Wide Receiver

WR

Position Analysis: ROSS UGLEM

01 JA’MARR CHASE, LSU

02 DEVONTA SMITH, Alabama

03 JAYLEN WADDLE, Alabama

04 RASHOD BATEMAN, Minnesota

05 RONDALE MOORE, Purdue

06 KADARIUS TONEY, Florida

07 TERRACE MARSHALL JR, LSU

08 DYAMI BROWN, North Carolina

09 ELIJAH MOORE, Ole Miss

10 NICO COLLINS, Michigan

11 AMON-RA ST. BROWN, USC

12 TYLAN WALLACE, Oklahoma State

13 AMARI RODGERS, Clemson

14 SAGE SURRATT, Wake Forest

15 D’WAYNE ESKRIDGE, Western Michigan

16 TUTU ATWELL, Louisville

17 SETH WILLIAMS, Auburn

18 JAELON DARDEN, North Texas

19 DAZZ NEWSOME, North Carolina

20 CADE JOHNSON, South Dakota State

1

Height: 6’0” Weight: 201 lbs. Arm: 30 3/4” Hand: 9 5/8”

PRO DAY:

Vertical: 41” Broad: 132” Bench: 23 reps 20 yd: 3.98

2019 STATS:

84 rec 1,780 yards (21.2 ypr) 20 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

Ja’Marr Chase is a No. 1’s No. 1. Chase chose to opt out of the 2020 season (and missed a rough year at LSU). The reality was that he had very little left to prove; on a team that had the best rookie wide receiver since Randy Moss in Justin Jefferson, Chase was “the man.” Chase averaged more yards per catch and yards per target, had more total yards and more touchdowns, and dropped fewer balls than Jefferson. Still, Chase has just one college season with a very good quarterback, and he isn’t all that tall. Folks could overthink this.

Before the catch/catchpoint: Chase is far more polished as a route runner than any player whose tape from his 19-year-old season should be. He carved up high draft choices like A.J. Terrell and Trevon Diggs. Chase’s footwork is tremendous, and he understands how to attack space and run a full route tree. Chase was outstanding at the point of the catch. His play strength is tremendous, though it’s worth wondering if his average size will allow that to continue in the pros. His release package is varied, though his footwork is better than his hand usage. He gets stacked in a hurry.

After the catch/run blocking: We don’t have timing numbers on Chase, but the guess is that his long-speed is good, not great. Still, in the open field he’s a problem. He makes excellent cuts and possesses tremendous vision. Chase absolutely blocks his butt off, taking tremendous pride in springing teammates for long runs. His effort with the ball in his hands and run blocking are noticeable.

BEST GAME:

Chase’s best game may have just come in his biggest. LSU locked horns with Clemson in the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship, and Chase was electric. Chase hauled in nine of his 14 targets for a total of 221 yards and two touchdowns, torching the aforementioned Terrell in the process. Multiple top-100 picks were on the field for the Tigers offense, but Chase was clearly the top guy. That game was over midway through the third quarter, and Chase was a huge part of that. Also, not only was Terrell drafted 16th overall, he was one of the better rookie corners in the league in 2020— Chase made him look ridiculous. There isn’t a bigger college football stage than that January Monday night. Outside of Burrow, Chase was the biggest star.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Chase is a true, featured No. 1 receiver. Obviously Green Bay already has one of those. Is that a problem? No. Defenses would be forced to choose between Chase and Davante Adams and have almost no ability to focus on Matt LaFleur’s run concepts with A.J. Dillon and Aaron Jones or burgeoning young tight end Robert Tonyan. While Chase may look like a slot receiver, he actually lined up outside at LSU seven times as often as he did inside. Still, the versatility is apparent, as it is for Adams. Green Bay could create a pre-snap nightmare by moving both around. It is difficult to envision a scenario in which Chase fell far enough for Green Bay to move up and take him. Still, it’s a beautiful dream.

2

Height: 6’0” Weight: 170 lbs.

PRO DAY:

DNP (Injury Rehab)

2020 STATS:

117 rec 1,856 yards (15.9 ypr) 23 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

Smith became the first wide receiver in 20 years and the first non-quarterback since Derrick Henry to win the Heisman Trophy. Smith was excellent in 2019, even with Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs stealing targets, but he truly became the guy in 2020. Nicknamed “The Slim Reaper,” Smith has obvious questions about his thin frame and how he might hold up in the NFL game. Smith consistently makes the difficult catch look easy and routinely takes the easy catch all the way to the barn.

Before the catch/catchpoint: Smith is so smooth with ankle and hip fluidity, fully making up for his thin frame against press coverage. Defenders look like they’re trying to get a jam on smoke, or maybe water. He’s a member of the “Always Open Club,” as separation is no problem. Smith has an excellent understanding of leverage, forcing defenders into coverage spots they don’t want to be in. Smith dropped just three passes on 145 targets from Mac Jones in 2020. Despite his size, Smith absolutely dominates at the catch point.

After the catch/run blocking: A gifted return man, Smith shows those same skills after the catch. He breaks more tackles than it appears he should and makes players miss. Not much of a “jitterbug,” but he works angles in the open field and erases them with pure burst and speed. Oftentimes, Smith will look dead to rights, beat the defender to the sideline, turn the corner, and burn. He tries as a run blocker, which is everything you can ask. Most will assume that run-blocking ability will be pretty moot unless Smith is able to add weight, and they’re probably right. He’ll likely run players off the line of scrimmage as a pro as opposed to trying to do a ton of stock-blocking.

BACKGROUND:

Wherever Smith is drafted, he’d best buy a house with a big trophy room. In addition to his Heisman Trophy, Smith is a two-time national champion, Maxwell Award winner, Walter Camp Award winner, Biletnikoff Award winner, and was named AP College Football Player of the Year. It had been nearly 30 years since a wide receiver won the Hesiman. Green Bay Packer Desmond Howard won the award in 1991 with Michigan. Smith was also named the 2021 Rose Bowl Offensive MVP and was the MVP of the 2021 CFP National Championship. Despite only playing in 40 career college games, Devonta Smith will leave Alabama as one of the most decorated wide receivers in college football history. He’ll look to add to that resume in the pros.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Because of his frame, some see Smith as a better option at Z (able to go in motion) or in the slot. He’s a game-breaking stud either way, but Green Bay has a world-beating X in Davante Adams so “figuring out” a spot to play Devonta Smith would be an excellent problem to have. Smith led college football in deep catches and deep yards (20-plus yards in the air) in 2020. MVS and Smith stretching the field so Allen Lazard, Davante Adams, and Robert Tonyan can work underneath and to all parts of the field is a scary proposition. Again, it’s difficult to envision a scenario in which Smith falls to a place in the draft where Green Bay would find the capital to move up and pair him with Adams.

3

Height: 5’9 1/2” Weight: 180 lbs.

PRO DAY:

DNP (Injury Rehab)

2020 STATS:

253 carries 1,083 yards (4.28 ypc) 10 TDs 42 receptions 347 yards 2 TDs

IN A NUTSHELL:

It’s a little bit nuts just how often Alabama has shown up at the top of these rankings over the last two seasons. The run of Jeudy, Ruggs, Smith, and Waddle may never again be topped by any school over a two-year period. Waddle is a twitched-up receiver, not only “bursty” but possessing tremendous long speed as well. As an early entry with some injury history, Waddle hasn’t actually played a ton of college football.

Before the catch/catchpoint: Waddle will be an interesting player to watch in the NFL. The Crimson Tide had him attack from all over; Waddle lined up in the backfield, the slot, outside, and as a punt returner. His size is likely to keep him from ever being a true X or featured receiver as teams might press him, but it’s not likely to keep him from being a star. Waddle needs to expand his route tree, as right now he’s great close to the line of scrimmage and great deep but not so much in between. Waddle’s feet are so quick and educated that he’s able to release consistently, despite his size. Press corners don’t bother him, and off coverage is a nightmare as well. Waddle’s speed eats up space immediately and stresses the defender. His catch radius is bigger than his size would have you think.

After the catch/run blocking: This is where things get really fun. Waddle is extremely explosive after the catch. Waddle runs like he’s trying to score on every play. He has the entire athletic package: burst, wiggle, and long-speed. Though he tries plenty hard at run-blocking, he’s 5’10” 180; he’s not going to move NFL defenders off the ball. Sometimes, just getting in the way is good enough.

COLLEGE:

As mentioned above, Waddle doesn’t have a tremendous amount of tape to wade through. What’s there is certainly exciting, but injury issues, playing behind super-duper stars and coming out early means his experience is pretty limited. According to Pro Football Focus’ college product, Waddle has just 971 career snaps in 34 games played. His tape is great, however, and there’s no question about that. Folks may find a way to have questions about the sample size and whether a 5’10” 180-pound reciever can stay healthy. Whoever pulls the trigger on Waddle in the top-15 will be taking a gamble based on a somewhat limited set of data points. The chips are going to be all the way into the middle of the table. The highs are very high, but a risk certainly exists.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

What if the Tyler Ervin role was taken by a Randall Cobb-type wide receiver who ran like Tyreek Hill? Waddle as the jet player and Green Bay’s new punt returner (Maurice Drayton rejoices) is probably the top fit in the class. Yes, Chase is a better prospect, but Waddle does things no one on the Packers is currently doing. In fact, Waddle does things very few players in the NFL are doing for any team. Waddle could also help out of the backfield and create mismatches, even with Aaron Jones back in the fold. Waddle is the one top-flight SEC receiver in this class who could dip into the 20s range (a la Jefferson a year ago) and tempt Green Bay with a trade-up. Would they spend multiple picks to gamble on an oft-injured but elite prospect?

4 5

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 190 lbs. | Arm: 33” | Hand: 9 1/2” PRO DAY: Vertical: 36”, Broad: 123”, 40-yard: 4.39 2019 STATS: (2020 mid-season opt out): 60 rec, 1,219 yards, 11 TDs MEASURABLES: Height: 5’7” | Weight: 180 lbs. | Arm: 28 1/4” | Hand: 8 3/4” PRO DAY: Vertical: 42.5”, 40-yard: 4.32, 20 yd: 4.10, 3-cone: 6.68 2018 STATS: (only full season): 114 rec, 1,258 yards, 12 TD | 21 carries, 213 yards, 2 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

Bateman is more of what the Packers have, and that’s a good thing. The most common comparison from pro-Bateman evaluators is Davante Adams. Now imagine having two Adams. Adamses. Adami? Exciting, isn’t it?

Before the catch/catchpoint: Rashod Bateman has the most developed release package in this class. Bateman was the “slant master” in Minnesota’s RPO-heavy scheme, consistently beating his opponent inside. He was able to beat press coverage with strong hands and good feet and eat up off coverage with bursts. The release package marries well to a developed route tree to all three levels. Bateman led the country in yards per route run from the outside as a sophomore and kicked inside as a junior with some success. Bateman is a “plucker” (a true hands catcher). He’s fine at the point of a contested catch but not dominant.

After the catch/run blocking: Bateman’s just a great football player. The tape doesn’t show freaky athleticism, but he’s still constantly erasing angles or breaking tackles. Bateman has a thick-ish frame and long arms. Minnesota ran the ball plenty with Mo Ibrahim (and Rodney Smith before him), and Bateman will do the blocking you ask him to do.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Bateman is an interesting fit with Green Bay because, as was pointed out before, he’s very Adams-like. Having Diet Davante on the field will allow Green Bay to continue to use Adams in a variety of ways. Adams has had success from the outside, the slot, and even in the backfield. Bateman will eat second and third corners alive on the outside. It’s not like he’s slow, either. He caught 14 passes of 20 yards or more in 2019.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Moore is the kind of player Packers fans dream about but know Green Bay would never draft. In 25-plus years, the shortest receiver actually drafted by Green Bay was Randall Cobb at 5’10¼”. If Purdue listed him at 5’9”, that’s the high end of an official measurement. He’s not small, though. Moore is thick.

Before the catch/catchpoint: Moore isn’t going to be a complete No. 1 receiver unless he ends up like Steve Smith, and very few receivers do. Still, he’s not just a behind-the-line receiver. Moore threatens in the intermediate and deep parts of the field. Moore exhibits elite change of direction, and that allows him to create separation, which makes up for his size. He is not going to be an aerial red zone threat or a jump ball winner.

After the catch/run blocking: After the catch, there isn’t a player in the class in his league. His electricity is often borderline disrespectful. Moore portrays the ball carrier vision of a tailback, constantly setting up defenders to look foolish. His thick build also allows him to break high tackles. Moore’s a nightmare for opposing defenses in the screen game. He’s not going to help much as a run blocker.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

I can’t think of a player in the last three draft classes who would scare me more if I was another team than Moore playing in the Tyler Ervin/Tavon Austin role, or at least what that role is supposed to be. Durability is an issue (as is experience) for Moore, but on a 25-30 snap pitch count in addition to return duties he has the ability to change the course of a football game. Moore averaged 8.3 yards per carry and scored three times in just 20 collegiate games. He’s the jet player.

6 7

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 193 lbs. | Arm: 31 1/4” | Hand: 9 1/4” PRO DAY: Vertical: 40”, Broad: 136”, Bench: 9 reps, 40-yard: 4.41, 20 yd.: 4.25 2020 STATS: 70 rec, 984 yards, 10 TD | 19 carries, 161 yards, 1 TD MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 205 lbs. | Arm: 32 3/4” | Hand: 9 1/2” PRO DAY: Vertical: 39”, Broad: 125”, 40-yard: 4.38 2020 STATS: 48 rec, 761 yards, 10 TDs

IN A NUTSHELL:

A deadly slot weapon with the ability to change direction on a dime, Toney is exactly what the Packers don’t have in the wide receiver room. Toney is absolutely lethal after the catch.

Before the catch/catchpoint: Actually getting the ball to Toney is what will need to be developed at the next level. He is far from the most developed route runner in the class. His routes are occasionally imprecise, and his tree did not prove to be very diverse. Toney has excellent hands and a low drop rate but didn’t have a ton of contested catch opportunities. Still, there is reason to believe he can be more than a “gadget” player.

After the catch/run blocking: There might not be a more “sudden” athlete in this class. Burst and change of direction are the name of the game for Toney. He’s a phenomenal return man and that shows up in the offense after the catch. Very rarely does the first tackler get Toney to the ground. In fact, it’s not that often that the first tackler actually gets a piece of Toney at all. Toney’s a try-hard guy as a blocker but isn’t going to move any defensive backs off the ball.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

This potential fit is a fascinating study. Unlike Moore, Toney passes Green Bay’s height threshold at receiver. As mentioned above, though, Toney is unlike anything they currently have on the roster. Toney’s attractiveness to the Packers largely depends on whether they value what he brings. Is he not their type, or is he exactly what they need? Tune in to find out. Toney’s showing up on several mock drafts and big boards right around where Green Bay picks. He wins in ways no one on the team is able to win.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Marshall has had a very interesting college experience that arguably throws into question just what level of an NFL prospect he is. Marshall spent 2019 on one of the greatest offenses in college football history. He spent 2020 as the most gifted skill player on an offense that was hot garbage otherwise.

Before the catch/catchpoint: Marshall is a really big football player with a really big catch radius. He’s currently “adequate” at all three levels, showing the ability to release and get open underneath. After being the outside receiver across from Ja’Marr Chase (Justin Jefferson in the slot) in 2019, Marshall became a “big slot” in 2020. He’s excellent in contested catch situations, largely due to his massive frame and soft hands, but he suffers from the occasional concentration drop.

After the catch/run blocking: This is...fine? Marshall is a load to bring down and has a touch of wiggle to his game in the open field, but he’s not going to put anyone on a highlight reel like Moore or Toney might. Run blocking just needs an uptick in consistency. There will be plays where he completely over matches a corner and plays where you wonder whether he’s engaged mentally.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Marshall has the chance to be what Denzel Mims might have been in the class of 2020. Though he was a slot threat in the 2020 college season, Marshall projects to develop as a true number two receiver with the ability to get deep and use his size to get open. Not a super versatile piece, Marshall isn’t going to be handed the football, and they aren’t going to “manufacture” touches for him. He’ll win in the downfield passing game, or he won’t.

8 9

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 189 lbs. | Arm: 32 3/4: | Hand: 9 5/8” PRO DAY: Vertical: 38”, Broad: 128”, Bench: 18 reps, 40-yard: 4.46, 20 yd: 4.35, 3-cone: 6.87 2020 STATS: 55 rec, 1099 yards, 8 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

Brown made waves at North Carolina as the deep threat for future first-round pick Sam Howell. Brown exceeded the 50-catch mark and the 20-yard-per-catch mark in both seasons. He’s a true bomber with the potential to round out his game in the pros.

Before the catch/catchpoint: At this point, Brown is a bit of a two-true-outcomes route runner. There are a lot of gos and a lot of slants. Brown eats up off-man coverage in a hurry. He’s such a threat in the vertical game, it’s likely a good receivers coach can expand his route tree at the next level if his “slant feet” are any indication. He shows a good but not great release package. Brown plucks the ball away from his frame and has good hands but is not elite at the catchpoint in contested situations.

After the catch/run blocking: So much of Brown’s run-aftercatch is just running in a straight line to the end zone after catching a fly route, but in limited opportunities he was above average. Running after the catch is another area in which Brown may be a better pro player than college. Brown is a strong run blocker with experience, as UNC ran it plenty with really good backs.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Brown should end up being a more consistent deep threat in the pros than Marquez Valdes-Scantling is for them now. He has a rare ability to get vertical, and the threat of those explosive plays should allow him to develop an intermediate route tree if he gets with the right coach. If he’s a 45 catches/800 yards/eight touchdowns player in the league, he is well worth a top-100 pick. Brown could be another in a long line of second-round gems for Green Bay.

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’9” | Weight: 184 lbs. | 40 Time: PRO DAY:

2020 STATS: 114 rec, 1,258 yds, 12 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

A featured player for Ole Miss, Moore is likely headed for a slot role in the NFL. He might be talented enough to make it on the outside, but if that doesn’t happen he figures as a highly effective slot receiver for a long, long time. He profiles as a high-level athlete (outside of his height).

Before the catch/catchpoint: Moore does not have the strength up top to consistently defeat press coverage, but his feet are lethal. Moore’s feet are elite at the line of scrimmage. His speed is so tremendous very few corners at the college level wanted to give press coverage a try against him. Moore’s change of direction at the top of the route is absolutely tremendous, which is where his level of separation comes from. His drop rate is very low.

After the catch/run blocking: Moore is as good as it gets after the catch; he’s extremely elusive in the open field. The quicks are what everyone notices, but his long speed is high-end as well. He’s a constant threat to score. It’s not likely he’ll be an effective run blocker.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Marquez Valdes-Scantling as a deep threat, Davante Adams as a focal point, and Moore in a slot/jet role is a scary proposition for opposing defenses. Moore was more effective in college against man coverage than most slot defenders ever are, and he’ll bring a toughness to the Packer offense. Moore registered 27 punt returns at Ole Miss with limited success, but he could factor into the plan for Maurice Drayton. Green Bay would have to break its height rule.

10 11

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4” | Weight: 215 lbs. | Arm: 34 1/8” | Hand: 9 3/8” PRO DAY: Vertical: 37.5”, Broad: 125”, Bench: 14 reps, 40-yard: 4.45, 20 yd: 4.32, 3-cone: 6.79 2020 STATS: 37 rec, 729 yards (19.7 ypr), 7 TD MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 197 lbs. | Arm: 30 3/8” | Hand: 9 1/8” PRO DAY: Vertical: 38.5”, Broad: 127”, Bench: 20 reps, 40-yard: 4.61, 20 yd: 4.26, 3-cone: 6.90 2020 STATS: (6 Games) 41 rec, 478 yards, 7 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

Collins is another swing at the Chase Claypool body type. A true height/weight/speed project, Collins is a big-play threat with excellent ball skills. Like Donovan Peoples-Jones before him, Collins wasn’t done any favors by the Michigan passing game. Collins is a good bet to be a better pro than he was a college player.

Before the catch/catchpoint: Collins is not a polished route runner. He wins plenty, but it is not by creating separation at the top of his route. Separation wasn’t always important due to his size and tremendous catch radius. However, expansion of the route tree will be critical for success in the pros. Collins possesses a higher-quality release package than a “project” or a player of his size. He may be the best “power forward” in the class from a contested catch perspective. That’s his football.

After the catch/run blocking: Collins is difficult to bring down, but it’s due more to his size than any ability to make people miss. If he gets up to speed at that size, he’s still terrifying, but “wiggle” does not make a huge appearance on tape. He’s going to be a bully at the next level blocking corners on the perimeter.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

You could argue that Collins and Allen Lazard are too similar, but they absolutely win in different ways. Collins is not going to be a third-down possession grinder like Lazard. Can they both box out defenders? Of course, but Collins is a legitimate downfield threat with elite size for the position. They do different things well. Green Bay has given plenty of opportunities to Big Ten position players in the past and has drafted a Wolverine in each of its last two classes.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Amon-Ra is Packers wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown’s brother. In addition to attending rival universities, their style of play is quite different, as well. Amon-Ra is a versatile weapon, playing outside almost exclusively in 2020, in the slot in a big way in 2019 and moving all over in 2018. St. Brown is a gifted and complete route runner but not the athlete his older brother is.

Before the catch/catchpoint: Brown has a mastery of the route tree at the short, intermediate and downfield levels. His footwork is clean, and his smooth change of direction is impressive. St. Brown consistently creates separation against man coverage. His release package is fine, but the majority of his film is from 2019 with slot alignment. He easily snatches the ball away from his frame.

After the catch/run blocking: St. Brown is elite after the catch. The first man almost never gets him to the ground. He’s dangerous in the screen game and the quick-slant game. Fluidity in his game extends to the YAC game. Brown is highly competitive but not a huge or particularly physical guy. He will not dominate in the run-blocking game but is happy to get in the way.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Outside of the obvious awkward situation in which the younger brother snatches a roster spot from the older brother, St. Brown is an interesting fit with the Packers. He has the ability to move around in the way that Greg Jennings did in his prime. Used primarily on the outside with Favre, Green Bay moved him all over in 2010 and 2011. He made a huge play at Super Bowl XLV from the slot. St. Brown can be very interchangeable with Adams. He may remind some of James Jones, as well.

12

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’9.5” | Weight: 212 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Rodgers is another player Green Bay would have to bend its “rules” for—he would not meet the height threshold. He’ll likely end up as a long-term primary slot receiver. Clemson didn’t run the ball with Rodgers a ton, but when they did it was very efficient. He’s a “manufactured touches” kind of player, but his running-back build and ability after the catch is special. Many of those touches were manufactured because Rodgers didn’t consistently create separation. As a gadget player, Rodgers also returned a large volume of punts at Clemson but was not incredibly successful.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 194 lbs. | Arm: 30 3/8” | Hand: 9 3/8” PRO DAY: Vertical: 33”, Broad: 112”, Bench: 11 reps, 40-yard: 4.48, 20 yd: 4.25, 3-cone: 6.97 2020 STATS: 59 rec, 922 yds, 6 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

Wallace impresses repeatedly as he plays much bigger than his size. He was able to dominate on the outside, despite not being a member of the 6’0” club. Wallace has never quite repeated his 2018 form, working his way back from an ACL tear following his nearly 1,500-yard breakout sophomore season.

Before the catch/catchpoint: Tylan is a classic track athlete at receiver. Corners get stacked, and they get stacked in a hurry. Wallace didn’t show a ton in his release package as he was asked to work the sideline vertically, almost the same way Baylor used Denzel Mims. His route tree is undeveloped, and most of his targets were at the line of scrimmage, slants, or goes. Wallace secures the ball away from his frame. Again, his aggression and ability to go and get the ball at 5’11”, 190 pounds is impressive and shows up on tape repeatedly.

After the catch/run blocking: Wallace is more of an angleeraser and tackle breaker as a runner after the catch weapon than someone who jukes a lot of guys on SportsCenter. He’s fine, not great, as a run-blocker. Frankly, he didn’t do much of it at Oklahoma State. They were usually throwing the ball, and if they weren’t, his release could take his defender out of the play.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Wallace might be a bit of a project for Green Bay. Oklahoma State used an Air-Raid heavy scheme, and Tylan lined up on the perimeter to the quarterback’s right on nearly every play. That is not going to fly in a Matt LaFleur offense. Still, his ability to win vertically and consistently come out on top on contested catches is intriguing. Wallace was insanely productive at Oklahoma State.

14 Sage Surratt (rJR)

Wake Forest

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 215 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Speed is the main concern for the big-bodied Surratt. He is as physical of a wide receiver as you’ll find in this class, and, in an increasingly offensive-friendly league, he may enjoy the officiating. Still, he’ll need to find a way to consistently create more separation and not depend on the hand-fighting and contested catch situation. Surratt does not have a tremendous amount of athletic explosion and is not a burner. Surratt is a tough possession receiver with strong hands and a strong upper body. Wake Forest ran its entire offense through him.

15 D’Wayne Eskridge (rSR)

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’9” | Weight: 190 lbs.

Western Michigan

IN A NUTSHELL:

Eskridge is a pure speedster. He isn’t big, he’s not overly physical, and his route tree is not very developed. He’s mostly a “go” guy and a slant guy. That said, there are very few players at the FBS level who can match Eskridge’s downfield production. He sinks his hips and changes directions well, both on the release and at the top of the route. He’s a true run after the catch monster and deep threat. He’s an older draft prospect at 24, which can call into question how much room he has to grow. Eskridge took over as the team’s kick returner in 2020 and was very successful. He could add value there.

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’9” | Weight: 155 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

A former high school quarterback, Atwell led the ACC in receiving as a sophomore. Atwell dominated even at 5’9” and even running the slant/screen/go route tree. His speed is so severe that it can be game-breaking at times, but a refinement of his game is very needed. Quicks and that long speed allowed him to consistently separate in college. His footwork and overall route tree will need to expand in the NFL. His athleticism pops on tape repeatedly. Atwell would’ve likely benefited from a traditional NFL Combine setting. He’s a run after the catch demon and can erase angles running away from defenders.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 211 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

There isn’t a prospect comp who feels more accurate or is more concerned than how much Seth Williams plays like LaQuon Treadwell—it’s all so similar. They both played in the SEC. They’re both bigger receivers. Both players have an impressive college highlight reel with a number of superimpressive contested catches. Neither player separated a bunch in college, and that ultimately cost Treadwell his career in the pros. Williams is stronger than Treadwell and may be able to bully his way to a career as a possession/red zone threat in the NFL. Williams was not blessed with excellent quarterback play at Auburn.

18 Jaelon Darden (SR)

North Texas

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’8” | Weight: 174 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

The draft is just chock-full of these 5’9” slot machines who are probably pigeonholed into one role in the pros but profile as potential difference makers. Darden is also a former high school quarterback. Darden is a really exciting and explosive athlete who did not play against top-level defenders. Darden does a phenomenal job tracking the deep ball in the air. He can be productive either around the line of scrimmage or deep down the field; those are the two big outcomes. He’s K.J. Hamler-esque with the ball in his hands. Darden is also a highly capable return man.

19 Dazz Newsome (rSR)

North Carolina

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’10” | Weight: 190 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Dazz is a bit of the forgotten Tar Heel. Javonte Williams, Michael Carter, Dyami Brown, and (next year) Sam Howell are all studs from that Mack Brown offense who will ultimately be taken before Dazz hears his name called, but Newsome has a path to success in the pros. Newsome operated more often than not from the slot (Brown played the outside) and was an effective (not elite) punt returner. Newsome is a good player in the short and intermediate passing game and features strong hands, catching the ball away from his frame.

20 Cade Johnson (rSR)

South Dakota St.

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11” | Weight: 184 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

A speed guy from a solid FCS program in South Dakota State, Johnson was insanely productive in a very wide-open offense. Johnson dominated the one-on-one portion of Senior Bowl practice, but he disappeared during the 11-on-11 portions and caught just one pass during the game. Johnson is a sudden athlete who will end up in a slot-only role in the NFL. He needs plenty of development as he was an FCS slot player who could normally just win with speed. Upside is questionable as he’s two years older than many of the other players in this class. 21 TRE WALKER (SR)

22 ANTHONY SCHWARTZ (JR) San Jose State

Auburn

23 FRANK DARBY (SR) Arizona State

24 IHMIR SMITH-MARSETTE (SR) Iowa

25 CORNELL POWELL (rSR) Clemson

26 MARLON WILLIAMS (SR) UCF

27 JOSH IMATORBHEBHE (rSR)

28 SIMI FEHOKO (JR) Illinois

Stanford

29 WHOP PHILYOR (SR) Indiana