2022 NFL Draft Best Fits: Wide Receivers
2022 NFL Draft Best Fits: Wide Receivers
We move on to the showstoppers, the wide receivers. I love watching these guys at the college level and seeing how they transition to the NFL. The classes are always deep and loaded with talent, and this year is no exception. Where should some of the big names go to set them up for success? Let’s break it all down.
Jameson Williams
Stop me of you’ve heard this before, but Alabama has another NFL receiving prospect. Jameson Williams is your typical Tuscaloosa talent. He is an overall complete receiver with playmaking ability and a WR1 at the next level. Williams started at Ohio State before transferring. He can sometimes be uncomfortable catching in traffic, which can lead to drops.
His best fit is the Atlanta Falcons. Calvin Ridley is most likely on the move and that will leave a huge void. So why not replace an Alabama receiver with another? They are almost identical to each other in terms of build and abilities. If you need a number one target, look no further.
John Metchie III
Metchie slid right in after Bama lost premiere talent to the NFL and there was no drop-off at all. The Canadian is a speedster and is a 1 or 1a receiver in the NFL depending on where he goes. His route running is a strong part of his game. He is a big play threat, but needs to work on his ball/ball location skills, and needs to get better on deep balls.
His best fit is the Philadelphia Eagles. Talented depth at the position is an issue and that was on full display against Tampa in the playoffs. Jalen Reagor looks like bust and I’m sorry, Quez Watkins, JJ Arcega-Whiteside, and Greg Ward are not steady enough to be solid contributors. Arcega-Whiteside can’t even get on the field. Metchie would oliviate a lot of pressure that Devonta Smith and Jalen Hurts are carrying right now and would be a huge boost to the offense. Philly has three first round picks and one should be spent on a receiver again.
Garrett Wilson
Garrett Wilson is athletic, fast, and dynamic. Everything you want in a receiver. Again, he is a 1/1a depending on where he ends up. Wilson has good size and playmaking ability to be an elite outside threat in the NFL. He does have a tendency to drop passes, but he does have some versatility.
His best fit is the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts need a legitimate second option to Michael Pittman, and Zach Pascal isn’t it. He’s good, but he isn’t the answer. Wilson can take that Colts passing attack to the next level if they commit to get better throwing the ball.
Chris Olave
Just like Wilson, Chris Olave was great for Ohio State in 2021. He is very similar to Wilson and will be a great weapon on the perimeter. Any team missing that threat up top should really do their due diligence on him. Overall, he needs to get stronger but he never gives up.
His best fit believe it or not, is the Cleveland Browns. Think about it. OBJ is gone, Jarvis Landry is in the slot, Donovan Peoples-Jones is great but is not a number one receiver right now. Olave is, and the Browns need to keep him in state at all costs. With or without Baker Mayfield, the passing attack needs a revamp and needs to be a major part of the team’s success in addition to Nick Chubb.
Slade Bolden
It was a little bit of a surprise to hear that Slade Bolden was declaring for the draft with two years of eligibility remaining. Bolden was the main slot option for Alabama and has good instincts, initelgince, and quickness. He is also a former quarterback which helps him with seeing the field. For more about Bolden, you can refer to my solo article about him.
His best fit is the New England Patriots. This has New England written all over it now that he’s made himself available. The Patriots offense depends on the slot receiver with the option routes and dependability it brings. They have missed that lately with Julian Edelman banged up and retired. Jakobi Meyers is great, but he is not a true slot receiver. They need to scoop up Bolden quickly in the coming draft. He could be the steal of the 2022 class.
George Pickens
Pickens is a big body with great hands and solid route running ability. Before he got hurt, he was the main contributor in the passing game for Georgia. Obviously his size makes him a threat, and he also has great speed and separation. One thing that could be a problem for him is football IQ, which hopefully can be coached up.
His best fit is the Detroit Lions. He’s a big body and most of the Detroit receivers aren’t as big and physical as he is. Calvin Johnson was a big body too, and he had a lot of success in Detroit. Dust off the throw it to the big guy section of the playbook if Pickens ends up with the Lions.
Jahan Dotson
Jahan Dotson is also a big man. Big and powerful. He’s a willing blocker in the run game and is able to create separation as a vertical threat. Dotson runs with power and authority, and hardly ever drops the ball.
His best fit is the Pittsburgh Steelers. With JuJu most likely on the move, there is an open spot on the perimeter across from Chase Claypool. With a new quarterback coming in, it’ll be good to have two jump ball threats who can also be effective downfield.
Wan ’Dale Robinson
Transferring to Kentucky proved to be a good decision for Wan ’Dale Robinson. He is a great athlete and good blocker in the run game. He has good speed and really good jump with his route running, but the route running itself needs be improved. He also needs to develop more physical skills at the line.
His best fit is the Houston Texans. The Texans have some depth issues there. We don’t know if Brandin Cooks will be back in the fold long term, and even if he is, the roster is lacking the playmaking department. He can get on the field quick in H-Town. Give Robinson to Davis Mills and watch the magic happen.
Drake London
What team will be London calling on draft day? I’m sorry, I had to. Drake London is sort of like a tight end in a receivers body. He’s big, he’s strong, and a proven playmaker. He’s similar to a young Odell where he is a highlight reel play waiting to happen. His acceleration is good and he can make the tough catches, and has a good football IQ. He tries as a blocker but there is room for improvement. However, he will block for a running teammate downfield and does that pretty well overall.
His best fit is the Chicago Bears. The Bears are probably going to lose Allen Robinson who is a big target. London provides the same thing Robinson does and he might even be a little better at it. He can give this lineup a spark and a reliable target to a growing and developing Justin Fields. His blocking for a teammate will go a long way with the option offense the Bears will run with Fields.
Final Thoughts
Great receivers can be hard to find. This class has a lot of great potential. It’ll be especially fun to see where they go and how they contribute to a team.
Watch out for:
More best fits
Clock ticking for Saquon?
The year of the Chanticleer?
Special talent up north
Hit that softball deep
All of this and more still to come on The Announcer’s Eye!