2020 NFL Draft Big Board: Ranking top 10 wide receivers in historic class

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 29: CeeDee Lamb #2 of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts after completing the catch for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the College Football Playoff Semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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2020 NFL Draft, Michael Pittman Jr. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

7. Michael Pittman Jr., USC

At the combine, Michael Pittman Jr. officially weighed in at 6-4, 223 pounds. He followed up by running a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash and a 6.96 in the three-cone. Combined with his senior season college production, Pittman’s combine performance could vault him into the middle of the second round.

In his senior season at USC, Pittman made 101 receptions for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s got a solid catch radius, although he isn’t overly athletic for his size. He can also struggle to create separation against shutdown corners. However, Pittman possesses some of the best hands in the draft and plays with elite physicality.

Unlike most receivers toward the top of the draft, Pittman will flatten cornerbacks in the run game. If a corner puts hands on him, Pittman will knock him over and keep going. He can also run a full route tree, although he lacks the athleticism and speed to get extremely creative with his routes.

Pittman knows he’s working with exceptional size, and he utilizes it well against defenders. Next to Clemson’s Tee Higgins, Pittman is one of the best jump-ball receivers in the draft. If an NFL team carves out a specific role for Pittman, he will become a potential WR1 candidate within three seasons.

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