(These are rankings based on current information acquired. Subject to be updated in a different article and assuming all prospects declare for the draft. Thanks for reading and enjoy!)
*NFL Player Comparisons (Comps) are NOT career arcs but more so play style and archetype category. It’s a good way to envision how a player may look in a certain scheme, their best usage or their mannerisms during game situation. *
*[2021 Catches/Yards/TDs]
1. Treylon Burks (Arkansas) 6’3″ 225 lbs. – A.J. Brown
Big, fast and physical. Burks displays rare athleticism, contested catch and high point ability. He has utility and can be used on end arounds and sweeps. Route running needs improvement and weight management will be something to monitor at the next level. Overall his profile is a prospect that should be hard for defenses to deal with and create matchup advantages for the offense. [66 catches, 1104 yards, 11 TDs]
2. Jameson Williams (Alabama) 6’1″ 189 lbs. – Isaac Bruce
Jameson Williams is like if former Titans great Chris Johnson played wide receiver. He has vertical separation ability and will be the ultimate field expander. He’s not just a speed merchant. He can settle down in zones underneath and pick defenses apart as well. Will need a QB willing to push the ball downfield and make tight window throws to capitalize on his big play ability. He needs a new off-season trainer because the details of his preparation process are flawed. One of the reasons he got injured is because he practices this “paddle-foot” footwork that compromises the stability of the knee. There’s also inconsistencies to his catching process. All should be addressed and corrected. Overall an NFL team is getting an electrifying game changer. [79 catches, 1562 yards, 15 TDs]
3. Drake London (USC) 6’5″ 210 lbs. – Mike Evans
I could very easily see a healthy Drake London being the WR from this class that produces the earliest. He’s polished, smart, can play in the Big Slot role in an offense and because of that he should see the field early and often. He’s possess excellent body control and YAC ability all while being a crisp route runner. His injury and personal preference in size are the only obvious knocks on London currently. He also has thin lowers which could be strengthened to avoid tick tack injuries moving forward. The team that drafts London will be getting a future baller. [88 catches, 1084 yards, 7 TDs]
4. Garrett Wilson (Ohio State) 5’11” 192 lbs. – Sterling Shepard
Smooth vertical mover. Nuanced route runner but hasn’t even tapped his route running potential. Has the profile of an early producer. Understands how to beat zone concepts. Needs to be coached up on urgency after the catch. Wastes too many steps and needs to get North to capitalize on more YAC. Can struggle vs. physical corners and press. Better zone beater than man beater. Love the character profile. Future NFL team is adding a saavy ball player. [70 catches, 1058 yards, 12 TDs]
5. Jahan Dotson (Penn State) 5’10” 184 lbs. – Keenan McCardell
Provides special teams value as a returner. Doesn’t possess blazing speed but play speed is fast enough. Has a penchant to make the uncanny play. Admittedly probably ranked too high in this first edition ranking due to size concerns but he is a special player with a unique playstyle. Keep in mind had subpar to average QB play most of his career. Slight build that struggles vs. press. [91 catches, 1182 yards, 12 TDs]
6. Chris Olave – (Ohio State) 6’0″ 189 lbs. – Brandon Stokley
Smooth transition runner. Route running extraordinaire. Hand catcher that doesn’t let ball get into body too often. His lack of bulk and physical presence is noticeable and because of that can be rerouted against more saavy corners. Short arms. Will have to create a niche for himself early or fall behind. The best role for Olave is a WR2 or 3 that can be the intermediate possession type and move the chains. [65 catches, 936 yards, 13 TDs]
7. Skyy Moore – (Western Michigan) 5’9″ 185 lbs. – Wes Welker
Moore has an extensive release package. Quickness is exceptional. Wins low completion percentage battles as well as the behind the line of scrimmage and slant reps. Terrific body control. Has kick and punt return ability. Gadget potential and multi-usage is a strength. Size and level of comp are only concerns. [95 catches 1292 yards, 10 TDs]
8. Jalen Nailor – (Michigan State) 6’0″ 190 lbs. – Brandin Cooks
WR ranks 8-10 (Nailor, Pickens, Ross) could be ranked 4-6 if injury concerns/production wasn’t an issue. Combine will confirm this line of thinking. “Speedy” Nailor is an athletic track speed separator and that’s what separates him from the pack of Day 2 WRs as well. He has multi-usage and utility traits to be employed on horizontal play design behind the line of scrimmage. Plays bigger than his size implies. Nailor will provide dynamism to an offense through his ability to win 1v1s more often than not. Can really dominate a third of the field when used correctly but can be a field expander to open things up for others as well. Needs to diversify his route tree and be dependable on all levels of the field. [37 catches, 695 yards, 6 TDs]
9. George Pickens – (Georgia) 6’3″ 200 lbs. – Sidney Rice
Pickens and Ross from a pure athleticism standpoint are Top 5 talents. I fully expect them both to climb my rankings as more information on their injury history is shared. Other than that, Pickens is a freak. He’s super competitive and over his career he has some of the most memorable big game performances of any draft eligible wideout. He wins with physicality. [5 catches, 107 yards]
10. Justyn Ross – (Clemson) 6’3″ 205 lbs. – Mike Williams
Ross oozes star potential. Hands catcher, good not great route runner yet but you can tell he understands defensive leverage. He has spectacular catch prowess and can separate from defenders. When healthy and present he looks like a slimmer Julio Jones. The main issue is his medical baggage. I’d also love to sit in on his interviews to further understand his character profile. [46 catches, 514 yards, 3 TDs]
(11-65: Jalen Tolbert, Bo Melton, Christian Watson, Wan’Dale Robinson, John Metchie III, Velus Jones Jr., David Bell, Calvin Austin III, Romeo Doubs, Kevin Austin Jr., Danny Gray, Jaquarii Roberson, Kyle Phillips, Jerreth Sterns, Khalil Shakir, Alec Pierce, Deven Thompkins, Tay Martin, Tre Turner, Erik Ezukanma, Emeka Emezie, Dareke Young, Jaivon Heiligh, Charleston Rambo, Tyquan Thornton, Jequez Ezzard, Tyler Fryfogle, Dai’Jean Dixon, Mike Woods, Makai Polk, Samori Toure, Braylon Sanders, Isaiah Weston, Slade Bolden, Malachi Carter, Dontario Drummond, Kwamie Lassiter II, Taysir Mack, Josh Johnson, Jared Smart, Mike Harley, Andrew Kamienski, Devon Williams, Johnny Johnson III, Changa Hodge, Theo Howard, Mychal Cooper, Kalil Pimpleton, Tyshaun James, Jalen Virgil, Britain Covey, Michael Young Jr., Brandon Johnson, Tanner Conner, Tyler Snead)