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

Weaknesses in Metchie’s Game

One weakness that many will want to see fixed for Metchie ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft starts with adjustments to the football and securing tougher catches. Even though many plays are on the quarterback for not leading Metchie or keeping the ball on target, showing that his catch radius is larger and he can adjust to throws behind him will be important. This also shows up when catching the football through contact. Metchie struggled early in the season with securing tough catches over the middle, but he did improve later in the year.

Expanding Metchie’s route tree is something that would be good to see at Alabama for the 2021 season. Metchie is a good deep ball receiver and does well with intermediate routes when he can create initial leverage in his stem, but seeing it more consistently will be important. It’s something that’s expected as he takes on WR1 duties, but checking that box is a high priority.

Metchie isn’t the most dynamic athlete in space outside of his straight line speed, so working two-dimensionally isn’t his strong suit. Using the deception he has in his route stems to get creative in space would help out his run after catch skill set, and open up possibilities for him to be scheme-diverse in the NFL.