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So You've Signed Damond Powell: A New Owner's Guide

Congratulations! You've just made the wonderful decision to draft sign Damond Powell! Like most new Powell owners, you're no doubt filled with questions about your new family member. We here at BHGP will try our best to answer any questions you might have.

By RossWB
Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

HELLO ARIZONA

WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT DAMOND POWELL?

He has a need -- a need for speed.  Powell was one of the fastest receivers to suit up at Iowa in recent years and he was able to display that speed to thrilling effect at times over the past two seasons with the Hawkeyes.  He ran a 4.39 at his Pro Day and that measurement seems legit -- he's incredibly hard to catch in the open field or with any sort of room to run.

WHAT DID HE DO THAT WAS SO GREAT?

He used that speed to add a much-needed big play dimension to Iowa's passing offense over the last two seasons. The results didn't always live up to the expectations of Iowa fans, but that discrepancy likely had more to do with the offensive play-calling at Iowa and the quarterback play than it did Powell himself.  (Although he isn't without his flaws, either -- see below.)  Powell is absolutely capable of blowing the top off a defense.  He's also very capable of turning small completions into big gains.

STATS

YEAR GAMES REC REC YDS YDS/ REC TD LONG RU RU YDS YDS/ ATT TD
2011 - - - - - - - - - -
2012 - - - - - - - - - -
2013 13 12 292 24.3 2 74 2 9 4.5 0
2014 13 19 317 16.7 3 72 1 14 14 0
TOTAL 26 31 608 19.6 5 n/a 3 23 18.5 0


HOW ARE HIS PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES?

His speed is very good (as noted, he ran a 4.39 40 at his Pro Day and unlike some speedsters, he was able to translate that speed to the football field pretty well).  He's definitely on the small side (5-11, 178), so he's looking at a limited role on offense -- probably in the slot.

PRO DAY RESULTS

HIGHLIGHTS

WHAT ABOUT THE BAD?

Powell isn't a polished route runner and he struggled to learn the routes and pass plays at Iowa, which contributed to his lack of involvement in the Iowa offense.  His downfield blocking wasn't particularly noteworthy and while he was capable of highlight reel catches (see above), drops were also a problem at times.

WAS THIS A GOOD SIGNING?

Powell's numbers certainly won't wow you, but a lot of that has to do with a lack of opportunities, too.  Iowa fans were consistently frustrated with his lack of involvement in the offense and the inability of those running the offense to devise more ways of getting him the ball.  He has potentially game-changing speed and plenty of potential; he's nowhere near a finished product, but with enough nurturing, he could be an effective contributor in the passing game.