This year's wide receiver draft class is one of the deepest in recent memory, and with the NFL Combine beginning on Sunday, here are five wideouts to keep an eye on over the next week.
5. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan
Peoples-Jones was a highly-prized recruit at Michigan, but his college career was underwhelming. In three seasons, he caught 103 passes for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns. Those would be great numbers for one season, but over a career they're nothing impressive.
Peoples-Jones did have to deal with subpar talent at the quarterback position, as well as an offensive system that did not make the use of his talents. That's why the Combine is such a good opportunity for him; he needs to prove he has the athleticism and technique to become a more effective player in the NFL.
At 6'2″ 208lbs, he has solid size, but on film he lacks the speed and quickness teams are looking for. If Peoples-Jones can perform better than expected in the agility drills, he could find himself as a second-round pick.
4. Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
Whereas Peoples-Jones lacks quickness and agility, Aiyuk has both in droves. He is incredibly shifty and is a YAC monster. He”ll need to get stronger and improve his route running, but Aiyuk has elite potential as a slot receiver in the pros.
He should dominate in the agility drills, and it will be interesting to see what his 40-time ends up being. He's measured between 6′ and 6'1″, so his measurements will also be important. Aiyuk has a shot at being a first-rounder, and should be a weapon early in his career if used properly.
3. Tyler Johnson, Minnesota
Johnson's stock is perhaps the most volatile of any of the players on this list. He is currently projected anywhere from the second to the sixth round, and his Combine performance will likely solidify his stock one way or another.
Johnson has been extremely productive over the past two seasons, totaling 164 grabs for 2,487 yards and 25 scores. He has good size at 6'2″ 205lbs. He has strong hands, fantastic ball-tracking ability, and has done all of this despite switching to WR upon arriving at Minnesota.
His relative inexperience at the position is visible in some areas, such as his lack of polish in his routes, and the extra steps he takes when trying to separate.
What will make or break his stock is his testing numbers. He isn't slow on tape, but he doesn't look like a burner either. He isn't the quickest player, either. With so much WR talent this year, a subpar 40 time might seal Johnson as a Day 3 player.
2. Tee Higgins, Clemson
Higgins looks like an AJ Green clone. Both at 6'4″ and around 210lbs. Both have insane catch radii and track the ball incredibly well. Neither player is a burner, instead using their size to dominate smaller defensive backs. Higgins was extremely productive at Clemson, to the point where he scored a TD every five catches.
Higgins needs more polish on his routes, and must also prove he can separate against press man coverage, but if he can put up a similar 40-time to Green's 4.5 mark, he should solidify himself as a top 20 NFL Draft pick, and perhaps the third WR taken.
1. Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
Saying Ruggs has gamebreaking speed would be an understatement. He has a legitimate chance to break John Ross III's Combine record of a 4.22-second 40-yard dash. Ruggs demands safety help at all times, as he is capable of beating anyone deep. He can take a five-yard slant and be in the endzone 60 yards later before you can bat an eye.
He's still developing as a route runner, and can struggle with physical corners getting into his chest, but Ruggs has the talent to legitimately be the next Tyreek Hill. He should awe NFL scouts with his fluidity in drills, but the 40-yard dash will be the main draw.
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