PROSPECT SUMMARY – D'WAYNE ESKRIDGED'Wayne Eskridge is a former defensive back that transitioned back and forth between the two positions due to injuries on the roster and other players transferring from the program. He had high-end production despite not being able to settle into a position until his final season. Eskridge is a well-developed wideout that has the mentality of a defensive player. With strong hands and a seasoned route tree, he’s capable of playing on the inside or outside. Also a mainstay on special teams, he’s a prospect that will be on every special teams unit—not only as a returner, but as a hustle man on both kickoff and punt groups. A vicious and high effort run blocker, he has bone-crushing blocks on the perimeter and doesn’t take plays off if the ball isn’t in his hands.
Ideal Role: Developmental No. 3 wide receiver.
Scheme Fit: No. 3 wide receiver with the potential to turn into a consistent No. 2 or slot option. Eskridge can be a Day 1 starter as a returner on kickoffs or punts.
FILM EVALUATIONWritten by Jordan Reid
Games watched: Toledo (2020), Central Michigan (2020), Akron (2020), Eastern Michigan (2020), Ball State (2020)
Best Game Studied: Central Michigan (2020)
Worst Game Studied: Eastern Michigan (2020)
Route Running: Eskridge doesn’t leave a stone unturned on his route tree. He possesses plenty of branches on it, but his most frequent are quick slants off of run-pass options. The main option on “safety read” concepts, he thrived off of defenses that used roll down insert safeties as extra run defenders. Whether against press or allowed cushion, Eskridge was able to take advantage of the opportunities when the ball came in his direction. A multilevel threat, he also has the capabilities of running routes in the intermediate and deep areas of the field. He possesses the unique trait of being able to run full speed, but then immediately being able to shut down his forward momentum by sinking his hips prior to changing directions or running back down route stems.
Hands: Strong hands help him snatch the ball out of the air. Eskridge also is able to haul in the ball in all types of situations. Surroundings hardly ever affect his catch processes, as he has well-above-average hand-eye coordination while attempting catches.
Separation: He's a natural at creating operating room, Eskridge uses his knowledge as a former cornerback to his advantage. Little nuances and body motions are seen in his game to create little hints of separation that turn into larger portions after he’s able to reach top operating speeds.
Release Package: Once again, using his knowledge from playing the other side of the ball helped him tremendously during his transition back to receiver in 2020. He remains patient with allowing corners to reveal their plan of attack first prior to him executing his move of choice. Wide and cross-over steps are often his technique of choice, which have had mixed results. Using his hands more will need to be developed during the latter portion of his releases to become even more effective.
Run After Catch: His abilities as a return specialist immediately take over after the ball is in his possession. Soon after the ball is in his hands, Eskridge quickly tucks it away and searches for ways to make plays. A player that feels as if he can score every time he touches the ball, he forces defenders to tussle in order to get him down to the ground. A natural playmaker, he’s a shifty wideout that can make potential tacklers miss in space.
Ball Skills: Frequently used on deep patterns, Eskridge shows to be comfortable with tracking the ball in the air. With competitive catches down the sideline and over the middle of the field, he has the acceleration necessary to speed up to catch up to the ball in the air.
Football IQ: A highly instinctive and smart football player, he made the seamless transition from cornerback to wide receiver in an instant. Proven to be natural at both positions and executing the scheme while moving in reverse directions displays how intelligent he is overall. Where his football I.Q. really shines is as a blocker, as he uses his releases to persuade defensive backs into thinking that it’s a pass when in reality he’s setting them up for a devastating block.
Competitive Toughness: With and without the ball, Eskridge is an ultra competitor that loves the back and forth battle of competing against the man across from him. A wideout that takes tremendous pride in run blocking, the rewards of his efforts have resulted in explosive runs. The love to overwhelm matchups and the few chances to show his physicality are reasons behind his intensity. His former days as a defensive player carry over into the punishment that he elects to impose on the opposition.
Big-Play Ability: Eskridge averaged 26.4 yards per reception, which displays his explosiveness at the position. A big play waiting to happen at any moment, he has the before and after effects on plays that cause constant stress to defense. A headache after the catch, he forces defenses to rally to the ball in ball pursuit. If not, he will make them pay by scoring six points on the other end.
Prospect Comparison: Steve Smith Sr. (2001 NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers)