2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 30 wide receivers in a loaded class
10. Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
Brandon Aiyuk lands higher in other 2020 NFL Draft rankings, but slotting him in at 10 isn’t any disrespect. Aiyuk does many things at a high level.
He is a better route runner than he’s given credit for, showing fluid movement in and out of his breaks. Aiyuk has a nice hesitation move working vertically, and his route tree is impressive in a vertical stem. He’s also a YAC machine, with the speed to turn quick passing plays into scores. Aiyuk has good hands and is solid tracking the football.
To reach his ceiling, Aiyuk needs to be more crafty against press coverage. Using his athleticism better will help him avoid contact better, but good hand usage can also be taught. Maximizing his catch radius is also crucial.
11. Bryan Edwards, South Carolina
Bryan Edwards is a fascinating study in the 2020 NFL Draft. His progression throughout his career at South Carolina is awesome, and he showed much more twitch in his senior season. Edwards has become a slant maestro, likely his go-to at the next level with the way he creates separation. Edwards has double moves in his arsenal and secures the football well in tough spots.
Injuries are something to watch with Edwards, and it’ll be interesting to see how he continues to grow as a route runner in the NFL. If he had been able to do drills at the combine, he’d be higher on boards.
12. Tee Higgins, Clemson
It seems like a long fall for Tee Higgins, who is a first-rounder on some 2020 NFL Draft boards. Higgins is still going to be an instant contributor because of his strong hands, body control, and red zone prowess. He also brings long speed to the table.
The reality with Higgins is that he needs to grow in his route running. Hanging your hat on being a contested-catch winner isn’t the way to go, and the bad testing numbers don’t help him. There will be a role for him to contribute well, but he needs to grow to reach the top tier.
13. Van Jefferson, Florida
It’s easy to see that Van Jefferson comes from an NFL bloodline because he shows some of the best nuance as a route runner in the 2020 NFL Draft. He will show defenders one thing to set up another move, and creates separation with sharp cuts and good hands to cross the face of defenders. Don’t forget about his reliability as a member of the all-hands team.
The one thing holding Jefferson back is that he doesn’t really have the speed to work vertically. He will succeed in the slot, but most of his work will be done prior to the catch.
14. Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
Chase Claypool has become another 2020 NFL Draft darling after his stunning combine performance, running the 40 in 4.42 seconds at 238 pounds. That height/weight/speed combo certainly grabs attention. Combine that with his catch radius and long speed after the catch, and we’ve got something here. Don’t forget about his tenacity as a blocker (maybe why the tight end talk sticks).
However, it’s an understatement to say his route tree needs more leaves. He mainly ran nine routes and drags, which maximized his abilities. Claypool might be used in the slot more because of it, and he needs more development to reach the ceiling some claim he has.
15. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan
Speaking of workout warriors, Donovan Peoples-Jones enters the fold. His production is puzzling for the Wolverines until you realize the ideology of the offense and the quarterback running the show.
He rounds out the third round grades based a lot on projection. The athletic tools are there, and his catch radius and fluid movement is evident on tape. He needs to work on his release and eliminate false steps. Also, the game speed may catch up to him in the NFL. Time will tell.