2019 NFL Draft: Finalized top 50 big board, positional rankings
By Cory Kinnan
Wide Receivers
1. (22) Deebo Samuel, South Carolina
Early second round grade
An unpopular take here: Deebo Samuel is the best wide receiver in the 2019 NFL Draft class. He is fast, with elite explosiveness, and above average agility that will allow him to separate in space. Dominating cornerbacks at the Senior Bowl, Samuel looks like a clean route runner who can win both deep and underneath coverage. Watching his film, Samuel has an element of Antonio Brown to his game that allows him to win in one-on-one coverage by making clean breaks on his routes, high pointing the football, and continuously finding ways to get open.
2. (28) Hakeem Butler, Iowa State
Second round grade
The dropped balls are a big concern for Hakeem Butler; how a man with nearly 11-inch hands drops as many passes is completely staggering. However, Butler ranks in the 95th percentile or above in every possible measurement, and still managed to run a sub-4.5-second 40-yard dash and leap over 10 feet on his broad jump.
He has displayed his ability to be an above average route runner and to make big plays down the field. Given his route running saavy, size, and speed, Butler has all of the tools to be a big-time playmaker at the next level.
3. (31) N’Keal Harry, Arizona State
Second round grade
Something does not add up between N’Keal Harry’s testing and his game film. His testing shows he has the agility required to separate, run routes and win underneath, yet his film displays a receiver who is forced to make difficult catches in tight coverage. Does he not go full go every play? Is his conditioning an issue? Other than that, Harry has the make-up of a receiver who could be everything Braylon Edwards was supposed to be when he was the third overall pick back in 2005.
4. (34) D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss
Second round grade
D.K. Metcalf might be the best deep threat in this year’s class and will most certainly be the first receiver off of the board, but his poor agility numbers are frightening. Sure he can burn defenses over the top and break off of press coverage, but can he separate one-on-one and get open underneath or is he pigeon-holed to nine routes? Not to mention, his injury history is scary as well.
5. (43) A.J. Brown, Ole Miss
Third round grade
Back-to-back are the Ole Miss teammates; first Metcalf, now A.J. Brown. Brown is far and away the best slot receiver in this class, but it is fair to ask the question: is he anything more than that? It would be easier to peg Brown if he had completed the 20 yard shuttle and the 3-cone drill, but he did not so his agility remains a mystery.
He ran a sub-4.5 second 40 yard dash, and hit 36 inches on his vertical jump, so he is an above average athlete. However, based on his film, Brown is a receiver that does not have a proven track record of winning outside the numbers.