This COVID-19 and quarantine situation completely blows for a multitude of reasons. However, it has given me a lot of time to get to some film. Over the last week or two, I was able to look at 16 of what some consider the top WRs in the draft. I reserve the right to adjust my rankings slightly prior to the draft, but for the most part this is pretty darn close to what I expect to be my final rankings. This does not include some of the guys that I need to watch more of, and these rankings are an encapsulation of everything — tape, additional games watched, health, production, combine number, etc. Simply put – they are my rankings.

*The comps are not going to be perfect. Please don’t kill me for some of these and by all means, give me a better one.

1) Ceedee Lamb, Oklahoma WR, 6’2″ 198 lbs

4.50 40 yd dash, 34.5″ vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 62 catches -1327 yds- 14 TD, Career – 173-3292-32

Tape Watched: (TEX, 2018 BAMA, ISU, BAY)

Summary: Ceedee Lamb is equal parts production and promise. While he doesn’t have the burner speed, his 4.5 40 number is adequate enough and he doesn’t look slow on tape. His ability to win with ball-skills and after the catch are both near the top of the class. He possesses very good body control on the sidelines, strong hands, and his vision and ability to go to work with the ball in his hands is very strong. He will let you know a little bit what he just did after a big play with some flexing and staring. He has some dawg to him and is willing as a blocker. He layed the wood on Mack Wilson (on a blind side type block which probably is a penalty now); he isn’t timid. He can make plays through contact and in traffic. While Lamb did not see a ton of it in the Big 12, he showed he can beat press coverage. His RAC playmaking could see a small dip moving from the Big 12 to the NFL, but I think it will still be a major part of his game. His body control is one of the top 3 in the class. Check this almost-catch out. Ceedee Lamb expects to come off the board between 8-15 and I can see why. He just barely inched out the guy at WR2 for the #1 spot.

3 Words to Describe: Playmaking, Focus, Body-Control

Comparison: Davante Adams

2) Jerry Jeudy, Alabama Wide Receiver, 6’1″ 193 lbs

4.45 40 yd dash, 35″ vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 77 catches -1163 yds- 10 TD, Career – 159-2742-26

Tape Watched: (LSU,MICH,2018 CLEM, SCAR)

Summary: My first note for Jeudy was that he is filthy out of breaks with no wasted movement. Check out this route that I tweeted about the other week. He is the best route-runner in this class and creates windows of separation that might be able to get Christian Hackenberg back in the league. He shows the ability to run a full route tree and can win at all three levels. You see Bama utilize him with bubble screens, comebacks/slants, and also sluggos/posts. His speed and nuanced routes make him able to pull out a double-move from time to time that just smokes defenders. He could improve his ability to come up with some 50/50 balls and tends to body catch a touch more than preferred, but thats just some nitpicking. His style of play is the nuanced route runner who combines slipperiness and suddenness before the route and after the catch. He will throw out that stanky leg after the catch and make defenders look silly. He isn’t going to be winning on jump balls consistently, but can be used in a Stefon Diggs type role where he just gets crazy separation and can crib it once he catches it.

3 Words to Describe: Sudden, Slippery, Nuanced

Comparison: Stefon Diggs

3) Henry Ruggs III, Alabama Wide Receiver, 5’11” 188 lbs

4.27 40 yd dash, 42″ vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 40 catches -746 yds- 7 TD, Career – 98-1716-24

Tape Watched: (DUKE,LSU,NMSU,2018 A&M,SCAR)

Summary: BAMA’s wide receiver core was probably better than every unit in the AFC East. Seriously. Henry Ruggs III is the speed demon in this year’s class. The fact that people were expecting a 40 time in the 4.2’s (and he delivered) is a testament to that. His ability to catch a slant and scamper for 6 looks way too easy. He will be able to be utilized in the short area game on reverses, screens, and the like but has more route running abilities than people give him credit for. He will also be able to take the top off the defense and the threat of that always helps open an offense up. I wrote an article a few weeks back talking about how I think he could go above Lamb or Jeudy and maybe both. His speed is alluring, but he is more than that. He is more than a one trick pony — think Desean Jackson more than John Ross. The best bet for a cornerback is to try to rock him at the LOS as his releases need some work. If you try to press him and miss, heaven help that poor safety.

3 Words to Describe: Fast, Explosive, Gamebreaker

Comparison: Desean Jackson

4) Justin Jefferson, LSU Wide Receiver, 6’1″ 202 lbs

4.43 40 yd dash, 37.5″ vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 111 catches -1540 yds- 18 TD, Career – 165-2415-22

Tape Watched: (TEX, AUB, UGA, 2018 UF)

Summary: So for those who don’t know, Keenan Allen is my dude. He is my favorite non-Raven (or former Raven) in the NFL. As you will see, that is my comp. Now, Jefferson does not have quite the release or the route running skills of Keenan Allen, but has a lot of similarities and is strong in those areas. His competitive toughness over the middle stands out to me. He can play through contact and can reel in catches while knowing he is about to get drilled. The guy is not soft. He is also willing as a blocker. Some questioned his long speed but his 40 yard dash time should calm the concerns of those folks. Ball skills are fine and he has good hands. With the addition of Joe Brady in 2019, Jefferson operated more out of the slot in 2019 and I think it suited him well. He doesn’t give things away with his eyes. Joe Burrow hit him on a couple of slot fades throughout the year. I am a little concerned about him playing in a system that may have inflated some of his numbers alongside the best QB, WR, and maybe OL in the nation. Other than that, he just gets it down in a lot of areas. He could be a great fit for someone like the Eagles at #21 or Vikings at #22.

3 Words to Describe: Tough, Competitive, Solid

Comparison: Keenan Allen

5) Jalen Reagor, TCU Wide Receiver, 5’11” 206 lbs

4.47 40 yd dash, 42″ vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 43 catches -611 yds- 5 TD, Career – 148-2248-22

Tape Watched: (OKST,TEX,2018 WVU,2018 OSU, BAY)

Summary: Jalen Reagor was the WR whose tape I most enjoyed. That doesn’t mean that he is the best WR, but boy did I enjoy watching it. He really makes some splash plays and he has been doing it since he got on campus (8 TDs in his first year). The speed and playmaking abilities after the catch stand out, which is why a lot of people (me included) were surprised to see Reagor’s 40 time. He probably put on too much muscle, but his jumps were still elite. He is a very volatile player. He has flashes plays after the catch and even with some gnarly 50-50 catches, where he utilizes that 40+ inch vert of his. However, his route-running and hands are very inconsistent. I’ve always wanted a WR that can be counted on to reel in a tough grab on 3rd and 7 in the 4th quarter of a playoff game. I think he should be a better pro than college player if he can get rid of those drops. I actually thought he reminded me of Percy Harvin, even if they didn’t utilize him like Urban Meyer used Harvin at Florida. He is a great athlete that should be utilized more in the short game and will be a quality returner, should teams want to put him back there. His QB play was pretty bad and I think the offensive scheme should’ve used him in more creative ways. He was used too much strictly outside and if that is altered, I think he will reach an even higher ceiling. He is a high risk – high reward type dude. I might bump him down a spot or two, but I’d love my team to get him in the 2nd.

3 Words to Describe: Electric, Speed, Athlete

Comparison: Percy Harvin

6) Denzel Mims, BAYLOR Wide Receiver, 6’3″ 207 lbs

4.38 40 yd dash, 38.5″ vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 66 catches -1020 yds- 12 TD, Career – 148-2901-28

Tape Watched: (TEX, OU, KSU, TTU)

Summary: Denzel Mims has topped 50 catches and over 750 yards in each of the past 3 seasons, but somehow he still seemed to burst onto the scene this season. When you pop in the tape, you see a guy who has great hands, body control and ball skills. Mims should be a true boundary receiver who will win with his ball-skills and hands. With the ball in the air, it feels like an open Steph Curry 3, you just feel like he is coming down with it. Mims impressed me a lot as a receiver, and he is probably the top blocker of all the guys I have watched so far. He even spoke to that being a distinguishing factor in his game. Separation and speed did not stand out on tape, but his 40 time was a great sign. It reminded me of Chris Godwin when he came out and ran a 4.42. I didn’t remember seeing that speed on the field, but it still shows that he has it in him. I’d love to see him in purple. His body control, ball skills and hands make him a great outside option.

3 Words to Describe: Body Control, Vertical, Sure-handed

Comparison: Michael Crabtree

7) Bryan Edwards, South Carolina Wide Receiver, 6’3″ 212 lbs.

N/A 40 yd dash, N/A vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 71 catches -816 yds- 6 TD, Career – 234-3045-22

Tape Watched: (UGA, BAMA, APP ST, 2018 UGA)

Summary: Bryan Edwards totaled more than 3,000 receiving yards in the SEC, but never had a big blow up year. I am higher on him that a lot of the draft pundits but I really love how he plays the game. He has a longer, lankier build but still looks like he a bit of burst. His explosion and routes are just okay, but he is physical and tough. He will go over the middle, he will block, and will will run through defenders after the catch. His supporting cast was okay but not all that great, other than the fact that for the first 3 years of his career he played alongside Deebo Samuel. This past season, the offense seemed to use him more in that Deebo role – getting him the bowl closer to the LOS and then letting him get those tough yards. The senior wideout has versatility where he can go deep, has ball skills, but also can be used in gadgety type roles. He was unable to test due to a foot injury so teams will not be able to see his testing numbers. Despite his toughness, he has some history of lower body injuries. While there were times where I was reminded of an OK St. Dez Bryant, I think he projects more to a Mohamad Sanu type player and I am very okay with that especially if he falls to Day 3.

3 Words to Describe: Tough, Versatile, Competitive

Comparison: Mohamad Sanu

8) Tee Higgins, Clemson Wide Receiver, 6’4″ 216 lbs

4.54* 40 yd dash, 31″ vertical jump* (* Pro Day times)

Production: 2019 – 59 catches -1167 yds- 13 TD, Career – 175-2448-27

Tape Watched: (2018 NC ST, CUSE, OSU, SCAR, UVA)

Summary: Let me start by saying I am probably a tad too low, and I did not dislike what I saw from Higgins. In fact, it was maybe a bit more impressive than what I thought I would see from his film. He just doesn’t separate a ton, but he isn’t running in quick sand either. The long speed is made up for with his size and long strides. Higgins displays confident hands and can work well along the sideline. When Mike Williams was coming out, I referred to him as a “back-shoulder wizard” and Higgins runs a lot of the same back shoulder, 8 yard hitch and 8 yard out routes. He tore Syracuse up on those patterns (okay fine, and a lot of other ones). Displaying prototypical size, he could give some of the smaller corners fits. His style of play is most similar to Denzel Mims in this year’s draft, but I think Mims is more athletic. In the 2018 CFP, he really balled out and shined. He has size, ball skills, and the rest of the goods to be a good WR 2 in the league. While the comp was Vincent Jackson, his career arc might be more similar to someone like a Tyrell Williams.

3 Words to Describe: Lanky, Confident, Control

Comparison: Vincent Jackson

9) K.J. Hamler, Penn State Wide Receiver, 5’9″ 178 lbs

N/A 40 yd dash, N/A vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 56 catches -904 yds- 8 TD, Career – 98-1658-13

Tape Watched: (2018 OSU, MICH, MINN, PITT, IDAHO)

Summary: One look at K.J. Hamler and you can probably insinuate how he plans on winning at the NFL level. His size is going to be working against him and he is not going to be out there winning a bunch of contested catches. But- oh is he fast! He is quick as a cat. Even though he isn’t huge, he is tough. His hands are inconsistent but he can make some key catches as well and showed good talent in scooping balls off the ground. He runs a pretty slant pattern and also excels at the slot fade. He will not be an outside wide receiver and if you look at my comp, I think he can be used similarly to how the Bears use Tarik Cohen. A lot of slot snaps and some snaps in the backfield. He is a Tarik Cohen-Tavon Austin type, maybe a Dede Westbrook type. He has a lot of juice. He is willing to block but just simply gets overpowered too regularly. He made a lot of big plays, especially in critical moments for the Nittany Lions. I could be wrong, but I see him more in a WR3 role at the next level. K.J. Hamler is just a speedy weapon with good hands that can add another wrinkle to an offense if used correctly.

3 Words to Describe: Speed, Quick, Playmaker

Comparison: Tarik Cohen

10) Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan Wide Receiver, 6’2″ 212 lbs

4.48 40 yd dash, 44.5″ vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 34 catches -438 yds- 6 TD, Career – 103-1327-14

Tape Watched: (2018 OSU, IU, 2018 UF)

Summary: Peep that vertical! 44.5 inches?! DPJ came to Ann Arbor with tons of hype and never quite lived up to it. The offensive scheme is partly to blame. QB play is another reasons, but also he just never quite put it all together. That lack of production does present some questions, but I think he will prove to be a better NFL player than college player. You can see that vertical on display in the red zone where he does win his fair share of jump balls. He is also a valuable piece in the punt return game. He loves to return it and doesn’t fair catch it unless he must. He was able to shake some dudes at the line of scrimmage and was just missed by QB Shea Patterson. He gets some separation and has ball skills. He isn’t going to be a top option but he should be a quality WR 2 or WR3 with some return game potential.

3 Words to Describe: Leaper, Playmaker, Potential

Comparison: Hakeem Nicks (credit Joe Marino)

11) Laviska Shenault, Colorado Wide Receiver, 6’1″ 227 lbs

4.58 40 yd dash, N/A vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 56 catches -764 yds- 4 TD, Career – 149-1943-10

Tape Watched: (ORE, NEB, USC, 2018 UCLA, 2018 NEB, CSU)

Summary: Where I spoke to how K.J. Hamler should be used in more of a flexible role as a “weapon” in his new NFL offense, Shenault did a lot of that at Colorado and I expect much of the same at the next level. He is physical and elusive after the catch. Colorado just got the ball in his hands — sweeps, screens, reverses, lining him up in the backfield, and direct snapping it to him. There is no doubt that he is a playmaker. He makes some good plays on jump balls and is a dude with the rock in the open field. His offensive line and QB play was pretty terrible. Coming into this past year, I thought he was a beast, but a closer look shows me some concerns. His blocking is awful. He is a one shove and done guy on a lot of occasions. He is a raw route-runner and needs work in that area. His hands are alright but there are some focus drops. While it sounds absurd, Shenault almost projects better as a RB. He has good vision as a runner, sets up his blocks, and runs through people. While I don’t envision a position change, he wins as a run after the catch guy that can provide a little bit in 50-50 balls and go routes, at least at this point. He is more Cordarrelle Patterson right now than anything more, but could grow into a Golden Tate or Deebo Samuel. If a team just lines him up outside off the jump, he could fizzle out quick. Also, while tough, durability has to be a big concern at this point. He has missed a good handful of games and gutted through a lot more (including the combine testing), which I will give him credit for.

3 Words to Describe: Tough, Ball-carrier, Raw

Comparison: Golden Tate

12) Tyler Johnson, Minnesota Wide Receiver, 6’1″ 206 lbs

N/A 40 yd dash, N/A vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 86 catches -1318 yds- 13 TD, Career – 213-3305-33

Tape Watched: (IOWA, AUB, WISC, 2018 NMSU)

Summary: Log onto Twitter. Type Tyler Johnson in the search bar and all hell breaks loose. The opinions on this guy are all over the map. It seems like a lot of the bigger named scouts and NFL personnel are not impressed but a lot of draft people on Twitter are big fans. Clearly, the production is there. However, unlike DPJ, Johnson will probably end up being a better college player. His athleticism and speed are question marks. This leads to separation being a concern – especially early in the routes. There are a lot of big plays that seem more like blown coverages than anything else on tape. However, he shows a willingness to catch it thru traffic. He has got reliable hands and shows an ability to find holes in zones. He is much more of a zone buster than he is at beating man coverage. He can block, too. While I do not think he will be much of a deep threat, he can hit a defense with a double move or two. I wrote down “slant master” while watching tape. He reminded me of how David Sills was a slant master at WVU the last two years. He can go up and make plays with the ball in the air too. I see where people think he will fail. I see why people are believers. At the end of the day, I see him in a complementary or depth role, but I think he can totally stick at the NFL level.

3 Words to Describe: Mindful, Hands, Production

Comparison: Quincy Enunwa

13) Michael Pittman, USC Wide Receiver, 6’4″ 223 lbs

4.52 40 yd dash, 36.5″ vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 101 catches -1275 yds- 11 TD, Career – 171-2519-19

Tape Watched: (UTAH, BYU, 2018 UCLA)

Summary: Michael Pittman has the look of an early 2000’s NFL Receiver. He is a big boundary receiver with formidable hands, solid ball skills, and is reliable. He doesn’t have overwhelming speed or burst but has enough to get the job done. Unfortunately, a lot of teams are valuing these players a little less in today’s NFL. Pittman’s route tree is less developed than you would hope for but runs a lot of slants and comebacks. He was utilized some in end arounds and things of that nature but won’t be called on to do that much at the next level, I don’t think. I wrote in my notes that I was very impressed with his hands and that he is one of the better blockers. He did work on a very good Utah defense. He didn’t have a ton of 50-50 ball type throws to him, but I expect a bit more of that as he progresses in the NFL. Finding an NFL comp was tough. He plays a lot like Courtland Sutton, but I don’t think he is that caliber.

3 Words to Describe: Reliable, Sure-handed, Ball-skills

Comparison: J.J. Arcega-Whiteside

14) Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State Wide Receiver, 6’0″ 205 lbs

4.50 40 yd dash, 40″ vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 65 catches -1192 yds- 8 TD, Career – 98-1666-11

Tape Watched: (USC, MSU, ZONA, ORST)

Summary: Aiyuk thrives with the ball in his hands in the open field or as a deep threat. I think that is where his bread will be buttered in the league. He is a speed-size guy with good abilities after the catch and as a returner. However, his hands and route running consistency is hard for me to overlook. He doesn’t always come down with tough plays in contested catches, where guys like Justin Jefferson or Ceedee Lamb do. If I am a D coordinator, I play Aiyuk in press coverage all game. He struggles some with that and letting him run free off the line looked like a mistake most of the time. He leverages his hips well and has great feet off the snap when not re-directed by the defensive back. Similar to how ASU used N’Keal Harry, there are a lot of jailbreak screens and quick passes to utilize his playmaking skills. I trust a guy like Justin Jefferson more than Aiyuk. He just seems to have more toughness over the middle and better hands. Offenses are probably best served using him in a gadget type role early and getting him in motion a lot to help him release off the line. He is a weapon but you’re going to have to manufacture touches unless he makes improvements in the intricacies of the position. He has the athleticism though to make this ranking look bad. I just don’t buy the Top 75 hype.

3 Words to Describe: Raw, Weapon, Carrier

Comparison: Robert Woods (credit Lance Zierlein)

15) Van Jefferson, Florida WR, 6’1″ 200 lbs

N/A 40 yd dash, N/A vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 49 catches -657 yds- 6 TD, Career – 175-2159-16

Tape Watched: (UVA, LSU, 2018 UGA, 2018 TENN)

Summary: Jefferson is a pro-ready type guy. He better be because he will be 24 before the first kickoff next year. His potential for growth might not be as high as some of the other guys. He relies on his physicality and technique with his route-running over raw athleticism. Jefferson has reliable hands. He has beautiful footwork on his stick route and is smooth in most of his routes. His father was an NFL player and has spent a lot of time as an NFL WR coach. Van Jefferson has a lot of technique to his game which should come as no surprise. He has good game speed after the catch. The LSU cornerbacks were singing his praises, which caught my attention. Having other players respect is something that I have always thought was important and spoke a lot to someone’s ability. Not many guys got the better of that LSU cornerback duo, but Jefferson hit them on some comebacks, back shoulder work and caught a TD in traffic before being hit hard and holding onto the ball. For the most part, Jefferson might be “just a guy” in the league but if he carves out a starting or spot-starter type role it will be due to his route-running and hands.

3 Words to Describe: Technique, Tough, Experienced

Comparison: James Jones

16) James Proche, SMU WR, 5’11 201 lbs

N/A 40 yd dash, 34.5 vertical jump

Production: 2019 – 111 catches -1225 yds- 15 TD, Career – 301-3949-39

Tape Watched: (TEM, FAU, 2018 CINCY, MEM)

Summary: Let’s start with the numbers. This dude was productive as hell over his 4 year career. A friend of mine told me to check him out and I would advise everyone take a look at this guy. Despite his #16 ranking, I love his game. He is a football player and this is a guy I would want on my team. I love his pure hands and ball skills for a guy that isn’t the biggest dude. He projects as a slot option, but doesn’t have the overall athleticism or crazy quickness, which concerns me. Will he be able to get open? He has happy feet and short strides, but he has clearly had little problem getting open at the college level. He is a chain mover and clearly believes in his hands and you know what? I do too. He makes great one handed grabs, tough plays on the sideline, and rarely drops the ball. Proche’s hands are on fleek. I like his game better than a handful of the other guys on the list, but I just question the translatability. He reminds me some of Pierre Garcon where he can line up in the slot, be tough and make crucial, clutch grabs. I hope he succeeds because I love him as a player. The fact that he didn’t run the 40 is not a great sign towards what we maybe could’ve expected his speed number to be.

3 Words to Describe: Hands, Gamer, Acrobatic

Comparison: Pierre Garcon

That is all I got for now! Follow @AcrossTheQuad on twitter for more college football, college basketball, and NFL Draft talk — along with other random thoughts and musings!