2013 NFL Draft Prospects: Markus Wheaton Scouting Profile

The Denver Broncos interviewed potential draft picks during Senior Bowl week. One of those prospects was Markus Wheaton, a 5’11", 183 lb. Wide Receiver out of Oregon State University. Wheaton is ranked #8 out of 399 Wide Receivers across the nation and 54th overall for the 2013 NFL Draft. He is projected to be taken in the 2nd round. Wheaton’s pre-Combine 40 Time is listed as 4.44 seconds.

BIO

#2 Markus Wheaton
Class: Senior
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 182
Position: WR
Birthdate: 02/07/1991 (22)
Experience: 3V
Major: Public Health
Arm Length-32 1/4"
Hand Length-8 1/2"

Wheaton left Corvallis as the career record holder for receptions, tied for first for single season receptions with James Rodgers (91), second for single season receiving touchdowns with 11 in 2012 and third for career receiving yards. Markus is one of the best overall athletes in the Pac-12 Conference and probably the best playmaker on the Beavers' Offense. He is also a sprinter in track, with a 100 meter time of 10.75 set in May of 2012. Wheaton leaves OSU having played 49 games, with 227 catches for 2,994 yards, a 13.2 average and 16 Touchdowns. He also ran with the ball 83 times for 631 yards, a 7.6 average and 5 Touchdowns. Markus also had 149 return yards.

In 2012, he had 91 receptions for 1,244 yards and 11 Touchdowns, setting team records. Chosen as one of four team captains for the 2012 season. Markus is a multi-purpose player, used in OSU's rushing scheme on fly sweeps and end-arounds.

He started all 12 games in 2011, leading the team with 73 receptions and 986 yards. Wheaton had four 100+ yard games and earned Pac-12 Conference Honorable Mention.

As a sophomore in 2010, he ranked 3rd on the team for all-purpose yards with 1,028. Markus led the team in receptions with 54 and yards with 660. He also participated in track and posted a 22.36 in the 200 meters at the Pac-10 Championships with minimal training.

During his freshman year (2009), Markus played in 12 games, finishing the season with eight receptions and 11 rushes. The majority of those rushes came on the fly sweep or catching passes behind the line of scrimmage. He scored one touchdown, a 10-yard rush against Washington State.

DRAFT PROFILE

NFL.COM Draft Grade-81.8

STRENGTHS: Wheaton is a flat out speedy receiver. He can work out of the slot or on the outside and blow away the defender. His body control is amazing, whether grabbing a throw behind him or going up to snatch passes out of the air. His straight line speed and burst at the snap chew up the cushion and he uses a good swim move to elude pressing Cornerbacks. He has a lot of experience against the press because Oregon State uses this technique with their Corners.

Markus is an excellent route runner and recognizes holes in zone coverage. He will sitdown in the open area to aid his Quarterback. Wheaton has good lateral agility to elude defenders, but mostly just blows right past them. He will employ an effective stiff-arm to gain yards after the catch. He’s a willing participant over the middle and will make the catches in traffic. Has a head on him to pursue the run block.

WEAKNESSES: He’s not a big receiver, but one could argue that Mike Wallace and Torrey Smith aren’t either, standing at just 6’0″ themselves. However, he’s only 183 lbs and can get pushed around by larger defenders when blocking. He’s an average blocker, even though he shows a willingness to engage. He’ll never be a physical receiver, but the screen game and the short-quick passing attack that the Beavers use, favors his abilities. Markus can elude receivers in the open field because of his speed, but he won't juke a guy out of his cleats. Because of his stature, he can get overpowered by more physical Cornerbacks.

NFL COMPARISON: Antonio Brown (Steelers), Bernard Berrian (Bears/Vikings)

Scouting Report

• Is used on reverses, screens and sweeps at least twice a game, fast enough to outrun the angle on reverses
• Big weapon on bubble screens and quick passes, can create yards after the catch

• Has a second gear to separate while ball is in the air
• Runs hard and decisively with the ball in his hands, can make a move without losing momentum
• Reliable hands, appears to be a natural catcher who doesn’t fit the ball in
• Creates separation in and out of his breaks, due to short area burst
• Can outrun man coverage on crossing routes
• Lacks strength, could manage to add 5-10 pounds to better deal with press/physical CB
• Really poor blocking technique, fails to sustain his blocks and can be overpowered