The Texas Longhorns have a handful of draftable playmakers surrounding quarterback Quinn Ewers. The biggest unknown of the group is wide receiver Isaiah Neyor. We’re breaking down Neyor’s scouting report for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Isaiah Neyor Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 219
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: Texas
- Year: Senior
Starting his career at Wyoming, Neyor averaged an incredible 21.7 yards per reception over his first two seasons, racking up 1,126 yards and 12 touchdowns on only 52 receptions. He tore his ACL over the summer of 2022, missing the entire season. He’s been cleared as fully healthy entering 2023.
Isaiah Neyor Scouting Report
Strengths
- Boasts a huge frame with good deep speed, forcing defenders to be physical with Neyor or risk losing a jump ball or on a deep route if they misread his route.
- Rare measurables and plays to his size.
- His wingspan and catch radius are enormous.
- Explosive big-play threat who was able to get over the top of defenders with ease while at Wyoming.
- Able to pluck the ball out of the air and finish with a defender hand-fighting him and challenging him at the catch point.
- Long strider who can create after the catch if he has a runway. Fluid sprinter who has enough speed to keep his distance from defenders.
- Can use his body to box out defenders.
Weaknesses
- Missed the 2022 season with a torn ACL.
- Will jog into routes if he’ll be cutting a different direction, giving defenders the chance to know he’s not just running straight.
- Gets too cute off the line of scrimmage with his releases, including a jump release that does nothing to threaten defenders.
- Will allow the ball to get too inside of his frame at times, leading to double catches and drops.
- More of a straight-line threat than someone who will make defenders miss in space.
- Can be too reliant on big plays as the majority of his catches were downfield, so he’ll have to be effective on shorter routes too.
Current Draft Projection and Summary
It’s notable when a big, fast receiver can physically dominate defenders on a whim. Most 6’3″, 219-pounders don’t run nearly as fast as Neyor can. His production and film at Wyoming back up his raw measurables. A torn ACL and transfer to Texas make his projection more difficult, though.
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While it’s impressive, Neyor was too much for Group of Five defenders to handle, repeating his performance in the Big 12 is a different challenge. If he does it, Neyor could have legitimate Round 1 potential. His catch radius, strong hands, and fluidity on deep routes are comparable to 2023 first-rounder Quentin Johnston.
Producing at an elite level with Ewers shouldn’t be an issue, but overcoming the deep competition along the receiver unit could be. Neyor is one to watch every week to see how he adjusts to being back on the field and against better opponents.