'Why Rachaad White?'
In the mold of Kerryon Johnson — meshed with the play speed of Rashaad Penny
Movement toolbox & economical solutions
White is an economical, fluid mover who has a tendency to slalom through openings.
His fluidity allows him to chain these in succession with the accelerative capabilities to get upfield quickly.
This is a great open-field rep from a pathing perspective. Simple, economical break step - straight into acceleration.
Makes the defender think more is coming - already out the backdoor.
Not an overly abrupt/sudden mover, but diagnosis overplays well while displaying the ability to continue upfield.
Works really well downhill - chains best working towards the middle of the field.
Not only does White move well downhill, but he also shows good timing on his cutbacks.
Doesn’t press too soon, and waits for plays to develop.
Short area skillset & Through contact capabilities
One of White’s strongest attributes is how he remains calm, and patient in the Redzone.
Efficient goal-line back.
White’s capabilities as an accelerator come into play when he wants to be urgent.
This attribute is going to help him produce in the NFL once he learns to properly utilize his physical qualities.
White has a tendency to pivot through contact - with how strong he is as an accelerator he is better off at times staying square and dropping level.
However, you can see the result when it does work.
Even though White stumbles into his level drop here, this is a result of him remaining square.
Would like to see this more frequently from White as he has the requisite size & accelerative capabilities to make an impact through contact.
White isn’t a big-time tackle breaker, but he shows he can move piles.
He is better with taking high & direct contact rather than low contact & indirect contact.
Skillset as a receiver
He’s a reliable receiver with the ability to contribute as a post-catch threat.
There is a reason he had 43 receptions this past season.
Arizona State schemed White in space touches while also being used him as a check-down option.
​
Again, after the catch is where we will see him thrive. He has enough of a through contact skillset to be a difficult out in one on one engagements & is quick enough to string together moves when consecutive defenders arrive.
He wasn’t used on timing routes as a Sun Devil - but shows the combination of intellect & fluidity to run an advanced route tree.
Watch how he attacks the blind spot here - even though he didn’t get the ball this is an important rep.
Another area where we didn’t see deployment from White.
Downfield he can be a weapon with his natural hands & play speed.
Would like to see wheel routes at the next level along with improvement on deeper patterns.
​
Creates a mismatch at top-end speed for linebackers.
Play speed & non-linear athleticism
White hits 21mph on this run. Once he gets space he is a difficult assignment for corners to track down.
The 4.48 he ran in the 40 at the combine is an accurate barometer for him.
White does a lot well - nothing awful and has enough speed to take it to the house on any given play.
​
Was productive in Junior College, in the Pac 12, and I anticipate that productivity continues in the NFL with the potential for a sizable role.
As a non-linear athlete, White is explosive. His 38” inch vertical jump is on display here.
Not a high-end athlete by any means, but is a functional athlete at the next level.
Ascension grades
Tier 1: 75.00 & over -- Gold Jacket potential
Tier 2: 65.00 - 74.99 -- All-pro ceiling
Tier 3: 55.00 - 64.99 -- Pro-bowl ceiling
Tier 4: 49.98 - 54.99 -- Average to Above-average starter
Tier 5: 44.96 - 49.97 -- High ceiling / High-risk prospect
Tier 6: 39.50 - 44.95 -- Secondary committee option
Tier 7: 39.49 & below -- Depth piece with low ceiling
