PLAYLIST
The Flames moved from the FCS level to the FBS in 2018, playing as an independent. If they were part of a conference, Gandy-Golden would have been voted first-team all-league by its coaches. He started 11 games, and led his squad with 71 receptions, 1,037 yards (14.6 per), and 10 touchdowns. Gandy-Golden lit up the Big South Conference the previous year, garnering a first-team nod (69 receptions, 1,066 yards, 15.4 average, 10 touchdowns). Even as a freshman he was a big part of the offense, making 21 grabs for 315 yards (15.0 per) and three scores. Gandy-Golden's senior campaign cemented his status as a top-notch draft prospect, as he nabbed 79 passes for 1,396 yards (ranked in the top five nationally) with 10 trips to the end zone in 13 starts. His 17.7 yards per catch ranked in the top 10 in the FBS among receivers with 60 or more receptions.
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Rounds 4-5
NFL Comparison
DeVante Parker
Overview
Very intriguing height-weight-speed prospect who showed noticeable improvements in a number of important areas in 2019. While his hands were superior in '19, it's possible that focus drops could return with bigger, better players beating on his routes from snap to whistle. When he does catch it, he has an innate ability to add yardage after the catch with his size and agility. Gandy-Golden's route-running is still a work in progress, but his build-up speed, length and ball skills could allow him to develop into a dangerous third-level threat on the next level.
Strengths
Agility and nimble feet to create space in press release
Build-up speed catches defenders by surprise
Flashes subtle but effective route stems to gain freedom to the post
Sits down to avoid contested catches against zone
Natural ball-tracker, making early path adjustments when necessary
Improvement in hands from 2018 to 2019 was mind-boggling
Activates quick hands to pluck hot throws coming in
Consistent to pluck it away from his frame
Catch radius is ridiculously wide
Can climb way up his ladder to high-point the 50/50 throws
Able to elude first tackle after catch
Size and balance present challenges to tackle after catch
Weaknesses
Hard to unsee poor focus drops that plagued him in 2018
Physically overwhelmed by Auburn's press coverage as a junior
Below-average urgency in initial vertical push into routes
Finds route traffic inside the first five yards
Has some hip tightness that creates additional roll into route breaks
Stop-start route breaks and double moves are sloppy
Internal route clock inconsistent, taking route timing off schedule at times
Needs to learn to stack and body cornerbacks downfield
May not have a desire to work inside the noisy middle
GRADE
8.0
The perfect prospect
7.3-7.5
Perennial All-Pro
7.0-7.1
Pro Bowl talent
6.7-6.8
Year 1 quality starter
6.5
Boom or bust prospect
6.3-6.4
Will be starter within first two seasons
6.1-6.2
Good backup who could become starter
6.0
Developmental traits-based prospect
5.8-5.9
Backup/special-teamer
5.5-5.6
Chance to make end of roster or practice squad
5.4
Priority free agent
5.0-5.1
Chance to be in an NFL training camp
NO GRADE
Likely needs time in developmental league