Each day for the duration of the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine, vikings.com will profile one wide receiver from this year's draft class.
Don't blink. If you do, you may miss Kevin White. The former West Virginia star is the subject of todays' WR Spotlight and he will be the talk of the town in Indianapolis after his impressive showing during on-field workouts at the Combine.
White didn't run the fastest 40-yard dash time in his position group – that distinction went to UAB WR JJ Nelson and his 4.29 time. But he did log a blistering 4.35, tied for third fastest among all WRs. That impressive time in combination with the rest of his on-field workout and the buzz built up around him after a standout career at West Virginia has many touting White as the best of the best in the 2015 WR class.
NFL Network's Mike Mayock is beating that drum. He has White ranked No. 1 on his WR list, with Amari Cooper and DeVante Parker filling out his top three. The 6-2 215-pound White filled up the stat sheet in 2014 at West Virginia, hauling in 109 receptions for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns. He had five double-digit catch games, including a 16-catch, 132-yard performance at Texas in November. The Mountaineers did throw the ball a bunch, but the consensus seems to be that he will transcend the stigma of a "system player" and will transition well to the NFL.
White's impressive 40-yard dash time is key for him as he tries to convince teams he's one of the best players in this class, let alone at the WR position. Here is the summary on his scouting report page on NFL.com:
He's not just a product of West Virginia's system -- he's talented. White competes hard for the ball and has the leaping, hands and high-pointing ability to be a factor down the field despite his lack of top-end speed. His improvement from 2013 to 2014 is a great sign, but his 40 time could define his draft stock.
The "lack of top-end speed" comment may be a thing of the past now that White showed up at the Combine and clocked a 4.35. If this particular scouting report holds true and White's 40-time really does define his draft stock, today will go down as a great day for White.
