Josh Palmer has some intriguing tools as a larger prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft. His mixture of size, speed, and use of his frame shows up in considerable games such as Georgia against Tyson Campbell and Eric Stokes. He’s extremely good at the small nuances in his route running ability. Specifically, he gets great leverage and can stay low in and out of breaks. He had 33 catches for 475 yards and four touchdowns this past year but projects to be a better pro receiver than a college player.
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Player Bio
Name: Josh Palmer
Jersey: #5
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Tennessee
Class: Senior
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 210 lbs
Speed (7.5/10)
Palmer has good but not great speed, which was shown when he maintained his speed against Stokes. He did not get slowed down by contact. However, it’s fair to question if he can maintain his full speed when stronger defensive backs in the NFL get their hands on him.
Athleticism (8.75/10)
This is an explosive player and has exceptional acceleration off the line and during his routes. Whether it’s a quick release or eating up the cushion, Palmer accelerates quickly. His ability to maintain speed and get in and out of breaks is apparent and gives him room on in-breaking and out-breaking routes. On tape, Palmer looks bigger and taller than his listed pro day numbers and still has the explosiveness and fluidity.
Route Running/Separation (8/10)
He does a good job maintaining a lower center of gravity, allowing for good cuts. He does an excellent job at deceiving defensive backs with different routes, mainly hitches and go’s. Favorite aspect of his separating ability is the use of small push-offs to generate space during the catching process, subtle and not enough to draw offensive pass interference.
Hands (7.75/10)
Palmer has the desired arm length to catch poorly thrown passes but can sometimes lose technique on easy catches. Sometimes the ball does not get secured and is loose during the catching process. Good concentration on difficult catches.
Run after Catch (6/10)
He does not do much after the catch if a defender is a breakdown for contact. Palmer does have good acceleration, which allows him to drive into defenders and fall forward.
Contested Catch (8/10)
Strong hands can rip the ball away. However, it does not get secured consistently, leaving it vulnerable to pass breakup. The strength and length are there, and when he secures it against his body, he’s able to make the catch. Have to wonder if improvements to the catching technique will assist the contested catching ability.
Body Control (8.75/10)
He puts himself in a position to win on contested catches. Showed the ability to box out defenders using his leverage. His use of leverage and box-out ability allows him to create throwing lanes. Palmer tracks the ball very well and is extremely fluid in the air, allowing him to make difficult high-pointing catches.
After further review TD Josh Palmer! @Vol_Football #PoweredByTheT pic.twitter.com/Lono7M13ME
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) October 10, 2020
Release (8/10)
Palmer sometimes allows his chest to be open on a hop step after his release off the line of scrimmage, which will be problematic against stronger defenders. Palmer has exceptional quickness for his size, allowing him to win with a variety of routes. Shows good awareness of using hands during release to get parallel with cornerbacks.
Awareness/IQ (4/5)
Good spatial awareness when in the air and during the catch. Allows him to better position his body when making the catch.
Fluidity/Agility (4.5/5)
Extremely fluid for his size. Shows dynamic agility on release and routes. Agility is great for being a larger receiver. Fluidity and agility should translate to better route running in the NFL.
Injury/Durability (5/5)
No major injuries were reported. Durability is not a concern.
Blocking (3.5/5)
Palmer will overextend his body and lunge at defenders the odd time. Good blocking form is there when a run play is coming his way.
Player Summary
Palmer shined during the Senior Bowl and important games – one including Georgia. Even on routes he didn’t get thrown to in the Georgia game, he won against Stokes and Campbell. Interestingly, he didn’t get featured as much as you’d expect in the Tennessee offense but should be able to make the most of his targets in the NFL. Overall, as a larger possession receiver, Palmer boosts good nuances in his route running and body control. If he can fix some catching technique, there will be a legitimate role in the NFL for him.
Final Grade (79.75/100): Day Two Prospect
Player Comparison: Michael Crabtree
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