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

By Jacob Schyvinck

Sep 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) scores a touchdown past New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) scores a touchdown past New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cincinnati Bengals, Ja'Marr Chase, Fantasy football
Ja’Marr Chase, NFL Draft, Wr Report. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

How The 2021 NFL Draft Rookies Looked In Week 1

The 2021 NFL Draft produced undeniable top talent at wide receiver, and many players started and played meaningful snaps in week 1 of the NFL season, and it’s time to give some thoughts on every one of them.

The three drafted in the top 10 looked great as expected. Ja’Marr Chase alleviated the preseason concerns quickly, posting 100 yards and a score. Chase showed off good burst through his breaks, stayed tough with good hand usage, and showed off some good route running chops, attacking a blind spot versus Patrick Peterson to separate well. Devonta Smith hauled in six passes, and scored in the same end zone where he did to win the national title back at Alabama. He didn’t pull out all the stops, but found openings against zone, showed good body control on the sideline, and urgency to get north and south after the catch. Jaylen Waddle was excellent, showing off explosion through his breaks and after the catch, along with toughness to pick up yards after contact. He also made a really nice play high pointing the ball in tight coverage.

Let’s go elsewhere. The NFL Draft has produced great second round receivers, and this class could be no different. Elijah Moore only had one catch, and a couple opportunities that turned into drops, but his play speed was off the charts and he separated well against Jaycee Horn and other Panthers with great efficiency at the top of his stems. It was schemed touches for D’Wayne Eskridge, and Seattle got him to take advantage of his speed. More opportunities will present themselves. Terrace Marshall Jr. stayed a smooth operator in the slot, and displayed good body control, but didn’t end up making a contested play. Seeing more acceleration from him out of breaks will be important. Rondale Moore has incredible speed and toughness, and made the most of his touches against Tennessee. His dynamic moves into his stem and good vision in the screen game will earn him more targets.

Kadarius Toney is still off to a rough start, and didn’t take advantage of his two touches against Denver. Amon-Ra St. Brown is taking advantage of a lack of receiver talent in Detroit. He chipped well when needed, was a good blocker in space, and had great creativity at the top of his routes. His time will come. Josh Palmer looked fluid and flexible as a route runner, and should provide great depth for the Chargers. Anthony Schwartz, who was pure speed at Auburn, looked good with a speed release, and made some plays through contact. His development will be fun to watch.

Dyami Brown still looks best on a vertical plane, and struggles to make the first man miss on screen and swing plays. Mike Strachan got two targets for the Colts, and made the most securing them through contact with his size and frame. Nico Collins did best on the vertical plane as well, and had a touchdown called back for OPI. His body control and contested ability gives the Texans a strong “X”. He should mesh his vertical stretching ability with Tyrod Taylor’s willingness to cut it loose. Amari Rodgers made the most of his time late for the Packers, high pointing a ball from Jordan Love well. Will he get more targets soon? We will see.

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