The 2020 NFL draft is absolutely loaded with wide receivers. It is a great year to be a receiver-needy team as the talent runs deep. This year, teams can get a Week 1 impact receiver in the fifth round with ease. However, there are two receivers that stand head and shoulders above the rest and constantly exchange the WR1 crown.
We have already profiled Oklahoma’s Ceedee Lamb. Now, let’s take a look at Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy.
Scouting Report:
Jeudy measured in at 6-foot-1, 193 pounds at the NFL Combine. He turned in a 4.45 second forty yard dash, a 35 inch vertical, and a 10-foot broad jump. All of these numbers are well above average across the board, but Jeudy shows even more explosiveness on film. His route running and footwork is some of the best we have seen in recent memory. He has no limitations in his route tree and can run any concept as smooth as butter.
Jeudy is also dynamic with the ball in his hands, as he has a special ability to generate yards after the catch with his crisp cuts and explosiveness.
If there is one thing Jeudy lacks, it is the ability to make contested catches. Over the last three years at Alabama, you could probably count on one hand the amount of times he was able to actually bring down a contested catch. It’s not that Jeudy doesn’t have great hands, but more so his slender frame and limited strength that hurt his ability to high-point the ball mid-air and bully a defensive back to come down with it.
Overall, Jeudy is a blue chip wide receiver who is one of the best route runners and space-creators we have seen come through the draft in recent years. Based on those traits alone, he should be able to generate a ton of success in the NFL. Whoever picks Jeudy is getting a special receiver who can work from the slot or outside.
College numbers:
36 games, 159 catches, 2,742 receiving yards, 26 touchdowns
Highlights:
Jeudy vs. Michigan
Jeudy vs. South Carolina
Jeudy vs. LSU
Jeudy vs. Auburn
Fit with Panthers:
Many Panthers fans might not consider the team “wide receiver needy” after DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel had breakout years. However, the problem lies in the lack of depth they have at the position. Like we have pointed out in previous profiles (such as Oklahoma’s Ceedee Lamb) and my post-combine mock draft, the Panthers need to be at least four wide receivers deep in order for Joe Brady’s offense to succeed.
About 92% of Brady’s LSU plays had three or more receivers on the field in 2019. It’s especially important that the Panthers can get a WR3 they can count on in third and short situations and can take the top off a defense on early downs. Jeudy is exactly that guy, and if Carolina can get a prospect like him who can line up on the outside or in the slot, it would form one of the most explosive, dangerous receiver trios in football.
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