College: USC
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 192 pounds
Positives
Elusiveness: In small spaces, Lee’s quickness is well above average and allows him to make multiple defenders miss. His body and feet move in sync as he flows from one side to the other when evading defenders. Likewise, Lee has functional speed that enables him to simply run past some defenders. Although, the most impressive part about his speed is his acceleration with the ball in his hand. He can stop, restart, and get up to full speed rather quickly. The combination of such quickness and long speed makes Lee a lethal receiver after the catch. Due to such ability, Lee can “make something out of nothing” and pick up a first down on any given down. Having a player with that type of capability gives a sense of security to both the quarterback and offensive coordinator. It allows for more flexibility in play calling because, in theory, there is added security to convert a third down if need be.
Awareness of the Boundary: Even at the NFL level, not enough receivers show a keen awareness of where the boundary is when going up for a reception. Prior to his jump, Lee takes notice of the boundary and contorts his body when coming down to make sure that he gets at least one foot in. That being said, Lee tends to be able to plant two feet in bounds.This allows Lee to be a lethal weapon on posts, corners, comebacks, etc.., and especially at the corners of the end zone. Due to having that trait, it is likely that whichever quarterback is throwing to him will slowly become reliant on Lee in panicky situations, so long as Lee is in decent position.
Negatives
Poor Hands: As a pass catcher, Lee is subpar. His ability to catch passes is unnatural, not just a focus issue. He dropped numerous passes that should have been simple receptions simply because he has deficient catching ability. Likewise, he struggled at contested catch points. More often than not, Lee is not strong enough to be able to win at contested catch points. Lee's porous combination of catching inabilities takes away from his "security" factor that he has by being a lethal ball carrier.
Route Running: Lee shows plenty of foot quickness and body fluidity that would suggest he would be a better route runner than he is. Instead of having sudden breaks, Lee rounds off his routes, making the defensive back's life much easier. He also lacks any amount of creativity in his routes. They are all quite basic and seldom look any different than the last of that type of route. His lack of creativity is another deficiency that makes it much easier for defensive backs to keep him on check. Against zone, he does not find the weak spots in a defense like other receivers in the NFL, or even this draft class.
NFL Comparison: Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles
Much like Lee, Maclin is an elusive receiver that thrives after the catch, but struggles actually catching the ball. Their route running ability and catching ability is similar, and Lee will likely serve in a similar role.
Draft Outlook
Lee had loads of hype coming into 2013, but a poor season led to him slipping down draft boards to where he should have been all along. As of now, it looks as if Lee will be selected somewhere on Day Two, likely in the 2nd round. That is right where his value is and seems as if where teams are comfortable taking him.
Best Fits
Despite the addition of Eric Decker, the New York Jets still have a need for receiving options. Lee would add an elusive playmaker that would compliment the consistency and execution of Decker.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a bit lacking in receiving talent outside of Antonio Brown. Adding Lee gives them a receiver to take attention from Brown, as well as a receiver who has "big play" potential.