Projecting the NFL rookies with most receiving yards
In the 2021 NFL Draft, ten wide receivers were selected in the first two rounds. Amidst the talent infusion, Pro Football Focus projected which NFL rookies would end the season with the most receiving yards.
Projected receiving yards for NFL rookies, per Pro Football Focus:
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals – 1,060 yards. Evidently, Pro Football Focus believes in the highest draft wide receiver to live up to his billing. This season, Chase is reunited with his college quarterback, Joe Burrow. Earlier this summer, the former LSU Tigers wide receiver mentioned that their ‘chemistry’ will carry over.
Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins – 854 yards. After surviving an injury scare in the Dolphins’ second preseason game, Waddle returned with no limitations. If the former Alabama wide receiver can bring his electrifying ability to Miami, the Dolphins’ offense has ridiculous potential.
DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles – 813 yards. While Smith has had his detractors, he’s already proving some of them wrong. Furthermore, Pro Football Focus expects Smith to perform at the next level. This season, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner projects as the Eagles’ number one receiver.
Elijah Moore, New York Jets – 698 yards. Prior to an injury, Moore was setting Jets training camp on fire. While he may not have played in the preseason yet, Pro Football Focus believes he won’t be limited when the regular season comes around.
Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens – 556 yards. Much like Moore, Bateman has been hampered by injuries this summer. Moreover, the former Minnesota wide receiver is expected to miss time to open up the season. Still, he could work his way into becoming the Ravens’ number one receiver in 2021.
Who didn’t make the cut?
Kadarius Toney, New York Giants. Unfortunately for Toney, he’s the only first round wide receiver to miss the top five. However, Pro Football Focus has good reason, as the former Florida Gators wide receiver has barely been on the field this summer. Hopefully, things begin to look up for Toney.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions. While Toney hasn’t been on the field, St. Brown has been ripping it up for the Lions. After falling to the fourth round, the former USC Trojans receiver has used his draft snub as motivation. While he may not have made the list, he very well could work his way onto it.
Rondale Moore, Arizona Cardinals. This season, the Cardinals offense projects to be one of the league’s most explosive. While their wide receiving corps is crowded, Moore’s ability could set him apart.
Nico Collins, Houston Texans. There are more questions than answers when it comes to the Texans’ offense. While it sounds like a negative, it could be a positive for Collins. In 2021, the former Michigan wide receiver has a golden opportunity to make a name for himself.