The 2021 Draft saw three receivers taken in the top 10 for just the second time in the last 15 years. Whilst the 2022 class does not match that level of top-tier talent, it makes up for it with its depth. Here are my top five draft eligible receivers ahead of the 2021 college football season.
1. Chris Olave – Ohio State (6-1, 189, Senior)
Olave was viewed as a potential first rounder in the 2021 Draft, so his decision to return surprised many. He was the Buckeyes’ leading receiver in 2020, racking up an impressive 727 yards and seven touchdowns on his way to First Team All-Big Ten honours. Olave is a nuanced route runner, who understands how to manipulate defensive backs in coverage. His hands are exceptional too, and he logged a single drop on 51 catchable targets last season. He ticks all of the boxes from an athleticism standpoint too. His short area quickness is fantastic, and he has the long speed to stretch defenses vertically. If he can show some more dynamism after the catch he should solidify his place as WR1 in this class.
2. Garrett Wilson – Ohio State (6-0, 188, Junior)
The Ohio State receiving duo are the 1a and 1b of this year’s class. Wilson is a former five-star recruit and is coming off a breakout sophomore season. He finished the year with 723 yards from his 43 receptions and led the team with 16.8 yards per catch. Like Olave, he is an accomplished route runner and consistently creates separation out of his breaks. His body control is fantastic too and he has a penchant for the spectacular catch. This carries over to his YAC ability, where he forced six missed tackles on his 43 catches last season. If he can replicate his production and add a little more weight to his frame in 2021, he will be vying for that WR1 spot come April.
3. Treylon Burks – Arkansas (6-3, 225, Junior)
A former four-star recruit, Burks committed to his home state of Arkansas over offers from Clemson and LSU. What makes him stand out is his combination of size, strength and speed. Burks runs a 4.4 40-yard dash at 6’3″ and 232 lbs. He also bench presses 380 lbs and squats 500. Despite some poor quarterback play, he finished 2020 with 811 yards from his 50 catches. His 3.07 yards per route run is also the most of any returning SEC receiver. Burks is predictably dominant in contested catch situations, with a 66.7 per cent win rate. He combines this with legitimate YAC ability, forcing nine missed tackles in 2020. If he can translate his production to a boundary role in 2021 he could rise even further up this list.
4. Zay Flowers – Boston College (5-11, 178, Junior)
After featuring sparingly as a true freshman, Flowers broke out in 2020. He finished the year as the Eagles’ leader in targets (103), receiving yards (892), and touchdowns (9). In doing so he became just the second Boston College receiver in history to be named First Team-All ACC. At 5’11” and 178 lbs, Flowers is a prototypical slot receiver who offers exceptional change of direction ability and burst. He has the long speed to win as a vertical threat too, with almost 50 per cent of his yardage came on deep targets. His ability as a route runner is underrated and he shows a good understanding of leverage and how to exploit it. If he can show more consistent hands and better play strength at the catch point he could find his way into the first round.
5. Drake London – USC (6-5, 210, Junior)
London was a recruited as a two-sport athlete and played basketball for USC in his freshman season. He played just six games in an abbreviated 2020 Pac-12 season but looked fantastic, logging 33 catches for 502 yards and three touchdowns. He has some of the best hands in college football and didn’t register a single drop on his 33 catchable passes last season. His basketball background is evident in the open field too. He averaged 5.7 yards after the catch and has logged 0.34 forced missed tackles per reception throughout his career. These numbers are more akin to what you would expect from a top tier running back. It will be interesting to see what he can do over a full season as USC’s WR1.
