Henry Ruggs, Oakland Raiders
ADP: WR44, 114th Overall
After two seasons at Alabama, Henry Ruggs was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 12th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He has blazing speed and can jump out of the building, which he showcased at the combine. He is on the shorter side at 5’11 and needs to add some pounds to his frame, but has plenty of time to do so.
He’s a late round pick in redraft leagues but shouldn’t be drafted to be much more than a WR3 or 4, until we see just how well his skills translate. For dynasty leagues, he should be taken in the early rounds, but don’t be surprised if receivers like Brandon Aiyuk, Justin Jefferson and Michael Pittman Jr. are more consistent to start their careers. With a little bit of development and some consistent quarterback play, Ruggs should be a good WR2 for years to come.
Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos
ADP: WR41, 106th Overall
Jerry Jeudy is our second Alabama product on the list, drafted 15th by the Denver Broncos. While he has had some issues from time to time with concentration and drops at the college level, he might be the most polished receiver coming into the league. He maintains a bit of a slender build but possesses above average speed and runs routes well. His versatility will fit him well in Denver, where he has little competition for the second receiver spot in the Broncos’ depth chart.
In re-draft leagues, he’s the best option out of the rookie bunch. He will have a solidified role and plays in maybe the weakest division in football when it comes to opposing secondaries. In dynasty leagues, I’d take him first among rookie receivers, as he can always sit on your bench until he finds some consistency. If Denver can find a reliable option at the quarterback position, Jeudy and Sutton could provide a lethal air attack for years to come.
CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
ADP: WR39, 101st Overall
Dallas Cowboys fans couldn’t believe their luck when Oklahoma product CeeDee Lamb dropped to them at 17th overall. Lamb is widely regarded as the most explosive receiver in his class, and he finds himself in a loaded Cowboys offense. With proven receivers such as Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup around him, the defense won’t be able to afford to give any extra attention to Lamb. In three seasons at Oklahoma, he produced over 3,200 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns.
His lack of competition in college and lack of production against said competition is why I don’t think he should be taken any earlier than the mid rounds in redraft leagues. In dynasty leagues, however, he has the weapons and explosive abilities to be a consistent threat once he gets up to the speed of the NFL and should be the second receiver off the board.
Jalen Reagor, Philadelphia Eagles
ADP: WR49, 132nd Overall
In one of the more surprise moves in the first round, the Eagles took TCU receiver Jalen Reagor with the 21st pick. His ball skills are concerning, as well as his inability to beat press coverage. When you take into account most of his action was against Big 12 defenses, it becomes even more concerning. He reminds me a lot of former receiver Cecil Shorts, who was an explosive threat, but failed to provide much consistency outside of that.
He should be a late round pick in redraft leagues as a fifth or sixth option at receiver. In dynasty leagues, he seems like a receiver who may have more of a boom or bust career. As a result, take him in the late part of the early rounds after receivers such as Justin Jefferson, Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman Jr. who will likely be much more consistent and sustainable options.
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
ADP: WR48, 128th Overall
With the 22nd pick, the Minnesota Vikings selected Justin Jefferson. Jefferson was quarterback Joe Burrow’s favorite target at LSU and it’s easy to see why. With a vertical of just under 38 inches and a 40-yard time of 4.43, he possesses a big catch radius, as well as top end speed.
With running back Dalvin Cook likely to face a good amount of stacked boxes and Adam Thielen drawing the primary attention of the secondary, Jefferson should be able to use his size and speed to see solid production in his rookie season. In redraft leagues, I would take him earlier than he’s projected to go, as he has the most upside out of all the rookie wideouts. In dynasty leagues, he should be one of the first receivers off the board.
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