If you’d like to view my previous article in this series, you can do that here.
The 2021 NFL Draft is going to bring us a bundle of good QBs and RBs. Where this class brings depth however is in it’s WR group. Not only does it bring depth, but it has some stars at the top of the class.
When breaking down WRs, I look at these key things when reviewing film.
- Hands/Catch Radius
- Route Tree
- Release
- Speed/Agility
- Size
These five things are crucial for WRs to succeed in both fantasy football and the NFL. These WRs are some of my personal favorites in the class; regardless of their ADP.
1. Ja’Marr Chase
Ja’Marr Chase is my WR1 in this class, and seems to be the consensus #1 in the class. Chase doesn’t have a ton of weaknesses, but he does have them. His route running isn’t bad, but his routes could be cleaned up. He’s got an advanced route tree, but isn’t the most effective when executing them. His release doesn’t stand out to me; as I believe that it’s a little slow. While these things are teachable, they are notable weaknesses for Chase.
On the flip side, Chase is an elite deep threat. His versatility on the outside is second to none in this class, and his ability to win any jump ball is a great trait to bring to the NFL. His physicality at the catch point is impressive and his yards after catch can’t be dismissed.
Ultimately, Chase brings the most complete skill set. With a little fine tuning by NFL coaching, he should be set up to be a Top-20 NFL WR at the least.
2. Rashod Bateman
Rashod Bateman is personally my WR2 in this class. Bateman is the best route runner in the class in my opinion. He brings an expert route tree straight out of college. His crisp cuts and quick release help him excel at all 3 levels of the field, which is a quarterback’s dream.
His 2020 season was phenomenal. He’s got good hands and has more speed than what people credit him for. His hands stand out to me more than usual, as he doesn’t use his body to control the catch.
Bateman struggles with physicality. His game against press coverage is in need dire need of work and with a smaller frame, it’ll be harder for him to make those NFL-like catches on the outside. While Bateman will look to improve on his jump ball and press, he can still create space with his route running. There’s a reason I have these two as the Top-2, and then there’s a significant drop.
3. Tylan Wallace
Tylan Wallace is my WR5 in this class, and for good reason. Wallace is spectacular. His speed, hands, and catch radius are a marvel to watch. Wallace is a jack of all trades, having no true weakness. His route running is good coming into the NFL, his ability to make contested catches is stellar, everything about Wallace screams NFL caliber.
Wallace did suffer from injuries at Oklahoma State, and his presence was felt when he was out. He was a difference maker for the team, and helped propel an offense that needed it. He can carve up the middle of the field while making NFL-type catches on the sidelines.
Wallace is my personal favorite prospect, and I’ll be targeting him in every fantasy football draft I can. He’s a beast, and with the right tuning he can evolve into an animal for years to come.
4. Jonathan Adams Jr
Jonathan Adams Jr is my WR12 in this class. Wake up. This guy is legit. While he’s not a household name, Adams brings an upside that isn’t easy to find in fantasy football. Adams excelled in college, while still getting overlooked. We saw him really take a step in 2019, and finally coming becoming a star in 2020.
He’s got a ridiculous catch radius and great hands. His ability to go up and get just about any ball thrown his way is amazing to watch. He’s a freak athlete, and having a basketball background never hurts.
His route running needs a little work, as does his footwork off the snap. He’s raw, and will need time to develop into a true NFL WR. That said, his potential and upside cannot be overlooked, especially for his ADP.
5. Shi Smith
Shi Smith is my WR13 in this class. It doesn’t seem like many people are in on Smith, but I’ll explain why you should get ahead of the curve. Smith can ball, plain and simple. He’s got the instincts of a natural WR, while having great footwork and hands.
His speed can take the top off of a defense, while having good route running to create separation. He struggles with physical defenders, but can make people miss with his agility and quick cuts. He isn’t going to go up and get the ball, but will cut up the middle of the field and secure 1st downs.
He isn’t an alpha, but has exactly what he needs to be starting NFL WR. He needs to cool down a little, as he’s had confrontations from trash talking. He’s still raw, but has some intangibles that will translate well; like his hands and footwork. Smith is falling down fantasy football draft boards and with how deep WR is, you should snag him everywhere you can.
WR is very deep this year, and with a lot of guys getting overlooked you can cash out on some great value late in your fantasy football drafts. I’ve never been a guy to buy a bunch of dart throws, but this year I’ll be snagging up as many 3rd and 4th-round picks that I can.
These five guys are my favorite of the class and while they not be the best, I believe they’re prospect profiles will translate well to the NFL. As always, leave your thoughts and comments below!
