NFL Draft Preview: Wide Receiver

Analysis

Part 2 of the Draft preview series will review the Wide receiver position. The WR class a strong WR group with some depth into early day 3. There could be a good number of Round 1 WRs in this draft class.

Top TIER

Garrett Wilson WR Ohio State 6’0 183 pounds

Wilson has good speed, athleticism and route running ability. Most complete WR in this draft and could be the first WR off the board. 1,058 yards and 12 TDS in a crowded talented WR room for Ohio State. His size is a bit smaller than a lot of number 1 WRs, but he has big play and YAC ability.

Jameson Williams WR Alabama 6’2 179 pounds

Speedy WR similar to Jerry Jeudy (another former Alabama WR). 1,572 yards and 15 TDs were incredible production. Williams has good size and can play inside and outside. Tore his ACL so could take some time to get on the field in 2022 but if he returns to the form can be a number 1 WR in this league. Look for Williams in the middle to late Round 1 due to his injury.

Drake London WR USC 6’4 219 pounds

Tall 50/50 ball winner with great control and ball skills. Ready to be the X number 1 WR in the NFL and should be taken early to mid-Round 1. Could use some more speed and less drops though but can be a game changer.

Chris Olave WR Ohio State 6’0 187 pounds

Great speed and route runner with quick feet. Think Chris Godwin. Needs better YAC and to build his frame. 936 yards and 13 TDs were productive at Ohio State. Look for him later Round 1

Treylon Burks WR Arkansas 6’2 225 pounds

Great size and speed combo with body control. Think AJ Brown. Needs to work on his deep routes more though but can be a playmaker. Late Round 1

TIER 2

George Pickens WR Georgia 6’3 195 pounds

Tall with good athleticism to beat press coverage. Good deep speed but less intermediate separation. Tore ACL early this year and only played 4 games. Good potential. Real late Round 1 or Round 2

Jahan Dotson slot WR Penn State 5’11 178 pounds

Dotson was a great WR and punt returner for Penn State. He was a game changing playmaker with great YAC both deep and underneath. Probably more of a slot guy in the NFL and needs to build his frame for the NFL.

Christian Watson WR North Dakota State 6’4 208 pounds

Another size and speed combo guy with great combine. Played at a smaller school so more of a boom or bust. Needs to work on his routes and power. Could be an X starter eventually with development. Late Round 1 or Round 2

TIER 3

Skyy Moore slot WR Western Michigan 5’10 195 pounds

Quick off the line and sudden separation. A little bit like Odell Beckham. Some speed but not super-fast and must work on his drops. Round 2 or early Round 3 for Moore.

John Metchie WR Alabama 5’11 187 pounds

Good deep WR but needs to beat the press better. Tore his ACL so that drops him in this draft too. Day 2 pick

Khalil Shakir WR Boise State 6’0 196 pounds

YAC WR with good separation but ok speed. Plays like Golden Tate. Round 2 or Round 3 pick.

Calvin Austin III slot WR Memphis 5’8 170 pounds

Very small but dynamic slot WR. Good hands and separation but may be too small. Round 3 or Round 4.

Jalen Tolbert WR South Alabama 6’1 194 pounds

Vertical threat but not an elite separator. Has some physicality but will need time to develop. Round 3 or 4 for Tolbert

TIER 4 late Round 3 or Round 4

Wan’Dale Robinson slot WR Kentucky

Justyn Ross WR Clemson

Velus Jones WR Tennessee

David Bell WR Purdue

Strong WR class and WR needy teams like the Lions, Bears, Packers and Chiefs could be happy with many of these players.