed is a big plus; Opposing defenses must respect his vertical speed.
- Plus-level contributor in the return game.
- Although the production wasn’t there in college, twitchiness and creativity are in his bag as a ball carrier to be a potential YAC threat in the NFL.
- Ideal quickness and suddenness to operate out of the slot at the next level.
Weaknesses
- Miniature build for an NFL wide receiver.
- Struggles to disengage from DBs who land their initial jab in press coverage; Can get re-routed and bullied by physical corners; Could stand to use his hands more effectively to beat press corners and avoid being knocked off his line at the top of his stem.
- Catch radius is limited due to lack of arm length and height.
- Some wasted motion at the top of his stem; Can take a few extra steps when trying to snap down on hitch routes.
- Lacks consistent physicality when trying to fight through contact at the breakpoint.
- Prefers to body catch rather than attack the football with his hands.
- Play strength limitations could present issues in contested catch and run-blocking situations.
Current Draft Projection and Summary
Gould is an interesting case study heading into the NFL, given his explosive athletic traits are certainly there. However, his college production was quite underwhelming, considering his plus-level movement abilities.
Gould proved capable of getting behind opposing secondaries with his upfield burst but was often not found by QB DJ Uiagalelei, which could provide some context to his relatively modest statistical production.
Despite playing primarily on the outside during his time with the Beavers, Gould’s skill set would likely be far better suited to working in the slot where he doesn’t have to deal with longer, physical press cover corners at the next level.
As a route runner, Gould wins more with athleticism than technique or nuance but is still capable of generating separation on all three levels of the football field.
Gould’s contributions as a returner could be his best chance to make a roster as a Day 3 prospect, but he could see a specialist/rotational type role in 11 personnel on the offensive side of the ball in the NFL.
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