Rank the WRs

j44thor

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Given all the hype around this WR class and the Pats need at the position thought it would be fun to make some calls on this class and plant your flag.
No specific structure to this just rank them how you see fit. Will be interesting to see how this compares come draft night and years to follow.

Tier 1 - All top 12 picks, as close to #1 WR locks as we have seen in several year
1. MHJ
2. Nabors
3. Oduzne


Tier 2 - Top 25 pick Ceiling on par with the top 3 but floor is much lower
4. Brian Thomas Jr. size speed freak

Tier 3 - 1st/2nd rd mix of high floor/mid ceiling or low floor/high ceiling
5. Ricky Pearsall - He is my flag plant for this draft, not the highest ceiling but I think he has the safest floor of remaining WRs.
6. Ladd McConkey - very close to Pearsall but I give Ricky the edge due to slightly better athletic profile
7. AD Mitchell - crazy high ceiling but very low floor, one of the few legit X WRs left in the class size speed freak
8. Xavier Worthy - high ceiling, low floor, size is a concern but plays bigger than his size
9. Roman Wilson - similar profile to Pearsall/McConkey just a bit lower for me

Tier 4 - late 2nd - 4th rd Boom/Bust
10. Johnny Wilson - size/speed freak, raw route runner, historic wing span - another flag plant for me because I think he will outproduce his draft position and many drafted ahead of him
11. Keon Coleman - should be very productive as a big slot but will likely fail if stuck at X, separation is real concern but tremendous hands/size
12. Jermaine Burton - true X great size and speed, character questions
13. Javon Baker - slightly less athletic Burton without the character concerns
14. Xavier Legette - very late breakout but elite athleticism epitome of boom bust
15. Ja'Lynn Polk - lower ceiling/higher floor than most in this tier
15. Troy Franklin - ridiculous age adjusted production but plays small and is a body catcher. Jaylin Hyatt vibes
16. Jalen McMillan - tough to parse out the WA WRs only so many balls to go around

Tier 5 - dart throwns late 3rd-UDFA?

17. Malachi Corley - Deebo-no but might be useful gadget player and returner with new rules, Cordarrelle Patterson maybe?
18. Malik Washington - sturdier Pop Douglas - great hands
19. Tez Walker - Terrace Marshall 2.0
20. Jacob Cowing - Tank Dell or Tutu Atwell?
21. Brendan Rice - Not his father, could carve out a role in NFL
22. Jamari Thrash - low ceiling med floor
23. Anais Smith - discount Corley will be drafted lower but I'd take him over Corley
24. Jalen Coker - not the next Puka but will be fun to root for small school kid
 

luckiestman

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As an FSU fan, Coleman seems low to me. He didn’t have QB play like Rome or Nabers. JT was a great collegiate QB but did not throw like those guys and when he was healthy Coleman was going off.

Johnny Wilson’s height saved FSU many times but this kid did drop a lot of easy balls which he would make up for by making some ridiculous catches.
 

jodyreeddudley78

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PFF has a great article on this exact subject, from a statistical standpoint:

https://www.pff.com/news/fantasy-football-how-the-2024-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-class-performed-by-situation

I've attached the overall numbers, but they break it down vs different coverages as well, and is well worth the read.

Personally, the article makes me think that people are a bit low on Franklin, but I haven't done the film work, and I'm not going to act like I have.

Edit: I also want to include this pretty cool graph that has YPRR on the X-axis, vs non-press YPRR on the Y.
 

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j44thor

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Interesting data points, I'm personally lower on Franklin but he is a darling of the analytics community both for the stats PFF posted and specifically because he did it at a very young age. Analytics community loves age adjusted production, funny the tape guys seem to like Pearsall more than Franklin especially, Matt Harmon, but I'm going to bet PFF and the analytics community will have Franklin way above Pearsall because he had low YPRR combined with being an older prospect.

Perhaps the one thing that stands out to me the most based on the charts is that Johnny Wilson has better analytics across the board than Keon Coleman who played on the same team yet Keon is consistently mocked 2-3 rounds higher than Wilson. Not sure I understand the logic there.
 

Cellar-Door

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Interesting data points, I'm personally lower on Franklin but he is a darling of the analytics community both for the stats PFF posted and specifically because he did it at a very young age. Analytics community loves age adjusted production, funny the tape guys seem to like Pearsall more than Franklin especially, Matt Harmon, but I'm going to bet PFF and the analytics community will have Franklin way above Pearsall because he had low YPRR combined with being an older prospect.

Perhaps the one thing that stands out to me the most based on the charts is that Johnny Wilson has better analytics across the board than Keon Coleman who played on the same team yet Keon is consistently mocked 2-3 rounds higher than Wilson. Not sure I understand the logic there.
Volume for one.

But the bigger thing is that very few college stats have any predictive value
THis is a bit old, but probably still holds true... basically almost nothing has predictive value, except maybe a small predictive value in guys who had a large target share....
https://www.nbcsports.com/fantasy/college-football/news/article-numbers-nfl-draft-analytics-wr
PFF touched on it in 2018, and found most of their metrics based on things like Y/RR and the like had little to no predictive value.
https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-receiving-grades-predicting-ncaa-to-nfl

SIS argued that their EPA metrics are predictive (kind of) but only in the sense that truly elite (30+ college EPA) players by the metric hit at a pretty high rate.
https://www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2022/04/18/how-receiver-productivity-in-college-relates-to-nfl-outcomes/


The TL:DR of it all is.... WR in particular is a position where very few if any college metrics have any predictive value for NFL success and it's close to useless to bother looking at them.

One thing I can't find is an analysis of some separation metrics. I know Harmon uses them and basically said guys who don't separate in college can succeed as big slots, but generally fail on the outside (he notes that in particular about Coleman, who he sees as a potential really good big slot in the Amon-Ra St. Brown mold, but unlikely to be an X).
 

luckiestman

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Perhaps the one thing that stands out to me the most based on the charts is that Johnny Wilson has better analytics across the board than Keon Coleman who played on the same team yet Keon is consistently mocked 2-3 rounds higher than Wilson. Not sure I understand the logic there.

Who is it that Russillo always has on, McShay? I think it was him that had Keon only behind MHJ (early in the year). Some of the analysis might be a hangover from that. Keon looks more like the current NFL WRs. Wilson is his own thing, looks like a giant on the field.
 

jodyreeddudley78

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Volume for one.

But the bigger thing is that very few college stats have any predictive value
THis is a bit old, but probably still holds true... basically almost nothing has predictive value, except maybe a small predictive value in guys who had a large target share....
https://www.nbcsports.com/fantasy/college-football/news/article-numbers-nfl-draft-analytics-wr
PFF touched on it in 2018, and found most of their metrics based on things like Y/RR and the like had little to no predictive value.
https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-receiving-grades-predicting-ncaa-to-nfl

SIS argued that their EPA metrics are predictive (kind of) but only in the sense that truly elite (30+ college EPA) players by the metric hit at a pretty high rate.
https://www.sportsinfosolutions.com/2022/04/18/how-receiver-productivity-in-college-relates-to-nfl-outcomes/


The TL:DR of it all is.... WR in particular is a position where very few if any college metrics have any predictive value for NFL success and it's close to useless to bother looking at them.

One thing I can't find is an analysis of some separation metrics. I know Harmon uses them and basically said guys who don't separate in college can succeed as big slots, but generally fail on the outside (he notes that in particular about Coleman, who he sees as a potential really good big slot in the Amon-Ra St. Brown mold, but unlikely to be an X).
Just to be clear, I don't think that YPRR is some sort of tell all stat. It isn't for the NFL either (or Bourne would be a top 30ish WR, and he isn't). It's descriptive, and not predictive IMO. Franklin could look great because of QB accuracy, and that *seems* to be the take from people that dissect film. It was, however, noticeable that he jumps out in virtually every coverage in that article.

I do tend to put a lot of stock in what people that do dissect film say for prospects, and he seems to be firmly in the "he could be good, but he needs to be better at separation" camp. That and he needs to gain mass/strength. I'll also say that people that dissect film seem to think that Pearsall is a legit prospect, and he seems to be middling (or worse) in every stat, and I suspect that quality of of QB play/offensive system play a large part in that.

Edit: I will say that Adonai Mitchell seems to be so bad in almost every stat that it would make me pause, unless I am positive that my scouting team, or film breakdown abilities, are top notch.
 

Bowser

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Edit: I will say that Adonai Mitchell seems to be so bad in almost every stat that it would make me pause, unless I am positive that my scouting team, or film breakdown abilities, are top notch.
Not endorsing this conclusion, but Lazar mentioned on a recent podcast that Mitchell is diabetic and, according to "scouts," a team "will really need to stay on top of it because his mood swings depending on how he is ... in terms of his health" which impacted his "effort level, and his focus and his drive ... and all those things can come and go." Again, this is Lazar paraphrasing scouts, not his own view.

This, the theory goes, was at least one potential cause of Mitchell's lack of production.
 
Oct 12, 2023
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Not endorsing this conclusion, but Lazar mentioned on a recent podcast that Mitchell is diabetic and, according to "scouts," a team "will really need to stay on top of it because his mood swings depending on how he is ... in terms of his health" which impacted his "effort level, and his focus and his drive ... and all those things can come and go." Again, this is Lazar paraphrasing scouts, not his own view.

This, the theory goes, was at least one potential cause of Mitchell's lack of production.
It would be concerning to me that Mitchell had so many plays he took off or gave piss poor effort on while at a major, prestigious football program. Certainly, their dieticians and nutritionists etc would have been on top of whatever his needs are. More freedom to do whatever he wants (from a diet perspective) in the pros would worry me.
 

Bowser

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It would be concerning to me that Mitchell had so many plays he took off or gave piss poor effort on while at a major, prestigious football program. Certainly, their dieticians and nutritionists etc would have been on top of whatever his needs are. More freedom to do whatever he wants (from a diet perspective) in the pros would worry me.
Agreed. I like Mitchell. He's probably the most intriguing WR who might be available at 34. But this gives me pause.
 
Oct 12, 2023
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This is enough to make him fall to #34 and if he does, I hope we scoop him up.
In such a deep WR class, I think the Pats would be better served taking a shot on someone who more reliably gives you 100%

Medical/dietary or attitude or whatever, Mitchell gives almost no effort way too often. The Pats really need to find a guy who can be reliable

Assuming a QB at 3, you really don’t want to pair a young franchise (hopefully) QB with a guy who needs babysitting or constant maintenance. Especially with a rookie HC, inexperienced playcaller and an offense that’s likely to be awful. It’s a recipe for disaster for a guy with motivation/effort issues.
 

MuppetAsteriskTalk

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Love this thread. Would love to see the same thoughts on OT.

23. Anais Smith - discount Corley will be drafted lower but I'd take him over Corley
This really surprises me. Only because PFN has him going in the 7th (or undrafted) while Corley is expected to go in the somewhere between the 2nd and early 3rd.
 

j44thor

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In such a deep WR class, I think the Pats would be better served taking a shot on someone who more reliably gives you 100%

Medical/dietary or attitude or whatever, Mitchell gives almost no effort way too often. The Pats really need to find a guy who can be reliable

Assuming a QB at 3, you really don’t want to pair a young franchise (hopefully) QB with a guy who needs babysitting or constant maintenance. Especially with a rookie HC, inexperienced playcaller and an offense that’s likely to be awful. It’s a recipe for disaster for a guy with motivation/effort issues.
AD has a lot of red flags for me, production was not good and combined with lack of effort I think I'd pass on him at 34 where he may or not be available. Certainly won't fall to the 3rd rd. He is arguably the biggest boom/bust WR in this class.
 

jodyreeddudley78

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AD has a lot of red flags for me, production was not good and combined with lack of effort I think I'd pass on him at 34 where he may or not be available. Certainly won't fall to the 3rd rd. He is arguably the biggest boom/bust WR in this class.
I'll be pretty surprised if he's available as well. Have a feeling that's who Buffalo is looking at in round 1.
 

Cellar-Door

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Love this thread. Would love to see the same thoughts on OT.



This really surprises me. Only because PFN has him going in the 7th (or undrafted) while Corley is expected to go in the somewhere between the 2nd and early 3rd.
A lot of people are higher than PFN on Smith, Brugler has him going with the 1st pick of the 6th, some see him as a 5th or 4th.

He's 2 inches shorter and 20+ lbs lighter than Corley is also part of the ceiling considerations
 

ManicCompression

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In such a deep WR class, I think the Pats would be better served taking a shot on someone who more reliably gives you 100%

Medical/dietary or attitude or whatever, Mitchell gives almost no effort way too often. The Pats really need to find a guy who can be reliable

Assuming a QB at 3, you really don’t want to pair a young franchise (hopefully) QB with a guy who needs babysitting or constant maintenance. Especially with a rookie HC, inexperienced playcaller and an offense that’s likely to be awful. It’s a recipe for disaster for a guy with motivation/effort issues.
Is this wide receiver class all that deep? It's basically the three guys at the top, then Brian Thomas, then it's a series of guys in the day 2 zone that are "names" but have a lot of question marks around production or athleticism. I don't really see this class as particularly exceptional in any way, and I expect this depth to be the norm going forward with the way the college game is played. If we miss out on WR in rounds 1/2 because we go QB/OT, I think there will be Keon Coleman' and Ladd McConkeys and Xavier Legettes next year that we can draft (or even next year's version of Brian Thomas).
 

j44thor

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Is this wide receiver class all that deep? It's basically the three guys at the top, then Brian Thomas, then it's a series of guys in the day 2 zone that are "names" but have a lot of question marks around production or athleticism. I don't really see this class as particularly exceptional in any way, and I expect this depth to be the norm going forward with the way the college game is played. If we miss out on WR in rounds 1/2 because we go QB/OT, I think there will be Keon Coleman' and Ladd McConkeys and Xavier Legettes next year that we can draft (or even next year's version of Brian Thomas).
It is considered a very deep class relative to the last couple at least. Hayden Winks has 18 WR with a 3rd rd grade or higher in this class compared to 2022 and 2023 when he had a total of 20 WR combined with a 3rd rd grade or higher.
 

tims4wins

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From Reiss / Field Yates

ESPN draft analyst Field Yates, while noting that it's a challenge to project who will be available at the Patriots' next pick at No. 34, relayed three prospects and why he believes they could fit that mold:

First is South Carolina's Xavier Legette. After 42 catches from 2019 to 2022, he exploded for 71 catches, 1,255 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2023. Yates said that few players have boosted their draft stock more than Legette in the past year. "Legette has some of the best run-after-catch skills in the class," Yates said. He also regarded Legette as a special teams player and return man.

Next up, Keon Coleman out of Florida State. The 6-foot-3 and 213-pound receiver had 11 touchdowns on 50 catches in 2023. Yates said Coleman's size makes him a top red zone performer while offering an advantage over defenders. "He made brilliant one-handed snares in 2023 and also showed off instincts and vision as a punt returner," Yates said.

Lastly, Yates mentioned Florida's Ricky Pearsall as a potential fit for No. 34. "Pearsall is an exceptionally explosive and powerful athlete, as he showed moments of simply dominating defensive backs at the catch point," Yates said. Pearsall caught 65 passes for 965 yards and 4 touchdowns -- averaging 14.8 yards per reception in 2023. He started out his college career at Arizona State University with QB Jayden Daniels.
 

j44thor

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6Mins into the video and I've learned from Steve Smith Sr. that the X WR is the speed guy and 10yrs ago teams didn't run 3 WR sets as a staple of the offense. Whaaaat????? I'm feeling dumber by the second watching this. Very few teams run the X as a pure vertical, your X is the guy that needs to consistently beat press. As for the second comment I think he meant to say 30yrs ago teams rarely ran 3WR sets.

And about 20min in I learned from Steve Smith that some teams are afraid of Brian Thomas because he doesn't have a label? What in the actual fuck is this type of analysis? I've often heard good things about Steve Smith's analysis and know some people that think highly of him but I wonder if he has been more lucky than good ala Chris Sims at the QB position. I'm done with that vid, thanks for posting but not my cup of tea.
 
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Cellar-Door

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6Mins into the video and I've learned from Steve Smith Sr. that the X WR is the speed guy and 10yrs ago teams didn't run 3 WR sets as a staple of the offense. Whaaaat????? I'm feeling dumber by the second watching this. Very few teams run the X as a pure vertical, your X is the guy that needs to consistently beat press. As for the second comment I think he meant to say 30yrs ago teams rarely ran 3WR sets.

And about 20min in I learned from Steve Smith that some teams are afraid of Brian Thomas because he doesn't have a label? What in the actual fuck is this type of analysis? I've often heard good things about Steve Smith's analysis and know some people that think highly of him but I wonder if he has been more lucky than good ala Chris Sims at the QB position. I'm done with that vid, thanks for posting but not my cup of tea.
Haven't watched this, but his individual breakdowns are often excellent, he really understands routes and releases and has great insight.
 

j44thor

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Haven't watched this, but his individual breakdowns are often excellent, he really understands routes and releases and has great insight.
That is what I heard about him, haven't watched his individual breakdowns but what I did watch on this vid amounted to thoughts and feelings. He even walked back putting Nabors over MHJ at one point saying he didn't think Nabors would be the better WR after year 5. Basically admitting he put Nabors #1 for the clicks.
 

Eck'sSneakyCheese

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Other guys not mentioned in the thread so far:
Luke McCaffrey: Looks to me like a really tall slot. Great agility and ball tracking. Could argue tier 4.
Bub Means: Has the tools to be a real threat. Needs route refinement. Tier 5.
Devaughn Vele: Good size and route running ability. Nothing flashy. Tier 5.
Tyler Harell: The other really fast guy in the draft not named Worthy. Tier 5.
 
Oct 12, 2023
737
Is this wide receiver class all that deep? It's basically the three guys at the top, then Brian Thomas, then it's a series of guys in the day 2 zone that are "names" but have a lot of question marks around production or athleticism. I don't really see this class as particularly exceptional in any way, and I expect this depth to be the norm going forward with the way the college game is played. If we miss out on WR in rounds 1/2 because we go QB/OT, I think there will be Keon Coleman' and Ladd McConkeys and Xavier Legettes next year that we can draft (or even next year's version of Brian Thomas).
Yeah it’s a deeper class than normal. And I don’t really think “the way the college game is played” means much. Last year’s best WR’s probably would be in the mix for WR 5-10 this year. Smith-Njigba was arguably a lesser prospect than the top 6-7 this year, certainly with plenty of red flags of his own.

2022 had 13 guys go in the top 2 rounds but those 2nd round guys were a lot of very iffy decisions (WanDale Robinson, Tyquan Thornton, Metchie, Pierce). The talent fell off really hard after the top 7-8 guys. The 3rd round guys that year would be 4-6th rounders this year (Velus Jones, Jalen Tolbert, David Bell etc)

Usually once you get outside the top 40-50 picks, it’s hard to find a receiver with #1 or high end 2 upside (obviously there are those rare diamonds in the rough who exceed expectations significantly). This year, I think you’ll see guys all the way through pick 70 or so with the ability to be a 1B or 2

You’re right insofar as usually the 3rd/4th tier guys have a lot of red flags and questions, but that’s true every year and most years those guys don’t also have high end upside.

Plus, this year’s group has complementary (low end 2, or high end 3) options with a variety of skill sets. So there’s more of a “whatever your need is, you can find a guy with those skills”. Lots of decent slot possibilities, a good number of contested catch/bigger X types, etc

A lot can change in 12 months but next year’s class looks fairly mediocre once you get beyond Burden. McMillan, Egbuka and Bond could end up high end prospects if they have good years but guys like Evan Stewart, Juice Wells, Jerand Bradley etc aren’t particularly exciting. Maybe we’ll see some high upside late bloomers and one year wonders but that’s not a given and there will need to be a lot of them to get close to this year’s crop.
 
Oct 12, 2023
737
Other guys not mentioned in the thread so far:
Luke McCaffrey: Looks to me like a really tall slot. Great agility and ball tracking. Could argue tier 4.
Bub Means: Has the tools to be a real threat. Needs route refinement. Tier 5.
Devaughn Vele: Good size and route running ability. Nothing flashy. Tier 5.
Tyler Harell: The other really fast guy in the draft not named Worthy. Tier 5.
Vele is overaged and nothing special athletically but it wouldn’t surprise me if he contributes as a quality #4 somewhere. He had a knack for getting open and making key catches in big moments. He has a really good profile to be a “how was this guy undrafted” type.

Bub Means could surprise too. Very raw but he has a lot of tools to work with. Fast, big hands, great arm length. If he lands in a spot with a good WR coach, he could eventually turn into a starter. Needs a lot of refinement though. I think he will go higher than most people are expecting. He’s the type of guy teams usually take shots on between picks 80-120. Might go later due to the depth ahead of him, but early day 3 seems like a good bet for him.

Hayden Hatten and Ryan Flournoy are guys I think could make rosters as late round or UDFA types. Hatten is kind of like Vele insofar as his tools are underwhelming but he has a good feel for getting open and making tough plays. Flournoy is your typical late round boom/bust vertical guy, if a coach can scheme him open he could be a useful player with some YAC ability. Not sure how highly he will go, anywhere from 5th to undrafted
 

ManicCompression

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Yeah it’s a deeper class than normal. And I don’t really think “the way the college game is played” means much. Last year’s best WR’s probably would be in the mix for WR 5-10 this year. Smith-Njigba was arguably a lesser prospect than the top 6-7 this year, certainly with plenty of red flags of his own.

2022 had 13 guys go in the top 2 rounds but those 2nd round guys were a lot of very iffy decisions (WanDale Robinson, Tyquan Thornton, Metchie, Pierce). The talent fell off really hard after the top 7-8 guys. The 3rd round guys that year would be 4-6th rounders this year (Velus Jones, Jalen Tolbert, David Bell etc)

Usually once you get outside the top 40-50 picks, it’s hard to find a receiver with #1 or high end 2 upside (obviously there are those rare diamonds in the rough who exceed expectations significantly). This year, I think you’ll see guys all the way through pick 70 or so with the ability to be a 1B or 2

You’re right insofar as usually the 3rd/4th tier guys have a lot of red flags and questions, but that’s true every year and most years those guys don’t also have high end upside.

Plus, this year’s group has complementary (low end 2, or high end 3) options with a variety of skill sets. So there’s more of a “whatever your need is, you can find a guy with those skills”. Lots of decent slot possibilities, a good number of contested catch/bigger X types, etc

A lot can change in 12 months but next year’s class looks fairly mediocre once you get beyond Burden. McMillan, Egbuka and Bond could end up high end prospects if they have good years but guys like Evan Stewart, Juice Wells, Jerand Bradley etc aren’t particularly exciting. Maybe we’ll see some high upside late bloomers and one year wonders but that’s not a given and there will need to be a lot of them to get close to this year’s crop.
I suppose this is just an eye of the beholder thing because some folks think that after Odunze, the rest of this years wide receivers wouldn’t be ranked above Zay Flowers or JSN from last year.

We have the benefit of hindsight with these previous classes, and I just feel like some of these guys (like AD Mitchell or Legette or Worthy) are going to completely flame out as bad as the TTs (well, maybe not that bad) or Wandale Robinson.
 

Super Nomario

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6Mins into the video and I've learned from Steve Smith Sr. that the X WR is the speed guy and 10yrs ago teams didn't run 3 WR sets as a staple of the offense. Whaaaat????? I'm feeling dumber by the second watching this. Very few teams run the X as a pure vertical, your X is the guy that needs to consistently beat press. As for the second comment I think he meant to say 30yrs ago teams rarely ran 3WR sets.
Speed is a way to beat press, or to scare opposing defenses out of pressing. But you're right that it's not the only way. Ideally you do want the X to bring some verticality since it's hard for safeties to get over to the sideline.
 

j44thor

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I suppose this is just an eye of the beholder thing because some folks think that after Odunze, the rest of this years wide receivers wouldn’t be ranked above Zay Flowers or JSN from last year.

We have the benefit of hindsight with these previous classes, and I just feel like some of these guys (like AD Mitchell or Legette or Worthy) are going to completely flame out as bad as the TTs (well, maybe not that bad) or Wandale Robinson.
As with every draft class some of the WRs will absolutely flame out. The difference with this class is there are a lot more draft worthy WRs than normal so even if this class has a higher than normal % flame out I'd be willing to bet 3-4 yrs from now there are still more productive WRs that come out of this class than any class the last 5yrs. On average we see about 30 Wrs drafted per year since 2019. What I like about this class is how many draft eligible WRs are coming out of power 5 conferences. We should see at least 20 Wrs drafted just from power 5 conferences which historically turn out productive NFL receivers at a much higher rate than non-power 5 conferences.
 

SMU_Sox

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These are my rankings. I happen to love this WR class from top to bottom. I could see all 26 of these guys starting (some much more likely than others).

I highlighted the guys in orange who definitely can be an X and the guys in green who can be but are much better in different roles.

I would stay away from AD Mitchell personally. Same with Legette. Mitchell is just inconsistent AF and takes too many plays off even when he is the 2nd option! Legette is a bad profile: super old dude who breaks out late. He has the tools to translate but that's just a risky profile.
 

tims4wins

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These are my rankings. I happen to love this WR class from top to bottom. I could see all 26 of these guys starting (some much more likely than others).

I highlighted the guys in orange who definitely can be an X and the guys in green who can be but are much better in different roles.

I would stay away from AD Mitchell personally. Same with Legette. Mitchell is just inconsistent AF and takes too many plays off even when he is the 2nd option! Legette is a bad profile: super old dude who breaks out late. He has the tools to translate but that's just a risky profile.
This is awesome, much appreciated SMU
 

67YAZ

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Look at the range on Roman Wilson! If teams also have such divergent views of Wilson, he's liable to go higher than general consensus.
 

j44thor

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Appreciate the list @SMU_Sox I think Burton athletically belongs in the top 12 but I'm very concerned with him above the shoulders. Don't think I can put him inside my top 10 as a result, if anything I'm souring a bit more on him as the process unfolds. Someone made an astute comment that he isn't going to be drafted high enough where teams are hoping he drops by floating character concerns, these seem to be legit character concerns that aren't likely to go away when he is handed millions of $$.
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
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Jul 20, 2009
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Appreciate the list @SMU_Sox I think Burton athletically belongs in the top 12 but I'm very concerned with him above the shoulders. Don't think I can put him inside my top 10 as a result, if anything I'm souring a bit more on him as the process unfolds. Someone made an astute comment that he isn't going to be drafted high enough where teams are hoping he drops by floating character concerns, these seem to be legit character concerns that aren't likely to go away when he is handed millions of $$.
I have heard those rumblings too. He also clocked a female fan who ran onto the field. Ultimately this is my tape + athletic test (if applicable) grade. If a guy drops for character concerns (like AT Perry last year) that is something I just don't have good insight to and ultimately don't incorporate into my rankings.
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
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Jul 20, 2009
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Character stuff is a big umbrella too. You have off-field issues with bad priorities: think Aaron Hernandez. You have off-field issues with bad behavior: think Tyreek Hill. You have malcontents: Stefon Diggs. But you also have guys who are apparently uncoachable. There were reports that Christian Barmore was completely uncoachable and would fail at the NFL level before he even began because he was such a disaster. Turns out... not so much.
 

jodyreeddudley78

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Sep 22, 2007
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View attachment 81407
These are my rankings. I happen to love this WR class from top to bottom. I could see all 26 of these guys starting (some much more likely than others).

I highlighted the guys in orange who definitely can be an X and the guys in green who can be but are much better in different roles.

I would stay away from AD Mitchell personally. Same with Legette. Mitchell is just inconsistent AF and takes too many plays off even when he is the 2nd option! Legette is a bad profile: super old dude who breaks out late. He has the tools to translate but that's just a risky profile.
This is awesome. I know this is a ridiculous ask, but I noticed you said you chart all positions. Do you have them somewhere? Like a website or something? Thank you for this.
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
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Jul 20, 2009
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This is awesome. I know this is a ridiculous ask, but I noticed you said you chart all positions. Do you have them somewhere? Like a website or something? Thank you for this.
No, I am looking for a home to post clips to. Right now I just have a slack channel. Any tips are welcome.
 

nolasoxfan

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Jun 11, 2004
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View attachment 81407
These are my rankings. I happen to love this WR class from top to bottom. I could see all 26 of these guys starting (some much more likely than others).

I highlighted the guys in orange who definitely can be an X and the guys in green who can be but are much better in different roles.

I would stay away from AD Mitchell personally. Same with Legette. Mitchell is just inconsistent AF and takes too many plays off even when he is the 2nd option! Legette is a bad profile: super old dude who breaks out late. He has the tools to translate but that's just a risky profile.
Very cool! Thank you for sharing.
 

jodyreeddudley78

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Sep 22, 2007
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orange county NY
No, I am looking for a home to post clips to. Right now I just have a slack channel. Any tips are welcome.
You are asking the wrong guy... Also, one other quick question: Lance Zeirlein does an 8 point scale for his grades. He offers a key. I'm guessing yours is 10. Even given that, this year's WRs seem really high. How do they line up with past classes? Like, what did JSN rate last year?
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2009
8,976
Dallas
You are asking the wrong guy... Also, one other quick question: Lance Zeirlein does an 8 point scale for his grades. He offers a key. I'm guessing yours is 10. Even given that, this year's WRs seem really high. How do they line up with past classes? Like, what did JSN rate last year?
I use a 9 point scale. Dan Hatman and ITP built this:


9.00 Dominant Player. All-Pro Traits. Should develop into the best at his position.

8.99-8.50 Consistent Pro Bowler. Gameplan changer. Very few flaws if any.

8.49-8.00 Will be very good player. Rookie Starter. Should have pro bowl physical traits.

7.99 Will be very good player. Probable rookie starter. May or may not have pro bowl physical traits.

7.75 Unique Potential. Pro bowl traits who needs critical technical development and consistency.

7.5-7.0 Can be a good starter you can win with. Should compete for a role/starting position. May be immediate contributor.

6.99-6.50 Functional starter in first 3 years who you should win with. No fatal flaws. Development needed.

6.49-6.00 Flash Starter Tools. Quality Role player and/or Good ST. Emergency Starter.

5.99-5.50 Quality role player and contributor for scheme specific teams.

5.49-5.00 Draftable player with intriguing physical tools or a functional role player to strengthen the 53.

4.99-4.50 Priority Free Agent. Has a couple tools that you want to work with.

4.49-4.00 Undrafted Free Agent. Will go on the 90 man roster somewhere.

3.99-3.50 Invite to rookie mini camp. At least one intriguing quality to see live.

3.49-3.00 Off radar due to injury, size, position projection, etc. May be successful in CFL/AFL/etc.

2.00 Incomplete

1.00 Reject



JSN was a 7.99 last year. This year he would be my WR 6-8. I might have him slightly ahead of Worthy and Franklin but I am not sure. I might have him behind Worthy but ahead of Franklin. Point is... this years class is worlds better.

For Coleman his landing spot is more important than any other WR. If he goes to a team like the Bengals or Rams? He is worthy of that grade. If he goes to... the Bills? probably not.
 

Justthetippett

New Member
Aug 9, 2015
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View attachment 81407
These are my rankings. I happen to love this WR class from top to bottom. I could see all 26 of these guys starting (some much more likely than others).

I highlighted the guys in orange who definitely can be an X and the guys in green who can be but are much better in different roles.

I would stay away from AD Mitchell personally. Same with Legette. Mitchell is just inconsistent AF and takes too many plays off even when he is the 2nd option! Legette is a bad profile: super old dude who breaks out late. He has the tools to translate but that's just a risky profile.
Thanks, this is really informative. It would be really great to come away with 2-3 of these guys out of this draft. If they go OL in R2 that would probably require some creativity and spending next year's draft capital to move around the board, but I think it's worth it.
 

j44thor

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Aug 1, 2006
11,137
Given all the hype around this WR class and the Pats need at the position thought it would be fun to make some calls on this class and plant your flag.
No specific structure to this just rank them how you see fit. Will be interesting to see how this compares come draft night and years to follow.

Tier 1 - All top 12 picks, as close to #1 WR locks as we have seen in several year
1. MHJ
2. Nabors
3. Oduzne


Tier 2 - Top 25 pick Ceiling on par with the top 3 but floor is much lower
4. Brian Thomas Jr. size speed freak

Tier 3 - 1st/2nd rd mix of high floor/mid ceiling or low floor/high ceiling
5. Ricky Pearsall - He is my flag plant for this draft, not the highest ceiling but I think he has the safest floor of remaining WRs.
6. Ladd McConkey - very close to Pearsall but I give Ricky the edge due to slightly better athletic profile
7. AD Mitchell - crazy high ceiling but very low floor, one of the few legit X WRs left in the class size speed freak
8. Xavier Worthy - high ceiling, low floor, size is a concern but plays bigger than his size
9. Roman Wilson - similar profile to Pearsall/McConkey just a bit lower for me

Tier 4 - late 2nd - 4th rd Boom/Bust
10. Johnny Wilson - size/speed freak, raw route runner, historic wing span - another flag plant for me because I think he will outproduce his draft position and many drafted ahead of him
11. Keon Coleman - should be very productive as a big slot but will likely fail if stuck at X, separation is real concern but tremendous hands/size
12. Jermaine Burton - true X great size and speed, character questions
13. Javon Baker - slightly less athletic Burton without the character concerns
14. Xavier Legette - very late breakout but elite athleticism epitome of boom bust
15. Ja'Lynn Polk - lower ceiling/higher floor than most in this tier
15. Troy Franklin - ridiculous age adjusted production but plays small and is a body catcher. Jaylin Hyatt vibes
16. Jalen McMillan - tough to parse out the WA WRs only so many balls to go around

Tier 5 - dart throwns late 3rd-UDFA?

17. Malachi Corley - Deebo-no but might be useful gadget player and returner with new rules, Cordarrelle Patterson maybe?
18. Malik Washington - sturdier Pop Douglas - great hands
19. Tez Walker - Terrace Marshall 2.0
20. Jacob Cowing - Tank Dell or Tutu Atwell?
21. Brendan Rice - Not his father, could carve out a role in NFL
22. Jamari Thrash - low ceiling med floor
23. Anais Smith - discount Corley will be drafted lower but I'd take him over Corley
24. Jalen Coker - not the next Puka but will be fun to root for small school kid
Overall pretty impressed with my rankings, Johnny Wilson was my biggest miss but don't know many that had Pearsall above Ladd or Franklin that far down.