My sleeper series continues today with a look at a shifty wide receiver that impressed me on film, at the East-West Shrine Game and at the scouting combine.
At the scouting combine, guys who are seen as “system” players can stand out from the crowd with good testing results. Jeremy Gallon was incredibly productive during his time in college at Michigan.
Coming out as a redshirt senior, Gallon was able to put a lot on film. He finished off his college career with 89 catches, 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns in 2013.
Despite his production, some feel Gallon is only a “system” player who can only excel on simple routes and screen passes.
Here’s my scouting report on a player who could certainly excel at the pro level as a slot receiver and return man. Could Gallon be the next Danny Amendola? Let’s find out.
Jeremy Gallon—WR—Michigan—5’8”, 187 pounds
Background/Statistics
Gallon was a three-year letterman as a high school quarterback, running back and safety. He gained 4,281 yards on 570 carries (7.5 avg.) and scored 53 touchdowns during his prep career. Gallon also completed 80-of-141 passes for 1,624 yards and 15 touchdowns during his time in high school.
He redshirt as a freshman at Michigan, but it didn’t take him long to make an impact for the Wolverines the next year. Early in his career, Gallon was primarily used as a kick and punt returner. Despite his experience as a return man, Gallon never scored a return touchdown during his career with the Wolverines.
His final season in college was his best season.
Gallon set the Michigan single-season record for receiving yards (1,373), breaking the old mark set by Braylon Edwards (1,330, 2004). In a home game against Indiana on October 19th, Gallon caught 14 passes for 369 yards and two touchdowns. His 369 receiving yards mark the best single-game total in Big 10 history, and it also ranks second all-time in the FBS.
To top off his career with the Wolverines, Gallon was voted by his teammates as the Bo Schembechler Team MVP in 2013.
After the Wolverines lost to Kansas State in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, Gallon got ready for the East-West Shrine Game. He was outstanding during the week of practice for that game.
In my Shrine Game recap, this is what I had to say about Gallon.
Gallon immediately stood out during the week of practice. He’s not the biggest receiver, but he is electric with the ball in his hands.
Gallon is always open.
He shows good burst on wide receiver screens, and he will get downfield in the blink of an eye. Gallon toys with defenders when he has the ball, and he can contribute as a return man as well.
In addition to strong hands and concentration, Gallon also plays with great body control. He’ll run routes over the middle, but he’s also capable of working the sidelines.
Gallon looked like a star in practice, and he certainly was turning scouts heads all week.
Scouting Report
Gallon is not the biggest receiver, nor is he the fastest. He is able to produce at a high level because he’s a crisp route-runner who is more quick than fast.
He essentially transforms into a running back after the catch, and he has the foot frequency to cut without losing much speed. This helps Gallon toy with defenders in the open field.
Gallon’s quick feet also help him maintain his balance after contact. He lacks strength in his lower body, but Gallon can bounce off would-be tacklers and is always fighting for extra yards.
He has the quickness to work as a slot receiver on underneath routes. He also has the body control to work the sidelines if necessary.
Gallon has tremendous hand/eye coordination, and he can adjust to poorly thrown passes. He will too often let the ball into his body to secure the catch. Gallon can also get pushed off his route by physical cornerbacks. He lacks a large catch radius, but makes up for that with the ability to contort awkwardly to haul in passes that are just a bit off.
In 13 games this past season, Gallon only went one game with less than four receptions. He had four 100-yard receiving games, and six games with seven or more catches. Gallon has no problem being featured early and often.
In 2013, Gallon proved he could be a threat in the red zone despite his lack of size. Six of his nine touchdowns this year came when the team was close to paydirt. He’s a tough, fearless receiver when running routes over the middle. Gallon can take a hit and hang onto the rock.
Combine Quotations
Q: How much is your smaller size an obstacle at the pro level?
A: “I’ve been dealing with it my whole life. It’s an obstacle that I’ve been dealing with since I’ve been playing football, but I haven’t considered it as an issue to me. It’s something that other people look at, and I just have to deal with it and play ball with it.”
Q: What pro players do you model your game after?
A: “Steve Smith. He's a smaller receiver. Strong guy, strong hands, nice routes, tough, don't back down from anything. I try to (pattern) my game after his.”
Q: How much courage does it take to be a smaller receiver and run routes over the middle?
A: “You need a lot of courage just to play football, period, but it's all about your will and your heart. You want to play your best for your team.”
Q: What was your experience like at the Shrine Game?
A: “Just going in and working hard and learning the playbook, just playing ball. Everything you ever dreamed of doing, you were able to do in a week. It was amazing.”
Bottom Line
Gallon is currently seen as a priority free agent. This means Gallon is likely to go undrafted. Part of that is the depth of this draft class at the wide receiver position. Part of that is his lack of an extra gear in the open field.
He did run a 4.49 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. He will get knocked for a lack of speed, but Gallon plays fast and he’s still incredibly quick.
Danny Amendola, Wes Welker and Victor Cruz remind us that star slot receivers can come from the undrafted ranks. Jeremy Gallon might be the next on that list.
