2021 NFL Draft: BTSC Big Board, the Wide Receivers (Part 1)

We’re lower than three months away from the draft, and the Senior Bowl is now behind us. After breaking down the quarterbacks and operating backs the previous two weeks, we’re looking on the vast receivers.

Yearly, there are normally a pair positions within the draft which are considerably deeper than others. Identical to final 12 months, vast receiver is a kind of positions, as I presently have 42 receivers with draftable grades. D’Wayne Eskridge and Nico Collins cemented their standing as potential high 50 picks with their efficiency in Cell. Different guys, equivalent to Shi Smith and Frank Darby, have moved from late spherical picks to potential day two choices.

This board is a collaborative effort, and I, steelerfan11, need to thank Ryland for all of the work he has put into these rankings and SNW for including the stats and consensus rating. If you wish to be part of us and add evaluation for prospects for the positions we now have but to interrupt down, you should definitely tell us within the remark part.

SNW’s consensus rankings are a median of the place the prospects appeared on large boards (rating all positions) from different draft web sites. The web sites, so as, are CBS Sports, Drafttek, ESPN, Mock Draft Database, and Tankathon.

In case you missed it, be certain that to take a look at the primary two installments of the board: Quarterbacks and Running backs.

As all the time, neighborhood interplay is inspired, so you should definitely tell us what you consider these rankings within the remark part. Be happy to inform us which receivers you want to see the Steelers check out as effectively. However first, let’s get to the rankings!

1. DeVonta Smith — #6, Sr., 6’1”, 175 lbs — Alabama

Prime 5 grade

Consensus rating: 7 (8, 11, 4, 8, 5)

2020 season stats: 117 receptions, 1,865 receiving yards, 23 receiving touchdowns (13 video games)

Ryland B.: Whereas some nonetheless have Ja’Marr Chase ranked as the most effective vast receiver within the 2021 draft class, DeVonta Smith’s unbelievable senior season at Alabama made it arduous to rank him wherever moreover #1. Regardless of missing excellent dimension and athleticism for the place, Smith made the very best of what he had throughout his time at Alabama. And it’s honest to say his arduous work paid off, as Smith received the Hesiman trophy his Senior 12 months due to a completely unbelievable season (should you haven’t checked out his 2020 stats listed above but, I’d suggest you accomplish that — they’re completely mind-blowing for a receiver at any stage). What Smith does effectively is get open and catch the ball, maybe the 2 most necessary traits for a receiver to have. Most likely the most effective route-runner within the class, Smith has an amazing launch, makes good cuts, and has an excellent really feel for the little issues that make a receiver nice, equivalent to discovering the delicate spot in a zone, faking out defenders on the high of his routes, and sharp footwork. He isn’t the best athlete, however nonetheless has strong pace and is a pure catcher of the ball, which makes him a menace in contested catch situations regardless of his diminutive body. It’s value noting Smith suffered a finger harm within the Nationwide Championship Recreation (a sport during which he had 215 yards within the first half), which may very well be one thing to regulate as hand accidents could be harmful for receivers, though it doesn’t seem like will probably be an enormous deal. Smith was as shut as you may get to unstoppable in 2020, and whereas lack of dimension could also be a priority on the NFL stage, he’s a whole prospect who will undoubtedly be a high 10 decide within the upcoming draft.

steelerfan11: When Jaylen Waddle went down with an harm early within the 12 months, I used to be afraid that Smith’s manufacturing would possibly drop on account of getting extra consideration from defenses, however that was not the case in any respect. Smith took his sport to a different stage and had top-of-the-line seasons for a receiver in faculty soccer historical past. He’s a savvy route-runner with unbelievable arms and physique management. His pace just isn’t on the identical stage as his teammate Jaylen Waddle, however he can separate from defenders downfield as effectively. His slight body is one thing that may get some groups to present second ideas about taking him inside the highest 5, however he has not been harm susceptible in faculty due to it. If I’m Miami at three and Smith is on the market, I’m operating to the rostrum to get Tua a well-known goal.

2. Ja’Marr Chase — #7, Jr., 6’0”, 208 lbs — LSU

Prime 5 grade

Consensus rating: 5 (5, 3, 5, 5, 6)

2020 season stats: Opted out

2019 season stats: 84 receptions, 1,780 receiving yards, 20 receiving touchdowns

Ryland B.: Though he might not have high tier dimension or pace, Ja’Marr Chase put up spectacular numbers throughout his sophomore season at LSU. Maybe the most effective on this class at contested catches, Chase’s mixture of robust arms and an excellent vertical made him almost undefendable when the ball is within the air. Whereas not the quickest, Chase has NFL-level pace and runs strong routes, and his wonderful ball-tracking abilities (alongside together with his aforementioned robust arms) make him a receiver with a particularly excessive ground. Chase is a keen and profitable blocker as effectively, and he can do some harm after the catch. If Chase can run an excellent 40 at his professional day I believe it could alleviate some considerations concerning his athleticism. A 12 months off of soccer may very well be a difficulty as effectively. Nonetheless, his spectacular numbers in faculty and polished skillset make him an early first-rounder regardless.

steelerfan11: Chase was nearly as unstoppable in 2019 as DeVonta Smith was in 2020. Chase is an explosive participant with a good sized body to win an excellent quantity of contested catches. Fingers should not a difficulty, and his means to excessive level the ball is among the many greatest on this class. He has good pace and runs strong routes, and his willingness as a blocker won’t go unnoticed by scouts. There are lots of different accolades I might give Chase, however since he isn’t falling wherever close to 24, let’s transfer on.

3. Jaylen Waddle — #17, Jr., 5’10”, 182 lbs — Alabama

Prime 10 grade

Consensus rating: 10 (9, 8, 10, 12, 13)

2020 season stats: 28 receptions, 591 receiving yards, 4 receiving touchdowns (6 video games)

Ryland B.: One in every of my favourite prospects on this 12 months’s draft, Waddle is a whole package deal at vast receiver, though some might knock him as merely a deep menace. He’ll be one of many quickest gamers within the NFL as soon as he’s drafted, and is a wonderful vertical menace who shall be an amazing addition to any offense. Nonetheless, Waddle isn’t only a one-trick pony, as he’s an above-average route runner with good quickness to associate with his game-breaking pace. He’s troublesome to carry down within the open subject. Waddle additionally has good arms and may make troublesome catches, though his smaller body might stop him from succeeding in contested-catch situations on the subsequent stage. Waddle’s 2020 season was reduce brief on account of an ankle harm in his fifth sport, however all 4 video games he began he gained over 120 whole yards, displaying how dynamic he could be when wholesome. Though it may not have been his wisest choice, Waddle returned late within the season regardless of not being 100% to assist his staff within the Nationwide Championship, displaying some spectacular toughness. Waddle is a good receiver in a loaded class, and if he inexplicably falls to the Steelers’ decide at #24 total, I’d anticipate them to take an extended take a look at selecting him regardless of the staff’s larger wants.

steelerfan11: I like guys who carry a particular pace component to the sport. With Waddle, it isn’t simply straight-line pace. He’s fast out and in of cuts, and he’s extraordinarily versatile, often getting used on jet sweeps and as a harmful kick returner. There may be the priority with harm, as Waddle has had some points staying wholesome, however the reward far outweighs the chance of taking him inside the highest ten in my view. This man is on one other stage when wholesome.

4. Kadarius Toney — #1, Sr., 6’0”, 193 lbs — Florida

Prime 25 grade

Consensus rating: 51 (119, 54, 23, 29, 28)

2020 season stats: 70 receptions, 984 receiving yards, 10 receiving TD (11 video games)

steelerfan11: Toney performs quicker than what he would possibly run within the 40. He’s fast off the road of scrimmage, has good physique management, and isn’t afraid of the center of the sector. Toney additionally exhibits super effort as a blocker, which is one thing that the Steelers like of their receivers. There are lots of receivers on this draft with Toney’s physique sort and magnificence of play, however Toney was in all probability the most efficient and most constant on the collegiate stage.

Ryland B.: Toney’s agility and shiftiness are on one other stage. A ton of his highlights had been easy vast receiver screens the place Florida would throw a brief cross to Toney and let him create the remainder of the yardage. He jogs my memory a little bit of Diontae Johnson, as he’s a quicker-than-fast receiver who’s extremely harmful after the catch, though Toney has stronger arms. He isn’t a lot of a deep menace and doesn’t have the best pace, however he’s quick sufficient to succeed on the NFL stage. On a aspect word, I doubt he’ll find yourself within the black and gold, but when he does, he’s the right match for a Matt Canada/Ben Roethlisberger offense: he has good arms and excels with brief passes, sweeps, and motions.

5. Rashod Bateman — #0, Jr., 6’2”, 210 lbs — Minnesota

Prime 25 grade

Consensus rating: 22 (24, 26, 19, 19, 20)

2020 season stats: 36 receptions, 472 receiving yards, 2 receiving TD (5 video games)

steelerfan11: Todd McShay compares Bateman to Juju Smith-Schuster, and that isn’t a horrible comparability. Bateman is sweet at making the contested catches and high-pointing the ball. He received’t probably run underneath 4.5, however he has enough pace and may run first rate routes. His arms are among the many greatest on this loaded class. Whereas it was disappointing that he opted out this season, he confirmed sufficient in 2019 to warrant first spherical consideration.

Ryland B.: Bateman’s COVID-19 shortened 2020 wasn’t something to write down dwelling about, however should you activate his 2019 tape you’ll see what the hype was all about. Bateman made a dwelling off of contested catches, displaying off his unbelievable arms and focus, even pulling some passes in with just one hand. Issues about his pace are a bit overblown, as he has sufficient to realize separation on the NFL stage, and has fast ft and runs good routes. Contested catch specialists typically have a tough time transitioning to the NFL stage, however I believe that Bateman’s strong ground of abilities put him within the late first/early second spherical dialog.

6. Amon-Ra St. Brown — #8, Jr., 6’1” 195 lbs — USC

Late 1st spherical grade

Consensus rating: 62 (58, 68, NA, 61, 60)

2020 season stats: 41 receptions, 478 receiving yards, 7 receiving TD (6 video games)

steelerfan11: St. Brown has the bloodlines and the expertise that warrant a primary spherical choice, and he has a ability set to enhance that. He’s very fast and clear out and in of his cuts, he runs first rate routes, has good physique management and sideline consciousness, has strong pace, and shows dependable arms week in and week out. Former USC receiver Juju Smith-Schuster is an inexpensive comparability right here as effectively, however I actually assume St. Brown’s sport is a bit more full and a bit higher by way of total upside. Whereas he isn’t dominant in anybody space, he is excellent in nearly each class. If he isn’t a WR1 for some staff, he’ll most actually be top-of-the-line #2 receivers within the league. He’s a excessive ground prospect with a fairly excessive ceiling.

Ryland B.: Steelerfan11’s Juju Smith-Schuster comparability is fairly good, however St. Brown jogs my memory extra of his different USC predecessor, Michael Pittman Jr. (who, mockingly, drew some Smith-Schuster comparisons as effectively throughout final 12 months’s draft). St. Brown has a tall, lean body, with nice arms and an excellent catch radius. He has an amazing soccer IQ, runs good routes, and is a good athlete all-around. He isn’t a freak athlete, however confirmed off some big-play means together with his mixture of strong pace, physicality, and nice arms. He initiatives as a wonderful possession receiver within the NFL with some big-play upside.

7. D’Wayne Eskridge — #1, Sr., 5’9” 190 lbs — Western Michigan

Late 1st spherical grade

Consensus rating: 109 (NA, 89, 105, 134, NA)

2020 season stats: 34 receptions, 784 receiving yards, 8 receiving TD (5 video games)

steelerfan11: I watched Eskridge on tape and noticed a man who was extraordinarily fast and troublesome to cowl, albeit in opposition to inferior MAC defenses. His explosiveness was spectacular sufficient for me to present him a day two grade. I notice that the Senior Bowl drills give the sting to the receivers, however Eskridge was spectacular nonetheless. He has the arms, he can run the routes, he can cease on a dime and make a defender look silly, and he has extraordinarily harmful pace. A number of years in the past he ran a laser timed 4.33 40, which leads one to surprise if he might get underneath the 4.3 mark now. Both method, his pace is on one other stage, and an revolutionary coach will make this man probably the most harmful receivers within the league.

Ryland B: Eskridge’s draft inventory rose meteorically through the Senior Bowl, going from a mid-round grade to a viable late first-rounder to many. Regardless of enjoying at a decrease stage of competitors, Eskridge confirmed he might put DB’s at any stage on skates throughout his spectacular string of practices on the all-star sport. Eskridge runs very snappy routes, making sharp cuts, and displaying off nice acceleration — all whereas being one of many quickest receivers on this class. He’s a bit small for an NFL wideout, however he nonetheless has good arms and toughness, together with a defensive background. He was a beginning cornerback at Western Michigan for a lot of his time there, and performed pretty effectively. Total, there’s loads to love about Eskridge’s sport, and whereas an excellent Senior Bowl might have taken aways his standing as a late-round gem, a deep vast receiver class might push him into the second spherical. He’s a MAC man, too, which implies the Steelers will certainly have him on their radar.

8. Rondale Moore — #4, So., 5’9” 180lbs — Purdue

Late 1st spherical grade

Consensus rating: 32 (17, 20, 58, 29, 34)

2020 season stats: 35 receptions, 270 receiving yards, 0 receiving TD (3 video games)

steelerfan11: Moore has solely performed in seven video games since 2018, however Purdue was a unique staff when he was on the sector. His small physique causes sturdiness considerations, however he’s extremely harmful after the catch and troublesome to carry down on account of his quickness and elusiveness. He has loads of pace, and he has the flexibility to separate on brief and intermediate crossing routes with ease. He’s very versatile, getting used on jet sweeps and getting used as a kick returner all through his time at Purdue. Moore has the prospect of turning into a very particular participant, however the sturdiness considerations can’t be ignored. He’s worthy of being a high 15 decide based mostly on potential.

Ryland B.: Rondale Moore is an fascinating prospect, as most of his first-round hype is predicated off of his unbelievable freshman season — again in 2018. That 12 months Moore had over 100 catches and 1,200 yards to associate with his 12 touchdowns, making him a surefire first spherical decide when he would finally enter the draft. Nonetheless, a torn ACL in the beginning of his sophomore marketing campaign didn’t assist his draft plans, after which a choice to opt-out of the 2020 season on account of COVID-19 considerations primarily made Moore a one-year surprise. Though when he’s on the sector, there’s a lot to love about his sport. Moore may be very quick and elusive, and is a monster after the catch. There are some considerations about his smaller body, as Moore isn’t suited to contested catches and struggles in opposition to bodily corners, though he has good arms. Moore is a boom-or-bust prospect getting into this 12 months’s draft, but when he could be the participant he was in 2018, the staff that drafted him shall be fairly completely happy that they did so.

9. Nico Collins — #1, Sr., 6’4” 215 lbs, — Michigan

Late 1st spherical grade

Consensus rating: 125 (138, 157, 43, 161, NA)

2020 season stats: Opted out

2019 season stats: 37 receptions, 729 receiving yards, 7 receiving TD

steelerfan11: Collins opted out of the 2020 season for Michigan, and his absence was fairly evident. Collins didn’t have an amazing quarterback throwing him the ball throughout his time in Ann Arbor, however he bailed Shea Patterson out many instances down the sector in 2019. For a man at that dimension, he truly runs first rate routes and will get out and in of his cuts fairly rapidly. His ball abilities are super, and he has good pace. If he would have had good quarterback play final 12 months and determined to play this season, we could also be speaking about him as a high 15-20 decide. I nonetheless assume that he’s deserving of first spherical consideration merely based mostly off of expertise, however it’s in all probability extra probably that he falls to day two.

Ryland B.: Nico Collins is an athletically-gifted vast receiver with nice NFL dimension. He’s a strong route-runner with spectacular pace, who’s extremely harmful on vertical routes. He has good arms and focus, and his dimension makes him a menace in jump-ball situations. He was by no means that productive in faculty, however fairly frankly that may have been a product of a poor Michigan offense. Collins opted out of the 2020 season, which may very well be a slight concern, however he seemed good on the Senior Bowl and ought to be a high-upside decide within the early rounds.

10. Elijah Moore — #8, Jr., 5’9”, 184 lbs, — Ole Miss

Early 2nd spherical grade

Consensus rating: 54 (NA, 56, 36, 68, 54)

2020 season stats: 86 receptions, 1193 receiving yards, 8 receiving TD (8 video games)

steelerfan11: One more undersized receiver with nice pace, Moore broke out this season for the Rebels, grabbing 86 balls for almost 1,200 yards. He doesn’t have an enormous route tree, however he’s fast out and in of his cuts and harmful after the catch. His arms are usually dependable, and he has the acceleration to separate from defenders within the vertical passing sport. Generally he can get held up on the line by good press corners, however total, Moore’s means far exceeds his limitations. He could also be restricted to the slot within the NFL, however he instantly provides the staff that drafts him an explosive component to their offense.

Ryland B.: I hadn’t watched Elijah Moore in any respect till movie for this board, however I got here away very impressed. He’s very fast and has strong pace, and runs good routes. He was very productive in faculty as effectively, and though he ran lots of brief routes, primarily bubble screens and curls, he was actually profitable when he bought the prospect to run vertically. I believe he’ll translate fairly effectively into the NFL as a beginning slot receiver.

11. Terrace Marshall — #6, Jr., 6’3”, 200 lbs, — LSU

Early 2nd spherical grade

Consensus rating: 41 (65, 35, 35, 36, 35)

2020 season stats: 48 receptions, 731 receiving yards, 10 receiving TD (7 video games)

Ryland B.: A part of a extremely productive LSU offense in 2019, Marshall nonetheless managed to shine regardless of being in the identical vast receiver room as Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase. Each Jefferson and Chase didn’t play in 2020, and Marshall was capable of capitalize on the chance, placing up good numbers earlier than opting out half method by way of the season. Marshall has actually nice dimension and good vertical pace and ball abilities, though his arms aren’t probably the most constant. Marshall is an efficient route-runner as effectively, though there may be room to develop concerning his quickness and agility. Having been missed early on in his profession as a result of gifted offense he performed on, Marshall may very well be a big-time steal within the second or third spherical.

12. Tylan Wallace — #2, Sr., 6’0”, 190 lbs, — Oklahoma State

Mid 2nd spherical grade

Consensus rating: 53 (62, 50, 60, 72, 67)

2020 season stats: 59 receptions, 922 receiving yards, 6 receiving TD (13 video games)

Ryland B.: Tylan Wallace has been constantly productive as a three-year starter at Oklahoma State, racking up almost 3,500 receiving yards in his profession as a contested-catch specialist. Wallace doesn’t have nice dimension or pace, and his lanky body limits his agility and quickness. Nonetheless, he’s an excellent soccer participant, interval. Wallace has actually nice arms and tracks the ball effectively, and regardless of not being the most important man, he wins lots of leap balls. He’s a scrappy, bodily receiver who is a wonderful blocker and hard to carry down after the catch, combating arduous for yardage each time. He additionally sells out for the ball when it’s within the air, combating by way of the defender and contorting his physique to discover a approach to make the catch. Wallace was a wonderful faculty receiver, however his athletic profile might hinder his transition to the NFL.

13. Anthony Schwartz — #1, Jr., 6’0”, 179 — Auburn

Early third spherical grade

Consensus rating: 117 (141, 92, NA, 118, NA)

2020 season stats: 54 receptions, 636 receiving yards, 3 receiving TD (10 video games)

steelerfan11: Schwartz is considered one of my favourite prospects on this total class. There may be quick, after which there may be freaky quick. Tyreek Hill quick. If there was a scouting mix this 12 months, I’d be fascinated to see if Schwartz would break the 40 report presently held by John Ross. Listed at solely 179 kilos, Schwartz might in all probability afford so as to add ten kilos and never lose his world class pace. Schwartz has fairly good arms for a pace man, and he isn’t afraid to work the center of the sector. He can line up on the skin or within the slot, though his greatest match within the NFL will probably be the slot. I want that he was a extra keen blocker and had a bit extra shiftiness to his sport, however the sky’s the restrict for a man with Schwartz’s pace.

14. Tamorrion Terry — #5, Jr., 6’4”, 210 lbs — Florida State

Mid third spherical grade

Consensus rating: 107 (78, NA, 129, 116, NA)

2020 season stats: 23 receptions, 289 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD (6 video games)

steelerfan11: Terry has dropped considerably on large boards on nationwide websites, however I’m not completely positive why. Terry just isn’t probably the most sure-handed receiver on this planet, however I believe lots of his drops are due to poor focus and adjusting to the soccer a bit late. I believe he can and can enhance in that space. Terry’s dimension and pace make him extremely troublesome to cowl on the boundary one-on-one, and his means to high-point the ball make him a wonderful contested catch receiver. His size permits him to create separation vertically, and his agility and footwork make him harmful after the catch as effectively. He’s uncooked, however guys with this a lot dimension and pace should not normally accessible within the center rounds. If he can remedy among the technical points in his sport, he has an opportunity to be particular.

15. Seth Williams — #18, Jr., 6’3”, 211 lbs, — Auburn

Mid third spherical grade

Consensus rating: 90 (95, 97, NA, 83, 86)

2020 season stats: 47 receptions, 760 receiving yards, 4 receiving TD (11 video games)

Ryland B.: Seth Williams is similar to Oklahoma State’s Tylan Wallace as a receiver. Williams isn’t the quickest, and has a tough time gaining separation on routes. Nonetheless, he excels at powerful catches, monitoring the ball effectively and having vise-grip arms, even by way of contact. Williams has higher dimension than Wallace, although, and I believe he generally is a good contested catch/crimson zone goal within the NFL.

16. Simi Fehoko — #13, Jr., 6’4”, 227 lbs, — Stanford

Late third spherical grade

Consensus rating: 423 (NA, 423, NA, NA, NA)

2020 season stats: 37 receptions, 574 receiving yards, 3 receptions TD (6 video games)

steelerfan11: Have you ever ever heard of a man named Chase Claypool? Fehoko isn’t fairly as robust as Claypool, however there are some similarities. At 6’4 and over 225 kilos, he has the flexibility to win the contested catches in tight areas. Whereas just a few drops do present up on tape, he usually shows robust arms wanted to haul within the balls which are thrown into heavy visitors. I do know that 40 instances don’t make or break a participant, however that point is moderately necessary when evaluating receivers and perimeter ability gamers. If there was a mix this 12 months, his straight-line pace might in all probability get him within the 4.3s. He isn’t fairly that quick once you see him on tape, however we stated the identical factor about Claypool after he ran his 4.42 final 12 months. He additionally has some sneaky wiggle to his sport. If he can clear up these occasional drops, he has an opportunity to be particular.

17. Dyami Brown — #2, Jr., 6’0”, 185 lbs, — North Carolina

Late third spherical grade

Consensus rating: 113 (108, 95, NA, 135, NA)

2020 season stats: 55 receptions, 1099 receiving yards, 8 receiving TD (11 video games)

steelerfan11: Brown is excellent at getting vertical. He has nice ball abilities and does an amazing job of monitoring the ball downfield. He does have the occasional dropped cross, however he appeared to enhance in that division because the season went alongside. What makes Brown an intriguing choice within the center rounds is that, in contrast to lots of different receivers on this a part of the draft, he provides super effort as a blocker. He does an excellent job of making separation late in his routes, and he isn’t afraid of working the center of the sector. There may be actually upside for Brown, and he ought to be capable to step in and contribute instantly as a #3 choice for an offense.

18. Shi Smith — #13, Sr., 5’10” 190 lbs, — South Carolina

Late third spherical grade

Consensus rating: 191 (NA, 208, 217, 149, NA)

2020 season stats: 57 receptions, 633 receiving yards, 4 receiving TD (9 video games)

Ryland B.: One other Senior Bowl riser, Shi Smith may need raised his draft inventory just a few rounds after a unbelievable week in Cell. He’s not the most important, however he performs bigger than he’s and has good, constant arms. He’s an excellent route-runner with quickness and nice acceleration, getting off of line effectively on his releases. He has good pace as effectively, and is pretty elusive after the catch. Whereas primarily used on brief and intermediate route ideas in faculty, Smith remains to be a above-average deep menace due to his pace, whereas his ball abilities have helped him make some circus catches over his profession. Regardless of his smaller dimension, Smith is sort of the receiver and has lots of athletic upside. He may very well be a dynamic slot receiver on the subsequent stage.

19. Chatarius (TuTu) Atwell — #1, Jr., 5’9”, 165 lbs, — Louisville

Late third spherical grade

Consensus rating: 85 (90, 98, 46, 99, 94)

2020 season stats: 46 receptions, 625 receiving yards, 7 receiving TD (9 video games)

steelerfan11: There is no such thing as a denying the explosiveness that Atwell might carry to a staff, however 165 kilos is small. One has to surprise is he’ll be capable to maintain hits within the NFL. That stated, you must catch a man earlier than you’ll be able to hit him, and Atwell’s elusiveness and twitchiness makes him almost unattainable to cease in open area. Whereas he may very well be top-of-the-line gadget receivers within the NFL, he might want to positive up the arms and be capable to run higher and extra complicated routes if he needs to be something greater than that.

20. Sage Surratt — #14, Jr., 6’3”, 215 lbs, — Wake Forest

Mid 4th spherical grade

Consensus rating: 88 (107, 109, 48, 84, 91)

2020 season stats: Opted out

2019 season stats: 66 receptions, 1001 receiving yards, 11 receiving TD (9 video games)

Ryland B.: I see Surratt as a much less athletic Chase Claypool on this 12 months’s draft, as he’s a jumbo-sized, muscular receiver who’s a bit missing basically quickness and pace. Initially dedicated to Harvard, he ended up deciding to play at Wake Forest, the place he established an excellent reference to quarterback Jamie Newman. Regardless of not being the quickest, considered one of Surratt’s strengths was vertical routes, the place he has satisfactory lengthy pace and wonderful arms to make troublesome catches, though he struggles with focus drops at instances. After opting out of the 2020 NFL season, Surratt seemed to enhance his draft inventory on the Senior Bowl, however might have ended up reducing it, as he had a troublesome time getting separation all week though he did have some good catches. Total, Surratt’s dimension, arms, intelligence, and physicality make him a strong mid-round goal, though some query concerning his athletic means might drop him to the later rounds.

21. Jaelon Darden — #1, Sr., 5’9” 174 lbs, — North Texas

Late 4th spherical grade

Consensus rating: 100 (NA, 93, NA, 107, NA)

2020 season stats: 74 receptions, 1190 receiving yards, 19 receiving TD (9 video games)

steelerfan11: Darden was moved in all places in North Texas’ offense, taking reps as a operating again, slot receiver, exterior receiver, and kick returner. His cease and begin means is nearly as good as anybody’s, and his consciousness permits him to sense when he wants to come back to a halt to make a defender miss. He’s an excellent route-runner as effectively. Nonetheless, he doesn’t appear to be a pure catcher of the ball, and his catch radius just isn’t very large. But when he can place his arms higher and clear up the occasional drop, he’s yet one more potential gem on this deep class of receivers.

22. Dez Fitzpatrick —#7, Sr., 6’2”, 204 lbs — Louisville

Late 4th spherical grade

Consensus rating: 165 (NA, 175, 154, NA, NA)

2020 season stats: 43 receptions, 833 receiving yards, 3 receiving TD (11 video games)

Ryland B.: Fitzpatrick is a tall, lanky receiver who by no means reached his full potential in faculty on account of below-average quarterback play. Nonetheless, he was pretty productive throughout his Louisville profession, and appears to be a mid-round decide within the upcoming draft. Fitzpatrick is a technically sound receiver, who runs good routes, cuts actually sharply, and has wonderful arms and focus. He’s a high-effort, powerful receiver as effectively. Nonetheless, he doesn’t have the highest notch athleticism and pace among the different receivers on this class do, and regardless of his good route-running, he doesn’t have nice quickness, both. Fitzpatrick had an excellent Senior Bowl total, however suffered from some uncharacteristic drop points. His restricted athleticism could also be a priority, however Fitzpatrick is an NFL-ready participant with loads to love in his sport.

23. Amari Rodgers — #3, Sr., 5’10”, 210 lbs — Clemson

Late 4th spherical grade

Consensus rating: 157 (104, 153, 213, NA, NA)

2020 season stats: 12 receptions, 1020 receiving yards, 7 receiving TD (12 video games)

steelerfan11: Rodgers has a thick, sturdy body for a receiver who isn’t even 5’10. His lack of size and restricted route tree are two areas that might restrict his potential on the subsequent stage, however he has harmful pace as soon as he has that motor accelerated as excessive as it can go. He has good imaginative and prescient and burst, which is why I might truly see him transitioning to operating again. That doesn’t imply that he doesn’t have upside as a receiver. Rodgers may very well be a particular slot receiver, however his construct might permit him to have the next ceiling as a operating again, particularly if he can pack on just a few extra kilos to his brief body.

24. Marquez Stevenson — #5, Sr., 6’0”, 190 lbs — Houston

Late 4th spherical grade

Consensus rating: 137 (NA, 214, 99, 97, NA)

2020 season stats: 20 receptions, 307 receiving yards, 4 receiving TD (5 video games)

Ryland B.: Stevenson has game-breaking pace, and made a dwelling off of it in faculty, burning defensive backs constantly for the Houston Cougars for large play after large play. As you’ll be able to in all probability guess, his energy is deep routes, the place his aforementioned pace would get him loads of separation whereas his wonderful ball-tracking abilities would assist him corral deep balls. He has good dimension for the place as effectively, and is a dynamic kick returner. Stevenson’s athletic skills make him an excellent receiver, however he’s nonetheless moderately underdeveloped with regards to his route-running, and he struggles making troublesome catches though his arms aren’t a lot of a priority total. The opposite concern with Stevenson is his harm historical past, as he’s suffered a torn ACL, a damaged collarbone, and ankle points all through his faculty profession. Nonetheless, he’s an extremely high-upside prospect who might turn into one thing particular on the NFL stage.

A number of of you’ve commented on the size of the rankings of the operating backs. So due to the unbelievable depth of the receiver place, we’re going to break up up the gamers with spherical 4 grades or greater from these with spherical 5 grades or decrease. The second installment of this sequence, overlaying the vast receivers with grades from rounds 5 by way of seven, shall be launched within the subsequent few days on the web site.

Ought to the Steelers draft a large receiver within the 2021 NFL Draft?

Ryland B.: “You’ll be able to by no means have too many good vast receivers” is a saying I see thrown round loads through the draft, and I adamantly consider in it — and should you take a look at the observe report of Steelers’ common supervisor Kevin Colbert, it’s honest to say that he does too. So whereas the Steelers have a lot larger wants on their staff equivalent to offensive line and operating again, it’s honest to say {that a} receiver shall be chosen in some unspecified time in the future, particularly if the staff loses Juju Smith-Schuster to free company (they may probably lose Ray-Ray McCloud too). I’d say that the third spherical or later is the place the Steelers might doubtlessly decide a receiver, particularly as a result of staff’s means to seek out late-round gems. That being stated, the Steelers take second-round receivers loads, so that might positively be an choice as effectively. I’ll end with this: the Steelers have been identified to not cross on receivers who they actually like, even when there are larger wants on the roster. So if one of many high 4 receivers can be found within the first spherical (Smith, Chase, Waddle, and Toney), the Steelers will probably take an extended look. And given this staff’s success with vast receivers, I wouldn’t thoughts one bit.

steelerfan11: A lot will rely upon whether or not the Steelers carry again Juju Smith-Schuster, however I’d seize one if in any respect attainable. The previous two drafts have been wealthy at receiver, and this class is arguably deeper than both of them. What shall be intriguing to seek out out is the kind of receiver that the Steelers goal. Personally, I would really like a real pace choice. Chase Claypool has good pace for a person his dimension, and Dionate Johnson is fast, however the Steelers would not have a Tyreek Hill sort burner that may add one other dimension to this offense. Whereas it could be good to get a Rondale Moore or D’Wayne Eskridge on day two, the Steelers have too many wants on the offensive line to take a receiver that top. It could even be fascinating to see us match Chase Clapool with one other freak of nature equivalent to a Nico Collins or Simi Fehoko, however once more, there are extra urgent wants. I believe the candy spot may very well be in spherical 4, when the likes of Anthony Schwartz and Tamorrion Terry may very well be accessible. Ray-Ray McCloud wouldn’t be troublesome to switch on this draft both, as Jalen Virgil, Jaelon Darden, Cade Johnson, and several other different late spherical choices would offer the flexibility that Ray-Ray introduced whereas bringing barely extra upside in the long run. If I used to be the GM, I’d commerce again at the least as soon as on this draft to realize just a few extra picks, which might give us the flexibleness to take an opportunity on a pair receivers. Nonetheless, if the Steelers don’t purchase extra draft capital, there isn’t any method that they will afford to take multiple.

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Keep tuned to Behind the Metal Curtain for extra content material, together with the remainder of this large board, as we inch nearer to the 2021 NFL Draft.