2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 wide receivers
By Andrew Kim
9
Brandon Aiyuk Wide Receiver
Could Arizona State have another first-round wide receiver in 2020 (like N’Keal Harry last year with the New England Patriots)? As of now, I am not for that notion but Brandon Aiyuk does offer a different skill set than Harry. The JUCO transfer (from Sierra College) became a Sun Devil because they offered him to stick with wide receiver instead of switching positions.
The 5-foot-11, 201-pound receiver had a breakout 2019, as he essentially doubled his catches his final year (from 33 to 65 catches) and almost tripled his yardage and touchdowns (from 474 to 1,192 yards and three to eight touchdowns). Aiyuk returned one punt for a touchdown in 2019 and was explosive when he had the ball in his hands. The 22-year-old receiver did not play in the senior bowl as he was medically flagged with a minor hip issue.
The senior was not great in contested catch situations and did struggle at times against press coverage on the outside. Aiyuk has exceptional burst to turn upfield and go but needs some time to get going once he does get the ball.
The Arizona State receiver showcased great vision and was most effective on short routes with blocks set up for him or deep routes where he can dust opposing defenses. He should be utilized in the slot first, as Aiyuk could develop more and use his size/ speed combo to burn defenders.
8
Denzel Mims Wide Receiver
Looking uncoverable and physically dominating the cornerbacks at the senior bowl, Denzel Mims was the biggest senior bowl riser in my opinion. The 6-foot-2 206-pound receiver improved his route running and releases off the line while catching everything his way.
The 22-year-old senior had his best season (in terms of touchdowns with 12) in 2019 and eclipses over 1,000 yards for the 2nd time in his career (both in 2017 and 2019). In 2017 and 2019, he also had over 60 catches as a force on the outside for the Baylor Bears.
Denzel Mims has surprising quickness as a bigger receiver and while he profiles as a jump-ball specialist, he can push cornerbacks vertically in his routes (not the smoothest). He still has those jaw-dropping catches as he high points the ball over defenders and showcases his massive catch radius. As an outside receiver at the next level, Mims has the potential to be a good red-zone threat at the very least.