Editor’s note: NESN.com will profile intriguing prospects in the days leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft. Next up: Clemson wide receiver Charone Peake.
Charone Peake, wide receiver, Clemson
6-foot-2, 209 pounds
Projected round: Third to fourth
2015 stats: 50 catches, 716 yards, five touchdowns
Testing numbers: 4.38-second 40-yard dash, 1.50-second 10-yard split, 35.5-inch vertical jump, 10-foot, 2-inch broad jump, 4.46-second short shuttle, 6.96-second three-cone drill, 12 bench-press reps at 225 pounds.
Strengths: Peake has ideal size and athleticism for an “X” receiver in the NFL. Receivers who are 6-foot-2, 209 pounds and run a 4.38-second 40-yard dash always will be in high demand. Peake showed he doesn’t just have track speed by catching 45 percent of his deep targets in 2015, according to Pro Football Focus. He had nine receptions on 20 targets over 20 yards for 337 yards with four touchdowns and two drops. He had a solid week at Senior Bowl practices, according to Pro Football Focus.
Weaknesses: Peake has average hands. He dropped five passes on 81 targets in 2015, according to Pro Football Focus. He missed most of 2013 with a torn ACL and had minor knee surgery before the 2014 season. Peake was productive in 2015, but he had just 49 catches for 456 yards with five touchdowns in four previous seasons.
Patriots fit: Athletically, Peake is one of the best fits in the draft for the Patriots. He meets their standards in the 40-yard dash, 10-yard split and broad jump. His sub-7-second 3-cone also is solid for a big receiver. Peake has upside, but the knee injuries and just one year of production are concerning.
Thumbnail photo via Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports Images
