The WR Report: 2020 NFL Draft Sophomores Breaking Out
Welcome to week two of the wide receiver report, where we dive into the finer points of the position, traits, and how players are winning in the NFL. In this one, we’ll look at a couple receivers from the 2020 NFL Draft who are making some noise in their sophomore campaigns, how Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett remains underrated and a special player. Also, two receivers who are becoming three-level threats before our eyes, and a big matchup ahead for a 2022 NFL Draft prospect.
2020 NFL Draft WRs On The Rise
The sophomore class of receivers is one to monitor all season long, as it could end up the one of the deepest of all time, from the first rounders to the day three picks. Three guys made some noise in their second season on Sunday, all in their own different ways.
Michael Pittman Jr.
It was a great day for Pittman Jr., who caught eight passes for 123 yards against the Rams on Sunday in a close game for the Colts that was winnable. After a respectable 40 catch season in 2020, Pittman could take the leap in year two as the Colts look for a new WR1 to emerge. Pittman won on two levels Sunday, finding space against zone coverage well in the quick passing game and showing off good burst and contact balance with the ball in his hands. He also made a great adjustment through contact on a 40 yard deep ball from Carson Wentz, using his hands and maintaining good leverage.
K.J. Osborn
A bit of an afterthought after drafting Ihmir Smith-Marsette and signing Dede Westbrook, K.J. Osborn made the most of his opportunity on Sunday, even from the first snap. Osborn ran free on a post/wheel concept and had great straight line speed and stamina to finish for the score. He also caught two key passes on the final drive, one a great catch on a big hit, and another close to the ground. He will be one to watch going forward on a potent Vikings offense as its WR3.
Henry Ruggs III
The first receiver selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, Henry Ruggs hasn’t been utilized very much with the Raiders, and developing and mastering his play speed will be crucial to his development. Ruggs was important in taking down the Steelers in week two, catching five passes for 113 yards and a 61 yard score to seal the win. His buildup speed on a straight line is fantastic, and he raced past the secondary, tracking the ball well while maintaining speed. He looked better through his breaks and transitions, maintaining that speed and showing good burst and flashing some pace variance. The offense is humming, and Ruggs could be a major part of that going forward.