Denzel Mims, WR, New York Jets
Mims produced at a high level for Baylor, bringing to mind Josh Gordon — another Baylor alum — with his deep speed and jump-ball ability. He is in no way ready to run an NFL route tree, but as Gordon was able to do before his off-field demons took over, Mims can beat the daylights out of cornerbacks and safeties with just a handful of routes — and there are no known off-field issues with which to contend.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers got to and nearly won Super Bowl LIV without a consistent deep receiver who could take the top off a defense. Aiyuk solves that problem immediately, as his eight catches of 20 or more air yards for Arizona State in 2019 is nearly double what any 49ers receiver had — Emmanuel Sanders led the team with five, and you have to include the postseason to get there.
D’Andre Swift, RB, Detroit Lions
One of the primary aspects of a successful rookie campaign is opportunity based on the relative weakness of a positional group. Last season, Kerryon Johnson led the Lions with 403 yards and three touchdowns on 113 carries. That’s why Detroit picked Swift, the Georgia alum who gained 1,218 yards on the ground last season, and may well be the best receiving back in this draft class.
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Indianapolis Colts
Pittman was another receiver who was relatively lost in such a deep class at the position, but there’s no overlooking his production for USC in 2019 — 101 catches for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’ll now be in a Frank Reich-led offense that has always been favorable to complete receivers who can run complementary routes, and that’s exactly what Pittman brings to the table. Expect him to be Philip Rivers’ new best friend.