3. Andy Isabella (R)
College career stats: 44 games, 231 receptions, 3,526 yards, 30 touchdowns, 64.6% catch rate
A fan-favorite amongst the NFL draft community and analytics website alike, Andy Isabella figures to be productive day-one. Many compared Isabella to four-time Pro Bowler T.Y. Hilton including Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy. You don’t have to look far as to why he has favorable comparisons; he has serious speed, but like Hilton, is undersized (5-foot-9, 188-pounds).
Isabella tied the fastest time at the 2019 combine for receivers with a 4.31 second 40-yard-dash. His speed combined with excellent route-running and short area quickness make him a constant deep-threat. But he’s so much more.
Despite playing the position for just three years (running back before), Isabella is an excellent route-runner both horizontally and vertically. He’s a chronic body catcher, but he does so well, and isn’t afraid to attack the middle of the field. The former running back’s vision, quickness, and physicality are also noticeable when he has the ball in his hands.
Most consider Isabella to be a slot receiver in the NFL. Though his skill set would best be utilized here as a mismatch, his game has the ability to go to the outside too. He’s shown that his foot quickness can help him create separation versus physical, bigger, outside cornerbacks and he isn’t afraid to block.
Isabella is limited due to his size. But his game should translate well to the NFL, and he’s not in the mold of former, frustrating Cardinals’ deep-threats. The UMass product has the ball-skills, elusiveness, and route-running acumen to compliment his speed. He should also be a good returner too.