INTERESTING WRs (Good, but How Good?)
**Christian Watson (North Dakota State) – At 6’04 and 208lbs and running a 4.36 40 time, one would rank Mr. Watson as an elite WR this year. On film he clearly dominates the competition and appears to display great route running abilities. His separation is sick, as his blazing speed is very transparent on film against defenders as well (leaving a good 5 yards between he and them at times). However, his low level of competition can not be ignored when evaluating how his play will or may translate into the NFL versus NFL caliber Cornerbacks/Defensive schemes/level of competition to get on the field altogether. When viewing his film, I see a potential Diamond in the Rough player in Watson. Only Time, NFL Landing Spot and Offensive Coordinators’ plans for him will tell the Tale of the Tape & Ultimately Christian Watson’s NFL Fate. Potential NFL homes =Philadelphia Eagle (give Slim Shady some help), Dallas Cowboys (replace Amari Cooper) or Green Bay Packers (attempt to stop the bleeding after Devante Adams departure).
**WanDale Robinson (Kentucky) – At 5’11 and 185lbs playing WR, You better be fast if your going to be in the NFL. Robinson recorded a 4.44 forty time at the Combine this year and that is definitely fast enough. On film, One can see that in addition to WanDale’s speed, he has a twitchy – ness element to how he makes defenders miss tackle him. In some instances, he down right embarrasses some by juking to the left and right, while leaving defenders either standing still in apparent confusion or simply diving in the wrong direction, completely missing him. Mr. Robinson is a highlight reel for sure, but I have not seen too many dud films by any of these rookies. With that being said, it will be interesting what the NFL scouts think of WanDale and how they intend to develop/deploy him on their respective team. Potential Landing Spot in the NFL = 49ers (especially if Deebo is traded), Cleveland Browns (Could develop in Deshaun Watsons’ Will Fuller) or Atlanta Falcons (they need offensive play makers..period).
**Jalen Tolbert (South Alabama) – This Chase Claypool (Pittsburgh Steelers) prototype has nice size for a WR (6’01 at 195lbs) and runs a very respectable 4.49 forty yard dash. He appears explosive on tape and has a natural instinct for the endzone when about 10 yards away from the pile–on. He dives impressively to get the Tuddy (touchdown) when close. He is not afraid of contact either as he invites contact against defenders closing in on him instead of running out of bounds. He possesses good hands as well and his route running is respectable. However, his level of collegiate competition was uninspiring. His NFL landing spot will tell us more how they view his talent. Potential NFL Landing spots = Kansas City Chief (T.Hill departure and JuJu needs a complimentary piece), Atlanta Falcons (Offensive weapons depleted), New Orleans Saints (Provide Michael Thomas some help and Jameis Winston a decent sized possession receiver that can take it to the house any given play).
**Khalil Shakir (Boise State) – He has good size at 6’0 and 193lbs. He definitely checks the box on speed by posting a 4.43 forty time as well. On film, Shakir is a play – maker. He reminds me of a Hines Ward (Pittsburgh Steelers) Prototype wide out. Khalil in a blue – collar player that just grinds it out to get the job done. He gets what the defense gives him and then when it counts most in game time, shows up big enough to make a difference. He is pretty good at everything as a Receiver (Good hands, good route running and intelligent style of play by avoiding unnecessary big hits). Potential NFL Landing Spots = Tennessee Titans (AJ Brown needs a reliable complimentary piece and Tannehill…needs more passing weapons before they Run Derrick Henry under the field)., Philadelphia Eagle and Cleveland Browns are both in the market for some Wide Receiver assistance as well. Atlanta Falcons should Draft at least 2 or 3 Wrs in this class.
MY DARKHORSE FAVORITE
**Alec Pierce, WR (Cincinatti) – Most Underrated and unappreciated Wide Receiver in this class. Pierce has excellent size at 6’03 and 211lbs, he boasts a 40.5inch vertical jump and over 11 feet broad jump. Not to mention he runs a 4.41 forty yard dash time. Alec’s combination of superior size/speed/elite hands/good route runner makes him my favorite Dark horse wide out only behind Treylon Burkes and even Garrett Wilson. Yes, I said it…Alec Pierce is my #3 ranked Rookie Wide Receiver in the 2022 Rookie Class. On tape, Alec played against the upper echelon level collegiate teams. He was very consistent and durable during his career thus far (in comparison to many in this class). On film he creates adequate, not superior separation from defenders and displays well – above average athletic abilities to win many disputed passes. His speed appears smooth/long rather than speedy/bursty on film due, to his rather large frame. But, when you see him run past potential tacklers smoothly, his speed is undeniable. Mr. Pierce has some of the best reliable and soft hands that any shot – caller is going to depend on at the next level. On film, Pierce made QB Ritter look better than he actually is by consistently making adjustments to the ball while running good routes. Pierce could have doubled his 2021 touchdowns (8) if he had better QB play where passes should have been simply put on him. Instead, one will see Pierce being consistently under thrown or over thrown forcing him to make wicked adjustments to execute the completion. Either way, Alec Pierce is an Underrated BALLER that possesses all the tools to be successful at the next level. Potential Landing in the NFL = Green Bay Packers, Green Bay Packers, Green Bay Packers. YEAHHHH, I said it!!!
So, there you guys have it. As one should note, that I did not rank these wide receivers in chronological order due to the uncertainty of their NFL landing spots and situations. This is a fluid situation and we shall learn more moving forward after the 2022 NFL Draft. Draft Capital will be Key.
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Next up for TheGoodeNews = 2022 Rookie Tight Ends Profiles/Predictions…