KJ Duff looks to improve route-running, solidify 1st round projection

Pro Football Focus has established itself as one of the most trusted brands covering the sport today. PFF is highly quoted and often cited, and they are higher on Rutgers wide receiver KJ Duff than anybody. Duff is ranked the #19 overall prospect in the 2027 NFL draft, according to PFF, and they have him going #15 overall to the New York Jets in their mock draft. Most first round mocks do not have Duff in the mix, and his overall consensus is somewhere on day two (most typically as a mid-second rounder).   The junior from Riverhead, NY aims to improve his route-running skills and increase his touches this upcoming season. There is no guarantee that this will be his final year in school, but given how high his stock is right now, another season of stellar production should see him forgo his final season at Rutgers. "Selfishly as a receiver, like who wouldn't want the ball more?" Duff asked rhetorically at Big Ten Media Days.  "But yeah, like you mentioned, the low amount of catches for the high yardage, you know, just being explosive. So I want to carry that into next year for sure." At 6-6, 225, and with a great vertical leap, Duff is a guy who is going to win most, if not all, the jump balls. To borrow a couple shopworn cliches, he can really "high point the football" on all those "50/50 balls." Duff was 10th nationally in 1,084 yards receiving and 16th in yards per reception at 18.1 yards-per-catch. However, he was only 63rd in receptions. There is room for improvement, he knows that, and he's going to make them in 2026.  "Like I mentioned in some of my interviews, just the small details of things, how and what I can do better," Duff continued.  "But personally, going off last year, looking at my film, I believe I am a good route runner, and I don't think what I put on film (so far) was up to par with that statement. So just continuing to become a better route runner and just show that this season." Like most skill position players in the Big Ten, his best work came against Purdue. In the trip to West Lafayette last October, he racked up 241 receiving yards on just six catches. That's a jump-off-the-stat-sheet level 40.1 yards per reception.  Duff discussed his NFL role models:  "If I turn on the NFL film, I like to watch Mike Evans," he said. One of the most consistent receivers ever, and Drake London as well. I think the body frame, body type. I enjoy watching him." This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: KJ Duff looks to improve route-running, solidify 1st round projection