Ranking the top-10 draft-eligible wide receivers
After ten wide receivers went within the first 59 selections of the 2021 NFL Draft, this year’s class will try to emulate last year’s success. From rankings done by Phil Steele, a picture is painted of the dynamic receivers who could lead the charge.
Here are the top-10 draft-eligible wide receivers, according to Phil Steele:
10) Jaquarii Roberson, Wake Forest: Roberson is a sure-handed, yard-after-catch hungry wide receiver who’s invaluable to the Demon Deacons offense. He’s performed against stout competition, compiling eight receptions, 131 yards and three touchdowns against Wisconsin.
9) Justyn Ross, Clemson: Ross has scored at least eight touchdowns in each season at Clemson. He makes contested catches, but he’s also guilty of dropping passes on occasion.
8) Dontay Demus Jr., Maryland: Demus Jr. possesses tremendous shiftiness and play-making ability with the ball in his hands. If quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa can take another step forward, Demus Jr. could rise up the list of draft-eligible wide receivers.
7) Treylon Burks, Arkansas: The streak of Arkansas Razorbacks receivers going undrafted will likely end with Burks. He has great size and athleticism, but the size of his hands is baffling. He has to wear specially-made 5XL gloves.
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6) Jahan Dotson, Penn State: Dotson possesses unlimited speed, capable of filling the role of the big-play wide receiver. He also contributed on special teams, averaging over 24 yards per punt return. Dotson could join his former teammate, KJ Hamler, as a premier selection.
5) Drake London, USC: The last USC Trojan first-round wide receiver was Nelson Agholor in the 2015 NFL Draft — selected 20th overall. London has a chance of beating that. Towering over corners at 6’5”, London sees the ball and gets it. His athletic gifts, along with his impressive intelligence make him one of Steeles’ most intriguing draft-eligible prospects.
4) David Bell, Purdue: The next Rondale Moore? David Bell could best his former teammate’s mark of landing 49th overall in the draft. The Boilermakers’ wide receiver possesses a unique combination of speed, body control and spectacular catch ability.
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3) John Metchie III, Alabama: He’s not DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle, but John Metchie III can continue the trend of first-round Alabama wide receiver selections. He plays everywhere for the Crimson Tide’s offense. Inside, outside and even in the backfield. Metchie’s route running impresses draft experts.
2) Chris Olave, Ohio State: Instead of declaring for the NFL Draft, Olave decided to give it one more go-round at Ohio State. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah compared him to Will Fuller, saying Olave possessed ‘silky smooth’ route-running ability.
1) Garrett Wilson, Ohio State: Ohio State might as well change their name to wide receiver university. An exceptional athlete, Wilson uses everything in his arsenal. He creates separation using awareness and intelligence. He’s able to high-point the ball and make contested catches, and then his ability after the catch is marvelous.