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Anthony Callway
Callaway was an All-State receiver in Florida, helping powerhouse program Miami Booker T. Washington to a state title as a senior, before agreeing to stay in-state to play for the Gators. He earned Freshman All-American nods for his punt return (28 att., 435 yards, two TD) and receiving (35 receptions, 678 yards, four TD) skills in 2015, starting 13 games. Calloway started 11 of 12 games as a sophomore, leading the team with 54 catches for 721 yards and three touchdowns, engaging his speed and elusiveness and also showing the ability to stiff-arm defensive backs in the open field. He was also the primary punt returner (26 att., 218 yards) and returned an onside kick 44 yards for a score. Calloway has had issues off the field, though. He faced a sexual assault trial between his freshman and sophomore year but was cleared of those charges before the 2016 season by admitting during the hearing he was "so stoned" he did not want to have sex with anyone. He was also cited for marijuana possession in May 2017 as a passenger in a car stopped because the driver wasn't wearing his seat belt; he pled no contest to possession of paraphernalia in July 2017. Calloway never played in 2017 because of his involvement in a credit card fraud scheme with other teammates. Instead of looking for reinstatement or a transfer, he decided to declare for the 2018 NFL Draft.
Overview
Make no mistake about it, if Callaway had put together a trouble-free 2017 with even average production, he would be one, big Combine performance away from being one of the more buzzed about talents at the receiver position in this draft. However, his character concerns are at a point where they could derail any opportunity for a career if he doesn't mature quickly. His talent and explosiveness alone give him a good shot at coming off the board on day two and if he keeps it together, he has a chance to become one of the best receivers in this draft.
Strengths
- Feet are light and electric
- Exceptional athlete
- Energetic with explosiveness early in his routes
- Gets away from press coverage with inside or outside releases
- Too much to handle on slants and crossing routes
- Creates instant throwing windows underneath
- Possesses tremendous pure speed and maintains it throughout his routes
- Torments man coverage if he's allowed to operate in space
- Has easy speed to fly past tardy-opening cornerbacks and run wide open
- Athletic leaper with plus agility
- Can get them high, low or behind him
- Gave Minkah Fitzpatrick problems in SEC Championship Game in 2016
- Scored a touchdown passing, rushing, receiving and on both kick and punt returns
- Electric punt return talent
Weaknesses
- Has run into troubles off the field time and again
- Scouts say he is liked by Florida staff but not trusted
- Loves to compete on the grass but not as enthusiastic in weight room or film room
- Lacks strength and can improve toughness when challenged
- Hands are a little inconsistent
- Routes can become frenzied and hurried
- Needs to harness explosiveness
- Slow getting into his breaks due to lack of hip sink
- Same issue stalls his change of direction as route-runner
- Gives away his out-breaking routes
- Despite talent, just seven touchdowns over his final two seasons
Sources Tell Us
"I just watched him. Really natural athlete and pretty good player but there are just too many headaches to deal with so I can't see us taking a chance on him. Our owner will say no and I don't even think we would put him on our board to be honest." -- AFC team pro personnel director
