The wide receiver class for the 2020 NFL draft has a chance to be special. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper put five underclassmen wideouts in his early Big Board rankings, and I can see why after I spent time studying the tape this summer. Production, pro size, advanced route running -- these guys check off every box for NFL scouts.
While there will no doubt be some movement -- and surprises -- in the rankings before the draft rolls around next April, it's a good time to take a deeper look at the top prospects heading into the college football season.
I picked out the top traits and gave NFL player comps for Kiper's top 10 2020 receivers -- five underclassmen and five seniors. Here's what I see from a super-talented class, starting with the player who ranked No. 1 overall on Kiper's board:
Top five underclassmen
1. Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 192
2018 stats: 68 receptions, 1,315 yards, 14 TDs
Top trait: Play speed
Jeudy has an extremely deep tool box of pro traits -- he's a complete receiver. The route running and separation ability in the Alabama quick passing game are there. So is the catch-and-run talent. And don't sleep on Jeudy as a vertical threat. He can scoot. But I focused on play speed here because it jumps off the film. Jeudy can attack all three levels of Bama's pro route tree with a silky-smooth style that leaves defenders in the dust. Play fast. That wins.
NFL comp: Odell Beckham Jr. (Cleveland Browns)
The combination of Jeudy and Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa averaged over 20 yards per reception last season, the best of any QB-WR duo with at least 50 receptions. And there's the explosive play ability that draws the comp to OBJ.
Catch a slant and make a house call? Check. Expose a nickel corner off the line to win on the slot fade. Yep. Set up a safety on deep double move to cash in for six points? You got it. Just take a look at the clip below of Jeudy running the post-corner route for a touchdown early in the College Football Playoff national title game versus Clemson. Like Beckham, the Alabama star can rip off chunk gains and flip the field in an instant.
Tua Tagovailoa hits Jerry Jeudy in stride for a 62-yard strike to draw Alabama even with Clemson.
2. CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 191
2018 stats: 65 receptions, 1,158 yards, 11 TDs
Top trait: Play strength
Playing with Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray, Lamb racked up 455 yards after the catch, which speaks to Lamb's route skills and the top-tier system under coach Lincoln Riley. Check the film on that, as Lamb can create separation on isolation matchups as a boundary target or find open windows underneath to tack on numbers.
While I wouldn't classify Lamb as a blazer, his ability to physically challenge opposing defensive backs is a positive trait that will carry over to the NFL. Go get the rock at the point of attack. Strong hands to finish plays on tight window throws or when space is limited in the red zone, like this touchdown grab against Alabama in the Orange Bowl on the back-shoulder throw from Murray:
Kyler Murray hits CeeDee Lamb with a back-shoulder pass for a 10-yard touchdown as Oklahoma stays within reach of Alabama.
NFL comp: Davante Adams (Green Bay Packers)
At 6-foot-1, 212 pounds, Adams has a thicker frame than Lamb, but the Oklahoma star will be able to put on more weight in time. Think of what we see from Adams -- who ran in the mid 4.5s in the 40-yard dash at the combine -- with his ability to set up defensive backs off the jump. Adams is a technician at the release. And I can envision Lamb playing a similar game in the NFL, with some red zone upside, plus the formation flexibility to line up at Z or X or in the slot.
3. Tee Higgins, Clemson
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 205
2018 stats: 59 receptions, 936 yards, 12 TDs
Top trait: Size at the point of attack
Playing with a loaded skill position group at Clemson, Higgins ran a reduced route tree. He didn't need to do everything in his first two college seasons. Think of the vertical fades, deep inside cuts off play-action/run-pass option, and the boundary routes that cater to his 6-4 frame. Where did Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott use Higgins best? Inside the 20-yard line. Higgins had eight red zone touchdown grabs last season. He's a prime target for stud quarterback -- and potential 2021 first-rounder -- Trevor Lawrence in scoring position.
Plus, Higgins can get up on defensive backs to create leverage inside (think digs and skinny posts) and his catch radius and body control is easy to see on the tape. Just check out this grab against Texas A&M as he uses his size and length to take the ball away from a defensive back:
Trevor Lawrence connects with Tee Higgins who dives for Clemson's second touchdown.
NFL comp: Alshon Jeffery (Philadelphia Eagles)
Higgins doesn't have elite quick-twitch ability. He's not going to glide past defenders like Jeudy. Could Higgins play a role similar to Jeffery's at the next level? I can see it. Put him as the boundary X receiver in 3-by-1 sets, or bump him inside to create matchups in the slot. Use that linear frame to win on inside breaking routes. Or throw the out, comeback, fade. And then look up Higgins when the offense is inside the plus 10-yard line -- there's your back-shoulder throw for six.
4. Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 220
2018 stats: 86 receptions, 1,011 yards, 6 TDs; 17 carries, 115 yards, 5 TDs
Top trait: Big-play ability
Shenault is the most versatile prospect on this list. He lines up all over the board for the Buffaloes, even getting goal-line carries out of the Wildcat. And with 11 receptions of 20 yards or more last season, Shenault has the playmaking skills to flourish under a creative playcaller at the next level. Just watch him turn this underneath sit route versus Colorado State into a 89-yard score:
Colorado WR Laviska Shenault Jr. catches a short pass and burns defense for an 89-yard TD to extend the lead 35-10.
While the Colorado system dials up high-percentage throws to get Shenault open on underneath routes, his playing style would mesh with a hybrid West Coast system. Think of the offenses in Kansas City, Philadelphia or Chicago. Shenault could be a weapon -- with alignment flexibility -- in those schemes.
NFL comp: Sammy Watkins (Kansas City Chiefs)
Shenault draws a comp here to Watkins or even a young Terrell Owens because of his straight-line burst, physicality and athletic traits. While his route running -- and depth of his overall route tree -- need to develop, Shenault's size and acceleration combo will create multiple opportunities -- if the offensive fit is right. A team needs to cater to his skill set. And Shenault's versatility is unique. This is a big-bodied prospect who can be a productive weapon in the NFL.
5. Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 190
2018 stats: 46 receptions, 741 yards, 11 TDs
Top trait: Long speed
Ruggs shows blistering speed on tape, and you can see it in a variety of ways within the Bama system. Deep-ball throws, unders, jet sweeps, wide receiver screens. Plus, Ruggs doesn't shy away from contact. He plays hard and drops the pads when it's needed. That leads to Ruggs making contested catches in traffic or pushing through tackles like he did on this touchdown toss from Tagovailoa:
Jalen Hurts enters the game for Alabama, erasing his redshirt chances, and throws a 54-yard touchdown to Henry Ruggs III.
There are a lot of explosive traits to his game, plus the lateral quicks to keep developing as an intermediate/quick-game route runner. Don't sleep on Ruggs when looking at the talent in the SEC -- he can play. And his game should translate to today's NFL offenses where he can play out of the slot to work the middle of the field.
NFL comp: Curtis Samuel (Carolina Panthers)
Golden Tate was an option here because of his 4.42 40 speed and toughness after the catch. But I'll go with Samuel, who dropped a 4.31 40 at the combine. He can fly. And I expect the Panthers wideout to make a big jump in production this season as a movable piece in Norv Turner's offense. That meshes with what I have seen from Ruggs already on film. He has upside given his combination of top-end speed and movement skills. Get him the rock in space.
Top five seniors
1. Collin Johnson, Texas
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 220
2018 stats: 68 receptions, 985 yards, 7 TDs
Top trait: Finishing ability
A long strider with a massive frame, Johnson isn't going to create a ton of separation on underneath throws, and he won't dice up the defenses after the catch. But that frame, athleticism and body control pop when he has to make plays on 50-50 balls. Like Higgins, Johnson projects more as a boundary target who can isolate against defenders to the backside of the formation, or as a big slot option with the ability to shield safeties from the rock versus split safety coverages to pick up first downs.
While Johnson can be used on curls, digs and slants to win with leverage at the catch point, we can't forget about his ability as a vertical threat. That's where he can post up smaller defensive backs or go outside of his frame to finish plays, like he did on the deep ball throw versus Oklahoma in the Big 12 title game in the clip below. Yes, the NFL game is putting more emphasis on wide receivers who have catch-and-run ability, but Johnson has value in critical game situations.
Collin Johnson hauls in Sam Ehlinger's 27-yard touchdown throw in the third quarter.
NFL comp: Mike Williams (Los Angeles Chargers)
I like the comparison to Williams because of the athleticism when the ball is in the air. Johnson shows similar traits in his ability to track down the ball and adjust to make a play. Plus, when we look at Williams in the Chargers' system, that's how I envision the route tree for Johnson in the NFL. Run the deep dig off play-action, hit the corner route or sit down in the open void off a high-low read. He's going to be a matchup problem.
2. Bryan Edwards, South Carolina
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 220
2018 stats: 55 receptions, 846 yards, 7 TDs
Top trait: Play strength
Edwards is a tough, physical target who can play outside into the boundary or as a slot target. He doesn't have burner speed on deep balls, which can lead to some contested catches. But Edwards will work the middle of the field in the South Carolina system, battle at the point of attack and use his pads after the catch. Here's an example on the quick, inside pop pass versus Mizzou. Find the end zone:
Michael Scarnecchia and Bryan Edwards connect for the second time in the game for a 17-yard touchdown.
I would estimate Edward's 40 speed in the mid-to-high 4.5 range based on his film, but he can win with his footwork and route-running chops to create enough separation to the ball. And given that he has the frame to compete with big cornerbacks, Edwards can carve out a role in the league as a volume target in the short-to-intermediate passing game.
NFL comp: Anquan Boldin (retired)
It's tough to find an ideal comp for Edwards, but I'll go with Boldin, who at 6-1, 220 pounds was a tough cover. I played against him during my time in the league, and his game speed was much quicker than 4.73 40 time he ran back at the combine in 2003. He was a detailed pro in the passing game, and you had to wrap up to get him down after the catch. I see some of Boldin in Edwards.
3. K.J. Osborn, Miami
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205
2018 stats: 53 receptions, 892 yards, 7 TDs
Top trait: Run after the catch
Osborn is headed to Miami this season as a graduate transfer from Buffalo, where he displayed the acceleration, sudden twitch and open-field skills as an inside route target. Working out of a heavy RPO scheme, Osborn had opportunities to run quick slants, catch the ball on wide receiver screens and find open field on underneath concepts. He averaged 16.8 yards per catch. Yes, the speed and burst is there to hit the top of the route tree, but I see Osborn fitting is nicely as a quick-game target at the next level.
Looking for an example of Osborn's athletic traits? Check out the clip below of Osborn on the receiver screen against Army. Shake some cats, then make a house call. He shows off speed, lateral quicks and vision to make plays in the open field. And we should see his overall game highlighted even more in the Miami offense this season.
Tyree Jackson finds KJ Osborn on a 53-yard touchdown to open scoring for Buffalo.
NFL comp: Jarvis Landry (Cleveland Browns)
The 5-11, 195-pound Landry is one of the NFL's top slot targets. And I see Osborn playing a similar role for a team that will use RPO and play-action to open windows inside of the numbers. That means screens, jet sweeps and the occasional target on a throw up the seam. Osborn has the traits to develop into a reliable slot receiver.
4. K.J. Hill, Ohio State
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 195
2018 stats: 70 receptions, 885 yards, 6 TDs
Top trait: Separation ability
The Michigan film is a good one to watch to see Hill's strengths. There are several man-beater routes that highlight his ability to separate from defenders. Run the shallow crosser or set up the defensive back on a pivot route. And that really speaks to Hill's game. He has the quicks to shake coverage and the top-end speed to separate over the top.
In today's NFL, Hill is a good fit to run every route out of the slot. He can get down the field on the fade, run shallows and drags to find open field and hit the seam or option route. And that also meshes with the RPO game. Remember, pro coordinators want the ball out of the quarterbacks' hands quickly, which will lead to targets for Hill inside of the numbers. And Hill, who had 541 yards after the catch last season, will pick up chunks of yardage.
NFL comp: Kenny Stills (Miami Dolphins)
With similar measurables, I like the comp to Stills. Now, we don't have an official 40 time from Hill to compare to Stills' 4.38 from the 2013 combine. But I see game speed with Hill on underneath throws in which he has space to work. Check out Hill in the clip below on the slot fade versus TCU. Similar to Stills, the Ohio State wide receiver isn't going to make consistent plays on jump-ball throws, but the separation ability allows him to pick up chunk gains. And score touchdowns.
Dwayne Haskins lobs a 25-yard pass to K.J. Hill, who makes the catch in the end zone as the Buckeyes extend their lead.
5. Tyler Johnson, Minnesota
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 205
2018 stats: 78 receptions, 1,169 yards, 12 TDs
Top trait: Wins at the release
It starts at the snap with Johnson. Shake defender off the jump to cut inside on the slant, or gain instant leverage (and separation) on a fade ball. And I love his game inside the red zone. Johnson had 12 touchdown catches last season, with 10 coming in the red zone. You can see an example below on him beating a Georgia Tech defensive back for one his two touchdowns in Minnesota's win in the Quick Lane Bowl. Just watch the release. He turned that defender around:
QB Tanner Morgan fires a ball into the end zone for Tyler Johnson who makes the grab to put Minnesota ahead 10-0 on Georgia Tech.
Now, I don't see a lot of flashes of breakaway speed from Johnson on film, but we have to focus on his ball skills at the point of attack and his ability after the catch. He can adjust to the ball or produce in space. Add that to the footwork on the release, and Johnson can be a productive pro in a quick passing game system, and he has upside as a red zone target.
NFL comp: Allen Robinson (Chicago Bears)
At 6-3, 211, Robinson has a bigger frame than Johnson. But when I study the Bears wide receiver -- who ran a 4.6 flat at the 2014 combine -- I can see some of Johnson's game against press coverage and on inside throws. Plus, both receivers have quick change of direction at the break point to create some more separation to the ball, even if they're not burners.