2022 NFL mock draft: Spencer Rattler leads fascinating QB class
2022 NFL mock draft: 31st pick
Alabama. 31. Scouting Report. WR. John Metchie. player. 48. Pick Analysis
Would any mock draft made these days be complete without a wide receiver from Alabama in it?
The Crimson Tide have produced four first-round receivers in the last two draft classes alone, and John Metchie is the obvious next in line.
In relief of the injured Jaylen Waddle last season, Metchie caught 55 passes for 916 yards, an average of 16.7 yards per reception and six touchdowns.
Although by comparison to DeVonta Smith those numbers seem rather pedestrian, Metchie’s impact on the field is anything but.
"I think we have a new star we can talk about."
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 3, 2020
John Metchie III: 5 REC, 181 YDS, 2 TD pic.twitter.com/JnLw25zlRW
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers obviously have a very good wide receiver corps at the moment with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, and rookie Jaelon Darden.
Godwin is playing the 2021 season on the franchise tag so he could potentially walk in free agency barring a long-term deal. The Bucs did a great job of covering some future bases in the 2021 NFL Draft with Joe Tryon off the edge and Kyle Trask at quarterback.
It makes sense that they might look to the draft for receiver help, especially if one or both of Godwin/Brown are no longer on the team beyond this season.