2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jaelen Gill, WR, Fresno State
Player Data
| Name, Jersey # | Jaelen Gill, #5 |
| School (Code) | CAFR |
| DOB, Class Yr | N/A, Sixth-Year Senior. |
| Height, Weight | 6000, 185 |
| 40 Yd Dash | 4.40 |
| Position/Depth | WR, #1 |
| Honors/Captainship | Paul Hornung Award Watch List (2023) |
| Season Viewed (yr) | 2023 |
| Games Watched | @AZST, @INPU, IDBO, NVUN, NMST |
| Scout Name / Date | Ryan Vidales 03/05/24 |
Per Year Stats
| 2023 | (Fresno State) 13 GP, 49 Rec, 516 Rec Yds, 6 Rec TD, 25 KR ATT, 527 KR Yds, 1 PR, 10 PR Yds |
| 2022 | (Boston College) 12 GP, 27 Rec, 388 Rec Yds, 24 KR ATT, 509 KR Yds, 6 PR ATT, 24 PR Yds |
| 2021 | (Boston College) 9 GP, 24 Rec, 269 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TD, 6 PR ATT, 40 PR Yds |
| 2020 | (Boston College) 11 GP, 29 Rec, 435 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TD, 4 KR ATT, 63 KR Yds, 7 PR ATT, 61 PR Yds |
| 2019 | (Ohio State) 6 GP, 6 Rec, 51 Rec Yds, 1 Rec TD |
| 2018 | (Ohio State – Redshirt Season) 2 GP, 1 Rec, 11 Rec Yds |
Player Summary:
Sixth-year receiver with a slender, athletic build, a well-developed upper half, and light lowers. Former four-star APB, U.S. Army All-American, and 30th overall prospect in the Class of 2018 recruiting class. Signed with Ohio State out of Westerville South HS (OH) and transitioned to the WR position full-time. Appeared in 8 games and totaled 7 receptions, 62 receiving yards, and 1 receiving touchdown through two seasons at Ohio State before transferring to Boston College in 2020. Established himself as a multi-year starter at BC under Jeff Hafley, posting 80 receptions, 1,092 receiving yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns in three seasons. Also became a top return specialist in the ACC, as he finished the 2022 season with the 7th-highest kick return average in the conference. Transferred for a third time for his final season of eligibility and landed at Fresno State. Played in all 13 games during the Bulldogs’ 9-4 season, tied the team-high in receiving touchdowns, and finished second total return yardage in the Mountain West.
Gill offers excellent play speed and instantaneous burst/acceleration to destroy a DB’s cushion within the first five yards off the ball. His dynamic play/long speed & burst/acceleration allow him to create significant separation at the stem, turn short receptions into explosive plays downfield, and get behind the secondary on vertical double-move concepts. Exhibits great contact balance and decent twitch to pick up extra yardage with the ball in his hands. Maintains top-end speed when transitioning in and out of his breaks. Does not sink his hips or drop his weight dramatically at the top of the route, which limits his COD as a route runner. Play speed enables him to beat defenses at all three levels but he is far from the most technically gifted route runner in this year’s draft class. Boasts quality hands-catching ability in the short/intermediate ranges to sustain control of the ball through contact. Relies on his body more than normal to reel in deep balls and is rarely seen competing for 50/50 balls at the highest point. However, he still tracks and adjusts to three balls down the perimeter, most notably on back-shoulder fades against man coverage. Reliable target who can win against man and zone coverage, especially underneath against drop coverage. Visibly diagnoses soft spots in zone coverage pre-snap and attacks open space with solid vision and spatial awareness. Presents ample toughness to target the short/intermediate MOF on drags, two-step slants, crossers, and digs. Difficult to track across the formation on pre-snap motions. Always seems to gain an extra step to out-leverage his defender against man coverage. Operates majorly out of the slot but provides the versatility to serve as a pass-catcher out of the backfield given his past experience as a running back. Possesses extensive experience as a kick and punt return specialist, which should enhance his value in a loaded WR class at the backend of the draft. Has tons of room to improve as a blocker but his play speed and return ability should be enough for front offices to overlook his blocking deficiencies.
Scheme Fit:
Slot receiver in a pass-heavy system that features tons of opportunities to attack the underneath MOF and provides frequent switch releases to force late reactions on vertical routes against match coverage.
Power Statement:
Smooth-moving athlete who generates exceptional burst/acceleration out of his release and uses explosive play speed to attack the defense vertically and horizontally. Legitimate return specialist with strong vision to locate open return lanes and potent breakaway speed to become a valuable ST asset at the next level.