The 2022 NFL Draft will be an interesting one at the tight end position, especially after two seasons of not much after Kyle Pitts and Pat Freiermuth. Texas A&M’s Jalen Wydermyer was the favorite as initial viewings started in the summer, but the consensus is slowly fading away. It’s a class that could feature a big time riser. Here at NFL Mocks, we’ve looked at two of those players in Trey McBride and Cade Otton, but now it’s time to look at Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Jahleel Billingsley.
Alabama TE Jahleel Billingsley has all the tools to make noise for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Billingsley was a consensus four star player out of high school, and was ranked as the third best player in the state of Illinois by Rivals.com. He helped lead Phillips Academy to a 5A state title as a junior, and was the first player that Alabama signed from Illinois since 1997.
Yes, the numbers to this point aren’t great. Billingsley had just 18 catches for 287 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games during the 2020 season. However, when one considers that both Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle (partly) were there to get a lot of targets, and then John Metchie III after Waddle went down, it would be hard to get a lot of market share there. Combine that with the receiving chops of Najee Harris, and there’s no wonder the numbers weren’t there.
In 2021, other than Metchie, there’s no reason Billingsley shouldn’t get the opportunity to produce, especially with the traits he has. Let’s take a look at the guy who could have a major rise for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Billingsley’s Athleticism Plays Into Versatility
Jahleel Billingsley is a fantastic athlete for a player listed at 6’4″ and 230 pounds. He has excellent movement skills, highlighted by good straight line speed and very good flexibility, which helps with change of directions skills in space and efficiency at the top of route stems.
That athleticism plays into his versatility. Billingsley has lined up at wing, inline, and flexed out wide. His skills as a receiver are very good, and he’s a competitive blocker inline. Most notably, Billingsley was involved in pre-snap motion at times, and there’s a good chance that doesn’t go away in 2021, with likely more schemed touches in the quick game this coming season.
Billingsley’s receiving skills are very good as well. His routes are smooth and he can create separation as a route runner, and he has strong hands and the frame to make plays in contested spots and through contact over the middle. It’s likely that red zone targets are in his future. He makes some great plays outside his frame, and his change of direction skills highlight his ability to create after the catch. He also possesses excellent balance after the catch and is extremely difficult to tackle in space. Billingsley’s ability as a receiver makes him a potential matchup nightmare in the Alabama offense, and proves he could be in for a big year.
Just a Move TE?
Despite the talent, there are some questions that remain for Billingsley. At just 230 pounds, he doesn’t really fit the mold of a true tight end. He’s got great skills to be a move TE or a mismatch weapon in the form of a big slot, but playing inline doesn’t look like the future for him, as he’s more “survive” than “sustain” as a blocker at the point of attack.
More physical, imposing linebackers also gave Billingsley some trouble in coverage last season. Will this be a trend and force Billingsley to become a true slot or even a receiver? It’s a question worth asking to this point.
2022 NFL Draft Outlook
Despite the concerns, which are more nitpicking than anything, Jahleel Billingsley could be a big time riser in the 2022 NFL Draft based on his skills. Fitting the mold of a big slot isn’t a problem in today’s NFL, where he can take advantage of smaller defensive backs with his size and frame, whether it be to create separation or win at the catch point in the red zone. His athleticism opens up his ceiling and his versatility is just an added bonus in a more versatile NFL than several seasons ago.
He may not top many analysts’ rankings, and likely sits somewhere in the day two range for most, but a strong season from Billingsley could shoot him up draft boards, especially when opportunity meets very good baseline traits. He could end up the number two option for the Crimson Tide and be a touchdown machine in 2021. Buckle up, cause it will be a fun ride.