Strengths: Possesses world-class speed. Gets from 0-to-60 mph in a hurry. Is able to consistently get over the top of CB’s in man-coverage. Can be a huge threat after-the-catch if he catches a crease. Is quick, shifty and agile. Possesses soft hands and good body control to adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Shows the ability to pluck on the run and get up the field immediately. Shows a rare second gear to run away from defenders. Has experience as a return man and rare speed alone gives him a chance to contribute in that facet of the game in the NFL.

Weaknesses: Is undersized. Not strong or physical. Is a small target in the passing game. Is too much of a straight line athlete. Struggles to get off press coverage. Needs to become a much more polished route runner. Is too slow getting in and out of breaks. Rounds off too many of his routes. We question his toughness. Doesn’t go over the middle much. Gives an inconsistent effort as a blocker and lacks the strength to sustain even when he gets in position and locks on.

Overall: Avery redshirted in 2003, and then started every game for Houston a year later. In his first three seasons (2004-’06), he appeared in 37 games (31 starts) and amassed 119 receptions for 1,833 yards (15.4 average) and 12 touchdowns. As a senior, he ranked fourth in the country in receiving yards per game (112.0) and 15th in receptions per game (7.0). He finished 2007 with totals of 91 catches for 1,456 yards (16.0 average) and seven TDs in 13 games (11 starts). For his career, Avery also 40 kickoff returns for 896 yards (22.4 average) and a touchdown, three punt returns for 28 yards and 14 tackles (including one for a loss). A hyperextended left knee and MCL sprain in August 2007 didn’t cost him any playing time. Bottom line: Avery is quite possibly the fastest player in the 2008 class. While there’s no doubt of his homerun-hitting potential for the next level, Avery remains too one-dimensional, with really just the ability to run go routes to threaten a defense. He is somewhat reminiscent of New Orleans and former LSU burner Devery Henderson, who has not transitioned to the NFL very well. Avery is dangerous, but he isn’t a refined route runner and he must learn to separate from man-coverage better in order to contribute as a consistent pass-catcher in the NFL. Avery is a bit overrated for those reasons and will be over-drafted if taken higher than the late-second or third round range.

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