Logan's 2025 Saints NFL Draft Guide Pt. 2
- Logan Graffia
- Apr 12
- 20 min read
Part Two will be the WRs
Wide Receivers
Ja'Corey Brooks – Louisville Cardinals
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 61
Yards: 1,013
Touchdowns: 9
Average Yards per Reception: 16.6
Strengths:
Deep Threat Ability: Brooks has demonstrated a knack for making significant plays downfield, evidenced by his high average yards per reception and multiple receptions over 20 yards.
Contested Catches: His size (6'3", 195 lbs) and body control make him effective in contested catch situations.
Route Running: Displays sharp and precise route-running skills, allowing him to create separation from defenders.
Weaknesses:
Physicality: While effective in contested situations, Brooks could benefit from added muscle mass to better handle physical cornerbacks at the next level.
Consistency: There are instances where he disappears from games; maintaining consistent performance throughout the season would elevate his draft stock.
NFL Comparison: Chris Godwin
Projected Draft Round: 2nd-4th Round
Sam Brown Jr. – Miami Hurricanes
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 36
Receiving Yards: 509
Touchdowns: 2
Average Yards per Reception: 14.1
Strengths:
Route Running: Brown has demonstrated precise route-running skills, allowing him to create separation from defenders.
Versatility: His experience across multiple college programs has provided him with a diverse skill set adaptable to various offensive schemes.
Hands: Reliable hands with a low drop rate, making him a dependable target in the passing game.
Weaknesses:
Production Consistency: While showing flashes of brilliance, Brown's overall production has been moderate, and he will need to demonstrate more consistent high-level performance to elevate his draft stock.
Physicality: At 6'2" and 195 lbs, adding muscle mass could enhance his ability to contend with more physical defenders at the professional level.
NFL Comparison: Kendrick Bourne
Projected Draft Round: 6th to 7th Round
Nick Nash – San José State Spartans
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 104
Receiving Yards: 1,382
Touchdowns: 16
Average Yards per Reception: 13.3
Strengths:
Strong Hands: Nash has demonstrated reliable hands, making him a dependable target in the passing game.
Smooth Acceleration: He possesses smooth acceleration, allowing him to gain separation from defenders.
Contested Catches: Nash excels in contested catch situations, making him a valuable asset in the red zone and on deep routes.
Weaknesses:
Route-Running Experience: Due to his transition from quarterback to wide receiver, Nash has limited route-running experience, which may affect his ability to create separation against more experienced defenders.
Separation from Man Coverage: He may struggle to separate from man coverage due to a lack of sudden quickness.
NFL Comparison: Marques Colston
Projected Draft Round: 4th to 6th Round
Jimmy Horn Jr. – Colorado Buffaloes
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 37
Receiving Yards: 441
Touchdowns: 1
Average Yards per Reception: 11.9
Strengths:
Speed and Agility: Horn possesses notable speed and agility, enabling him to create separation from defenders and gain yards after the catch.
Versatility: His experience as both a receiver and return specialist adds value to special teams, showcasing his adaptability on the field.
Route Running: Demonstrates precise route-running skills, allowing him to effectively navigate defensive coverages.
Weaknesses:
Physicality: At 5'10" and 170 lbs, Horn's smaller frame may pose challenges when facing more physical defenders, potentially impacting his effectiveness in contested situations.
Consistency: While showing flashes of playmaking ability, Horn's overall production has been moderate, and he will need to demonstrate more consistent high-level performance to elevate his draft stock.
NFL Comparison: Damiere Byrd
Projected Draft Round: 6th–7th Round
Traeshon Holden – Oregon Ducks
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 45
Receiving Yards: 718
Touchdowns: 5
Average Yards per Reception: 16.0
Strengths:
Size and Physicality: At 6'3" and 205 lbs, Holden possesses the prototypical size for an outside receiver, allowing him to shield defenders effectively and make contested catches.
Deep Threat Ability: Averaging 16.0 yards per reception, he has demonstrated the capability to stretch the field and make significant gains on deep routes.
Consistency: Holden's ability to secure receptions in every game of the season underscores his reliability as a target.
Weaknesses:
Separation Quickness: While effective in contested situations, there are instances where Holden could improve his initial burst to create more separation from defenders.
Route Precision: Refining the crispness of his routes could enhance his effectiveness, particularly against more sophisticated defensive schemes.
NFL Comparison: Kenny Golladay
Projected Draft Round: 4th – 5th Round
Jacolby George – Miami Hurricanes
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 53
Receiving Yards: 752
Touchdowns: 8
Average Yards per Reception: 14.2
Strengths:
Route Running: George is known for his impressive route-running skills, enabling him to succeed on all three levels of the field.
Separation Ability: He demonstrates quickness off the line, allowing him to create separation on short and intermediate routes.
Versatility: His ability to separate quickly, execute crisp routes, and beat defenders downfield makes him a potentially dangerous and reliable weapon in the pros.
Weaknesses:
Physicality: At 5'11" and 180 lbs, George's slender build may pose challenges against more physical defenders, potentially impacting his effectiveness in contested situations.
Consistency: While showcasing playmaking ability, George's overall production has been moderate, and he will need to demonstrate more consistent high-level performance to elevate his draft stock.
NFL Comparison: Darnell Mooney
Projected Draft Round: 6th – 7th Round
Pat Bryant – Illinois Fighting Illini
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 54
Receiving Yards: 984
Touchdowns: 10
Average Yards per Reception: 18.2
Strengths:
Size and Physicality: At 6'3" and 200 lbs, Bryant possesses the prototypical size for an outside receiver, allowing him to shield defenders effectively and make contested catches.
Deep Threat Ability: Averaging 18.2 yards per reception, he has demonstrated the capability to stretch the field and make significant gains on deep routes.
Consistency: Bryant's ability to secure receptions in every game of the season underscores his reliability as a target.
Weaknesses:
Separation Quickness: While effective in contested situations, there are instances where Bryant could improve his initial burst to create more separation from defenders.
Route Precision: Refining the crispness of his routes could enhance his effectiveness, particularly against more sophisticated defensive schemes.
NFL Comparison: Roy Williams
Projected Draft Round: 4th – 5th Round
Jayden Higgins – Iowa State Cyclones
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 48
Receiving Yards: 869
Touchdowns: 9
Average Yards per Reception: 18.1
Strengths:
Vertical Threat: With an average of 18.1 yards per reception, Higgins is a deep threat capable of stretching the defense.
Physical Receiver: At 6'4" and 210 lbs, he can leverage his size to box out defenders and win contested catches.
Strong Hands: Able to secure tough catches in traffic, Higgins is dependable when the ball is thrown his way in high-pressure situations.
Weaknesses:
Route Running: Can struggle with sharp cuts and precision in his routes, limiting his separation against tight coverage.
Separation Quickness: While his size and strength give him an edge in contested situations, he doesn't always create separation with his speed at the line of scrimmage.
NFL Comparison: Mike Evans
Projected Draft Round: 3rd – 5th Round
Tetairoa McMillan – Arizona Wildcats
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 56
Receiving Yards: 1,112
Touchdowns: 11
Average Yards per Reception: 19.9
Strengths:
Elite Deep Threat: With an impressive 19.9 yards per reception, McMillan is a big-play receiver who excels at stretching the field and making explosive plays.
Ball Tracking & Catch Radius: Shows an exceptional ability to track deep balls, using his length and jumping ability to extend his catch radius.
Physicality: At 6'3" and 210 lbs, McMillan uses his size to shield defenders and make contested catches, especially in the red zone.
Weaknesses:
Route Refinement: While his size and athleticism allow him to make big plays, McMillan still needs to improve the nuance of his route running for better separation on short to intermediate routes.
Inconsistent Hands: Occasionally struggles with drops, especially on passes in tight coverage or when making adjustments to the ball in mid-air.
NFL Comparison: Drake London
Projected Drafted Round: 1st
Emeka Egbuka – Ohio State Buckeyes
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 72
Receiving Yards: 1,260
Touchdowns: 10
Average Yards per Reception: 17.5
Strengths:
Versatile Playmaker: Egbuka is a dynamic player who can be utilized in a variety of ways, both on the perimeter and in the slot. He’s comfortable running all types of routes, from deep shots to short-yardage situations.
Strong YAC Ability: His ability to gain yards after the catch is a big part of his game, as he combines good speed with balance and agility to break tackles and keep moving forward.
Route Running: Egbuka’s route running is polished for his age, and he creates separation with his sharp cuts, deceptive speed, and ability to change direction quickly.
Weaknesses:
Toughness in Contested Catches: Although a skilled receiver, he sometimes struggles to make tough, contested catches in tight coverage and will need to refine his skills in that area.
NFL Comparison: Tyler Boyd
Projected Draft Round: Late 1st – Mid 2nd
Luther Burden III – Missouri Tigers
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 84
Receiving Yards: 1,400
Touchdowns: 11
Average Yards per Reception: 16.7
Strengths:
Explosive Playmaking Ability: Burden has the quickness and burst to make plays at every level of the field. He can take a short pass and turn it into a big play with his speed and elusiveness.
Strong Hands: Known for his impressive catching ability, Burden can secure contested catches even in tight coverage situations. His ability to track and adjust to difficult throws is exceptional.
Route Running: He excels at running clean, precise routes with quick footwork, especially on intermediate and deep routes, creating separation from defenders with ease.
Weaknesses:
Consistency in Blocking: While he is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, his blocking on run plays and in the open field could be improved, especially in the NFL where blocking is a crucial aspect of the game.
Physicality Against Press Coverage: Although he’s great on the move, Burden sometimes struggles against more physical defenders who can jam him at the line of scrimmage, which will require more strength and finesse in his game to handle.
NFL Comparison: Stefon Diggs
Projected Draft Round: 1st Round
Tre Harris – Ole Miss Rebels
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 60
Receiving Yards: 1,030
Touchdowns: 7
Average Yards per Reception: 17.2
Strengths:
Big Play Threat: Harris's ability to stretch the field is evident with his 17.2 yards per reception, consistently making significant gains.
Contested Catch Specialist: Standing at 6'3" and weighing 210 lbs, he excels in high-pressure situations, often coming down with difficult catches.
Efficient Route Runner: Despite a limited number of games, Harris's route running stands out, contributing to his high yards per game and per reception averages.
Weaknesses:
Limited Sample Size: Playing only eight games in the 2024 season raises questions about his durability and consistency over a full season.
Route Tree Development: While effective, expanding his route tree could enhance his versatility at the next level.
NFL Comparison: Brandon Aiyuk
Projected Draft Round: Mid 2nd – Early 3rd
Ricky White III – UNLV Rebels
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 79
Receiving Yards: 1,041
Touchdowns: 11
Average Yards per Reception: 13.2
Strengths:
Speed & Separation: White is known for his speed, consistently creating separation from defenders, leading to big plays and explosive gains.
Vertical Threat: A dangerous deep threat with the ability to stretch the field vertically, averaging 15.1 yards per reception.
After the Catch Ability: Strong at turning short passes into long gains with his quickness and elusiveness in the open field.
Reliable Hands: Shows consistency in his catching ability, with few drops and a solid catch rate on high-pressure throws.
Weaknesses:
Strength Against Physical Coverage: White's speed helps him create separation, but he could struggle against more physical, press-man coverage at the next level.
Route Precision: Needs to improve his route-running consistency, particularly when it comes to executing sharp, well-timed routes.
Durability: Despite his solid college career, concerns about his ability to handle the physicality of the NFL on a consistent basis are prevalent.
NFL Comparison: T.Y. Hilton
Projected Draft Round: 3rd Round
Elic Ayomanor – Stanford Cardinal
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 63
Receiving Yards: 831
Touchdowns: 6
Average Yards per Reception: 13.2
Strengths:
Physicality & Size: Ayomanor uses his strong frame to box out defenders and make contested catches.
Yards After Catch (YAC): A powerful runner post-catch, difficult to bring down in open space.
Jump-Ball Specialist: Excellent at high-pointing the football, making him a legitimate red-zone threat.
Strong Hands: Secures difficult catches in traffic and adjusts well to off-target throws.
Weaknesses:
Route Running Consistency: Needs to refine his footwork and route precision to create more separation.
Top-End Speed: Lacks elite acceleration to consistently burn defenders deep.
Limited Route Tree: Primarily used as a vertical and possession receiver, needs to expand his route versatility.
NFL Comparison: Mohamed Sanu
Projected Draft Round: 2nd – 3rd Round
Theo Wease Jr. – Missouri Tigers
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 60
Receiving Yards: 884
Touchdowns: 4
Average Yards per Reception: 14.7
Strengths:
Route Running: Wease is known for his precise route running, allowing him to create separation from defenders effectively.
Reliable Hands: He possesses dependable hands, making him a trustworthy target in crucial situations.
Football IQ: His understanding of defensive coverages enables him to find soft spots in zones and adjust routes accordingly.
Weaknesses:
Top-End Speed: Wease lacks elite straight-line speed, which may limit his ability to stretch the field vertically at the professional level.
Physicality: He can struggle against more physical defenders, particularly when facing press coverage.
NFL Comparison: Keenan Allen-lite
Projected Draft Round: 5th – 6th Round
Jack Bech – TCU Horned Frogs
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 62
Receiving Yards: 1,034
Touchdowns: 9
Average Yards per Reception: 16.7
Strengths:
Route Running: Bech excels in precise route execution, enabling effective separation from defenders.
Red Zone Presence: His physicality and size make him a formidable target in scoring situations.
Ball Skills: He consistently demonstrates strong hands and the ability to track the ball effectively.
Weaknesses:
Speed Limitations: Bech's lack of elite speed may affect his deep-threat capabilities at the professional level.
Press Coverage Challenges: He may need to enhance his technique against physical, press coverage.
NFL Comparison: Hunter Renfrow
Projected Draft Round: 4th – 6th Round
Darius Lewis – Southeastern Louisiana Lions
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 82
Receiving Yards: 806
Touchdowns: 5
Average Yards per Reception: 9.8
Strengths:
Versatility: Lewis contributes significantly both as a receiver and a punt returner, leading FCS with an 18.5-yard punt return average.
Elusiveness: His agility and quickness make him a dynamic threat in open space, particularly evident in his punt return performances.
Reliable Hands: Consistently secures catches, as demonstrated by his 82 receptions, the second-most in school history.
Weaknesses:
Size: At 5'8" and 150 pounds, his smaller stature may present challenges against larger, more physical defenders.
Top-End Speed: While agile, he may lack the elite speed to consistently outrun defenders at the professional level.
NFL Comparison: Deonte Harty
Projected Draft Round: 7th Round – Undrafted
KeAndre Lambert-Smith – Auburn Tigers
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 50
Receiving Yards: 981
Touchdowns: 8
Average Yards per Reception: 19.6
Strengths:
Big-Play Ability: Lambert-Smith has a knack for explosive plays, exemplified by a 67-yard touchdown reception against Alabama A&M.
Route Running: Demonstrates crisp and precise routes, creating separation from defenders.
Ball Tracking: Excels in tracking deep passes, allowing him to capitalize on downfield opportunities.
Weaknesses:
Consistency: While capable of big plays, he had games with lower production, such as 4 receptions for 53 yards against Kentucky.
Physicality: May need to improve strength to better handle press coverage at the professional level.
NFL Comparison: Will Fuller
Projected Draft Round: 4th – 6th Round
Isaiah Neyor – Nebraska Cornhuskers
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 34
Receiving Yards: 455
Touchdowns: 5
Average Yards per Reception: 13.4
Strengths:
Size and Physicality: At 6'4" and 220 pounds, Neyor presents a significant physical advantage over many defenders, making him an effective target in contested catch situations.
Red Zone Threat: His frame and ball skills make him a reliable option near the end zone, leading the team with five receiving touchdowns.
Deep Ball Tracking: Demonstrated ability to track and secure deep passes, highlighted by a 59-yard touchdown reception against UTEP.
Weaknesses:
Consistency: While capable of standout performances, Neyor's game-to-game production varied, with some games yielding minimal yardage.
Separation: May struggle to create separation from defenders, relying more on physicality than speed or route precision.
NFL Comparison: Devin Funchess
Projected Draft Round: 5th – 7th Round
Will Sheppard – Colorado Buffaloes
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 48
Receiving Yards: 621
Touchdowns: 6
Average Yards per Reception: 12.9
Strengths:
Route Precision: Sheppard runs crisp routes, creating consistent separation from defenders.
Red Zone Target: His size and ball skills make him a reliable option near the end zone, evidenced by his six touchdowns.
Experience: Starting all 13 games in 2024, Sheppard brings valuable experience and durability.
Weaknesses:
Limited Explosiveness: Averaging 12.9 yards per reception, Sheppard may lack the top-end speed to be a consistent deep threat.
Physicality: May need to enhance strength to better contend with press coverage at the professional level.
NFL Comparison: Kendrick Bourne
Projected Draft Round: 5th – 7th Round
Kaden Prather – Maryland Terrapins
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 56
Receiving Yards: 624
Touchdowns: 4
Average Yards per Reception: 11.1
Strengths:
Size and Physicality: Prather’s 6'3", 210-pound frame gives him the upper hand in jump-ball and boundary situations.
Route Versatility: Shows comfort running a full route tree — slants, comebacks, deep outs, and occasional posts.
Red Zone Presence: A natural target inside the 20 due to his size, body control, and strong hands.
Weaknesses:
Struggles with Separation: Tends to rely on physicality more than burst or nuance to get open.
Limited Long Speed: Doesn’t threaten vertically with pure acceleration — more of a possession WR.
NFL Comparison: Early-career Brian Hartline
Projected Draft Round: 4th – 6th Round
Dont'e Thornton Jr. – Tennessee Volunteers
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 26
Receiving Yards: 661
Touchdowns: 6
Average Yards per Reception: 25.4
Strengths:
Deep Threat Ability: Thornton led the nation with an average of 25.4 yards per catch and topped the charts with six receptions of 50+ yards, showcasing his explosive playmaking skills.
Size and Speed Combination: Standing at 6'5" and weighing 214 pounds, Thornton possesses a rare blend of size and speed, having recorded a 4.3-second 40-yard dash.
Contested Catch Specialist: His height and leaping ability make him a formidable target in contested situations, particularly on deep routes.
Weaknesses:
Route Tree Limitations: Primarily utilized on vertical routes, Thornton's experience with a diverse route tree is limited, which may require development at the professional level.
Injury History: Missed the 2023 season due to a season-ending injury, raising concerns about durability.
Consistency in Production: With only 26 receptions over the season, questions arise regarding his ability to be a consistent target in the passing game.
NFL Comparison: Martavis Bryant
Projected Draft Round: 5th – 7th Round
Antwane Wells Jr. – Mississippi Rebels
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 28
Receiving Yards: 553
Touchdowns: 6
Average Yards per Reception: 19.8
Strengths:
Deep Threat: Wells' impressive 19.8 yards per reception highlight his ability to stretch the field and make significant gains.
Physical Attributes: Standing at 6'0" and weighing 205 pounds, his size complements his playing style, making him a formidable presence on the field.
Red Zone Efficiency: With six touchdowns, Wells has proven to be a reliable target in scoring situations.
Weaknesses:
Limited Route Diversity: Primarily utilized as a deep threat, Wells may need to expand his route running to adapt to diverse offensive schemes.
Consistency: While capable of explosive plays, his overall production dipped compared to his standout 2022 season at South Carolina, where he recorded 68 receptions for 928 yards and six touchdowns.
NFL Comparison: Hollywood Brown
Projected Draft Round: 4th – 6th Round
LaJohntay Wester – Colorado Buffaloes
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 74
Receiving Yards: 931
Touchdowns: 10
Average Yards per Reception: 12.6
Strengths:
Versatile Playmaker: Wester's dynamic skill set allows him to contribute effectively in multiple facets of the game, including receiving, punt returning, and rushing.
Consistent Production: Throughout his collegiate career, Wester has demonstrated steady improvement, culminating in a standout 2024 season with the Buffaloes.
Special Teams Excellence: Recognized for his impact on special teams, Wester earned accolades such as First-Team All-American and AAC Special Teams Player of the Year in 2023.
Weaknesses:
Size Considerations: At 5'11" and 163 pounds, Wester's relatively slight build may present challenges when facing more physical defenders at the professional level.
Speed Limitations: While effective in various roles, Wester's top-end speed may not match that of some elite NFL receivers, potentially affecting his deep-threat capabilities.
NFL Comparison: Isaiah McKenzie
Projected Draft Round: 5th – 7th Round
Tyrone Broden – Arkansas Razorbacks
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 15
Receiving Yards: 197
Touchdowns: 1
Average Yards per Reception: 13.1
Strengths:
Size and Physicality: Standing at 6'7" and weighing 200 pounds, Broden's imposing stature allows him to excel in contested catches and red-zone situations.
Deep Threat: His 13.1 yards per reception demonstrate his capability to stretch the field and make significant gains.
Experience: With six seasons split between Bowling Green and Arkansas, Broden brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Razorbacks' receiving corps.
Weaknesses:
Consistency: After transferring to Arkansas, Broden's production dipped compared to his earlier years at Bowling Green, where he recorded multiple seasons with over 500 receiving yards.
Speed: While effective in many aspects, Broden's top-end speed may not match that of some elite NFL receivers, potentially limiting his effectiveness as a deep threat at the professional level.
NFL Comparison: Vincent Jackson
Projected Draft Round: 7th Round – Undrafted
Chimere Dike – Florida Gators
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 42
Receiving Yards: 783
Touchdowns: 2
Average Yards per Reception: 18.6
Strengths:
Deep Threat: Dike's impressive 18.6 yards per reception highlight his ability to stretch the field and make significant gains.
Versatile Playmaker: In addition to his receiving duties, he contributed as a punt returner, amassing 187 yards over the season.
Consistent Performance: Throughout the 2024 season, Dike had multiple standout games, including a six-catch performance against Texas A&M, showcasing his reliability as a top target.
Weaknesses:
Touchdown Production: With only two touchdowns in the season, there may be concerns about his effectiveness in converting red-zone opportunities.
Transition Period: After transferring from Wisconsin to Florida, Dike had to adapt to a new offensive system, which may have impacted his overall touchdown numbers.
NFL Comparison: Darnell Mooney
Projected Draft Round: 4th – 6th Round
Da'Quan Felton – Virginia Tech Hokies
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 32
Receiving Yards: 360
Touchdowns: 2
Average Yards per Reception: 11.3
Strengths:
Physical Attributes: Stands at 6'5" and 216 pounds, Felton combines size and strength, making him a tough player for defenders to handle in contested situations.
Run Blocking: Known for his ability to block effectively in the running game, Felton is a valuable asset in a run-heavy offense, earning recognition for his skills as a run blocker.
Deep Play Capability: Despite some limitations, Felton is still a significant threat in the vertical passing game, averaging over 11 yards per reception, showing his potential for deep plays.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistency in Production: A drop in production during the 2024 season can be linked to quarterback instability and an offense that didn’t fully utilize his abilities.
Speed and Separation: While physical, Felton lacks elite speed to consistently create separation from faster defenders, which might limit his effectiveness at the next level against more agile cornerbacks.
NFL Comparison: Dwayne Jarrett
Projected Draft Round: 5th – 7th Round
Tai Felton – Maryland Terrapins
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 96
Receiving Yards: 1,124
Touchdowns: 9
Average Yards per Reception: 11.7
Strengths:
Consistent Production: Felton's 96 receptions in the 2024 season not only led the Big Ten but also set a new single-season record for Maryland, highlighting his reliability and central role in the offense.
Versatility: Throughout his college career, Felton demonstrated adaptability by contributing in various roles, including special teams, showcasing his all-around skill set. Route Running and Separation: Known for his precise route-running and ability to create separation, Felton effectively exploited defenses, making him a valuable asset in both short and deep passing situations.
Weaknesses:
Physicality and Blocking: While effective as a receiver, Felton's physicality, particularly in blocking scenarios, may need refinement to meet NFL standards.
Route Tree Diversity: Transitioning from a predominantly slot receiver role in college, adapting to a more diverse route tree in the NFL may present initial challenges.
NFL Comparison: Ryan Grant
Projected Draft Round: 4th – 5th Round
Tez Johnson – Oregon Ducks
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 83
Receiving Yards: 898
Touchdowns: 10
Average Yards per Reception: 10.8
Strengths:
Speed and Quickness: Johnson's 4.51-second 40-yard dash time showcases his impressive speed, making him a deep threat and valuable asset in vertical routes.
Route Running: Known for his precise and effective route-running, Johnson excels in creating separation from defenders, particularly in the slot.
Playmaking Ability: His agility and playmaking skills allow him to contribute significantly after the catch, turning short receptions into substantial gains.
Weaknesses:
Size Concerns: Standing at 5'9" and weighing 156 lbs, Johnson's smaller stature may pose challenges against larger, more physical NFL cornerbacks.
Strength at the Line of Scrimmage: His lack of significant size could affect his ability to handle press coverage effectively at the professional level.
NFL Comparison: Tutu Atwell
Projected Draft Round: 4th – 7th Round
Jaylin Lane – Virginia Tech Hokies
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 38
Receiving Yards: 466
Touchdowns: 2
Average Yards per Reception: 12.3
Strengths:
Speed: Lane boasts a 4.35-second 40-yard dash time, ranking fourth among wide receivers, highlighting his exceptional speed.
Athleticism: His 40-inch vertical jump and 11-foot broad jump place him among the top performers at his position, showcasing impressive explosiveness.
Versatility: Lane's adaptability allows him to contribute effectively in various roles, reflecting his football intelligence and versatility.
Weaknesses:
Size: Standing 5'10" and weighing 191 lbs, Lane's stature is slightly below average for an NFL wide receiver, which may affect his ability to handle physical coverage
Consistency: While Lane has flashed potential, maintaining consistent production will be key to his transition to the NFL.
NFL Comparison: T.Y. Hilton
Projected Draft Round: 5th – 7th Round
Jaylin Noel – Iowa State Cyclones
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 80
Receiving Yards: 1,194
Touchdowns: 8
Average Yards per Reception: 14.9
Strengths:
Route Running: Noel is known for his sharp route-running, creating separation with quick cuts and agility.
Versatility: He has demonstrated the ability to play both inside and outside, contributing significantly in various offensive roles.
Athleticism: Noel's agility allows him to quickly reach top speed, making him dangerous on intermediate and downfield routes.
Weaknesses:
Size: Standing at 5'10" and weighing 194 lbs, Noel's stature may limit his effectiveness against more physical NFL cornerbacks.
Blocking: His size may also affect his blocking capabilities, potentially limiting his role in certain offensive schemes.
NFL Comparison: Sterling Shepard
Projected Draft Round: 3rd – 4th Round
Xavier Restrepo – Miami Hurricanes
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 69
Receiving Yards: 1,127
Touchdowns: 11
Average Yards per Reception: 16.3
Strengths:
Route Running: Renowned for precise and effective route execution, creating separation from defenders.
Hands and Consistency: Demonstrates reliable hands with consistent performance, making him a quarterback's trusted target.
Versatility: Capable of contributing in various offensive roles, including slot and outside receiver positions.
Weaknesses:
Speed: Reported 40-yard dash time of 4.83 seconds may limit deep-threat capabilities at the professional level.
Size: Standing at 5'10" and weighing 198 lbs, his physical attributes may pose challenges against larger, more physical NFL cornerbacks
NFL Comparison: Danny Amendola
Projected Draft Round: 3rd – 4th Round
Jalen Royals – Utah State Aggies
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 55
Receiving Yards: 834
Touchdowns: 6
Average Yards per Reception: 15.2
Strengths:
Athleticism: Standing 6'0" and weighing 205 lbs, Royals possesses impressive speed, reportedly running a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, and agility, with a 36-inch vertical leap, making him a dynamic playmaker.
Versatility: His ability to excel at all three receiving levels—short, intermediate, and deep routes—allows him to be utilized effectively in various offensive schemes.
Ball Skills: Royals demonstrates excellent vision and catch-and-run ability, highlighted by his effective use in screen plays during the 2024 season.
Weaknesses:
Route Consistency: While possessing natural talent, Royals needs to refine his route-running to achieve more consistent separation from defenders
Press Coverage: His release off the line of scrimmage can be improved to better handle press-man coverage at the professional level.
NFL Comparison: Mike Wallace
Projected Draft Round: 3rd – 4th Round
Arian Smith – Georgia Bulldogs
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 48
Receiving Yards: 817
Touchdowns: 4
Average Yards per Reception: 17.0
Strengths:
Deep Threat: Smith's speed makes him a formidable deep threat, consistently stretching defenses and creating big-play opportunities.
Vertical Routes: Excels in vertical routes such as go routes and comebacks, averaging at least 17 yards per reception throughout his career.
Yards After Catch: Demonstrates agility and vision, effectively gaining yards after the catch.
Weaknesses:
Route Tree Limitations: Primarily utilized on vertical routes, indicating a limited route tree that may require development for the next level.
Concentration Drops: Has experienced issues with concentration drops, which could impact reliability as a receiver.
Injury History: Has faced injuries during his collegiate career, including a high ankle sprain in 2022, raising concerns about durability.
NFL Comparison: Jameson Williams
Projected Draft Round: 6th – 7th Round
Kyle Williams – Washington State Cougars
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 70
Receiving Yards: 1,198
Touchdowns: 14
Average Yards per Reception: 17.1
Strengths:
Elite Speed: Williams has exceptional speed, consistently able to separate from defenders on deep routes.
Big Play Ability: Known for making explosive plays, he has a knack for turning short routes into long gains.
Route Running: Displays a polished and fluid route tree, excelling in deep routes and intermediate slants.
Ball Tracking: Strong at adjusting to the ball in the air and making spectacular catches at the catch point.
Weaknesses:
Strength and Physicality: While fast, he can struggle with physical cornerbacks who challenge his ability to get separation at the line of scrimmage.
YAC Consistency: Though fast, he sometimes fails to create significant YAC after catches on intermediate routes.
Route Nuance: Needs refinement on more complex route running, particularly on shorter or more technical routes.
NFL Comparison: Tyler Lockett
Projected Draft Round: 4th Round – 6th Round
Joey Hobert – Texas State Bobcats
2024 Season Stats:
Receptions: 70
Receiving Yards: 680
Touchdowns: 8
Average Yards per Reception: 9.7
Strengths:
Elite Route Runner: Hobert demonstrates exceptional precision in his routes, consistently creating separation from defenders. His ability to find soft spots in zone coverage and execute sharp cuts makes him a reliable target in the passing game.
Consistent Production: Over his collegiate career, Hobert has amassed 175 receptions for 1,898 yards and 19 touchdowns across 40 games, showcasing his reliability and consistency as a receiver.
Versatility: While primarily operating as a slot receiver, Hobert's skill set allows him to be effective in various offensive schemes, contributing both in short-yardage situations and as a deep threat.
Weaknesses:
Limited Physicality: At 5'11" and 189 pounds, Hobert may face challenges against more physical defenders at the professional level, potentially impacting his ability to secure contested catches.
Top-End Speed: While Hobert possesses adequate speed, he may not have the elite burst to consistently separate from faster defensive backs, which could limit his big-play potential in the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Hunter Renfrow
Projected Draft Round: 6th Round – Undrafted
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