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Under-the-Radar Prospects: UNC WR Ryan Switzer

19 February 2017 DRAFT Eagles News

When it comes to adding weapons for Carson Wentz, there are multiple prospects in the middle rounds that could offer the Eagles some value.

Enter North Carolina WR Ryan Switzer. Although Switzer comes in at 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, he comes up “big” in other areas of his game. The high-volume pass catcher had his most productive year for the Tarheels, hauling in 96 receptions for 1,117 yards and 6 touchdowns. North Carolina QB Mitch Trubisky relied heavily on Switzer and he did not fail to disappoint in his senior season.

When it comes to Carson Wentz not having a reliable sure-handed pass catcher, that is where the North Carolina prospect wins. Switzer excelled in the slot and was named first-team ALL ACC WR, finishing tenth in the country in receptions. Every QB needs a quality security blanket in the slot. Come draft time, that should be enticing to WR-needy teams looking for a chain mover.

Something that Switzer also brings to the table is his ability on special teams, as he was a All-American and first-team ALL ACC return specialist as a freshman. His first season as a Tarheel, he brought back 5 punts to the house, with a 20.9 average on punt returns. As a junior, he also earned All-American honors as a return specialist returning 22 punts for 302 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Eagles are in need of a replacement for Darren Sproles in the return game after the 2017 season, and this would be an area where Switzer could earn his money at the next level.

On the field, Switzer is more of a quick-twitch player than speedster, who is decisive with his movements in space, with ridiculous make-you-miss ability. Switzer runs crisp routes and definitely brings that YAC (yard-after-catch) ability with his game, which is another area where Eagles’ wideouts underwhelmed. In high school, he was a two-time West Virginia Gatorade Player of the year, putting up 2,378 yards and 32 TDs as a running back. With that being said, he has been making plays in space for a very long time.

The North Carolina prospect is crafty with his game and models his playing style after Seattle Seahawks WR Doug Baldwin. Switzer is a scrapper and you can see that as he fights for every yard. If the Eagles are looking for a feisty competitor, who brings that dog mentality to the field, Switzer is a guy I would bang the table for in middle rounds.

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