Top 5 NFL prospects at WR, regardless of class
Over the next two weeks, Rivals national analysts Mike Farrell and Adam Gorney will break down the top-five pro prospects at each position regardless of class. Today, we look at wide receivers:
MORE: Top 5 QB prospects | RB prospects
1. Jerry Jeudy
Recruiting: In the summer before his senior season, Jeudy committed to Alabama over his other favorites: Florida, Florida State, Miami and Tennessee. The five-star was another example of the Crimson Tide’s success in pilfering elite talent from South Florida.
Performance: Jeudy had a breakout season as a sophomore with 68 catches for 1,315 yards and 14 touchdowns last season as Alabama went to the national title game. So far this year, Jeudy has 52 receptions for 682 yards and eight scores heading into this weekend’s huge matchup against LSU.
Comparison: Rakim Jarrett
Farrell’s take: This may seem like an odd comparison to some because people think Jeudy is much bigger, but he really isn’t. In fact, Jarrett is thicker and stronger than Jeudy at the same stage but doesn’t have the same explosion. But that doesn’t mean that Jeudy can’t run because he can — with the best of them. Jarrett could have a similar career if he puts it all together.
2. Justyn Ross
Recruiting: The top-ranked prospect in the state of Alabama during his recruiting cycle, Ross committed to Clemson over the Crimson Tide and Auburn.
Performance: Ross had a superb freshman season and helped lead Clemson to the national title as he caught 46 passes for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. He is once again one of quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s favorite targets with 36 catches for 444 yards and five scores so far this season as the Tigers remain undefeated.
Comparison: Julian Fleming
Farrell’s take: Ross was thinner and more angular coming out of high school, but both are tall, big receivers who snatch the ball away from opponents and can make difficult catches look easy. Ross and Fleming but have exceptional ball skills.
3. CeeDee Lamb
Recruiting: He was committed to Oklahoma, then de-committed, and then re-committed again. That’s how it went for Lamb in his recruitment as he originally picked the Sooners, then backed off the pledge to “think things over” but then ended up picking Oklahoma over Texas A&M and others later on.
Performance: Lamb has been one of the most-dominant receivers in his three years with the Sooners, catching 147 passes for 2,781 yards and 29 touchdowns in his career. This season, the former four-star has 36 catches for 816 yards and 11 scores, which matches his TD output from last season.
Comparison: Demond Demas
Farrell’s take: Demas is a fluid, sudden receiver who catches everything and is a very good route runner and Lamb was the same way coming out of high school. Lamb has added size and speed and when Demas does the same he could be as dominant.
4. Henry Ruggs
Recruitment: On National Signing Day, Ruggs committed to Alabama over Auburn, Florida, Florida State and Penn State.
Performance: Often overlooked as the third option in Alabama’s offense, Ruggs has put up phenomenal numbers for the Crimson Tide and his speed is a huge asset in the passing game. So far this season, the former four-star has 26 receptions for 513 yards and six touchdowns. In his sophomore year, Ruggs had 11 scores.
Comparison: Lavon Bunkley-Shelton
Farrell’s take: When looking for someone as sudden as Ruggs, it wasn’t easy but Bunkley-Shelton moves the same way on the field. He doesn’t have the same flat out speed but like Ruggs he can make people look slow. Ruggs will kill the NFL Combine and Buckley-Shelton could do the same down the line.
5. Laviska Shenault
Recruitment: Shenault admitted he didn’t know much about Colorado before an unofficial visit shortly before his commitment, but he loved the environment there and decided to pick the Buffaloes. LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Baylor and others were involved.
Performance: The former three-star prospect had a massive sophomore campaign where he caught 86 passes for 1,011 yards and six touchdowns in only eight games. So far this season, Shenault has 37 catches for 530 yards and three scores.
Comparison: Marcus Rosemy
Farrell’s take: Shenault is a tough one to compare because he does everything very well but nothing great. He sets up receivers, has good hands and adequate speed and that’s what Rosemy brings to the table.