Trey Palmer  |  Nebraska 6’0” 190 lbs.  |  04/02/2001 (22)

Trey Palmer was drafted by the Buccaneers, becoming the 23rd Wide Receiver and 191st overall player in the 2023 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Palmer is a former five-star recruit that really turned things around once he transferred from LSU to Nebraska. In his lone season as a Cornhusker, Palmer hauled in 71 receptions for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns. In the Big Ten, he finished fourth in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He also finished fifth in the conference in total receptions. On top of that, his 1,043 receiving yards became a new Nebraska single-season record. His 237 receiving yards against Purdue is also a Nebraska record for most in a single game in the school’s history. Because of this production, he was voted to the Second-Team All-Big Ten. 

FILM

STRENGTHS

He’s an absolute BLAZER, as he’s often targeted deep behind the secondary. Tremendous burst off the line of scrimmage. Shows a terrific fight when released from press coverage. The change of pace while developing into his route is above average. Solid special team player who returned a punt and kickoff for a touchdown during his LSU tenure. 

WEAKNESSES 

Lacks physicality. Below-average leaping abilities for his size. Hasn’t developed as a true route-runner, as some of his more complex routes need work. Tends to have an issue with drops, especially when his defender(s) closes in. Needs to work on finding soft spots against zone coverage. Didn’t have a lot of time spent on the outside, mainly working in the slot position. 

ATHLETIC TESTING

Palmer measured in at 6’0” and 190 lbs at the NFL Combine, equating to a BMI of 25.8. He ran a BLAZING 4.33 40-yard dash (98th percentile), equating to a 107.7-speed score (88th percentile). Palmer also finished his collegiate career with a college dominator score of 46.1 percent (93rd percentile) and a 32.6 percent target share (96th percentile). 

Palmer displays ELITE speed! His 4.33-second 40-yard dash was the fastest amongst all participating wide receivers. At his Nebraska Pro Day, he showed some red flags, as he recorded a 29.5” vertical and 114” broad jump. His vertical would’ve landed him tied for second-to-last among all receivers at the draft. His broad jump would’ve been the worst in the entire group. 

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Good

Palmer was selected with the 191st overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers. 

He joins a solid wide receiver room that already rosters Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Russell Gage. With Tom Brady now on the outs, it’s hard telling how much longer that trio will stick around. Palmer should serve as their WR4 during his rookie campaign, but he could rise after this season. 

FANTASY INSIGHTS

If your rookie drafts are three rounds, you can go ahead and let Palmer go undrafted. But if you do have a fourth-round selection, he’s worth snagging at that price. He may be a taxi squad candidate early on, but don’t be surprised if he starts seeing the field a bunch midway through the 2023 season. He’s too talented and fast to stay on the sidelines for a long time.  

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