Six Wide Recievers we like the 2022 NFL Draft
DRAKE LONDON
By Brandon Lane
USC (JR), WR
Coming from a background in both football and basketball London uses his size to win contested catch situations with ease. Making an immediate impact, he was a starter all three of his seasons at USC. London was crushing it at the start of the 2021 season leading the Trojans with 88 rec/1,084 yds/7 TDs in just eight starts before missing the end of the season with a fractured right ankle. Even with his season coming to an early end he was selected as a third-team All-American (Associated Press voters) and Offensive Player of the Year, first-team all-conference(selected by league coaches).
Pluses:
• Size
• Physical play
• Contested catch winner
• Physicality to gain yards after the catch
• Outstanding ball tracker
• Experience playing outside and from the slot
• Smart route runner
Concerns:
• Fractured his ankle in Octobet 2021
• Lacks top-end speed but fast enough
• Possible seperation issues
JAMESON WILLIAMS
By Brandon Lane
ALABAMA (JR), WR
Stuck behind starters Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave at Ohio State, Williams decided to transfer to Alabama for the 2021 season. This decision immediately paid off as he grabbed 79 balls for 1,572 yards and 15TDs. Williams’ unfortunely ended his season suffering an ACL tear against Georgia in the national title game. While Williams may miss time coming into his rookie season his talent is worth the wait and he should still be highly drafted in round 1 of the NFL Draft.
Pluses:
• Game-breaking speed
• Great release and route runner
• Catch Radius
• YAC style of play
• Outstanding body control
Concerns:
• Tore ACL in January which could cause him to miss time his rookie season
• Questionable hands at times
• Can leave some routes unfinished
CHRIS OLAVE
By Brandon Lane
Ohio State (SR), WR
Olave was a star for the Buckeyes finishing his career as the schools all-time leading scorer as a Wide Reciever. His final season he posted a 65 catch, 936 yard, 13 TD season. But he does more than just score; Olave is one of the most polished route runners in this year’s draft, creating separation with both his speed and ball tracking. For what it’s worth, I think Olave should be drafted above his more highly touted teammate Garrett Wilson in this year’s draft and in fantasy.
Pluses:
• Great route runner with plus ball tracking skills
• Polished without being flashy
• Deep threat
• Smooth routes
Concerns:
• Lacks run blocking chops
• Not the most explosive after the catch
GARRETT WILSON
By Brandon Lane
Ohio State (JR), WR
Wilson came to Ohio State as five-star prospect and contributed as a true freshman but took a BIG leap his sophomore season. In 2020 he hauled in 43 balls for 723 yards and six TDs in the shortened eight game Covid season and earned first-team All-Big Ten Conference honors. He took that growth and ran with it in his Junior year with 70 receptions, 1,058 yards and 12 TDs padding those stats with an additional 13/68/2 via punt returns. While many are predicting Wilson as a candiate to be the first Wide Receiver off the board Im not convinced he was even the best WR on his team (I’m lookin’ at you Chris Olave).
Pluses:
• SPEED (4.38 40-yard dash)
• Great body control
• Dynamic after the catch
• Play maker
• Plays bigger than his size, winning 50/50 balls
Concerns:
• Ball security issues
• Decision making issues
• Unpolished route runner
CHRISTIAN WATSON
By Brandon Lane
North Dakota State (rSR), WR
Watson is a player who showcased his measurables using his blazing fast speed (4.36 40-yard dash) and 6'4" frame at NDSU. Once he gets the ball in his hands he can be breathtakingly electric. In his Junior year (2020), he made eight of ten starts and recieved first-team All-MVFC selection at receiver and second-team return specialist. While his senior year numbers don’t pop off the page (43 rec/801 yards/7 TDs) he was utilized all over the field as a return man and a runner at times. Watson received second-team Associated Press FCS All-American and first-team all-conference honors. I expect a slow start in the NFL but the upside is there for NFL teams who are willing to take a shot early on this upside player.
Pluses:
• Electric with the ball in his hands both through the air and on the ground
• Size and speed (4.36 40-yard dash)
• High upside
• Patient
Concerns:
• Still developing skills
• Questionable hands
TREYLON BURKS
By Brandon Lane
Arkansas (JR), TE
A highly recruited four-star recruit who decided to keep it close to home in his home state of Arkansas. He immediately flashed as a true freshman leading his team with 475 receiving yards. Continuing to build on his early success in 2020 he caught 51 balls for 820 yards and seven TDs (once again leading his team in receiving). In 2021 the Razorbacks found additional ways to get him the ball not only through the air but also on the ground (14 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD) But again it was through the air where he SMASHED hauling in 66 balls for 1,104 yards and 11 TDs. Burks was selected first-team All-SEC in his final season.
Pluses:
• Good size and speed
• Skill-set to play all over the field (yes this is another Deebo comp)
• Strong and has the ability to overpower his defenders
Concerns:
• Needs to work on route running
• Lacks short-end quickness
• Work in progress
Wide Receiver Watch List:
Justyn Ross, George Pickens, Skyy Moore, Khalil Shakir, Alec Pierce, Jahan Dotson, Wan’dale Robinson, Jalen Tolbert
