Pittsburgh Panthers
2020 NFL Draft Prospects
Maurice Ffrench, WR
Career Snapshot: One year as a full-time starter with two seasons as a spot starter. Eclipsed Larry Fitzgerald’s school record for receptions in a season his senior year. Led the FBS with 8.7 receptions per game in 2019. Earned Third Team All-ACC honors as a wide receiver and all-purpose player and Honorable Mention All-ACC as a specialist in senior season.
Positives: Undersized pass catcher who doubles as a return specialist. Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage and runs sharp routes. Fires into breaks and stays low on exit. Comes back to the ball, possesses terrific short-area quickness, and easily adjusts to the errant throw. Works to make himself an available target, nicely makes the reception on crossing patterns and is effective on reverses. Shows some wiggle and creativity whenever the ball is in his hands. Impacts the game as a punt returner.
Negatives: Unnecessarily lets the ball get inside him at times. Lacks deep speed and a second gear. Must improve his blocking.
Analysis: Ffrench entered the season as a fringe late-round pick and turned in a productive campaign. His versatility at receiver and returner gives him a decided advantage to make a final roster next fall if he plays well during camp.
Dane Jackson, CB
Career Snapshot: Three year starter for the Panthers. Named Second Team All-ACC in 2019 as a redshirt senior. Honorable Mention All-ACC in 2018 as a redshirt junior. Suffered a knee injury in his senior year of high school.
Positives: Nice-sized cornerback with terrific ball skills. Instinctive, tracks the pass in the air and has a nice move to the throw. Shows a feel for coverage, displays good awareness on the field and works hard to make plays. Defeats blocks, gets up the field to defend running plays and wraps up ball carriers to bring them down at the point of attack. Mixes it up with receivers throughout routes, stays on the opponent’s hip, and makes plays on the ball.
Negatives: Deep speed is a big question. Struggled when he played off the line at the Senior Bowl. A little slow to transition with opponents off the line.
Analysis: Jackson possesses next-level size and ball skills, but his deep speed is a red flag. Though he won’t be selected early in the draft, he should have an extended career as a dime or possibly nickel back at the next level in a man-coverage scheme.
Amir Watts, DT
Career Snapshot: Started 20 of 27 games his final two seasons at Pittsburgh. Earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors in his senior season. Watts’ interception against Syracuse in 2018 was first by a Pitt interior defensive lineman in seven years.
Positives: Quick, explosive defensive tackle who plays with consistent pad level, leverage and intensity and goes hard. Keeps his feet moving, works his hands throughout the action and plays sideline to sideline. Explosive, flashes on the scene, and effectively stuffs the run and rushes the passer.
Negatives: Lacks bulk. Easily controlled by a single blocker. May struggle to handle a complicated defense.
Analysis: Lowly graded by scouts, Watts has his share of limitations, but he could be very productive as a three-technique tackle at the next level.
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