Oakland Raiders NFL Draft Preview: Slot Receiver
By Austin Gayle
Daniel Braverman, Western Michigan
After breaking down his game film and publishing a column on him here at JBB on Saturday, I have to say I like Daniel Braverman.
Braverman, a former slot receiver at Western Michigan, is an athletic freak that has thrived throughout his career despite his lack of size. At 5’10”, Braverman is often underestimated, but polished route-running ability and elite quickness will force defenders to second-guess their previous judgments.
Though he doesn’t have the speed to get behind defenses, Braverman makes his money on short, quick routes like outs and slants, while he also will sometimes create immediate separation on double-move routes near the line of scrimmage. Braverman is an unconventional weapon in the red zone due to his inability to leap over taller defenders for the ball, but his touchdown production will remain high because of his proven ability to get open on a limited amount of steps.
He will need to add some mass to his frame before he can survive the beating he will likely take over the middle of the field, but Braverman is still capable of making an immediate impact early in his career. With over 100 receptions in his final year with the Broncos, Braverman could develop into the volume catcher Oakland can target early and often on Sundays.