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Wester made an impact for the Buffs, but how will he fair in the NFL?
The young man behind Colorado’s miraculous Hail Mary against Baylor had his shot to impress at the NFL Combine, and LaJohntay Wester made the most of it.
After stepping into the starting slot role midseason following Jimmy Horn Jr.’s injury, Wester became one of the Buffs’ most reliable playmakers. Now, with the NFL Draft approaching fast, his stock is starting to take shape.
NFL Combine Performance
Wester’s 40-yard dash time of 4.46 seconds was solid, though some expected him to be slightly quicker given his short-area burst. His 10-yard split (1.53 seconds) was just 0.05 off the fastest time among all receivers, showing how quickly he can accelerate off the line.
His vertical jump (32 inches) was on the lower end for receivers, but Wester has never been known for his leaping ability. His strength lies in his quickness, change of direction and ability to shake defenders in tight spaces.
One number that stood out was his broad jump, which measured 10-foot-1 — it’s not elite, but respectable for a shifty slot receiver who wins with his route running and separation rather than pure athleticism.
NFL Combine Grades and Draft Projection
Here’s where Wester ranks based on the official NFL Combine grading system:
- Production Score: 30th among WRs
- Athleticism Score: 38th among WRs
- Projected Draft Range: Late Day 3
Wester isn’t a freak athlete, which isn’t helped by his small size, and he likely won’t be a Day 1 or Day 2 pick. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t make an impact at the next level. His hands, quickness and route running fit the modern slot receiver mold that NFL teams love.
NFL Outlook
Wester’s best path to an NFL roster is as a slot receiver and return specialist. He has the crafty route running and intangibles to contribute in the right system and teams looking for a reliable slot option with special teams value will give him a serious look.
If Wester aces his Pro Day, especially by improving his 40-yard dash, he could sneak into the later rounds of the draft. Even if he goes undrafted, he’s the type of player who can earn a roster spot and surprise people at the next level—just like he did all year at Colorado.
by Jacob.Thompson
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