2021 NFL Draft: Jaelon Darden could be the best group of five WR
By Jonah Hovis
If you like a receiver that is a human joystick, has quick feet, and puts up numbers I have someone for you. Many may think I am describing Jaylen Waddle, and even though Jaylen Waddle is a first-round prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft who fits that description, I am talking about a guy who did not play at a Power Five school.
Jaelon Darden out of North Texas is a very unknown, skilled, and a potential steal in the 2021 NFL Draft. Darden is a smaller receiver standing at 5-foot 9 and only weighing around 175 pounds. Even though he lacks in size, he makes up for in speed and elusiveness. Darden was must-watch TV if you are a fan of the Mean Green, for he racked in 74 catches for 1,190 yards and 19 touchdowns. If those numbers blow you away, watch the tape, and Darden’s ability to get by people will do the same.
It is safe to say that Jaelon Darden is one of the more elusive pass catchers in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Darden has a God-given ability to make something out of nothing with his feet and is able to go East to West then bolt up North in a hurry.
Darden was used in a lot of screen passes and quick crosses to then do what he does best when the ball is in his hand. Darden will test very well on March 25th at the North Texas Pro Day, which could help him climb draft boards.
Where you get really excited about Darden’s game you get some disappointment. Even though “gadget” players are becoming more and more popular, Darden doesn’t have great strength at his size to win contested-catch situations in his direction. He does, however, have the ability to not only get open when the ball is in his hands but without as well.
Darden is not super creative in his route running, but that will develop over time and his quick twitch ability will already get him open on many intermediate routes. Darden reminds me a lot of Jakeem Grant of the Miami Dolphins in using his great speed with solid route running to get open.
In the 2021 NFL Draft, there are a lot of talented wide receivers who could potentially go in the top five of the draft which is not common. Darden will most likely not hear his name called on day one of the NFL Draft, but I see him more as a round four guy with the talent to go round three if a team falls in love with him.
Size and his struggles with contested deep balls are what could make him fall to a later round, but Darden is full of raw talent. Darden could be an ideal featured slot receiver in intermediate route packages and also be a deadly kick returner, where I see him making his entrance to the NFL world.