NFL 2011 Draft Profile: Michael Floyd (WR) Notre Dame

Michael Floyd arrived at South Bend with all the hype and expectations that generally surrounds any blue chip prospect that is rated among the 25 best high school players in the country. After a spectacular prep career at Cretin-Derham Hall (St. Paul, Minnesota), which cumulated in a senior season that saw him gain over 1,600 yards from scrimmage and score 24 touchdowns, the High School All-American receiver turned down scholarship offers from such perennial powerhouses as Ohio State, Florida, and Michigan to go play for Notre Dame.

Earning considerable playing time for a rebuilding Irish team his freshman season, Floyd would pickup where he left off by becoming one of quarterbacks Jimmy Claussen's favorite targets in 2008. Scoring a touchdown on his very first pass reception in the season opener against San Diego State, Floyd would start to come into his own with after a 7 reception 86 yard effort against Michigan State in the 3rd week of the season. He would follow that effort by gaining over 100 yards receiving in 4 out of the next 5 games he would play, including a 10 reception, 100 yards, 2 touchdown effort against Pittsburgh in November. By season's end, despite missing 3 games, the freshman receiver had tallied 48 catches for 719 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Proving he is set to improve on those numbers in 2009, Floyd opened his junior year with an electrifying performance against Nevada in the season opener. Against the Wolf Pack, Floyd would follow a 24 yard touchdown reception in the second quarter with scores of 70 and 88 yards to break the game wide open for Notre Dame.

With pro football scouts already taking notice, Floyd looks like a sure lock for the NFL in 2010 or 2011. At 6-3, 220 lbs, Michael is presents a big target for any quarterback to throw to. His size also makes him incredibly hard to defend, since he makes good use of his body to shield himself against would be defenders. Though he does not posses the blazing speed of most elite receivers, Floyd is plenty fast in the open field, and is able to break tackles to tack on extra yards after the catch. The fact that he is versatile enough to catch passes inside and as well as be a big play receiver from the outside, only adds to his value. If he continues to improve at his current pace, look for Floyd to be a 1st day draft pick in either the 2010 or 2011 NFL Draft.

Sources:

http://www.ndlna.com/

http://notredame.scout.com/

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/players