FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Pittsburgh wide receiver Bub Means.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bub Means
Bub Means (WR – Pittsburgh)
6’2″ – 215 lbs.
Background:
Bub Means’ given name is Jerrod. He was a three-star recruit who originally attended Tennessee, where he redshirted in 2019 before transferring to Louisiana Tech. Sat out the 2020 season. Put up a 22-430-2 (19.5) line in 2021 before transferring. Went 27-401-2 (14.9) in his first season at Pittsburgh. He then led the team in yards and touchdowns this season with 41-721-6 (17.6) before declaring for the draft.
Positives:
Big-bodied receiver with escalating output. Tends to line up on the boundary but there are occasions in which he’ll slide inside, often to run a slot fade. Flashes simple, effective releases at the line of scrimmage against press coverage. Long strider with solid build-up speed to threaten defenses down the field. Has the functional strength to stay on track against physical defenders. Nice shoulder dip to slip by corners sitting in off-coverage; also uses a skip step which looks effective. Knows how to use his frame to stack defenders and shield them from the ball. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder. Makes an effort to sink his hips into the stem on shorter patterns. Presents his quarterback with a big target and shows the ability to bring in throws away from his frame. When motivated, frame and strength make him a pretty effective blocker, with good knee-bend, extension and anchor strength.
Negatives:
Was never a particularly high-volume or high-percentage option, catching just half of his targets this past season, and 54% overall. Movements are a bit stilted. Not the most fluid or flexible receiver. Sort of a one-trick pony whose route tree is limited; mostly deep shots with some curls and stop routes mixed in. Balance issues crop up at the stem at times; he also needs to gear down significantly going into his breaks. Tends to settle into coverage at the end of routes instead of working back to the ball. Generally has reliable hands but there are some focus drops on tape (seven drops overall against 90 career catches.) Doesn’t always show great urgency when stalking.
Summary:
A big, strong receiver who can release at the line of scrimmage against press coverage who has the speed to threaten defenses downfield. Could have been more productive with accurate quarterback play. At the same time, there are several rough areas of his game; he often looks stiff, with a limited route tree and inconsistent effort as a blocker. Height-weight-speed prospect who will probably get him some looks in the mid-to-late rounds, but who has a lot of elements of his game to polish.
Projection: Round 6
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