STRENGTHS - A sure handed receiver, Stonum has consistently shown the ability to adjust to catch off-target passes with remarkable ease. He uses his height, jumping ability and strong hands to go up and "high point" the ball over cornerback, which makes him a dangerous redzone weapon. Despite his off-field issues, Stonum is a smart player on the field. His smarts show up in his ability to use his hands and body to create separation vs. man coverage despite lacking explosiveness out of his cuts. He shows no fear catching passes in traffic, tucks it away quickly and holds onto the ball when he gets hit hard right after the catch. Quick to get started up the field after the catch with good playing strength and an aggressive running style, Stonum has consistently been productive running after the catch. A highly productive kickoff returner (He broke Steve Breaston's kickoff return yardage record in 2009), Stonum gets to full speed fast on return, has good vision and the strength and balance to run through hits and arm/grab tackles to gain yards after contact. Stonum's competitiveness shows up in his consistent production blocking downfield.
WEAKNESSES - More of a smooth and fluid athlete, Stonum lacks the explosiveness out of his cuts to consistently get separation from tight man coverage and will have more trouble doing so vs. NFL cornerbacks. Despite showing very good acceleration to full speed as a kickoff returner and after the catch, Stonum does not explode off the ball into his route. The biggest concern though is that Stonum was suspended for the 2011 season at Michigan due to repeated off-field alcohol incidents and then was dismissed from their program altogether when he ran into more trouble off the field. He must prove to NFL teams that he was just immatuare and that he does not have an alcohol problem.
SUMMARY - After making a big impact as a kickoff returner in 2009 and then finishing second on team in catches in 2010, Stonum was on the verge of a breakout season when his off-field issues lead to him missing the 2011 season and transferring to Baylor. A tall receiver with better than expected strength and excellent hands, Stonum has the physical talent to make it in the NFL. While he must overcome concerns about his character in order to succeed in the NFL, Stonum's ability as a kickoff returner could lead to him earning a job doing that while he develops as a receiver. Overall, Stonum is not going to be drafted as highly as I have him graded due to off-field problems, but if he can overcome this issues he has what it takes to be a productive kickoff returner and starting receiver in the NFL.