2022 NFL Draft: Alabama WR John Metchie III the next in line

The Alabama Crimson Tide have been a staple in the draft, more specifically at the wide receiver position recently. Julio Jones was a generational talent back in 2011, Amari Cooper was a top 10 pick in 2015, and Calvin Ridley made it a trio of first rounders in 2018. Then, Alabama had two first round picks in 2020 and 2021 in Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy along with DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle. Now, another standout will make headlines leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, John Metchie III.

Alabama receiver John Metchie III has got next in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Right now, the 2022 NFL Draft receiver class is waiting for a consensus top guy to emerge. Some believe Garrett Wilson is the guy, other like Chris Olave, and some believe in Treylon Burks. Metchie is someone who can rise to the top.

Metchie was a four star recruit coming out of New Jersey in high school, and was ranked the number four overall prep prospect in the state by Rivals.com. In his four seasons at St. James, Metchie recorded over 1,300 rushing yards, more than 2,500 receiving yards, and 42 touchdowns.

After just four catches for 23 yards as a freshman at Bama, Metchie broke onto the scene after two of the “fab four” left for the NFL. An injury to Waddle mid-season gave Metchie an opportunity, and he took advantage, catching 55 passes for 916 yards and six scores. His 16.7 yards per reception was good for seventh in the SEC.

This year will undoubtedly present a great opportunity for Metchie, so how does his game stack up right now and what can he improve upon for the 2022 NFL Draft? Let’s dive in to his early scouting report.