Jaylen Waddle could challenge for WR1 in 2021 NFL Draft
He is not the favorite, but Jaylen Waddle undoubtedly has the talent to become the top wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft class.
We are just coming off of a potentially historic class at the wide receiver position, but I am here to tell you that the wide receivers in the 2021 NFL Draft could be even better. While we are still extremely early in our evaluations of these players, there are a ton of impact playmakers at the wide receiver position who are worth getting excited about.
Ja’Marr Chase is widely considered to be the top wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Chase was absolutely outstanding at LSU last season and is set up for another strong season in 2020. However, Chase is not the only elite-level wide receiver worth getting excited about. In early film review, Jaylen Waddle immediately exploded off of the screen.
Waddle is arguably the most explosive player in all of college football. He is incredibly dynamic with the ball in his hands, showing tremendous open-field elusiveness and top-end speed for days. This guy is an absolute rocket in the open field, quickly finding open space and shooting through the hole in an instant. Waddle also showed soft hands and easy separation ability as a route runner.
As great as Waddle is, he was only a part-time offensive player for Alabama in 2019. With Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and Devonta Smith ahead of him on the depth chart, Waddle was never able to see consistent offensive snaps. However, he has still been able to pile up 78 receptions for 1,408 yards and 13 touchdowns through his first two college seasons combined. Waddle is also a dynamic weapon as a return specialist, returning both a kick and a punt for a touchdown in 2019.
With both Jeudy and Ruggs moving on as the first two receivers off of the board in the 2020 NFL Draft, Waddle will have his role expanded in a big way in 2020. This season, Waddle will have a full opportunity to show off his incredible playmaking skills and I would not be surprised if he explodes onto the scene as one of the best offensive playmakers in all of college football. Plus, his dynamic deep speed and ability to make plays with the ball in his hands fit the modern game extremely well.
Next. Oregon RB CJ Verdell early scouting report. dark
As of now, Chase is easily the top receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft class. That being said, Waddle has not been able to fully showcase his talents. I am not saying it is likely, but do not be surprised if Waddle takes the college football world by storm in 2020 and rises quickly up 2021 NFL Draft boards as the top receiver in this class.