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
2 of 5
Next
2021 NFL Draft
2021 NFL Draft prospect Jaylen Waddle. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Jaylen Waddle – Alabama

There may not be a more electric offensive weapon in the 2021 NFL Draft than Alabama’s Jaylen Waddle. The Alabama junior receiver started out the 2020 season with a bang, racking up over 500 yards and four touchdowns in the first four games.

Waddle went on to miss the remainder of the regular season with an ankle injury before declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft in January. His agility and acceleration give him extreme versatility on offense and special teams. Waddle has tremendous upside and could very well end up as the best Crimson Tide receiver in this class.

4. Rashod Bateman – Minnesota

Bateman entered the 2021 season as a serious contender for the top spot on this list. While his 2020 season was cut short due to his opt-out decision, Bateman remains a very talented option in the first frame of the 2021 NFL Draft.

The 6-2, 210-pound junior has terrific hand-eye coordination, along with tremendous concentration that helps with tracking deep passes. Bateman is also very physical and will consistently fight for 50-50 balls in the passing game. The Golden Gopher is a sure-fire first-rounder that should start right away for an NFL team.

Home/Wide Receiver Prospects