Brandon LaFell
WR, LSU · 2010 NFL Draft, Round 3, pick #78 (CAR)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: availability. Details below.
- Availability
Played 125 of ~144 possible regular-season games from 2010 through 2018 (~87%). Last NFL season: 2018.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #69 (#8 at his position), close to where he went (#78). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
LSU: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.58 40-yard dash at 211 lbs: faster than 12% of WRs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
WR (WR group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 40.4% of the time (718 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 125 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 5 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 43 |
| Passing | undefined/1, 0 yds, undefined TD, undefined INT |
| Rushing | 11 att, 130 yds, undefined TD |
| Receiving | 406 rec, 5,398 yds, 31 TD |
| Defense | 2 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2018 |
The 2010 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2010 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 | |
| Position WR | 40.4% n=718 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 211 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.58 s |
| Vertical | 36" |
| Broad jump | 115" |
| 3-cone | 6.81 s |
| Shuttle | 4.23 s |
| Arm / hand | 32.7" / 8.8" |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #69 overall (#8 WR) |
Picked around him 2010 redraft
| 75 | Major Wright | redraft #81 |
| 76 | Chad Jones | redraft #238 |
| 77 | Damian Williams | redraft #115 |
| 79 | Donald Butler | redraft #58 |
| 80 | J.D. Walton | redraft #74 |
| 81 | Earl Mitchell | redraft #63 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.