In my previous two articles, I outlined my top 10 quarterbacks and running backs. In this article, I will unveil my wide receiver rankings for the 2020 NFL draft. If you want to view any of the previous articles, you can click the links below.
- Quarterback
- Running Back
- Wide Receiver
- Tight End
- Interior Offensive Line
- Offensive Tackle
- Defensive Tackle
- Edge Rusher
- Linebacker
- Corner Back
- Safety
1. Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
Jerry Jeudy has the best route running ability in this draft, bar none. He has the physical tools to be an elite talent in the NFL regardless of the situation. He sometimes can drop easy passes when he pulls his eyes off the ball, but this is a rare occasion. Jeudy can elevate the play of any quarterback they pair him with.
2. CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
If you ask who has the best hands in this draft, I think most would point to CeeDee Lamb. The minute you turn on his film, you witness an amazing catch after amazing catch. He has great footwork and the ability to run most route trees. He is lacking slightly in the speed department, but that shouldn’t stop him from making an immediate impact in the NFL.
3. Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
Remember when John Ross was drafted in the top 10 in 2017? Henry Ruggs III is a better overall prospect with similar speed, and he may not crack the top 15, that’s how deep this overall class of players is. Ruggs has incredible YAC ability and is a burner, similar to DeSean Jackson. He has game-breaking/explosive ability on every play.
4. Denzel Mims, Baylor
I admittedly have Denzel Mims higher than most analysts, but I truly think he can be the next Chris Godwin. Both players have very similar measurables and are both balanced receivers. Mims doesn’t have an elite aspect to his game, but he is very good at just about everything. Catch radius, route running, technique, you name it, Mims does it at a high level. He can slot in as a team’s X receiver on day one.
5. Justin Jefferson, LSU
A career year in 2019, Justin Jefferson shot up draft boards after the breakout of Joe Burrow. He possesses incredible hands and route-running ability. Jefferson would fit well in a slot role, but can also play on the outside. I’m not convinced that he can be the number one option in an offense, but still a lethal weapon as the number two receiver.
6. Van Jefferson. Florida
One of my favorite prospects in this draft, I think Van Jefferson has all the tools to be an elite talent in the NFL. He was succumbed to awful quarterback play at the University of Florida, but his talent clearly pops on tape. Jefferson has some of the most polished route running in this class and has the floor of an elite wide receiver two in the NFL.
7. Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
Injury concerns have knocked Brandon Aiyuk down a few spots in my rankings, but make no mistake, he is still a top prospect in this draft. Aiyuk is one of the more explosive skill position players this year but has some difficulty beating press coverage. He will need to work on his technique in breaking off more physical corners, but can be a fierce weapon in the slot.
8. Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado
Similar to Van Jefferson, Laviska Shenault checks off all the boxes except for production. This does not value heavily in my rankings, as a poor offense can be a detriment to any receiver’s success. I really liked his ability to beat press coverage on the outside, something that is not easily taught in today’s game.
9. Jalen Reagor, TCU
If you need a vertical threat, Jalen Reagor is your guy. He has incredible upside as a slot receiver but was plagued with drop issues in 2019. If he can work on his concentration, Reagor should be a viable option in the NFL.
10. K.J. Hamler, Penn State
Rounding out the receiver rankings is K.J. Hamler, who projects as a solid complementary receiver in the NFL. His short-area quickness and agility make him an intriguing option, but he might struggle to beat more physical corners given his size.
