There’s no time to waste. The NFL Scouting Combine is around the corner and it’s critical that we plant our flags and allow these takes, hot or otherwise, to fly. For reference, my initial top-32 big board can be found here. More importantly, here were all my early positional rankings and thoughts. Let’s see what has changed between now and then, and where my head is at walking into Indianapolis.
Briefly: Marquise “Hollywood” Brown was my WR4 prior to the unfortunate Lisfranc news. He’ll be at the Combine, but obviously isn’t testing. That’s not good. Speed is a critical element to Brown’s game. Lisfranc’s tend to be a long-term issue and I think it’s even more damning for a wide receiver. Hoping that he gets back to 100%, or as close as possible.
WR1 N’Keal Harry, Arizona State — A better athlete than given credit for, Harry should put the stamp on his WR1 status once the Combine concludes. Back-to-back 1000-plus yard campaigns with 8 or more scores and averaging over 13 yards per grab, Harry is problem down the field and at the catch-point. Think Alshon Jeffery.
WR2 DeKaylin “D.K.” Metcalf, Mississippi — Scheduled to be a full-participant at the Combine (post-neck injury), Metcalf draws Josh Gordon-comparisons for his freakish athletic build and ultra-high-ceiling. Expect a big Combine, and the stock to stay very hot.
WR3 Hakeem Butler, Iowa State — Much like Harry, I look for Butler to turn heads (or, at the very least, wake some heads up) in Indianapolis. Not as quick or crisp off the line, but moves remarkably well given his stature. Just throw the ball in the air. Think Mike Evans.
WR4 Preston Williams, Colorado State — More talented than Antonio Callaway last year, but similar in the sense that the off-field flags are notable enough and keeping his draft stock “capped” as a result. Talent-wise, he belongs in this tier. Big target with plus-body control and ability after the catch. He’s like Harry, but more fluid. Your round projection and guess is as good as mine. Like injuries, if you prefer to leaves these “types” of players off your board, that’s fair as well.
WR5 Greg Dortch, Wake Forest — Prepared to be higher on Dortch than the consensus. He isn’t as explosive as Brown from Oklahoma, but Dortch’s ability after the catch is good (#analysis). Production and breakout age are some of this year’s best. He’s able to make defenders miss, and despite the size, strong enough to work through contact. The Tyreek Hill-comparisons are off-base; think Sterling Shepard (h/t Kyle Posey).
WR6 Kelvin Harmon, North Carolina State — Not flashy, but just really good at almost everything. Body control stands out. Think Allen Robinson or Michael Thomas stylistically.
WR7 A.J. Brown, Mississippi — Rocked up, although not Metcalf-level freaky. Brown registered a 72-1252-11 (receptions-yards-touchdowns) line for 2017, followed by 85-1320-6 in 2018. There are questions surrounding his ability on the outside (he wins there, too), but I’m letting him feel at home in the slot where he’ll create consistent mismatches.
WR8 Parris Campbell, Ohio State — Underrated at this point, Campbell showed out during his senior season. He could run faster than 4.4-something, while also notching a vertical in the 40-inch range. He’ll open eyes, and the stock will rise as a result. Another weapon after the catch.
WR9 JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford — I’m probably too low on the Stanford product. 14 scores in 2018. I think you can make the argument, even with the names listed at the top, that Arcega-Whiteside is this year’s premier red zone option.
WR10 Tyshun “Deebo” Samuel, South Carolina — The nickname was earned; Samuel’s a bully. Boosted his stock by putting on a show in Mobile where he showcased his suddenness, clean footwork, and strong hands. He should continue his ascent. Could be another player that will make this ranking look silly.
Who do you want the Raiders to come away with and why? If someone missed the cut, tell me who and also don’t forget to tell me how wrong I am.
Catch me on Twitter: @StillRyanFive
I’m a student at South Carolina and I can confirm that Deebo is legit. He has tyreek Hill speed but can also win a jump ball in the corner of the end zone. I really hope we can come away with a top pass rusher and a guy like him in the first round. But love your content man keep grinding