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HCA: Does Brandon Arconado have an NFL future?

Slot receiver could follow River Cracraft’s lead to a professional career

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 27 Cheez-It Bowl - Air Force v Washington State Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Washington State Cougars inside receiver Brandon Arconado came out of walk-on obscurity last year to become one of the leading pass catchers in the conference. He was the best slot receiver at WSU and maybe in the conference since River Cracraft, who is currently with the Philadelphia Eagles. Arconado is hoping to follow in those footsteps in next week’s NFL draft.

Obviously the current COVID-19 epidemic has complicated those plans with WSU not being able to hold a Pro Day in Pullman for scouts. With Arconado not being invited to the NFL combine earlier this year, it complicates his pro aspirations even more. With no official 40-yard dash time and not having elite size, Arconado will have to hope his route-running, quickness and production on film will entice NFL teams will give him a shot.

NFLdraftscout.com considers Arconado a high priority undrafted free agent for teams. Arconado checks in at the 112th best wideout in Dane Brugler of The Athletic’s draft rankings. Another thing that is going against Brandon is this is a historic draft for recievers with even Dez Patmon and his DK Metcalf-like measurables having a shot at going undrafted.

The most likely scenario for next week is we see Anthony Gordon and Patmon selected in the later rounds while Arconado and Easop Winston getting nice free agent deals. I wouldn’t be surprised to see all four of them on NFL roster or practice squads next season as both of the unheralded wideouts could turn out to be absolute steals based on their play on the field.

Football

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Basketball

Kyle Smith adds size and athleticism to Washington State roster, signing Jefferson Koulibaly, Dishon Jackson | The Spokesman-Review
The recent additions to Washington State’s men’s basketball roster suggest a trend: the Cougars are keen on getting much bigger, longer and more athletic under Kyle Smith, and recruiting players with versatile skill sets will be a big priority moving forward.