In the latest installment of our ‘Scouting the 2020 NFL Draft’ series, we focus on TCU wide receiver, Jalen Reagor, who joins big-name pass-catchers like Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb at or near the top of the position’s preseason rankings.
It’s no secret that the 2020 NFL Draft is going to be overflowing with first-round quality wide receivers, and with players like Jeudy and Lamb likely to steal most of the early season headlines, Reagor can’t be overlooked as one of the premier offensive weapons in next year’s class.
The former four-star recruit and top-10 receiver prospect (ESPN), Reagor chose TCU over powerhouse schools like Alabama and Oklahoma and has quickly established himself as one of the country’s electrifying skill players. He ended his freshman season as the co-Big-12 Freshman of the Year after recording 33 catches for 576 yards and eight touchdowns. He was even better in 2018; he finished last season with 72 catches for 1,061 yards and seven scores. Reagor’s receptions and yardage totals were each good for second-best in a single season in school history. He was voted by his teammates as TCU’s MVP as a result.
Physically, Reagor is unofficially listed at 5-11 and 195 pounds. He doesn’t possess elite ‘alpha’ size, but he’s built like a running back and doesn’t let his less-than-ideal height hinder him in contested catch situations. He’s physical enough to play on the outside in the NFL.
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Athletically, Reagor will have few peers in the 2020 NFL draft class. He’s a true one-stepper — he gets to full speed instantly — and has fluid change-of-direction skills and flexibility. He doesn’t have to gear down before making sharp cuts. He’s a stud in the open field and once he gets behind the defense, he’s gone.
Reagor is a sharp and clean route-runner who gains separation from coverage with ease. His quick release off the snap immediately puts cornerbacks on their heels and gives him a distinct advantage when breaking off his stem. That kind of separation ability is a must for receivers who don’t have elite size; Reagor has that ability.
He’s a reliable hands-catcher of the football, too. In fact, he’s able to climb the ladder and high-point passes in contested situations. He won’t make a living as a jump-ball guy, but if you don’t think he can do it, you’re making a mistake.
There isn’t much not to like about Reagor’s game right now. He comes from NFL bloodlines (his father, Montae, played nine seasons as a defensive lineman in the NFL) and it shows. He doesn’t take many reps off and his routes are always run at the same speed. Assuming he gets reliable quarterback play in 2019, he should challenge to be one of the most productive receivers in the country and will have more than his fair share of highlight-reel moments this fall.
Reagor is a first-round talent heading into the season.