2020 Draft Preview: Wide Receivers

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As we continue to slowly march through our draft preview series each week, and next up is the wide receivers group.  Here’s the list of what we’ve covered so far:

The Redskins are aware of the need they have at the receiver position. As free agency began, head coach Ron Rivera confirmed himself that Washington was all-in on free agent Amari Cooper. Cooper ended up re-signing in Dallas, but they swung big, and even though they missed out on him, their intentions were clear regarding how they wanted to address the position. In all, they didn’t make any significant moves in this free agency to address the position, so expect something to happen in the draft. Here is a look at five mid-round wide-out prospects in the NFL Draft.

  • Tyler Johnson, 6’1″ / 206, University of Minnesota: Tyler Johnson is one of my favorite prospects. His production is unmatched by many of the top prospects coming out of college this year, finishing with 213 catches, 3,305 yards, and 33 touchdowns in four seasons. His skillset coming out is similar to that of Buffalo Bills receiver Stefon Diggs; however, Johnson is much more physical of a ball-carrier. Furthermore, his vision as a ball-carrier is an excellent tool for the style of play he has. Johnson will not impress anyone with his speed, but it’s sufficient enough for the NFL, and his IQ, ball skills, and route running ability is what will define him. He is currently touted as a tremendous slot-receiver prospect by scouts, but I believe he will be able to flourish at both the slot and on the boundary. A receiver such as Johnson will be an excellent addition to the Redskins receiver group if he is available after the second round.
  • KJ Hill, 6’0″ / 196, Ohio State University: KJ Hill is a popular player amongst the fan base, primarily because of the ties he has to current Redskins’ quarterback Dwayne Haskins. KJ is another player who does not rely on speed to beat defenders; his fluidity and route-running ability is what helps him primarily. However, a lot of what Ohio State required of him revolved around staying near the line of scrimmage. He was not used as a target deep down the field, but his versatility as a receiver, returner, and ball-carrier, makes him a player with similar traits of another current Redskin, Steven Sims. Where can the Redskins use him, and will his size limit his usage in the offense?
  • Bryan Edwards, 6’3″ / 212, University of South Carolina: Edwards is another mid-round prospect who is worth the look for Washington. Edwards, who was consistently productive at South Carolina, brings the frame and competitiveness that Washington would love to compliment receiver Terry McLaurin. His acceleration is excellent, which will help him get the first leg up on his defenders, but furthermore, he is a physical route runner who can be utilized in all areas of the field. Edwards is not just limited to a “red zone threat” or a “third-down target.” The biggest issue facing Edwards right now will be concentration drops, which can hinder his potential in the NFL, as more drops will decrease his opportunities.
  • Van Jefferson, 6’2″ / 200, University of Florida: Van Jefferson is an experienced collegiate receiver coming out of Florida. Jefferson’s skillset is not limited to the x, y, or z position, but all three. His most robust skill-set is his route-running and separation ability against man-coverage, which is an essential trait for wide-outs who does not have great speed on their side. Furthermore, his competitiveness is displayed throughout his game, something that Rivera loves and would work in Jefferson’s favor in Washington. One of Jefferson’s more prominent liabilities comes in the run game, though, which can limit the number of packages he can be used in. Think about Kelvin Harmon, who can play in most offensive packages due to his physicality as a receiver and in the run game.
  • Devin Duvernay, 5’10” / 200, University of Texas: Duvernay has the elite speed trait the neither of the previously mentioned prospects can provide. Running a 4.39 40-yard dash at the combine is excellent with the ball in his hands. Devin led the nation in receptions and was fourth in receiver yards, his hands are very consistent and even can catch in traffic. However, the issue with Devin comes in his route-running. He is excellent after the catch, but not anything leading up to it, meaning he must get more defined as a route runner – the nuances of all aspects of his routes must be improved. Due to his speed, though, coaches would not even hesitate to draft him when the opportunity seems right, he is a great developmental prospect due to one elite trait. If Devin can become a more defined route runner, he can become a very solid number two wideout.