The LSU passing game has been their Achilles heel for years. They’ve made their presence known via dominant play defensively and a strong rushing attack on offense. They’ve had a very hard time getting their passing offense on par, however. Despite some tough years in that area, they’ve produced plenty of admirable NFL talent from their wide receiver groups. DJ Chark is a receiver with holes in his game, but he has shown flashes on multiple occasions. The fourth year senior is averaging 24.8 yards per reception (1st in the SEC and 2nd in the nation) and already has more catches than he did in the previous two seasons combined. He can be considered a late bloomer, but that won’t matter much in the eyes of scouts.
What He Does Well:
Chark has the desired triangle numbers for a receiver. He is tall, long, and fast. His frame has plenty of muscle but should have no issues adding more bulk early in his career. His long speed is up there with the best in the class. If he gets a release off the line, he can get behind anyone. While his ball skills are still developing in terms of consistency, Chark has made more than a handful of highlight reel catches. He can twist, turn, and alter his weight as the ball is approaching. He is very space-aware when it comes to knowing where the boundaries and defenders are. At his size, that is a valuable weapon.
Where He Needs Work:
When it comes to the desired natural “smooth-ness” of his game, Chark has a ways to go. He still appears very manufactured and raw around the edges. He has a hard time maintaining his speed and balance when locating the deep ball on the move. He will often neglect attacking the ball with his hands, instead trying to trap the ball with his body. As an underneath route runner, the high-hipped, straight line mover will have a hard time initially getting open. His game may take an extra year or two of seasoning and coaching before he can really be relied upon.