The WR Report: 2020 NFL Draft Sophomores Breaking Out

Tyler Lockett’s Special Skill Set

Every NFL Draft class ends up producing a special talent, and the 2015 class has a few of them. Lockett, Amari Cooper, and Stefon Diggs are quite the trio with different games to win in the NFL. Lockett has become one of the best deep threats in the NFL, with a few simple traits that help him do so.

His acceleration is one of those traits. Elite receivers have the ability to deceive with different pacing, and deep threats need the acceleration to quickly stack and gain leverage so their quarterback has more room for error down the field. Lockett has the chemistry and trust with Russell Wilson to make that connection special year after year.

Lockett’s body control is also impressive. He makes the tough catches on the sideline look spectacular, with the graceful balance of a dancer. His awareness and control make the difficult look routine.

Finally, Lockett is an incredible tracker of the football. Tracking the ball over your shoulder is one thing, but having to make slight adjustments at full speed while maintaining leverage isn’t easy, which is why Lockett is still one of the most underrated receivers in the league. He can adjust and still make catches look easy, and turn and relocate if necessary. Lockett also flashes late hands to prevent defensive backs from timing their breakup opportunity.