clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

UCLA Football: NFL Draft Profile - WR Devin Fuller

Wide receiver and returner, Devin Fuller got great reviews after UCLA's pro day.

By uclaluv
Devin Fuller, WR UCLA Bruins runs past Southern Cal
Devin Fuller, WR UCLA Bruins runs past Southern Cal
Harry How/Getty Images

Devin Fuller came to UCLA as a 4* quarterback. Brett Hundley was also at UCLA. So Devin, instead of leaving, translated his 4* athleticism into becoming a consistent slot receiver and a reliable and productive return specialist:

The versatile freshman, who had also received offers to play defensive back from other universities, could have sulked or elected to transfer to another program. Instead he chose to help out his new coaching staff by being the consummate team player and contributing as a wide receiver despite having no prior experience at the position.

Devin has received both academic and athletic honors. He is an athletic director’s honor roll member at UCLA!  He received All-Pac-12 honors in 2013 and was second on the team with 59 receptions (447 yards, one TD) in 2014. Fuller started only seven games as a senior, missing games with head and ankle injuries. In those seven games he returned kicks (24.2-yard average), punts (12 for 141 yards), and made plays on offense (24-259, 3 TDs).

Devin had an unusual childhood, getting to tour with Luther Vandross and others. He came from Bruce Springsteen's New Jersey, where his mom, Cindy Mizelle, sings with Bruce.

Despite being snubbed, by not getting an invite to the combine, Devin Fuller worked hard and opened peoples' eyes at UCLA's pro day:

Talking with TD has a great interview with Devin, where he speaks about his pro day, how he sees his role in the NFL, the feedback he is getting from scouts, the art of receiving, and the mental side of the game.

Devin may also find a team as a return specialist. Ourlads.com ranks Devin as the 8th best return specialist in this year's draft. Many teams, like the Falcons are looking for a return specialist:
Not only is Devin a reliable, smart, and speedy returner, he will also bring that same skill set as a slot receiver. In Devin's highlight video, you can see his speed, his ability to find the open spaces, his ability to fight for the ball, and his ability to get his coverage all twisted around:




Devin represents UCLA well, is competitive, and has his priorities in good order. About his UCLA career and his influences, Devin says:

Nothing comes easy. I started as a quarterback and moved to receiver. I had to work my way up the depth chart. In high school, I was with a lot of great athletes but feel like I was one of the best. But going to UCLA, there are a bunch of great athletes. That’s one of the key things besides getting a great education. The number one thing for me was to get a great education while playing at a great football school.

My mom and dad because they have always backed me 100%. They have faith in me in anything I do. They’ve shown me the right way to do things.



What do you dislike the most out of society right now?

A lot of hate. Hating on the next man. You just have to love one another. I feel like that’s one thing that we’re missing. Everybody has to love each other for us to all succeed. The world is not made for us to hate on each other because we’re all going to need one another some day.

What is your biggest goal outside of football?

To help the next man. To be in broadcasting after football is done, with my UCLA degree.But I just want to help people in need. I feel like that’s the biggest thing.

What lasting impression do you want to leave on this world?

I was here for a purpose and to help other people become better for themselves, while making me a better person for myself.


Numbers

Tale of the Tape
Height 6'0"
Weight 195 lbs.


Ranking 4.95 (Chance of making a roster.)

Physical Tests
40-Yard Dash 4.39 seconds
3 Cone Drill 7.1 seconds
Vertical Jump 36 inches
Broad Jump 10' 4"
Short Shuttle 4.25 seconds


Strengths

Devin is quick, fast, and has good size for a slot receiver. He's also shown he is a team player, making the transition from a 4* quarterback to a receiver and returner.  He has quick feet off the line of scrimmage and can break the ankles of backs trying to cover him with his stutter step and burst of speed. He can also get past coverage with pure speed. Devin knows how to find an open area, especially against the zone, and was incredibly reliable at UCLA. He makes good decisions as a returner, can find openings, and make big returns (averaging 11.8 yards per punt return and 24.2 yards per kickoff return last season). And if anyone should need to run a bit of the wildcat, Devin is your man:

Weaknessess

Unlike Jordan Payton, Devin hasn't gained a lot of yards after the catch. He may need to work on his strength. Devin also needs to work on translating that speed onto the field more consistently.


Projection

Devin will most likely be a 7th round pick or find a roster after the draft. He has had workouts with the Falcons, Patriots, Chargers, Packers, Dolphins and Jets.



Stats

Devin Fuller UCLA Receptions
GP REC YDS AVG YDS/G LNG TD 100+
2012 9 20 145 7.3 20.7 18 2 0
2013 12 43 471 11 39.3 76 4 0
2014 13 59 447 7.6 34.4 93 1 0
2015 10 24 259 10.8 25.9 21 3 1

Devin Fuller UCLA Returns Punt Returns Kick Returns
GP PR YDA AVG TD LNG RET YDS AVG TD
2012 9 2 6 3 0 6 9 151 18.6 0
2013 12 0 0 0 0 0 8 225 28 0
2014 13 0 0 0 0 0 2 20 10 0
2015 11 12 141 11.8 0 56 17 411 24.2 0

As for what teams will be getting from Devin:

The relentlessness, commitment, and the willingness to get better every day. I’m a pretty good receiver right now but I feel the sky is the limit for me. I haven’t even reached my ceiling yet.

We wish you all the best, Devin. And as always ...

Go Bruins!

In This Stream

UCLA & The 2016 NFL Draft

View all 30 stories

More From Bruins Nation