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2015 NFL Draft: Evaluating Devin Funchess’ Stock After Week 14

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By @DaveCuff

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Devin Funchess has been a diamond in the rough for the Michigan offense all season and that continued on Saturday. Against Ohio State, Funchess had a big game with seven receptions for 108 yards. As a junior, Funchess still has a year of eligibility left, but he will most likely enter the 2015 NFL draft. Games like he had in week 14 are the reason why it makes sense for him to leave school early.

At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Funchess is an absolute beast. He has the size and athletic ability to play either wide receiver or tight end at the next level. He has played and excelled at both positions while at Michigan. His numbers this season don’t necessarily jump out at you, but you have to consider how bad Devin Gardner has played this season. In a better situation, with a better QB, things could have been much different for Funchess this year.

Funchess runs good routes, has solid hands and is one of the more athletic players in the draft.  His size allows him to go up over defenders to make catches, and it also allows him to break tackles after the catch. He projects as a hybrid type player in the NFL. He can line up on the line as a tight end or spread out wide as a receiver.  He is very similar to the Denver Broncos‘ Julius Thomas in both size and ability.

Even though he played on a bad offense this season, Funchess was still able to impress. His versatility and athletic ability make him a unique prospect.  In the pass-happy NFL he should be a coveted prospect for all 32 NFL teams.  At this point Funchess projects as a late first-round pick.  He could move up further if he can impress in workouts.

David Cuff is a University of Michigan Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DaveCuff, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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