2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 30 wide receivers in a loaded class
5. Jalen Reagor, TCU
When speed comes up in the 2020 NFL Draft, TCU wide receiver Jalen Reagor is one of the first players mentioned. Reagor has the elite, game-breaking speed up there with the best in the class (disregard the 40 time, he plays faster).
Reagor is sudden at the line of scrimmage, which helps him against press coverage. He is a three-level route runner and has very crisp breaks and hesitation moves. Reagor explodes well off his plant foot when he cuts to gain good separation. His ball skills are evident too, as Reagor high points the ball very well for his size and tracks the ball well vertically down the field. A creative offense will use his speed and get him the ball in any way possible.
Reagor does have concentration drops that need to be monitored, and he shies away a bit in contested spots in the red zone. But, his route running and speed is exactly what NFL teams need.
6. Michael Pittman Jr., USC
This may come as a surprise, but Michael Pittman Jr. finishes in the six spot. Pittman rose a lot during the 2020 NFL Draft process, putting together great Senior Bowl tape and an impressive combine, earning an 8.29 RAS.
That well-rounded athleticism shows up when the film comes on. Pittman has quicker breaks than many would expect, and he can create separation on quick in-breaking routes. He works back to ball well and will be a quarterback’s best friend in terms of securing the football. Pittman also is difficult to deal with down the field with his big mitts and good frame, securing every contested ball his way. He also adjusts to the football well when it’s in the air. Press coverage won’t be a problem with his physical nature either.
Pittman isn’t the fastest player and his YAC ability is a bit limited, but he’s got everything he needs to be an effective player in the league.
7. Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado
Laviska Shenault Jr. grabs the seventh spot in the rankings here. Shenault is perfectly tailored to today’s NFL.
His primary function could be in a gadget role, where he gets the ball in the quick passing game or on sweeps and reverses, using his abilities after the catch most effectively. Shenault has game-breaking speed in the open field and is a pain to bring down. He has natural hands and doesn’t shy away from contact in any form. His frame will give him an advantage in contested situations.
Shenault’s route tree is better than some realize, and he will excel in the middle of the field where he can use his speed. His versatility is also a great asset to have.
Landing spot in the 2020 NFL Draft is important to a degree, but he has so much untapped potential, and his best football may be ahead of him.
8. Denzel Mims, Baylor
Denzel Mims is the 2020 NFL Draft process darling, as he continued to rise up boards after the Senior Bowl and otherworldly combine performance, where he posted a 4.38 40 yard dash.
Mims has the straight-line speed to make defenses pay attention. He’s great at stacking corners vertically, and once that happens, it’s all over. Mims has a great catch radius and makes some catches that spin heads. His awareness of the sideline and body control are also very impressive.
His route tree is what will need work at the next level, especially to gain better separation. He can win with what he has right now, but having a more diverse route tree will be important in the NFL.
9. K.J. Hamler, Penn State
Talking about explosive playmakers in the 2020 NFL Draft? Penn State receiver K.J. Hamler has plenty of that. His explosiveness after the catch might be the best in the class, and people will keep coming back to that touchdown against Ohio State back in 2018.
Hamler is a nuanced route runner who won’t ever tip his hand, confusing defenders in the process. He can quickly win at the line of scrimmage and get into his stem. After the catch is poetry in motion, as he can make defenders miss and house anything. Hamler will also get return opportunities early in his career.
There are a couple of questions surrounding Hamler. He isn’t a contested guy, but he struggles to make catches in tight coverage. Also, can he clean up the drops? That has to happen for a guy likely limited to the slot.