2011 NFL Draft Player Profile | Dane Sanzenbacher 

The slew of reliable Ohio State pass catchers continues with Dane Sanzenbacher.

The Great Dane always seemed to come in the clutch whenever the Buckeyes needed him, and while he never posted flashy statistics for a wide receiver, he always ran the correct routes, and caught everything thrown his way in his four years.

Player Name: Dane Sanzenbacher

Position: Wide Receiver

School: Ohio State

Height: 5’11

Weight: 182

40 Time: 4.55

Strengths

Despite being just 182 pounds, Sanzenbacher isn’t afraid to catch the ball in the middle of the field. He is efficient in the short-intermediate routes, and gets solid separation from defenders. He’s as sure handed as they come, rarely dropping passes that hit his hands. He’s a smart football player and a solid downfield blocker as well. He knows how to run most routes, and runs them with a crisp motion.

Weaknesses

Sanzenbacher isn’t overly speedy or even elusive in the open field. He won’t burn many NFL cornerbacks downfield, and has a tendency to get jammed at the line in the few times he’s been covered in press coverage. He will fight for the ball, but doesn’t have a huge vertical to go up and make the tough grabs. He is a solid slot guy who will get that third and short with ease at the next level.

Draft Range

Despite not having overly exciting measureables, Sanzenbacher’s sure hands and excellent route running ability make it hard to imagine him falling out of the fourth round. He isn’t a flashy receiver, and won’t score many touchdowns, but every quarterback needs a guy they can go to in the clutch. Look for a team like Chicago, Cleveland, St. Louis, Tampa Bay or New England to try and scoop him up in the fourth round.

NFL Comparison: Brian Hartline