2019 NFL Draft: Remember, preseason numbers prove nothing
By Joel Deering
Wide Receivers
Finally, let’s take a look at the wide receivers.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Javon Wims led the NFL in receiving yards (227) during the 2018 NFL preseason. During the regular season, Wims went on to catch four passes for 32 yards in four games.
Number two in receiving yards last preseason was Shelton Gibson of the Philadelphia Eagles. Gibson recorded nine catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns during the preseason. During the regular season, Gibson caught just one pass. That catch went for 48 yards, but it was his lone catch of the season.
James Washington of the Pittsburgh Steelers had himself a great preseason in 2018, recording seven catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns. His 158 receiving yards ranked 10th.
Washington was expected to play a significant role next to Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster last season, but went on to have just 16 catches for 216 yards and one touchdown in 14 games during the regular season. Washington is having another great preseason this year, as he’s currently second in receiving yards (203) behind Jakobi Meyers of the Patriots.
Will Washington be able to step up now that Brown is out of the picture? We’ll see.
Going back to the preseason’s leading receiver, Meyers has really helped himself as he’s tried to earn a roster spot. As the leading receiver of the preseason so far, he’ll likely land a spot on the Patriots’ roster. Does Meyers leading the league in receiving during the preseason mean he’s going to be a star? No. Just like with Jones and Pollard, let’s wait and see what he can do in an actual NFL game.
dark. Next. 2020 NFL Draft options for teams needing QBs
I promise I’m not trying to get anyone’s hopes down or make anyone look bad. I’m just trying to be realistic. The preseason is a great way for players to showcase why they should make a team. It’s okay to get excited when a player like Jones, Pollard or Meyers performs well. If you’re a fan of the team they play for, you should be excited! However, be cautious before you crown them the next king of their position.