WorldWide Rams 2018 Draft Profile: Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida

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Who is the 5-foot-11 inch 197-pounds Antonio Callaway?
​Antonio Callaway joined the Gators in 2015, after he led his high-school to a state title, and receiving Florida's All-State honors. His freshman season, he displayed the most of his skills by contributing in both offense and as a punt returner on special teams. His skills were extremely good with his playing ability which earned him All-American honors. As a freshman, he started 13 games, racking up 35 receptions for 678 yards and four touchdowns. He also had 28 punt returns for 435 yards and two touchdowns as a returner.
He was much involved in the passing game by his sophomore season leading the team with 54 receptions for 721 yards and just three touchdowns. He displayed good route running, with blazing speed and good field awareness with his cuts and stiff arms.
​Sadly, Callaway missed the entire 2017 season after he was involved in a credit card scheme, along with other Florida Gator teammates. Not to add, his off the field issues as a player continued, it started back in 2016 when he was facing a sexual assault trial. Callaway would be exonerated of those charges months later, but in May of 2017, he was charged with a marijuana possession.

Antonio Callaway Highlights

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Strengths
​Has a phenomenal first step, explosive speed and acceleration, can play inside or outside, can separate from press coverage with relative ease. Good route runner, especially with short crossing routes, plays bigger than his size with great leaping ability. His football IQ is high, with the ability to read defensive coverage’s. Can locate ball fast and adjust quickly to the location to receive. Excellent threat as a punt returner can be used as a dual threat. Has great footwork to get away from his coverage, and a true competitor.

Weakness
There is some buzz that he doesn't like to work out, either in the gym or to study film. He does not have fluid hips, can’t be relied on as a red zone threat. Can be inconsistent at times, lacks the motivation, need to hide routes better as they can be predicted. Had a very inconsistent pro day, and not raising his stock. Off the field, issues are of some concerns and will be evaluated carefully.


Is he a fit for the Rams?
Callaway could be that big play-maker that the Rams need who can complement Cooper Kupp from the slot, while the tight-ends were very unproductive in last season. If they get Brandin Cooks extended to a long-term deal, he could slide to the outside as he haves the speed and route running that’s needed to be an explosive player. Due to his weak pro day probably will slide down in the draft, where the Rams could potentially get him as a late fourth to sixth round pick. It is clear that Callaway's best game is not as a red-zone threat, but his contributions as a Pro wide receiver could be immense. If he can keep his head in the game, a team could get a franchise player for cheap in 2018.
If not for any off the field issues, he would be a top 10 lock, having said that, the concerns NFL teams will have can make him slide from a late day two or mid day three pick, where teams usually take experimental players.


Draft Prediction:
4th-7th Round
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NFL Comparison
​Antonio Brown - Pittsburgh Steelers

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