STRENGTHS - Nwachukwu has good height and a solid frame that should allow him to pack on additional weight without sacrificing speed or athleticism. He displays the foot quicks needed to beat the jam and is able to create separation naturally with his precise route running. He flashes the ability to pluck the ball away from his body and is not afraid to go up for the ball in traffic. He does a nice job of working with his QB on extended plays and knows when to come back or take off down-field. His competitiveness and effectiveness as a blocker will also translate well on special teams, as he should be able to contribute on all four units.
WEAKNESSES - Nwachukwu is not an explosive athlete and lacks the speed to consistently stretch the field. Consequently, when he is not aggressive with his hands against press coverage he struggles to create separation. In 2011 he struggled with drops and while he seems to have improved based on his senior film he did drop two catchable balls that required him to layout in games I evaluated this year.
SUMMARY - Considering his relatively average production numbers despite starting for one of the most explosive college offenses in the country, I had low expectations when I first sat down to evaluate Uzoma Nwachukwu's film. However, I was pleasantly surprised as he is a polished route runner and competitive blocker capable of contributing not just on offense but special teams as well. He does an excellent job of disguising and selling his routes, allowing him to consistently create separation off tight breaks despite lacking true explosiveness or top end speed. He blocks with consistent base and leverage out in space and quick to initiate and lock on with punches inside, allowing him to sustain blocks downfield. He appears to have improved his hands as a senior and does a good job of catching the ball away from his body before it gets into his frame. He has the size and strength to be a solid possession receiver at the next level but he will need to be more consistent using his hands to beat the press. Nwachukwu is clearly worth taking early on day three, as he will immediately be able to contribute on special teams. Important Note - Last name is pronounced WA-CHA-KU.