2022 NFL Draft: Tiered Wide Receiver Rankings 1.0
How does the wide receiver position look right now for the 2022 NFL Draft? Here are some fresh rankings based on tiers.
The college football season is starting to wind down, as there are only three full weeks left. These last few weeks will give us the last live viewings until the seniors participate in All-Star games and the coaches film comes rolling in. It’s going to be an important time for many 2022 NFL Draft prospects to continue to show their improvements, right the ship, or ultimately decide that returning to school might be necessary.
The wide receiver position in the 2022 NFL Draft is one that might not see the top tier talent of the previous two seasons, but it’s good in its own right. There will be a few that are consistently at the top of rankings, and several others who could challenge for a top five spot.
2022 NFL Draft Tiered WR Rankings 1.0
These preliminary rankings will be a little different. Rather than numbered rankings, we’ll put the prospects into tiers and talk about their games. It should give readers an idea of where these guys are at with so much of the draft process to go. Let’s dive in and look at some updated receiver rankings!
**Note: Ainias Smith is an offensive unicorn and won’t appear here. Also, more names will be added down the line.
Tier 1
Garrett Wilson
Drake London
Treylon Burks
Chris Olave
It’s the Ohio State guys leading the way like many believed they would and a couple more studs in the top tier right now.
Garrett Wilson might not be producing at the clip that many expected heading into the season, but he’s as advanced as anyone in college football when it comes to generating separation and route running. His route tempo is impressive, as he can switch gears and accelerate quickly out of breaks and while in his stem. Wilson attacks the ball in the air and has great ball skills, including the ability to adjust late. After the catch, he’s flexible with impressive agility to make defenders miss.
Drake London was enjoying a special season with USC before his ankle fracture. He wins a ton at the catch point, which of courses scares those who want to see more separation rather than hanging your hat on that trait. London has proved he can do more, as his impressive movement skills for 6’5″ and 210 pounds. He’s showed off some impressive double moves and has incredible toughness, balance, and field vision after the catch. London is growing into a complete player.
Treylon Burks is the size and speed guy who NFL teams will love. He’s got incredible balance and fleet feet for someone of his build, as he has impressive ball skills and is very good in the red zone. His play speed through the catch point is very good, and he can erase angles after the catch. Working on his route tree is the one thing that brings about some worry, but it’s something that can be honed in the NFL.
Chris Olave might be best in his own tier, as he’s such a technically advanced route runner, manipulating defensive backs with his eyes and shoulders, along with attacking blind spots against off coverage. He’s as well-rounded as anyone in the class and can be a deep threat with his 4.4 speed. Olave has great body control as well. Is he a WR1 at the next level? Probably not, but the floor is very high.