Rating the Receivers 2022 Wide Receiver Prospects part II

By John Laub
John Laub

 

 

    Rating the Receivers: 

   

         2022 WR Prospects part II

 

 

 

 

7. Skyy Moore, Western Michigan

Among Group of 5 programs, foremost receiver prospect in the nation. Combine illustrated NFL-level athletic ability to compliment impressive production and film grade after three college campaigns. In 2021, First Team All-MAC after securing 95 passes for 1,292 yards and 10 touchdowns. In 2020, Second Team All-MAC. Played in only five games during Pandemic. Logged 25 catches for 388 yards and three touchdowns. In 2019, First Team All-MAC: First true freshman named to the team since 2014. Secured 51 passes for 802 yards and three touchdowns. In high school, three-star recruit from Pennsylvania. Two-time Allegheny Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and was named Defensive Player of the Year. Also played basketball and earned all-section honors as a point guard. At 5’10” and 195-pounds, smooth athlete who plays with quickness and balance. Beats press coverage with quick footwork, elusiveness and strength. Grabs ball with innate mitts. Precise route runner who adjusts to the ball in flight. Immediately turns upfield with ball in hands. Fearless in the middle of the field. In the open field, uncovers the cutback lanes to gain extra yardage. Stupendous YAC runner. Radar-like senses to track deep ball. Employed on the outside and in the slot at Western Michigan. Occasionally, body catches deep throws. Does not stack defenders. Needs to improve head fakes and deceptions in-and-out of breaks. Pre-draft process cements day two selection in Draft and projects as a slot and inside receiver. Dynasty footballers and draftniks are excited about second-round draft capital.

 

 

Scholar's Key Career Stats

Receptions: 170

Yards per Reception: 14.5 

2021 Season

Catch Percentage: 70%

Team Aerial Dominator: 39%

Draft GradeSecond Round

 

 

Gridiron Scholar's Wide Receiver Model

(Click the link above to see the model and Class of 2022 prospects)

 

 

8. Christian Watson, North Dakota State

Stupendous Senior Bowl and eye-opening Combine performances catapulted the Bisons’ gamebreaker among the top prospects. In 2021, Second Team All-America (AP), First Team HERO Sports All-America (wide receiver) and Second Team Stats Perform All-America (all-purpose). Logged 43 catches for 801 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2020-21, First Team All-America kickoff returner (AP) and First Team All- Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC): wide receiver and return specialist. Returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. In 2017, redshirt season. Career at NDSU: 49 carries for 392 yards and two touchdowns and 26 kick returns for 686 yards and two scores. Five-time All-MVFC selection. Played on four MVFC and FCS National Championship teams. Earned a degree in university studies in 2021. In high school, played wide receiver and safety and was a two-star recruit from Florida. At 6’4” and 208-pounds, a speedster who reaches top-end velocity rapidly and a good route runner. NFL height and frame. Innate hands and secures the ball away from the body. Good route runner. Speed Merchant: Excellent long speed and hits second gear in the open field. Physical competitor who employs hurdles, spins and acceleration to escape opponents. Gains yards after catch with stiff arms and spatial awareness. Good ball-tracker. Versatile offensive playmaker. Aligned mostly on the outside but did line up in the slot occasionally. Can he compete at the NFL level? Athletic ability, optimal size and stupendous speed foreshadow a nice professional career. Might sneak into the first-round if a team falls head over heels.

 

Scholar's Key Career Stats

Receptions: 105

Yards per Reception: 20.4

2021 Season

Catch Percentage: n/a

Team Aerial Dominator: 35%

Draft Grade: Second Round

 

9. John Metchie, Alabama

Another Crimson Tide wide out ready to begin professional career. In 2021, Second Team All-SEC. Recorded 96 receptions, which are the third most in school history. Surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time with 1,142. In 2020, totaled 55 catches for 916 yards, averaging 16.7 ypc., and six touchdowns. Registered a first down or touchdown on 35 receptions (64%). Named to the Biletnikoff Award Watch List each of the past two crusades. Deep depth chart with Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith and Jameson Williams. Career receptions rank seventh in program history. In high school, a four-star prospect and fifteenth-ranked athlete in the nation. Recorded more than 1,300 rushing yards, 2,500 receiving yards and 42 touchdowns across his four seasons at St. James in New Jersey. At 5’11” and 187-pounds, a versatile playmaker who will make an effortless transition to the NFL. Crisp route runner who easily gets in-and-out of cuts. Stupendous start-and-stop skills. Very good YAC competitor. Explodes in the open field. Breaks tackles with quickness, slipperiness and scrappiness. Rapidly changes direction and glides through traffic. Big-play competitor with a high football IQ. Versatile route tree: coaching staff got football into his hands on screens, bubble screens, slants and vertical shots. Secures football in traffic with strong hands. Excellent body control and feet on the sideline. After suffering a torn ACL in the SEC Championship game, did not compete at Combine. May not be ready to suit up in the first week of 2022 season. Slight frame and can be pushed around at times. Does not win contested catches. Slightly fell down position rankings despite posting best numbers in career. In a deep class, likely not to be selected in the first round despite Alabama pedigree. A value selection at current ADP in rookie drafts.

 

Scholar's Key Career Stats

Receptions: 155

Yards per Reception: 13.4 

2021 Season

Catch Percentage: 72%

Team Aerial Dominator: 23% 

Draft GradeSecond Round

 

10. George Pickens, Georgia

Prototypical X-receiver declares for the Draft. Alleviated some injury concerns with an impressive 4.47 40-yard dash at the Combine. Suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in right knee during Spring practice in 2021. Returned to the gridiron in less than nine months. Suited up in five games and secured five passes for 107 yards. In 2020, started all eight games and led the team with 36 receptions for 513 yards and six touchdowns. In the Peach Bowl victory over Cincinnati, secured seven passes for 135 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown. In 2019, Freshman All-SEC and co-winner of the Offensive Newcomer of the Year. Recorded 49 catches for 727 yards and eight touchdowns. Did not play in the first half of the SEC Championship Game against LSU after being suspended for punching a Georgia Tech opponent. In high school, five-star prospect and ranked as the No. 4 wide receiver nationally. Played in the 2019 Under Armour All-American Game. At 6’3” and 195-pounds, big and physical receiver. Fluid athlete with very good agility. Strong hands and ball skills. Large-catch radius. Makes adjustments in mid-air to corral pass. Catches ball in a crowd. Bullies smaller defensive backs and tough to tackle. Savvy route runner, who tracks the ball well. Possess alpha traits as a competitor. Physical toughness: Enjoys run blocking. Lean frame and lack of upper-echelon strength. Can he defeat press coverage as a professional? Is the knee 100% healed? Draft capital will answer both questions for Dynasty owners. A boom-or-bust prospect.

 

Scholar's Key Career Stats

Receptions: 90

Yards per Reception: 15.0

2019 Season

Catch Percentage: 64%

Team Aerial Dominator: 23%

Draft GradeSecond Round

 

11. David Bell, Purdue

Poor Combine performance in key athletic drills dropped the former Purdue playmaker down rankings: 40-yard dash (4.65), 20-yard shuttle (4.57) and 3-cone drill (7.14). Prolific producer and early breakout performer as a freshman in 2019. Big Ten Freshman of the Year, First Team Freshman All-American (AP) and 4x Big Ten Freshman of the Week. Tied for the Conference lead with 86 receptions for 1,035 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2020, First Team All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten: 53 catches for 625 yards and eight scores. In 2021, named Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year, First Team All-Big Ten and Second Team All-America (Sporting News). Logged a career-high 93 catches for 1,286 yards and 6 touchdowns. Ranks among all-time Purdue receivers: fourth in receptions, fifth in yards (2,946) and seventh in touchdowns (21). In high school, four-star recruit and 2018 Gatorade State Player of the Year (Indiana). At 6’1” and 212-pounds, physical competitor with stupendous body control and hands. Good size and strength to defeat smaller corners. Fights for football in the air: Shields defenders. Innate pass-catcher with long arms. A contortionist who twists and turns body to snag a pass. Wins contested battles. A technician as a route runner with a good release. Employs stiff arms and initiates contact. Double moves to gain separation. Versatile receiver: lined up in the slot and on the perimeter. Lacks elite  straight-line speed and athletic ability. Does not exel after the catch. Can he get separation as a professional? Hopefully, earns day two draft capital.

 

Scholar's Key Career Stats

Receptions: 232

Yards per Reception: 12.7 

2021 Season

Catch Percentage: 69%

Team Aerial Dominator: 31% 

Draft Grade: Third Round

 

12. Wan’Dale Robinson, Kentucky

Dynamic, but diminutive, multi-threat weapon leaves college after three campaigns. After transferring to Kentucky, the former Nebraska’ playmaker became a Saturday luminary: Played two seasons as a Cornhusker and final one as a Wildcat. In 2021, Second Team All-American (PFF), First Team All-SEC (PFF), Vrbo Citrus Bowl MVP and USA Today All-Bowl Team. In 2020, earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and led the team with 51 catches for 461 yards and a touchdown. In 2019, named Second Team All-American, Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and two-time All-Big 10 Freshman of the Week. Recorded 40 receptions for 443 yards and two touchdowns. College Career: Logged 141 carries for 691 rushing yards, 195 receptions for 2,248 receiving yards and 3,190 all-purpose yards. In high school, a four-star recruit who totaled 8,582 yards from scrimmage with 118 offensive touchdowns and earned Kentucky’s Mr. Football. At 5’8” and 178-pounds, versatile and sleek playmaker and quick-twitch athlete. Well-rounded skill set. Terrific hands. Easily adjusts to pass in the air and snags the ball at catch point. Shifty and elusive runner after the catch. Rapidly dodges tacklers and explodes into open space. Employed on jet motions, screens and quick hitters. At Combine, shorter and smaller than expected. Not many successful in the NFL at his measurements. Short arms and small catch radius. Projects as a slot receiver at his size. Can he withstand the punishment of the game at the next level? Limited ceiling as a professional.

 

Scholar's Key Career Stats

Receptions: 195

Yards per Reception: 11.5 

2021 Season

Catch Percentage: 72%

Team Aerial Dominator: 45% 

Draft Grade: Third Round