Michael Calvin didn't catch a lot of passes during his career at the University of California. His career was stalled by injuries and he played behind two very talented receivers in their own right, but he was known for a few things.
First, with Keenan Allen, one of the nation's rising wide receiver stars, and Marvin Jones, a fifth-round pick by the Bengals this year, in front of Calvin, there weren't always a lot of passes that got around to Calvin. In his four seasons (he redshirted his freshman 2007 season) he caught 42 passes for 528 yards and one touchdown. His final season was his most productive, finishing with 20 catches for 269 yards with the touchdown.
What he was known for was his blocking ability while Cal and his deep speed. Calvin had a knack for getting open deep and catching a pass. His athleticism was always on full display beyond just his speed. He was the player that could come down with the miraculous catch.
Once his career at Cal was over, he began preparing for the NFL. Without an NFL Combine invite, his performance at Cal's Pro Day would prove to be vital to further his career. He ran a 4.32 40-yard dash, broad jumped 11 feet, 1 inch and posted a vertical jump of 40.5 inches. His 40 time at the Combine would have been the fastest, his broad jump would have been tied for the highest and his vertical would have tied for the fourth best.
Calvin also brings ability to special teams. During his time at Cal, he recorded three tackles, forced a fumble and blocked a kick. His speed could also be valuable on coverage teams.
The six-foot-three, 215-pound wide receiver has the skill set and hands to be a valuable possession receiver in the NFL, with the speed to make him dangerous deep down the field. After the Falcons' top three receivers, there is youth and inexperience on the depth chart. Calvin has a chance to join the Falcons and compete for a spot on the roster because of some of the versatility he brings beyond just being a pass-catcher.
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