2020 NFL Draft Big Board: Ranking top 10 wide receivers in historic class
By Samuel Teets
The 2020 NFL Draft boasts the best wide receiver class since 2014, and the incoming group could reach historic heights in the next decade.
In 2014, Odell Beckham Jr., Mike Evans and a slew of other high-ranking wide receivers entered the NFL. Now, another revolutionary class of receivers could turn the league upside down.
The 2020 NFL Draft could produce as many as six first-round wide receivers, and usher in the next generation of pass-catchers. Furthermore, many are championing the idea of waiting on wide receiver because of the elite depth of the class. But who are the best of the best? Let’s construct a positional 2020 NFL Draft big board with the top players at the position.
Before entering the top 10, five players deserve honorable mentions for their starting-caliber potential.
Honorable Mentions
Chase Claypool possesses incredible physical potential. At 6-4, 238 pounds, he can still run a 4.42-second 40-yard dash. At the combine, Claypool finished in the top five among receivers in the bench press (19 reps) and vertical jump (40.5 inches). However, he struggles to get off the line against press coverage.
Fans sleep on Antonio Gandy-Golden. In two seasons at Liberty, he amassed 150 receptions, 2,433 yards and 20 touchdowns. At 6-4, 223 pounds, he’s also an intriguing physical prospect. He’s got great field vision, body control, and a massive catch radius. However, his route running, footwork, release, and short-area cuts leave a lot to be desired.
KJ Hamler racked up 98 receptions for 1,658 yards and 13 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Penn State. Supposedly, Hamler previously ran a 4.27 40-yard dash, which fits with his up-tempo playing style. His ball-tracking needs work, and his small frame leaves him open to press coverage and overshadowing by bigger defensive backs.
Van Jefferson put together four decent years in college, but he never became a breakout star. He projects as a slot receiver at the pro level but already runs routes like an experienced veteran. Jefferson doesn’t possess coveted speed but still gets excellent releases. He tracks the ball well and catches it naturally.
Donovan Peoples-Jones flashed his athleticism at the combine, finishing first among wide receivers in the broad jump (139 inches) and vertical jump (44.5 inches). DPJ never put together a standout season in college, but he flashed WR3 potential. Unfortunately, press coverage could cancel out his athleticism in the NFL.