2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 30 wide receivers in a loaded class
1. Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
Well, if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably shocked, especially from an analyst who’s consistently touted Jerry Jeudy as the top guy in the class.
Henry Ruggs III stole it from him. Ruggs hasn’t quite gotten the hype the other two have, but when the tape comes on, it’s clear. There isn’t just speed when talking about Ruggs’ game. Sure, the straight-line speed is there. But, his ability to take a slant 70 yards to the house is rare in that he makes it look easy.
Ruggs is also more well-rounded then you’re made to believe. His route running is up there with the tops in the class, and he sinks his hips and makes fluid transitions with ease. His speed gives him an advantage to work back-shoulder throws and comeback routes as corners will often turn and run early after the snap. Ruggs has good hands and can win in contested spots by attacking the ball effectively. He’s going to win at the line of scrimmage because of crisp footwork, change of directions skills, and physicality.
Ruggs is tough, he’s versatile, and while he isn’t the most refined, his upside is through the roof and he ends up number one.
2. CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
CeeDee Lamb secures the second spot on the rankings. Lamb does so many things well to be considered a sure-fire first-round player. His route tree isn’t super developed, but he works back to the ball well and is great in a vertical stem with comebacks and quick hitch routes.
The real fun with Lamb is at the catch point and after the catch, tops in the 2020 NFL Draft. Lamb has great hands and grip strength to win down the field over defenders. His body control near the sideline is excellent, and he tracks the ball well over his shoulder. After the catch, Lamb is extremely tough to bring down, whether it be with quick cuts or pure toughness and will. There are freeze frames on tape where you wouldn’t believe he scored.
Lamb needs to get comfortable with press coverage at the next level, as he rarely saw it in college. He also needs to be crisper with routes over the middle and work more at a 90-degree angle. Don’t bet against Lamb to figure these out.
3. Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
It’s a tough scene, seeing Jerry Jeudy here, ranked by this analyst at the top spot for so long. But, a close third is nothing to scowl at.
Jeudy is the best route runner in the 2020 NFL Draft by a significant margin. His release package is unparalleled, and making defenders miss in press coverage is a game to him at this point. Jeudy breaks are refined and he never wastes a step and creating separation looked so easy for him against SEC opponents. He knows how to keep defenders on their heels with hesitation moves in his steam and manipulates defenders with his eyes and hips. Jeudy changes direction flawlessly, leaving helpless defenders in the dust.
Speed is an underrated trait for Jeudy, and it isn’t mentioned much because of his teammates. He can eat up cushion quickly and win down the field with that speed. When the ball’s in his hands, Jeudy makes defenders miss with wicked quickness, and if he sees an opening, he can outrun anyone on the field.
His biggest questions will come down to ball skills. He drops a few passes, and won’t be too effective in contested spots. However, with the separation he creates, it won’t be a problem for him in the NFL.
4. Justin Jefferson, LSU
Justin Jefferson enjoyed a big rise throughout his 2019 season and kept that momentum going throughout the 2020 NFL Draft process. He may not be in the same tier as the three above, but he’s a first-rounder nonetheless.
Jefferson mainly operated in the slot for the LSU Tigers and was extremely effective there. Jefferson is another very good route runner in this class, and it shows. His manipulation at the top of his stem is great, and he will keep defenders guessing. He can work all levels of the field as a route runner and shows an extra gear when working vertically.
Jefferson is as reliable as they come as a pass-catcher. He catches the ball almost exclusively away from his frame and can win by high pointing the football and over the middle where contact is very prevalent. He’s tough as nails after the catch, and while his quickness and speed aren’t elite, his contact balance and toughness give him an edge.
Teams may question whether or not Jefferson can play on the boundary. His release needs some work, as it’s mostly a quick jab step at this point, but he shouldn’t have a problem winning there.