Category: Wide receivers

2020 NFL draft: Brandon Aiyuk scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Arizona State wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk

Brandon Aiyuk | WR | Arizona State

Elevator Pitch

Aiyuk is a dynamic athlete with impressive fluidity and plenty of value after the catch. His technique as a route-runner could be improved, but the explosiveness he brings to an offense should make him high in demand as a secondary option at the next level.

Vitals

Height | 6-0

Weight | 205

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

If you’re looking for a receiver with athletic tools in this class, Aiyuk is one of the best prospects you can find.

An explosive wide out with very good acceleration off the snap and once he gets the ball in his hands, Aiyuk brought an enticing dynamic of speed to Arizona State’s offense in 2019. He’s a shifty ball-carrier who can change direction easily and has plenty of spring in his step. He runs with good vision when he gets into the open field, presenting opportunities for him to exploit a defense for a big gain.

Though not a finished product, Aiyuk has also shown some promise and growth as a route-runner. He stems his routes well and excels at attacking leverage points on the opposition, and he bursts out of his stems well. He has shown some potential in regards to his ability to sink his hips and make sharp cuts.

Weaknesses

Aiyuk could stand to add a little more physicality to his game. He tends to struggle with boxing out defenders in tight-window situations, and his hands aren’t quite strong enough to consistently make catches when contested. He’s a much better receiver in space than he is going up for the jump ball.

His route tree isn’t incredibly advanced at this stage in his career, and he can get better at accelerating coming out of his breaks. He could get better at using his hands to create separation, particularly against press coverage. Aiyuk also only has one season of notable FBS production, as he was a complementary piece to N’Keal Harry in 2018 and played at the JUCO level in 2016 and 2017.

Projection: Day 2

[vertical-gallery id=613832]

2020 NFL draft: K.J. Hamler scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Penn State wide receiver prospect K.J. Hamler

K.J. Hamler | WR | Penn State

Elevator Pitch

Hamler is an electric athlete who brings an aspect of speed and elusiveness to an offense that very few in this draft class can replicate. Though not the biggest or most physical receiver, he has high-end No. 2 receiver upside.

Vitals

Height | 5-9

Weight | 178

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

If you’re looking for a dynamic wide out in this class, Hamler’s among the best you can end up with.

The Penn State alum is explosive off the snap, is quick to reach top speed as a vertical threat and has dangerous acceleration once he gets the ball in his hands. He changes direction seamlessly, both as a YAC threat and as a route runner. His lateral agility and vision as a ball-carrier is top-notch, and he does a great job of sinking his hips into his cuts as a route runner.

Hamler has shown some good instincts as a route runner, as well. He does a good job of stemming routes and taking advantage of defensive back leverage to create separation. He can also eat up soft spots against zone coverage pretty well. Though not a dominant outside receiver, he can be a game-wrecker coming out of the slot in the NFL.

Weaknesses

Hamler’s weaknesses can be inferred from looking at his height and weight. He’s a smaller receiver, and he doesn’t play with great physicality in tight-window situations. His catch radius is limited, giving him a low ceiling in the red zone.

That lack of play strength affects him when he goes up against press, as he doesn’t have the power in his hands to create separation in ways other than a speed release. He isn’t fantastic at breaking tackles after the catches, and his focus can use some work, as that can present some issues with drops from time to time.

Projection: Day 2

[vertical-gallery id=613832]

2020 NFL draft: Denzel Mims scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Baylor wide receiver prospect Denzel Mims

Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor

Elevator Pitch

An incredibly deep class of wide receivers could see Mims drafted lower than he would be in most drafts, but make no mistake about it: he is the truth. A lengthy wide out with insane athleticism and more than enough physicality, he has the tools to develop into the big-bodied target a lot of teams love to line up on the outside.

Vitals

Height | 6-3

Weight | 207

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

As far as physical attributes go, very few receivers in this class can compare to Mims.

A 6-foot-3 receiver with plenty of length and track star speed – he ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine – Mims possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism. He accelerates well off the snap and has great deep speed, allowing his team to use him as a vertical threat to stretch the field. He does a good job of utilizing footwork to create separation, and he has a good speed release against man coverage.

Mims’ catch radius is fantastic, as his length and his lower-body explosiveness allow him to jump up and fight for nearly any ball thrown his way. He has good body control and does a commendable job of adjusting his body to make tough grabs. Though still developing as a route runner, he has gotten progressively better throughout his time at Baylor, executing different techniques to break man and improving the sharpness in his cuts. He’s also a capable and willing blocker who plays with a high motor on running plays.

Weaknesses

Although Mims has the raw tools to become a standout player in the league, he will have to undergo some development to do so. His route-running prowess can use some work, as he doesn’t use his hands very well to separate from press-man. The offense he participated in didn’t have him running an extensive route tree, so he’ll have to prove himself capable of stringing together route concepts in the pros.

Despite his impressive numbers at the Combine, Mims doesn’t have stellar abilities after the catch. He isn’t an incredibly elusive ball-carrier and is very much a vertical runner when he gets the ball in his hands. His frame could also stand to add a little bit of bulk to it, but that’s not a major issue.

Projection: Top 40

[vertical-gallery id=613832]

2020 NFL draft: Justin Jefferson scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about LSU wide receiver prospect Justin Jefferson

Justin Jefferson | WR | LSU

Elevator Pitch

A fluid athlete with great body control, impressive ball skills and incredible production in 2019, Jefferson has the potential to be a high-end No. 2 receiver at the next level. With some fine-tuning to his route-running technique, he can be a real problem for opposing defenses in the NFL.

Vitals

Height | 6-1

Weight | 202

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

Jefferson fits the prototype of the “big slot” receiver that has seen an uptick in popularity in recent years.

His athletic ability is certainly apparent on tape. He possesses top-notch body control and is able to make tough adjustments to the ball in the air, helping complement his focus and strong hands to make his ball skills among the best in the class. as well as change direction seamlessly after the catch. He does a good job of stemming his routes and using leverage points to his advantage.

Jefferson’s speed is quality, as he can accelerate off the snap well and outrun defenders once he gets into the open field. Some were worried about his 40-yard dash time at the Combine, but he put those concerns to bed with an admirable 4.43 time. His production this past season was through the roof, too: he finished the year with 111 catches, 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Weaknesses

While Jefferson proved to be capable of separating at the collegiate level, one has to wonder how much of that was related to scheme. He’s a good athlete, but his technique as a route runner could use some cleaning up. His footwork can be a little sloppy at times, and he can struggle to sink his hips into his breaks and make sharp cuts.

He was a reliable target coming out of the slot, but Jefferson doesn’t offer as much value lined up wide. He doesn’t do a great job of using his hands to separate from tight man coverage, and his ability to break press isn’t all that great. His profile is certainly one of an NFL contributor, but he doesn’t necessarily have “No. 1 target” written all over him.

Projection: Round 2

[vertical-gallery id=613832]

2020 NFL draft: Jalen Reagor scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about TCU wide receiver prospect Jalen Reagor

Jalen Reagor | WR | TCU

Elevator Pitch

Reagor is an absolutely electric player. He can come out of the backfield, line up at wide receiver and is a playmaker in the return game. A fast rising player who could work his way into the first round of the NFL draft.

Vitals

Height | 5-11

Weight | 206

Class | Junior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

The mistake that some make is thinking Reagor is nothing more than a gadget player, and that can’t be any further from the truth. While he can move around from coming out of the backfield as a runner or play out wide, Reagor is one of those players who you need to get the ball in his hands. Even at 5’11”, he can climb the ladder to high point the ball with his 42″ vertical.

Reagor really can work all three levels of a defense in the passing game whether is on a screen, intermediate routes or the deep shots down the field. He creates separation with his top end speed and crisp route running. Uses his technique well to explode out of breaks. He creates separation with that combination of speed and route running. Great option for quarterback as he will give you space to fit the ball in.

Big part of the NFL is all about field position. Reagor can help with big plays as a home run hitter on punt returns. His ability to see the field like a running back and find the hole. Not only seeing the field but has the explosive ability to get through the creases and top end speed to put pressure on the coverage unit.

Weaknesses

The biggest knock on Reagor will be inconsistent hands as a pass catcher. He did deal with suspect quarterback play during his time in Fort Worth, Texas. Although his hands can fail him at times, just needs to work on being more consistent when he gets the ball coming his way. Some of it may just be a lack of focus, can miss the gimme throws and make the spectacular plays.

As with any wide receiver that is smaller in stature, there can be worries about the physicality. For the former Horned Frog it is no different. Reagor can struggle with press coverage at times with dealing with more physical corners. Will need to work on disengaging from corners and use his athleticism to win at the next level.

Projection: Top 40

[vertical-gallery id=613832]

2020 NFL draft: CeeDee Lamb scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb

CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

Height | 6-2

Weight | 191

College Bio

College Stats

Strengths

There may not be a more dynamic offensive weapon in this year’s NFL Draft who could very well come back for his senior season with not much left to prove. He followed up a monster sophomore campaign with an even better junior season. He has the tools to be a mismatch at the next level.

First and foremost, Lamb has to be a top the list in terms of his explosiveness. In space he is an absolute nightmare for any defender to take down in space. He uses his balance and vision to set up defenders down the field allowing him to put pressure on defenses. His footwork and balance makes him a handful to deal with.

Aside from having the athleticism to make the great plays after the catch, his hands are his best weapon. Lamb is able to use his quick hands to fight off defenders at the line to get a clean break and handles press coverages.  He is an elite player when tracking the ball in the air and will go up for the ball. He isn’t a player who waits for the ball as he attacks it in the air. He is a quarterback’s best friend because he is as reliable as they come.

Weaknesses

Truth be told there aren’t a lot of weaknesses in his game. He will need to work on his route running at the next level and that is where he will get even better. Lamb will need to expand his route tree, at Oklahoma it left a lot to be desired.

While being explosive, he doesn’t have top end speed like a Tyreek Hill but Lamb wins with technique and football IQ. That is how he is able to create separation for his quarterback. Once Lamb is able to get going though, look out because he will build up speed down the field.

Bottom Line

Lamb is dynamic and at the next level there is no doubt that he can be a difference maker. Plenty of teams in the NFL could use a talent such as CeeDee. Lamb has balance, hands, physicality and a monster after the catch.

Projection: Top 10

[vertical-gallery id=610400]

2020 NFL draft: Henry Ruggs III scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III

Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama

Height | 6-0

Weight | 190

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

To paraphrase Lightning McQueen, Henry Ruggs III is speed.

There may be no player in the 2020 draft class as fast as Ruggs, who ran an absurd 4.25 40-yard dash at his junior Pro Day in March. He accelerates off the ball with impressive quickness, he has insane acceleration out of his breaks and has the deep speed to outrun practically every defender in the nation on a vertical route.

The wide out is a genuine threat to beat John Ross’ 4.22 time at the Combine. His athleticism translates well after the catch, as he has good lateral quickness and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. With a 17.6 career yards-per-reception average and 24 touchdowns in three seasons as of this writing, he is a proven deep threat with big-play potential.

Ruggs is far from just a speed receiver, though. He has shown flashes of nuance in his route tree through sinking his hips into his cuts and showing off body control when flipping his hips or making tough adjustments to the ball. He has natural ball skills and can track down balls at a high level. Ruggs is also a tough runner after the catch, showing off impressive contact balance and determination for a receiver with his frame.

Weaknesses

Though he’ll beat defenders with speed, don’t expect Ruggs to physically overwhelm anybody at the next level.

Listed at 190 pounds, Ruggs has a pretty skinny frame and doesn’t possess top-end length. He has yet to prove that he can separate from press-man coverage very well, and he is far from the most physical receiver in jump-ball situations. He could benefit from bulking up a bit and working on his hand techniques to sharpen up his releases. Though he has shown some potential in stemming his routes, he could stand to be a bit more consistent in that regard, as well.

Ruggs’ lack of top-end production isn’t a major concern, considering he’s had to fight for touches with teammates Jerry Jeudy, Devonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle and Calvin Ridley at wide receiver. Still, Ruggs never topped 1,000 yards in a single season and has never finished higher than third on his team in receiving yards. There could be a tiny bit of concern attached to selecting him as a No. 1 target in the pros.

Bottom Line

Speed kills in today’s NFL, and Ruggs has that in spades.

The dynamic playmaker is an athletic mismatch for just about any cornerback, and he has shown he has more tools in his skill set than the average speedy receiver. Even in a stacked receiver class like this one, Ruggs belongs firmly in first-round conversation.

Projection: Top 20

2020 NFL draft: Tyler Johnson scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Minnesota wide receiver Tyler Johnson

Tyler Johnson | WR | Minnesota

Height | 6-2

Weight | 205

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

If you’re looking for a polished and intelligent route runner, you won’t find too many in this class who fit that bill better than Johnson.

He does as good a job of stemming his routes as nearly anyone in the nation. He excels at using leverage to his advantage when creating separation, he can sell his route well, and he has the hand techniques to break free from tight man coverage. Johnson’s shiftiness further helps him out, as he can change direction seamlessly and sink his hips into his cuts very well. He runs his routes with great pad level and can make sudden movements, showing off his impressive body control.

Johnson is also valuable after the catch. A decisive and intelligent ball-carrier, he combines the sharpness in his cuts with his ability to see the field and finds a way to extend the play with the ball in his hands. Though his skill set projects best as a ‘Z’ receiver in the pros, he could play in essentially any alignment and perform well.

Weaknesses

Despite being 6-foot-2 and weighing 205 pounds, Johnson isn’t a very physical receiver. His role in the NFL won’t come as a jump-ball receiver who can outmuscle defensive backs to make circus grabs. He doesn’t box out defenders on 50-50 balls very well, and his ability to make catches is hindered by tight, physical coverage. Though he has shown some promise in breaking press-man coverage, he is going to need to get more aggressive when stronger cornerbacks try to lock him up at the line of scrimmage.

Johnson is a good athlete, but he isn’t much better than just good in that regard. His straight-line speed is passable but not great, and he doesn’t seem to have the raw athleticism to burn cornerbacks on vertical routes. He’ll be able to beat defenders with his shiftiness and football IQ, but he would be even more dangerous if he just got a little bit faster.

Bottom Line

A smooth operator with route-running savvy and skills after the catch, Johnson is a polished and fluid receiver with potential to excel at the next level. He may not reach true No. 1 receiver status on a team, but he’s a shifty target who should make a sizable impact on a team’s offense.

Projection: Round 2