We'll start with the ability to high-point or attack the football. Let's just break it down in general terms. Not to mention, there are different positions and roles among receivers - the X/split end, Z/flanker and slot receivers - and all require specific attributes. The reason for disparity would probably come down to subjective priorities from individual evaluators, in addition to the obvious - individual schemes within different organizations require different skill sets. I would also assume that if I asked scouts from different teams to give their takes, I'd get a pretty diverse list as well. If I asked you now to give your list of the top attributes, skills or tools that you look for at the receiver position when evaluating college players for your favorite team, I'm guessing I'll get a pretty varied response. At least it's accurate to say that it takes more than speed or height or pure athleticism to play the position at a high level in the NFL. I don't know whether it's true or just perception based on the prominence of the position, but it seems like wide receivers bust at a higher rate than most other groups, at least outside quarterback.
It's a complex and highly varied process across scouting departments league-wide, but the evaluation of game film can be boiled down to a simple question, whether you're a personnel exec, a pro scout, a pro draft analyst or an amateur fan at home:
"Breaking down tape," as they say, is the next step, and it's the absolute best way to evaluate individual players. As I've gone through that process myself, I've researched and broken down some of the scouting methodologies that NFL teams use, in order to learn the background into the process, and I've illustrated some of the terms player reports commonly use, in order to provide some context for scout-speak vernacular. The NFL Draft is quickly approaching and over the next month, if you're like me, you'll be devouring reports and surveying prospect videos on YouTube and, looking to really scout potential picks for your team. Here's my take, reloaded, on what attributes and skills you should look for evaluating wide receivers.
I wrote a series of articles last March and April that broke down the attributes to look for when scouting players for the NFL Draft.