Damonte Coxie played two games in the 2020 season before opting out and declaring for the NFL draft. His 2018 and 2019 seasons were impressive. He put up 72 catches for 1,174 yards and seven touchdowns in 2018, followed by 76 catches for 1,276 yards for nine touchdowns in 2019. He’s not going to be a burner with his speed but he has the size and wingspan to be a contested catch/big body receiver at the NFL level. Coxie has shown production throughout his college career and has playmaking skills some NFL teams will covet.
Player Bio
Name: Damonte Coxie
Jersey: #10
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Memphis
Class: Redshirt Senior
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 198lbs
Speed (6.5/10)
Coxie’s speed does not threaten defenders vertically and will make it difficult for him to separate. As a 198 lb athlete with average speed, he’s going to have to be a contested catch and possession receiver. I also worry about his ability to maintain his speed through contact.
Athleticism (7/10)
Coxie doesn’t have the desired strength as a 198 lb athlete to bully cornerbacks with his arm length, nor does he have exceptional acceleration. Jumping ability and agility are calling cards and will assist as a route runner. Overall, Coxie has a considerable wingspan to complement his jumping ability, both of which could make him a notable possession receiver.
Route Running/Separation (7.25/10)
Good agility will help Coxie as a route runner, however, he does not create separation well enough due to speed. He did show the ability to use his body to leverage defenders out of position. Some nice nuances in his route, and showed good deception.
Hands (8.25/10)
Coxie has some nice hands where he’s able to cradle a deep pass over the shoulder and look it to his body. Recorded nine drops in 2018 which lowered to seven in 2019, as his catching technique got better throughout his college career. Has the ability to correct poorly thrown passes with length, but he sometimes will double catch footballs, which may lead to drops.
Run after Catch (6.25/10)
Coxie has considerable agility for being 198 lbs and it allows him the quick backstep and juke. Contact balance is decent and shows the strength he has. Run after catch ability is fine, but may not have the same effect in the NFL with stronger defenders.
Contested Catch (7.25/10)
I worry about the strength of defenders in the NFL and if Coxie will be able to squeeze the football in like he does in NCAA. Catching technique is exceptional as he extends and squeezes the ball as he transitions into a runner, but can double catch and lose concentration. Has demonstrated the ability to make tough catches in traffic with defenders making contact.
Body Control (8.5/10)
Coxie is a good tracker of the ball and he doesn’t lose concentration during contact. He’s able to contort his body to make difficult catches. He has the potential to make poorly thrown balls catchable. His trump card is his length, jumping ability, and spatial awareness, all of which will allow him to box out defenders for easier contested catches.
Release (7/10)
Strength shows up and allows him to engage in hand fighting with defensive backs. Several releases that all have functionality, and he is able to make adjustments when dealing with different types of defensive backs. Good quickness off the line of scrimmage.
Awareness/IQ (4.5/5)
Coxie’s experience shows up on tape; he’s a smart athlete who has an understanding of how to help his quarterback when a play breakdown. Shows an exceptional understanding of defenses and can make route adjustments.
Fluidity/Agility (4.25/5)
Shows exception fluidity and agility off the line of scrimmage and with the ball in his hands.
Injury/ Durability (5/5)
No concerns over durability, was a full-time starter for three full years. No major injuries reported.
Blocking (4.25/5)
Coxie demonstrates good form when blocking and can maintain contact without it becoming a penalty. He has shown good technique when driving defenders backward and it will impress some NFL coaches.
Player Summary
There is something to be said for Coxie to have two years of consistent and elite production. The most significant barrier to success is athleticism, yet he was able to produce elite statistics in NCAA. Thus, the question for Coxie is if his reliability in the passing game can trump his lack of speed and acceleration? If Coxie can further develop his skills as a possession receiver and become a reliable chain-mover like he was at Memphis, there will be a role for him to start in the NFL.
Final Grade (76/100): Early Day Three Prospect
Player Comparison: Jermaine Kearse
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