Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2023 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at wide receiver, running back, cornerback and both interior and edge pass rusher.
The Vikings are slated to have four picks before compensatory selections are awarded and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
- Height-6’5″
- Weight-228 lbs
- 5th year senior
- 5-Star recruit per 247 Sports
- Transferred from Penn State after 2019 season
- Stats: 110 receptions, 1,552 yards, 8 touchdowns
- Games watched: Pitt 2022, Florida 2022, LSU 2022, Alabama 2022
Strengths
Shorter is a big-bodied receiver that understands how to use his size. With the flexibility to be both an X-receiver and a power slot, his versatility and blocking ability offer an intriguing package.
A natural hands catcher, Shorter understands how to use them and does a great job getting them up late in contested catch situations. He also is capable at selling the deep route, which Florida used him as their deep ball receiver, and creating separation. In his routes, Shorter is a one-speed receiver that mainly separates with physicality and creates his own space.
His awareness and blocking ability are also at a high level as Shorter just understands where to be and blocks at a high level for a wide receiver.
Weaknesses
That limitation of speed caps the ceiling for a player like Shorter. Along with that, he is a one-speed player that doesn’t have a second gear. Once at top speed, he can be an effective deep-ball player, but he seems to avoid contested catches and hesitates when jump-ball situations occur.
As an athlete, Shorter isn’t the most fluid. He doesn’t dip his hips in his route running and primarily uses speed cuts. Shorter is best served running vertical and crossing routes.
Overview
| Hands | 9.1/10 |
| Release | 8.5/10 |
| Route Running | 11.6/15 |
| Separation | 10.5/15 |
| Contested Catches | 5.9/10 |
| Tracking | 7.7/10 |
| Body Control | 7.8/10 |
| YAC Ability | 5.5/10 |
| Agility | 6.5/10 |
| Grade | 73.1/100 Fourth Round |
Shorter is an intriguing option, especially with how mismatch tight ends can become a weapon in today’s game. His ability to play in the slot as a power player gives a team the ability to both block well and take advantage of smaller, less athletic players. I think his ceiling is limited but offers a high-floor option with a package that you don’t see too often.
Kevin O’Connell’s offense which utilizes 11 personnel and condensed sets consistently would be a good utilization of Shorter’s strengths. He will likely be a pick after the top 75 and could slide even more with poor athletic testing.
