2022 NFL Draft: John Metchie III Is Still As Polished As Ever

While the buzz isn’t soaring like it did entering the year, John Metchie III is still a polished wide receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Expectations at Alabama aren’t like anywhere else. The Crimson Tide develop top high school talent into NFL-caliber talent better than (or at least as good as) anyone in college football. After two drafts with a pair of receivers getting selected in the first round, the expectations reach that peak.

John Metchie III was set to the be the next in line in terms of Alabama receivers to crack the first round. He stepped in well in 2020 after Jaylen Waddle was lost midseason, nearly cracking the 1,000-yard mark and helping the offense keep its momentum en route to a title. The 2021 was perfectly set up for him to be uber-productive and find his way into round one of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Alas, it wasn’t meant to be, at least so far. Metchie came out the gate pretty slow, and his running mate, Jameson Williams, a transfer from Ohio State, has been the breakout star, already crossing the 1,000-yard mark, showing off his explosion and speed as a three-level threat.

But Metchie has found his stride in recent weeks, crossing the 100-yard mark in three of his last five games, scoring in four of them. He’s been the chains-mover on the Alabama offense, excelling at gaining quick separation and showing good body control and late adjustments in contested spots, most notably on back shoulder throws. It’s evident that his draft buzz is back.

It’s unlikely Metchie will challenge for the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft at this point, as the receiver class is looking better than initially anticipated. Still, teams are getting a good player should Metchie declare.

He’s the type of technician who will be able to manipulate defenders early and often throughout his stem, and thrive in any system, especially one that takes advantage of the intermediate area of the field and thrives on timing routes. His precision and polish is something that NFL teams and offensive coordinators will appreciate. No matter where he ends up should he declare, John Metchie III will provide a team a strong number two option that can separate and build a strong rapport with a quarterback early on in his career.