Oregon State wide receiver Anthony Gould is one of the most explosive playmakers in the 2024 NFL Draft. Gould ran a 4.39 at the NFL Combine. His 1.49 10-yard split ranked first among all receivers, and Gould also had a 39.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-9 broad jump. We’re talking about one of the most athletic receivers in the draft.
Gould recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his performance at the NFL Combine, why teams have been showing more interest in his services since then, his favorite route to run, recent Zoom and Pro Day meetings, and more.
JM: You ran a blazing-fast 4.39 40 at the NFL Combine. Your 1.49 10-yard split ranked first among all receivers. Your 39.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-9 broad were also outstanding results. How would you grade your overall performance?
Anthony Gould: I thought I had a good week in Indianapolis. It was definitely a great opportunity for me. I feel like I had a great week overall. I wanted the 40 to be a little bit faster, but 4.39 was a good time. Maybe I’m being a little hard on myself (laughs).
From testing to the drills, it was a great opportunity for me to display my abilities. I feel like it went well overall.
JM: Have you noticed an uptick in attention you're receiving from NFL scouts since then?
Anthony Gould: Yeah, I’ve definitely noticed a little bit more attention coming my way from NFL teams. I went out there and put my best foot forward. I just reiterated what I do on the field, what teams saw from me on tape. It’s easy to do it with shorts and a T-shirt on as well.
I’ve received pretty consistent attention from NFL teams throughout this process for the most part. My agent and I have been hearing great feedback from who we’ve been talking to. It’s been consistent, but more teams have reached out since the NFL Combine.
JM: That makes sense. You posted career highs in receptions (44) and receiving yards this past season (718). What led to the uptick in production?
Anthony Gould: I think it was all about stepping into that No. 1 role. I was able to take over games at times. We had another weapon on the outside, Silas Bolden, he’s the next one up. Unfortunately, he transferred away from Oregon State but we helped each other be productive.
I put in the work. We had D.J. Uiagalelei at quarterback. We started building our connection as soon as he arrived. Being able to capitalize on the big plays played a role as well. In 2022, there were some games where we were a run-heavy offense. We didn’t make as many explosive plays in the passing game.
My mindset was to score or make a big play with every opportunity I had. We all bought into the offense. We had weapons. We had a great quarterback that wanted to get us the ball. That was the biggest difference between this season and 2022.
JM: You recorded an explosive 16.2 yards per catch throughout your career at Oregon State. What is it about your game that leads to explosive plays?
Anthony Gould: I like to think of myself as a versatile playmaker. It doesn’t matter if it’s a screen, a deep ball down the field, or something in the short-to-intermediate game. I’m trying to make something out of nothing. I’m going to make plays regardless of what I’m asked to do.
If I’m asked to run a slant, a mandatory outside release, I’m going to run every route like I expect to win and get the ball. I do everything with intent. I’m trying to perform every time I step on the field.
Our saying at Oregon State was that playmakers make plays, and I’m definitely a playmaker. I have to make plays. It’s a mindset. I stay true to who I am. I go out there to have fun. I love doing my thing on the field.
JM: Sticking to that topic, does Anthony Gould have a favorite route to run?
Anthony Gould: My favorite route is definitely a stop route, a nine-yard stop route. I’m a fast receiver so defenders are always worried about defending the deep shot. If I get a defender running, I don’t think there are too many guys who can get out of there breaks like I can. That’s why I love that stop route.
JM: I love that. With the NFL Combine now in our rearview mirror, have you completed any Top 30 visits and do you have more coming up?
Anthony Gould: I have a Top 30 visit with the Kansas City Chiefs. I’ve hopped on a bunch of Zoom meetings. I have a few more coming up. I met with the Colts, Seahawks, and Falcons. I spoke with the Chargers and Lions quite a bit at Pro Day. Those are some of the recent meetings.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Anthony Gould going to make at the next level?
Anthony Gould: I’m going to make an immediate impact from day one. I plan on coming in and executing my role, whatever that is. Whether that means I’m the No. 3 or 4 receiver, or as the punt returner, I’m going to go out there and make plays.
I’m going to be explosive. I’m going to come to work every day ready to get better. I’m going to learn with intent. I never just go through the motions. I’m excited to find out where I’m headed. I’m going to help that team win a Super Bowl.
