2020 NFL Draft: The year of the wide receiver

Kalija Lipscomb, Vanderbilt

One of my early draft favorites, Vanderbilt wide receiver Kalija Lipscomb shows the skill set to be a high demand player in a variety of systems/positions. The perfect candidate as a Z-receiver at the next level, Lipscomb has fantastic inside/outside potential to show tremendous flexibility within an offensive structure.

He has a great feel for route running, showing the ability to set up defenders and attack their leverage weaknesses (a nice skill set to transition to the slot). Even the most subtle of head fakes work to Lipscomb’s advantage. He is the master of manipulation in his movements, seeming to always think two steps ahead of the defenders when setting them up.

At the top of the route, Lipscomb demonstrates magnificent body control which shows big time on back shoulder throws. In a recent interview with Lipscomb, I gave him a comparison to Green Bay Packers pro bowl wide receiver Davante Adams due to his ability to win in both contested catch situations and releases off the line on a consistent fashion.

(To access my interview with Kalija Lipscomb, follow the link here.)

Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty

Blessed with incredible size (6-4, 220 pounds) and length, Liberty’s Antonio Gandy-Golden presents himself as the marquee small school wide receiver to keep an eye on for the 2020 NFL Draft. Exceptionally proficient in areas of body control, Gandy-Golden consistently shows a great ability to make plays at the top of his routes.

With size, body control and notable production, the questions for the senior wideout is whether he has the prerequisite speed/movement skills to win vertically outside the numbers with any form of regularity. Hoping for future Shrine Game, Senior Bowl or Scouting Combine invites, the postseason circuit will be huge for Gandy-Golden to solidify him amongst a group of exceptionally talented pass-catchers.