Anthony Gould Draft Profile | Oregon State, WR Scouting Report

An explosive playmaker with amazing speed, Anthony Gould is looking at a breakout season for Oregon State. A big year as a receiver and as a returner could lead to an NFL future. What does Gould’s scouting report for the 2024 NFL Draft suggest about his projection?

Anthony Gould Draft Profile and Measurements

• Height: 5’8″
• Weight: 170
• Position: Wide Receiver
• School: Oregon State
• Year: Redshirt Junior

Largely known as a return specialist, Gould has been incredibly efficient with his touches both as a receiver and a returner. He averaged 16.9 yards per catch last year, totaling 457 yards and three touchdowns. He earned first-team All-American honors as a returner, leading the nation in punt yards per return in 2022.

Anthony Gould Scouting Report

Strengths

• His speed is worth the hype. He effortlessly explodes past defenders and his short, choppy steps keep defenders worried he’ll make a sharp cut.
• Excellent field vision as a return man. He has the speed to take advantage of any existing running lane, but he sees the momentum of defenders and finds angles to exploit.
• Can play in the slot or as an outside receiver. Has good quickness on short-area routes and defenders are afraid of jumping underneath routes due to his speed.
• Able to be a more well-rounded threat than what he’s been featured as thus far. Having a better quarterback should help him tremendously.

Weaknesses

• Few playmakers that are his size are more than gadget players. Gould has to prove durable and efficient with his opportunities.
• Has very little production across the last two seasons. Entered 2023 with only 40 receptions, 642 yards, and four touchdowns. He averaged just over one punt return a game last year.
• Obvious mismatch as a run blocker, so his usage on the field may be a tell for defenses that it’s a passing play or that the run direction will go the opposite direction.
• Body catcher who has a very limited catch radius or ability to snag passes with his hands.

Current Draft Projection and Summary

As the NFL has moved away from specialists having as much value on a roster as they once did, players like Gould have become rarer. Gould has extreme speed that forces defenses to immediately account for his presence on the field. That has translated not only as a receiver but also as a return man.

The question is whether the 5’8″ playmaker can be as dynamic as Tyreek Hill or Tyler Lockett, two other small but insanely fast receivers. That’s a tall task, of course, because Hill rapidly developed in the NFL after flashing his talent in college. Lockett was an unquestionably great receiver in college.

MORE: Top WRs in the 2024 NFL Draft

Playing with new starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei should help opportunities for Gould to show off a more nuanced game. He’s going to deal with the usual concerns that come with smaller players. Still, the question is whether he can win on quick outs, whip routes, and of course, deep routes.

Considering his level of impact on special teams and potential for being a red-zone weapon and deep prowess, Gould could get drafted late Day 3 despite his limitations. This season will go a long way in determining his true upside.