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Draft Profile: WR Kawaan Baker

26 January 2021 DRAFT Film Review WIDE RECEIVERS

Height: 6’1”
Weight 215 lbs.
DOB: August 24, 1998 (22yo)
College: South Alabama (Senior)

Accomplishments:

  • All-Sun Belt Conference Second-Team as a Senior
  • All-Sun Belt Conference Honorable Mention as a Sophomore and Junior

Records:

  • S. Alabama’s Career Receiving Yards Leader
  • S. Alabama’s Career Receiving TDs Leader (tied)
  • S. Alabama’s 2nd most Career Receptions
  • -S. Alabama’s 6th most Career Rushing TDs

Career Stats:

  • 39 games
  • 126 rec, 1,829 yds, 14.5 ypc and 16 TDs
  • 92 car, 376 yds, 4.1 YPC and 11 TDs
  • 29 kick returns, 543 yds and 18.7 YPR

 


Pros:

  • Speed
  • Quickness
  • Sells routes
  • Strength
  • YAC
  • Versatility
  • Blocking


Cons:

  • Limited route tree
  • Awareness needs to improve at times
  • Footwork seems off at times

Comparison:

  • Jermaine Kearse

Analysis:

There wasn’t a lot of tape or highlights out there on Kawaan but luckily with All-22 and YouTube, I was able to get a feel for what he brought to the table. He was definitely an intriguing under-the-radar prospect to watch. Most people believe he will go undrafted but if he puts in the same commitment he did to get to South Alabama, I think he could be a late-round pick in this year’s draft. The Sun Belt Conference isn’t exactly making national headlines, so I understand why he’s flying under the radar. He has the speed and separation to make it in the NFL as a Slot WR but even he knows, he has a long way to go to prove that and actually make it happen. He could use some work with his feet at times and getting off the line but that’s all teachable. At times, going across the middle and even coming off the line, he seems to avoid contact. Then at other times, he seems to have toughness and take the hits, while making great catches with his hands. He has some drops but they seem to be concentration related, rather than poor hands. He was used predominantly as a Slot WR but they put him in motion and used him out of the backfield plenty of times as a RB. He also returned kicks, so that speaks to his versatility. Baker wasn’t asked to run many routes though and most of them seem to be slants, crossers, go routes and quick outs. I’d like to see how he would work outside with an expanded route tree but I didn’t get to see much of that. He lined up outside at times, but he never seemed to be the first option or it was just a running play. Which is good in terms of using him for blocking. He seems to like it and with some work he could be a truly great blocker. He’s got blazing speed and can make things happen when he gets the ball in his hands, so there’s a reason he lined up at RB and as a KR. With the right coaching, in the right system, at his size, I think he could make his way on to a 53-man roster and be a reliable WR and Returner.

Fit:

Baker would be a nice fit for any team looking for a cheap, young WR/Returner looking to compete. The Eagles found a diamond in the rough at their Slot WR, in Greg Ward. He’s played very well for being an undrafted, converted QB. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t bring in some competition for him, as he may be reliable and well-liked but he’s no superstar. Adding competition should only make the other WRs better. I’m not saying the Eagles need to go out of their way and that he’s a lock to even make it to the NFL but if we’re looking for some deep sleepers in this upcoming draft, I’m keeping my eye on Kawaan Baker.

I actually had the pleasure of sitting down with Kawaan this past weekend. Check out the interview here:

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