The 2020 draft class was hinted to have the best wide receiver group in history. This year’s class seems to be potentially even better, especially at the top. With multiple receivers that can be franchise impacters, the 2021 NFL Draft seems to be yet another talent-filled class to load up rosters for yet another offense-focused year. Let’s meet the best of the best.
1. Ja’Marr Chase, LSU
Few will debate the talent of Chase. His ability to always be open with amazing hands and an amazing catch radius is a major asset at the next level. Justin Jefferson had an amazing year last year in the NFL, but he did not wear the No. 1 jersey: Chase did. He was so talented that even one of the best rookie receivers of all time could not outclass him for the best receiver on the team. That is amazing.
Chase also knows how to gain micro separation at the catch point by adding a slight bit of speed to pull that half of a yard needed to be open in the NFL. Whoever is throwing the ball to this stud athlete will absolutely fall in love with his newest super weapon. The question remains: how did spending a year off affect his draft stock? We shall see on draft day.
For more on Chase, check out our scouting report on him here.
2. Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
Waddle has by far been one of the most talented players to leave college. His blend of speed, burst, fluidity, hands, and character combine to create an amazing prospect both on the field and in the locker room. Any team should want him. Waddle etches out his teammate DeVonta Smith due to size concerns. Waddle has a solid frame that can last in the NFL without any real worries. In a league that gets ravaged by injuries each and every year, health is important. As the saying goes: “the best ability is availability.”
For more on Waddle, check out our scouting report on him here.
3. DeVonta Smith, Alabama
There is no doubt that Smith had one of (if not the) most amazing seasons a wide receiver has ever had at the college level. His ability to separate with skill, not just speed, is beyond NFL caliber: it is starting NFL caliber. Smith has zero flaws to his game, and any team that gets him will be ecstatic about the superstar on their roster. The major issue lies in his size.
There were worries about Smith’s durability at 6’1″, 175 lbs. It just doesn’t seem that he could last in the NFL with that frame. Things got worse, however: at the Alabama pro day, Smith stated that he was 170 lbs. This is a major red flag that will scare teams away from using major draft capital on him, even though he was the Heisman winner.
For more on Smith, check out our scouting report on him here.
4. Rashod Bateman, Minnesota
Bateman’s sub 4.5 40 yard dash sparked a very controversial comparison: Jefferson. With a name like that floating around, there has to be some amazing talent that Bateman possesses. Surely enough, he does have it. His quarterback, Tanner Morgan, was hinted on a talk show at being potentially better than Trevor Lawrence for a period of time. The truth was that Tyler Johnson and Bateman bailed him out time and time again with their insane ability. With both off of the field, Morgan did not flourish whatsoever. It was clear that the two-headed monster had a greater impact than anyone had realized. Strong hands, smooth routes, and solid athleticism combine to make yet another steal in the first.
For more on Bateman, check out our scouting report on him here.
5. Kadarius Toney, Florida
Toney is just different. It is really hard to describe without showing tape, but he just moves and plays differently than anyone else. That may be an asset (as it was at Florida) or it may be a liability at the next level. If he can have a similar impact at the next level, he will certainly be one of the most feared weapons in the league. Toney is not very fast, but he is dynamic and can change directions very fast. There is not much more to say about him, but Toney in the right system can be a game-changer.
For more on Toney, check out our scouting report on him here.
6. D’Wayne Eskridge, Western Michigan
This is a favorite among the top scouts. Eskridge has 4.3 speed (confirmed at his pro day) and plays at it. With many combine and pro day numbers, players seem to play at a different speed than how they run at these events. A perfect example is Rondale Moore, who gets caught by defensive players on almost every play even though he ran close to if not under 4.3 seconds for his 40-yard dash. Eskridge has extremely sharp routes with excellent fluidity and even better after the catch ability. His hands may not be anything to write home about, but he is one amazing talent that few know. Many will know him more when he makes impact plays each week in the NFL.
For more on Eskridge, check out our scouting report on him here.
7. Elijah Moore, Ole Miss
This was a battle between Moore and Terrace Marshall. Marshall’s motor concern definitely pushed him off this list when Moore had an amazing pro day. Again, he ran a 4.35 40 yard dash, but Moore actually plays at it as well. That is super crucial to understand when looking at these numbers. The Ole Miss product is a dynamic weapon with the ball in his hands. He may have a limited route tree, but his role in the NFL will certainly not require much more than the routes that he has perfected. Moore is also lethal with the ball in his hands. In the right scheme (like Tennessee), he may end up being the steal of the draft.
For more on Moore, check out our scouting report on him here.
Class Summary
Overall, this wide receiver class is excellent. There were many names like Rondale Moore, Marshall, and others that could have made this list. Any team in need of a receiver is lucky this year because there is so much talent in this class. It has stars of all sizes and skillsets. Once again, the football gods have blessed the world with even more toys for offenses to play with and entertain the fans on Sundays. Surely the football community will welcome this.
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