NAME: Andy Isabella
SCHOOL: Massachusetts (UMass)
CONFERENCE: Independent
POSITION: Wide Receiver
CLASS: Senior
JERSEY: No. 5
RECRUITMENT RATING: 3-star
HT: 5'8 7/8″
WT: 186
D.O.B.: 11/18/96
Highlights:
Pros:
Andy Isabella has shown the ability to play both out of the slot or on the outside during his time at UMass, but will likely find most of his success as a slot receiver in the NFL. His speed, precise route running, and football IQ are all pluses and should help him get on the field early as a rookie.
He is a natural hands catcher and as shown the ability to bend and contort his body to catch passes thrown outside his frame. His quick off the line of scrimmage and has a good understanding of how to temper his routes to create space and separation. He also shows a good understanding of when to sit down against zone coverage. Quick feet help him get in out of his breaks with ease.
Is a high motor player who leaves everything on the field. Has a background as a running back. His short area quickness combined with his long speed makes him dangerous after the catch. Has been used as a “gadget” player of sorts on jet sweeps, reverses, and end-arounds. Also has return experience as both a punt and kick returner in college.
Cons:
The biggest negative about Andy Isabella is obviously his size. It may limit him to being a slot WR only in the NFL, although he has shown the ability to be a vertical threat at UMass, averaging 16.8 yards per perception his senior season. His lack of size also creates durability concerns.
Isabella doesn't show a lot of strength on film either. This could hurt him beating press coverage in the NFL and also limit him as a blocker as well. The effort is there as a blocker, but due to his small stature and lack of strength he is mostly restricted to mirroring the defender and isn't going to drive them out of the play.
Isabella's lack of size/strength well also hurt him in contested catch situations. Quarterbacks will have a tight window to fit the ball into him, even though he has shown the ability to bend and contort his body to catch balls thrown outside his frame.
Cowboys Fit:
If the Dallas Cowboys are looking for another slot receiver to take the place of Cole Beasley, Andy Isabella should be at or near the top of their list. He can do all the things that made Beasley so great for so many years in Dallas, and could quite possibly be an upgrade as soon as he hits the field as a rookie.
Like Beasley, Isabella would likely become Quarterback Dak Prescott's best friend in the passing game, especially in the short to intermediate area of the field. His speed, route running ability, and sure hands make difficult to cover one-on-one all over the field, even as a vertical threat. His experience as both a punt and kick returner could make him the Cowboys return specialist as well.
Overall, there is a lot to like about the skill set Andy Isabella would bring to the Dallas Cowboys. He would have some large shoes to fill, but it would be just a matter of time before he became a fan favorite, much like the player he would be replacing, Cole Beasley. If the Cowboys want to secure his services though, they would likely have to use one of their Day 2 draft picks on him.
