The WR Report: How 2021 NFL Draft receivers fared in week 1

The WR Report this week looks at how 2021 NFL Draft rookies fared in week 1, a second year player on the rise, and prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft to watch this coming weekend.

Welcome to a new weekly column over here at NFL Mocks, the WR report, dedicated to all things regarding the wide receiver position. We will cover everything here, from the NFL Draft, to young players in the NFL, traits, and player spotlights. It should be a fun ride, so let’s head out on the first adventure! In this week’s article:

-A second year player on the rise

-2021 NFL Draft rookie thoughts from week 1

–2022 NFL Draft prospects to watch this weekend

Off we go!

A Sophomore on the Rise?

The Los Angeles Rams unveiled a new offense with a new quarterback on Sunday night, with Matt Stafford taking over after the Rams traded away Jared Goff. Stafford wasted no time once the ball was in his hands, launching a 74 yard touchdown to second year wideout Van Jefferson. Jefferson was selected by the Rams on day two last year, and didn’t get much opportunity in 2020, catching just 19 passes.

Things might be different in 2021 for Jefferson. Despite just two catches for 80 yards and a score, Jefferson working as a deep threat is an important step for him to be a three level threat. He’s undoubtedly excellent as a short and intermediate separator, with good variance on his route pacing and release package, along with great hands and the ability to win through contact. He showed it in college against top SEC corners and at the Senior Bowl as well. If he can continue to show off that buildup speed to stack corners and win down the field consistently, he could become a steal from a deep 2020 class.