NFL Draft Profiles: Film Study of WR Joe Hansley

Welcome to our third installment of “Film Study,” this time with a look at Joe Hansley, the slot receiver and return specialist who’s been a fan favorite for “Ram Nation” the past four seasons. Unlike our previous two “Next Level Rams” we analyzed, you won’t find any scouting reports online or in magazines of Hansley. He’s a very under-the-radar prospect, but recently received an invite to work out with the Denver Broncos during their “local day” on Tuesday, April 12.

After closely studying four games of Hansley’s from the 2013 and 2014 seasons (not surprisingly his most productive with Garrett Grayson throwing him the ball), watching him throughout his career at CSU, and attending his Pro Day, let’s look at Hansley and what he could bring to an NFL team.

Much like last time, we’ll look at Hansley’s strengths first, followed by his weaknesses and then wrap it all up in the end.

Strengths:

• Hansley is a slot wide receiver who’s already accomplished and experienced playing as an inside receiver.
• He is extremely agile and able to escape defenders; a slippery route runner.
• Hansley is a good route runner, though maybe a bit overrated in this area. Very talented in finding holes in coverage (see TD against Wyoming)
• Joe is quite hard to track and bring down in the open field; a good runner with the ball.
• His size limitations make him a below average blocker, but he’s a willing participant in the run game and screen game as one. Able to lower his helmet and block defensive backs low with success.
• Hansley is an incredibly talented punt returner (probably his best skill at the NFL level). Shows off excellent lateral movement and vision in creating space and then flying to the opening. Can be a game-breaker on punt returns. Not the fastest but a truly talented escape artist in the open field, shifty mover who’s able to duke tackles laterally. He has superb change of direction skills and ability to stop and start on a dime. (See two TD’s scored against Fresno St this season).
• He’s a sure-handed receiver (didn’t see a drop in all four games I studied) and tough player, doesn’t shy away from the challenge.
• He was used primarily on inside routes (slants, curls, digs) underneath, but showed some real promise as as a downfield threat, especially on double moves.

What Hansley is asked to do as a slot receiver and a punt returner he mostly does well. What will limit his chances at the NFL level are the roles he can’t play do to his size (5-9 3/8 and 168 pounds), he’ll never be an outside receiver.

Weaknesses

• Hansley doesn’t always look like he’s running routes at 100 percent speed, part of this might just be his running style. Could run his routes tighter and at sharper angles. Will need to be more of a technician to succeed at NFL standards (Didn’t convert a 4th and 4 due to this against CU in 2013). Not open as often as you’d think.
• Joe was a fast player for Mountain West standards, but not a burner for NFL standards.
• Hansley’s size limitations are obvious; he’ll be limited to playing in the slot and being a returner. Not just his height but he also has extremely short arms.
• Limited production as a receiver, numbers decreased every single season after sophomore year. Never had better than 52 receptions and 613 yards. Most likely limited to return role.

Conclusion:

There’s a golden rule in scouting that a player can’t be small and slow, he can be slow but he better be big and he can be small but he better be a burner. Hansley is far from slow, but the 4.57 40-yard dash he ran at his pro day won’t be enough to impress scouts given his diminutive size. His true value lies in his ability as a returner where he’s scored three career touchdowns as well as a trick pass TD on a fake field goal. This might be his best role as a special teams ace, a guy who returns punts and can be used on a few trick plays, while also being an emergency slot receiver. That’s the one real scenario in which Hansley is going to make it on a 53-man roster in the NFL week in and week out. That’s not a slam on Hansley, it’s just that there are very few guys in the NFL at his size.

The Broncos interest, even if in just a “local day” scenario, is intriguing, as the team is in need of returners and a creative coaching staff could find ways to utilize Hansley. It seems hard to immagine the Ram standout will be drafted, he’ll most likely get a shot as an undrafted free agent and will have to spend a little time with the practice squad before stepping on an NFL field. I wouldn’t bet against the kid’s heart and game-breaking ability on punt returns, even if it will be an uphill battle with his measurables.