Gorman’s 2021 NFL Draft WR rankings: DeVonta Smith and beyond

We have a talented crop of 2021 NFL Draft wide receivers.

Take a look below as I begin my series of positional player rankings and top-ten lists for the 2021 NFL Draft. I will release updates as we get closer to the event, but this is where each prospect stands at this point in the evaluation process. Due to popular demand, we start with perhaps the most exciting group of all, and that is the wide receivers.

1. DeVonta Smith – Alabama

The top spot was a tough call, and there were many factors involved. However, I could not choose a player with only one year of major college production over someone with the talent and resume of Alabama’s DeVonta Smith. Known as the “Slim Reaper”, Smith is a silky-smooth route runner with top-notch speed and athleticism.

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As the owner of almost every major receiving record in Alabama history, Smith has been as consistent as any college football player over the last four years. Also, he always seemed to shine the brightest on the biggest stage and should be an All-Pro in the NFL for the next decade.

2. Ja’Marr Chase – LSU

In terms of a single season impact, LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase was dominant as Joe Burrow’s number one target in 2019. He scored 20 receiving touchdowns on his way to helping the Tigers win the College Football National Championship two seasons ago.