2020 NFL Draft Big Board: Ranking top 10 wide receivers in historic class
By Samuel Teets
5. Tee Higgins, Clemson
Scouts find themselves going back and forth about Tee Higgins and his potential. NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein compared Higgins to A.J. Green while The Draft Network chose Tyrell Williams and DeVante Parker in more modest comparisons. However, Higgins might compare better to fellow Clemson product, Mike Williams.
In his final two seasons at Clemson, Higgins amassed 118 receptions for 2,103 yards and 25 touchdowns. The 6-4, 216-pound behemoth bailed out Trevor Lawrence on several occasions with incredible contested catches. No player in the 2020 NFL Draft handles jump balls better than Higgins.
Higgins’ length and build make him an ideal vertical and red zone threat. However, he pales in comparison to someone like D.K. Metcalf, who combines his 6-4 frame with elite speed. Scouts worry about Higgins’ release against press coverage and how he’ll battle against quicker corners. His route tree also needs a lot more work compared to the top four receivers on this list.
However, when Higgins gets in the air, you can cancel Christmas. Even elite corners will struggle against him in the air. His body control and soft hands rank among the best receivers in this class. Ultimately, Higgins should hear his name called somewhere between the late first-round and mid-second-round.