With The First Pick
Fansided

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

By Scott Gorman

Jan. 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a 42-yard touchdown behind Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Tuf Borland (32) during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Robertson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan. 11, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) catches a 42-yard touchdown behind Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Tuf Borland (32) during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Robertson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next
2021 NFL Draft
2021 NFL Draft prospect DeVonta Smith. Mandatory Credit: Kent Gidley/Heisman Trophy Trust via USA TODAY Sports /

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

As we close out the Senior Bowl and head into the crucial point of the NFL offseason, we are starting to learn where the chips may fall in the 2021 NFL Draft. With each player evaluation, teams begin to move prospects up and down the Draft board vigorously as we get closer to April.

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.

More from With the First Pick

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.

Chase followed his tremendous 2019 season with an opt-out in 2020, which leaves the door open in terms of his ranking heading into the 2021 NFL Draft. However, he’s a very physical and sure-handed top receiver that could be even better than former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson.

Home/Wide Receiver Prospects