Funchess: Stay or go?

Submitted by Wolverinefan84 on

After the OSU game one of the many questions that will be asked will be about Funchess's future. Obviously he's gotten a ton of attention from NFL scouts for being a 6-5 230 pound matchup nightmare. He's got the frame to be a great receiver as well as pretty good speed for a guy his size. But after watching this team all year long, Funchess has to be one of the most disappointing storylines about this past season. His stats for this year are:

55 receptions (5.5/game), 625 yards (11.4/catch), 4 TDs.

Overall this isn't a bad stat line, but from watching every game this year any Michigan fan knows he has been plagued by drops all year long (I couldn't find the exact total) and in key situations, he has failed in making key plays to help our team win. For a 6-5 athletic receiver who's supposed to be a "matchup nightmare", 11.4 yards per catch is pretty measly, even if that includes all the screen passes thrown at him this year (which btw, I'm not sure why you'd throw screens to a TE sized guy as opposed to a shifty Norfleet who's 5'7"). 3 of his 4 receiving touchdowns came in the very first game against FBS newcomer App. State. For a guy with his combination of size and speed, he should be absolutely tearing it up this year. However, we've seen him struggle to get free in press coverage against college corners and really hasn't been able to get open in many instances.

Now obviously this isn't all his fault. Gardner has had as bad a year as any Michigan quarterback in recent memory and I know the OL is still young. They're in year 1 under Nuss and Hoke has never impressed me as an offensive coach... But still, the guy has the physical tools that are extremely rare at the college level and has undoubtedly not reached his full potential.

My questions to the board: 1.) Should he stay 1 more year or go to the NFL? and 2.) What do you think he'll choose?

I know the answer to this question depends a lot on what happens with the coaching situation. If Hoke is fired (probable, if not definite) and we don't get a Harbaugh/Miles level coach, I think he's gone. However I think if we make a big hire it definitely helps his chance of staying. I assume NFL scouts & GMs have gotten increasingly weary of drafting him due to his struggles this year, so I think if he did come back and has the type of year we believe he's capable of, I think he's a no-question 1st round, possible top 10 pick. Another thing to consider is that the 2015 NFL draft is pretty loaded with talent at WR, including Cooper (Bama), White (WVU), Strong (ASU), Coates (Auburn), Green-Beckham (Mizzou/Oklahoma), Green (FSU), and Lockett (KSU) to name a few.

Thoughts? BTW this is my first post to the board so I'd appreciate any feedback on how to make it better for next time.

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mfan_in_ohio

November 24th, 2014 at 2:14 PM ^

Funchess doesn't want to stay here, and I don't really want him to either at this point.  He'll get drafted on the third day as a late-round flier based on his size and (theoretical) ability to be a flex TE. Some team is going to write this year off as a fluke based on bad team, bad qb, etc., but if he stays and has another year like this one, he won't get drafted at all.  

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DCAlum

November 24th, 2014 at 2:35 PM ^

Don't think he's going in the first round, but I also think someone's going to take a chance on him before the third day. And I think he's going to be an excellent NFL receiver once he gets yelled at a bit.

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DCAlum

November 24th, 2014 at 5:00 PM ^

I agree with you in general, but I think poor coaching/motivation in college can be turned around if there's strong coaching the first couple of years in the NFL. When he's no longer treated like he's special, he might realize he has to start working hard again.

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Wolverinefan84

November 24th, 2014 at 4:11 PM ^

I think Funchess still would get drafted next year no matter what because of his combination of size and speed; it's hard to believe all 32 NFL teams don't think he would be worth at least a 7th round pick even as a project for the future. And honestly maybe staying another year would be good for him. He might realize that he's fallen way short of expectations and put in more effort in the offseason as a senior. And another year at WR could help him improve his blocking & route running as well

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bigfan2959

November 24th, 2014 at 4:21 PM ^

Funchess has really disappointed this year.  I doubt he will be a good pro.  He should stay and work on his game.  If his production is because he is now disinterested, that is a problem that will plague him in the pros.  If his is disinterested, he obvoiusly does not have enough talent to overcome it.  All that being said it would probably be good for michigan if he stayed. 

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Bb011

November 24th, 2014 at 2:15 PM ^

During the first few games I thought it was smart for him to go. After the past few games though, I think it probably would be in his best interest to stay and prove to NFL scouts that he can catch the ball. He has all the physical gifts there, but he really has dropped a crazy amount of throws the second half of the season. He was destined for a good draft pick, but I'm not even sure if he would go in one of the later rounds the way he has been playing. His stock has definitely dropped, so he would be going in one of the later rounds, whereas if he stays and proves that he can be a dominant college wr, then he has the potential to move back up into one of the first few rounds if not the first round.

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alum96

November 24th, 2014 at 4:46 PM ^

I will play devil's advocate.  Not every player who comes back improves.  Maybe this is what Devin is.  Not that he can't get better but his limitations are his limitations.  So is it better to come back and "prove" what is out there on him?  Another 12 games of not going over the middle hard (Butt does, Funchess does not) with alligator arms flailing.  Another 12 games of not run blocking.  Another 12 games of dropsies.

Or better to go now and not have 12 more games built on the resume and you can sell potential and anomaly rather than pattern?

Dude is still being mocked late 1st to 2nd on most places I see and most think he is a flex TE.  I dont know how much Jimmy Graham and Gronk block but I have to believe way more than Funchess does.  Even as flex TEs.

And I dont get anyone talking about his combination of size and "speed".  What speed?  He is playing in the slowest conference in America of the big 5 and can't separate from guys who will be accountants or UPS drivers in 2 years.  He is going to separate from NFL LBs and CBs?  No way.  He has height and that's his thing.

Last point to the OP - he looks like he Clowney'd it much of the year.  So once you mind is the NFL you are done.  He has been done.

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samdrussBLUE

November 24th, 2014 at 2:14 PM ^

If the NFL will take him in the first two rounds, go.  Plus, I won't be upset with him every game next year.

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JohnnyBlue

November 24th, 2014 at 2:16 PM ^

He will go. Get drafted somewhere in rounds 2 and 4 and prolly be an ok receaver. I just really dont think he has the drive to reach hus ceiling.... Kidnever seems to want block... Drops the ball... And just doesnt seem like he knows how to utilize his size advantage. I mean i watched Treadwell in the game he got injured... First half he wasn't getting the ball all that much but he was affecting the game by being an outstanding blocker... And whennit was crunch time he put his body literally on the line to try to get his team the win

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Tater

November 24th, 2014 at 2:17 PM ^

Sadly, Funchess has played himself out of the first round with his drops.  He would benefit greatly from another year.  I am guessing it depends on how he is "evaluated" and who he listens to.  

At this point, I think he would profit by coming back because of the difference between a first round contract and a late second or early third round contract.    I am pretty sure that with a decent coaching staff, Funchess would play himself back into middle to high first round status.

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Yostbound and Down

November 24th, 2014 at 2:17 PM ^

As Brian said and as I bitched about on the thread prior, it's not even that he hasn't reached his potential...it's that he seems to have no drive to work towards doing this. He takes numerous plays off each game, doesn't catch well, block well or run routes well and doesn't particularly use his size or athleticism very well. Nussmeier should probably face a bit of criticism for this as well as the rest of the offense but Saturday Gardner was getting him the ball and he just didn't execute (hardy har har). He has left Gardner out to dry with drops on catchable balls all season.

I want him to go. I still think scouts will see him as a 3rd-4th rounder, since his talent and potential is massive and perhaps the motivations of NFL money will incentivize him better than playing for a lame duck coach at Michigan. I hope he figures it out but I'd prefer if he didn't do it on this team. Maybe there are other guys not giving effort but I haven't noticed anyone on the team with as crappy an attitude as his.

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Michigan4Life

November 24th, 2014 at 2:59 PM ^

from what I've hearing (know some pro scouts from working in NFL a few years ago), they considered him a 1st rounder with 2nd round as his floor.  They compared him to Kelvin Benjamin who went to 1st round who had the same exact issue as Funchess in terms of effort and dropped balls. They'd be shocked if Funchess falls to 3rd/4th round.

I do know that some considered him a move TE and others considered him a WR. They think highly of his abilities and thought that bad QB play and bad offensive structure is the main issue for his production. 

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Yostbound and Down

November 24th, 2014 at 3:19 PM ^

Truthfully that doesn't surprise me that much. I don't think people saying "oh boy he'd be lucky to get drafted" realize how much of a beast that guy is athletically. He's the exact type of player that teams like to reach for as a project. I am kinda surprised that he's still viewed that positively but there you go...who's good in college doesn't always or even that often translate to who's good in the pros.

Which of course makes it all the more maddening that he can't or won't release the Kraken in college.

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Michigan4Life

November 24th, 2014 at 6:38 PM ^

Fans tend to look at the now and look at production instead of projecting to the future which is why scouts project players if they translate into the next level. Funchess has the athletic ability and skills to be a starting WR/TE in the next level.

Sometimes, they strip down the system and see them what they really are. These are the same scouts who thought Demaryius Thomas is a top 10 pick because of his potential and physical ability.



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MilkSteak

November 24th, 2014 at 2:17 PM ^

I don't know if Funchess is the 1st round pick he was at the beginning of this season. His stats are decent to good, but his effort is basically non existant. My friend and I were watching the game and were just astounded at how bored he looked on the field, even when the ball came his way. Sometimes he just throws an arm out to catch a pass instead of laying out for it, and his blocking is just awful. 

Long story short, the kid may have played his way out of the 1st round. He's an excellent talent but he seems to be content to get by on his physical merits rather than putting any extra effort out.

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Jevablue

November 24th, 2014 at 2:19 PM ^

he should go.  But I will bet he doesn't go early. The pros are extremely objective and I don't see how they  can see much but chronic under achievement on tape here.  He needs to stay, get better, improve his stock.  Be he won't.  I would love to eat these words.  Not worried though.

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maizenblue92

November 24th, 2014 at 2:19 PM ^

I dont think he should go. He may slide when NFL GMs get a chance to watch the film on him, unimpressive this year and Funchess needs to improve playing the position. That being said he likely gone and would probably save his draft stock at the combine. 

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flashOverride

November 24th, 2014 at 2:24 PM ^

Guy has been mailing it in at times since after ND, when he was left in and got hurt. Wonder if he's playing tentatively because of that, or just developed a bad attitude over it. Possible that neither is the case, but regardless he's checked out for sure. It sucks to lose a guy with his physical attributes, but if Michigan's going to try to start with a clean slate next year, anyone who doesn't 100% want to be there needs to go.  

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UofM Grad 2009

November 24th, 2014 at 2:23 PM ^

He should 100% go. 

There is no reason to risk falling completely off the radar with a new coach next year. However, it would probably be wise to see who becomes the new coach before declaring.

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azian6er

November 24th, 2014 at 2:27 PM ^

if you take a gander at his instagram, he is very much into "the NFL life," i.e. lambos, gettin' rich quick, money, etc etc.

Once I saw this, I knew he was gone.  I think mentally, he knew he was gone from the inception of the season - and has played like it, as all of us can attest to.

 

 

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bigfan2959

November 24th, 2014 at 4:33 PM ^

I think Mr. Funchess is going to find the NFL won't be paying much and for long if he continues to perform the way he has.  It's just going to get a lot harder in the NFL, so I am told.  I think Devin is in for a rude awakening in the NFL.  I predict with the attitude he seems to have he will be a major flop at the next level.  I highly doubt the NFL is easy money, rather probably the opposite. 

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snowcrash

November 24th, 2014 at 2:27 PM ^

Seeing as Al Davis is no longer with us, I don't think any NFL team would take him before the 4th round. He has 1st round talent but his attitude is a massive red flag. I think he'll declare anyway even after getting the 4th round grade. It's possible that the new coach convinces him to stay, but I wouldn't bet on that. He seems to be completely checked out mentally.

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ppToilet

November 24th, 2014 at 2:27 PM ^

who knows Funchess says he's gone after this season. Hearsay, mind you, but the friend is very reliable. And given that Funchess hasn't played his heart out, to say the least, I think it's pretty obvious that he's mentally checked out.

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