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.
Strengths of Metchie’s Game
It might be an odd place to start, but Metchie is a tough, competitive blocker who gives it his all. Plenty of teams make this a major part of receiver duties, so teams will love the competitive edge he brings, whether it be in the run game, on screens, and downfield to keep teammates going.
Metchie is a savant at stacking opponents and separating late to create big plays. It starts with good burst and acceleration off the line of scrimmage with a speed release (his go-to) along with well-timed hand usage to work through contact and a good dip to reduce his surface area. Metchie has the acceleration to gain position and separate downfield, and tracks the football well over his shoulder.
Deception is also something that comes up when watching Metchie. He does a great job using his head and shoulders to freeze defensive backs or make them commit too early in the stem, while creating some extra space for better throwing windows.
Going back to Metchie’s burst, it shows up in every facet of his game. It’s evident when he eats up cushion quickly against zone coverage, and it comes into play when the ball is in his hands on quick passing game touches. He can erase angles and win to the corner on the outside once he’s got the football.
Metchie also wins on the slant route, whether it’s using a one or two-step release. His ability to work through contact helps this as well.
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.
Final Thoughts and 2022 NFL Draft outlook
John Metchie III has an outside shot to be a first round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. From winning deep down the field to his knack for creating deception in his routes, along with his burst and attitude as a blocker, the traits are all there for him to take the step up as the headliner for the Alabama receiving corps in 2021.
That WR1 status needs to come with an improved ability to secure the tough catches and handle what many (including this writer) hope to see in an expanded route tree. He will see the top corner on each team this fall, including what should be a fun match up against LSU corner Derek Stingley Jr. (circle it on the calendar).
So right now, in terms of draft stock, Metchie is probably in the day two area right now as a prospect. But, he has a great chance to elevate his stock with a strong season that many are projecting. If he cleans up the areas mentioned, and gets more creative after the catch, his stock could soar and be firmly entrenched with the other top guys as potential first-rounders. Opportunity is there for Metchie to feast in 2021. He just has to go take it.