PHILADELPHIA – Michigan football wide receiver Amara Darboh was selected by the Seattle Seahawks with the No. 106 overall pick in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft.
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Here's some information on Darboh's draft profile from NFL.com:
Darboh's family story is very different from most other draft prospects. They left Sierra Leone to avoid war when was Amara was very young, coming to America (Des Moines, Iowa) when he was seven years old. Darboh became a United States citizen in September 2015. He played as a reserve as a freshman in 2011 (no statistics) but had to redshirt in 2013 due to a pre-season foot injury. Darboh came back to be a part-time starter in 2014 (36-473, two TD) and then earned honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades in 2015 (58-727, five TD). His senior year was his best, becoming a second-team all-conference player as the Wolverines' leading receiver (57-862, seven TD).
Strengths
Good NFL size with above-average arm length. Experience in Michigan's pro-style passing attack. Saw increase in targets and responded with improved production. In 2016, had at least one catch of at least 30 yards in eight of first nine games, outplaying highly regarded teammate Jehu Chesson. Fluid working two-way releases from slot. Smooth transitions in his routes. Won't give away plant-and-go cuts to the post, allowing him to stay ahead of the cornerback. Heady player. Adjusts routes to create better throwing opportunities for quarterbacks. Accepts responsibility as blocker climbing up to cornerbacks with some urgency of engagement. Able to sustain his block when run play flows his way. Locks up back-side safety blocks.
Weaknesses
Build-up runner who is slow to eat up cornerback cushion. Play speed appears to be average. Missing suddenness and twitch. Inconsistent release quickness against press. Could struggle to uncover against aggressive man coverage. Gradual sink into breaks alerts cornerbacks to slam on breaks and challenge the throw. Body catcher. Ball will beat him up and he suffers from focus drops. Needs to improve positioning against defensive backs. Rarely escapes a spirited tackle attempt. Not very dynamic after the catch.
Expectations
Draft projection: Round 3-4
NFL comparison: Mohamed Sanu
Darboh caught the attention of scouts from very early on in his final season at Michigan. Darboh's outstanding size will have some teams excited, but he needs to run well at the combine in order to be targeted as a "size/speed" prospect. He lacks the quickness and hands to make a living underneath, but has the physical traits and willingness to help as a blocker that could get teams to bite on the second day of the draft (Rounds 2-3). Scheme fit could determine whether he becomes a WR2 or just a guy fighting for snaps off the bench.
-- Lance Zierlein