The 2021 NFL draft will be watched closely with the receivers in this class. There are many talented wideouts in this group.
These wide receivers in the draft will have many successful years in the league. The NFL has become one that favors young explosive offensive weapons, which is unfortunate for defenses. The way schemes need to be put in place to help subdue these talented prospects has only increased as the years have gone by.
There used to be a slow learning curve for rookies entering the league no matter what their draft status was. They would slowly be brought along over a season or two behind veteran players. Now, these players drafted early are expected to play meaningful snaps as they enter their first training camp. It is a different kind of NFL these days as young men turn pros overnight during the NFL draft.
This crop of receivers is shaping up to be one of the best classes in recent memory. It seems plausible that four receivers could hear their names called on the first night of the draft and at least another four by the conclusion of round three. Not every name can be in the top three but there are many talented players to be chosen from. Other names to watch include Rashod Bateman, Rondale Moore, Elijah Moore, and many others.
It is a deep class where NFL teams can focus on drafting one sooner or later on in the process. The top three are game changers but those behind them have all the tools to be special as well. Here’s a breakdown of the top three wide receivers in the 2021 NFL Draft:
Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
Waddle has one word constantly connected to him, explosive. He is a deep threat that has the blazing speed for big plays that fans love to see. Many teams will be looking for a player of his stature as Alabama continues to produce high-level NFL prospects coming out of their program.
This receiver-type normally means he can only run straight and beat secondaries with his speed but that is not the case with Waddle. He can keep his speed even while he changes direction in routes. He might not be as polished of a route runner as others in this class but his athletic ability cannot be taught. He is so fast that even NFL players will not be able to keep up.
This player will likely be gone in the top 20 picks in the draft which will be no surprise to scouts across the league. This kid has been compared to his former teammate at Alabama, Henry Ruggs III. Ruggs was drafted by the Oakland Raiders with pick 12 in the 2020 NFL draft. That comparison is a fair one with them both carrying speed in their arsenal. Now Waddle will be chosen in 2021 with a top pick for an NFL team just like his former teammate.
DeVonta Smith, Alabama
Smith is coming off a dominant year at Alabama as he won the National Championship and Heisman trophy. He toyed with the competition for the previous two seasons and it was not even fair. His lanky stature might cause some questions to rise for NFL teams but he has done nothing but show his ability to play and excel at his weight. His workout will be interesting to see how his tests go during his pro day as it will give his draft stock another check. If he tests well then he could become the top receiver on some NFL boards as the draft gets closer.
The best part of Smith’s game is the route running ability that he possesses on the field. It is an amazing feat to watch on tape and that will make the league very interested in this player moving forward. He is a smooth route runner that can move with not much effort needed at all. This makes him explosive and nearly impossible to cover one of one if you cannot get your hands on him.
His freakishly long arms help him get away from press coverage more easily but it will be interesting to see how that translates to the professional level. Many are worried that with his light-weight stature, NFL corners will be able to stop him with press coverage more easily. There are top corners that play in the SEC and they failed to handle Smith. This should not be a major knock on the player as he continuously dominated the competition every week.
Ja’Marr Chase, LSU
Chase has flown under the radar as he made the decision to opt-out of the previous college season. It seemed to be a good idea as the LSU Tigers failed to be good this past year, which allowed Chase to stay off the bad season mantra. Chase last played the previous season with Joe Burrow as the team went onto win the National Championship. It was a team without many starters returning as they look to retool for the future, so Chase opting out seemed to be more of a business decision. It paid off as he seems to be the top receiver on most draft boards heading into the draft. He is the best overall player at the position going into the first night of the draft as he will likely be selected in the top ten when the time comes.
He might have played on the best team in college football a season ago but when you are one of the best players on that offense, that is really saying something. Joe Burrow helmed that offense with Chase being his favorite target during his collegiate days at LSU. Now the two could potentially be reunited if he falls to the Bengals selection at fifth overall. It will be interesting if these two could reconnect but Chase will be very successful no matter where he goes.
The draft always has some shakeups with how each individual team ranks players at each position. This draft has some explosive playmakers coming out of college.