Elusive Eskridge - Senior Bowl Player Report

By: Hussam Patel

D'Wayne Eskridge is fast…very fast. In 2018, he was clocked running a 4.33 forty yard dash. During the 2020 season, he only played in six games due to the pandemic, but still had 34 catches for 784 yards and eight touchdowns. That’s an absurd average of 23 yards per catch.

D’Wayne Eskridge can work all three levels. Explosive playmaker ... this one went for 57 yards. pic.twitter.com/nTA19i8w4J

— Andrew DiCecco (@ADiCeccoNFL) January 27, 2021

Eskridge is easily a day two pick, maybe a surprise 1st rounder, as his tape shows he can be the most explosive player on the field. In open space, he destroys opposing defenders with a quick 1-2 step and cut, and he does a great job of securing the ball. 

I swear, D'Wayne Eskridge is daring me to leave him outside of my top-5 WRs of this 2021 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/fxcfdGForW

— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) January 25, 2021

As a former defensive back, he knows how to beat press man coverage, and he varies his release at the line of scrimmage to disguise his routes. Only 5’9’, he can STILL bench press 350 pounds and squat 505. You don’t often see undersized receivers this strong, unless they have a running back background. 

Dude, D'Wayne Eskridge putting on a show against Cam Bynum pic.twitter.com/WodVZ2vKAj

— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) January 27, 2021

The Western Michigan prodigy can be a reliable special teamer, which increases his value, and helps toward a roster spot. As a rookie, he could look to become a dangerous kick returner. He played in the MAC, so Eskeridge will have to prove himself at the Senior Bowl and at the NFL level; he has to prove he can compete with the best of the best and solidify himself as a slot WR.

Western Michigan WR D'Wayne Eskridge (Big Play Dee) put up 33-768-8 TD this season in only SIX games. Also averaged 27.5 yp kick return and took one to the house. Ran a 4.33 forty. Special player and the worst kept secret of the 2021 Draft Class.pic.twitter.com/4h9ePQIoNV

— Purple FTW! Podcast (@PurpleForTheWin) January 25, 2021

D’Wayne Eskridge can separate in multiple ways but you can’t teach his breakaway speed pic.twitter.com/uLCqbSv3XD

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) January 29, 2021

ESPN analyst Todd McShay said that he wouldn’t be surprised if Western Michigan WR D’Wayne Eskridge was drafted in the 1st Round of the NFL Draft after the #SeniorBowl. Here’s every 1-on-1 rep from the practices: https://t.co/H8Tr6lxbF1 pic.twitter.com/Q604e2l5rK

— Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) January 29, 2021

D’Wayne Eskridge has been getting more praise as of late, and for good reason! Well developed, and a amazing route runner, as well as a phenomenal return man! Could easily start on day 1, and develop into a great #2 WR. pic.twitter.com/KTcwMwTHMY

— Trouble With The Snap Fantasy Football (@TWTSFantasy) January 28, 2021