2019 NFL Combine: 6 Players With the Most to Gain
Andy Isabella, WR, UMass
Among all FBS wide receivers in this draft class, Andy Isabella leads the field with a 52.2% (97th percentile) College Dominator rating, according to PlayerProfiler. That is to say the percentage of receiving yards and touchdowns Isabella registered at UMass was extremely high. Still, there are questions regarding what a 5'8", 186-pound receiver can be at the next level. Isabella is coming off three consecutive seasons with double-digit touchdowns. After surpassing 1,000 yards in 2017, He came extremely close to hitting 1,700 receiving yards as a senior.
Even though Isabella wasn't thrilled about being limited to the slot during the Senior Bowl, most NFL teams likely view the former track standout as a speedy Wes Welker-type despite his success playing on the outside. Not only did Isabella earn PFF's highest grade among all wide receivers in 2018, he now owns their highest single-season grade ever.
Because of his size, it takes some scrolling to find Isabella in conventional draft rankings right now, but a strong combine should quickly change a lot of perceptions.
Teams won't have any issues getting Isabella onto the field right away. He has experience handling kickoffs and punts while showing versatility with double-digit carries each of the last three years. Even if Isabella lives in the slot as a pro, his sharp route running should play well there. Just don't forget about the game-breaking speed. NFL Network's Reggie Wayne believes Isabella will register as the fastest wide receiver at this year's combine.
