NFL Scouting Combine 2022: How did the top WRs perform?
Many receivers showcased their abilities, here are some grades for the wide receivers after their 2022 NFL Scouting Combine performances.
There was a considerable amount of interest in this season’s wide receiver class. The incoming rookies took to the field in Indianapolis on Thursday night and the results were eye-opening, to say the least.
How did each of the top wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft class perform?
2022 NFL Scouting Combine: Chris Olave, Ohio State
Olave did well on his interviews with the media, specifically revealing an interest in the Las Vegas Raiders. On the field, Olave promised speed and he did not disappoint.
While initially it appeared Olave ran a mind blowing 4.26 40 yard dash the official time was clocked at 4.39, just one second behind his OSU teammate, Garett Wilson. Olave looked as expected in the positional drills, smooth, crisp, and excellent ball skills.
Olave cemented his spot in the first round and it would be surprising if he was available past pick 20.
Olave’s NFL Scouting Combine Grade: B+
Treylon Burks, Arkansas
There was an absurd amount of hype on Treylon (pronounced Trey-lin) Burks leading up to the Combine. Burks was swarmed by the media, especially after revealing a pastime activity of hunting down hogs with knives.
Burks gave some great answers and described modeling his game after San Francisco 49ers jack of all trades, weapon Deebo Samuel. There were reports suggesting Burks would run a low 4.3 in the 40 yard dash so a 4.50 was a bit of a disappointment, but really should not be considering his height/weight (6’2, 225).
Additionally, his workout on the field was as expected; great hands, a lack of burst after his release, slow out of his breaks, but we saw his great hands and an ability to track the ball.
Burks will still go in the first round but it should not be a shock to see him slide down the boards a bit after this performance.
Treylon Burks NFL Scouting Combine Grade: C+
Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
If this week was a competition between Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson the edge would have to be given to Wilson. Running a faster 40, by one second, a better vert at 36 (Olave with a 32), and overall looked like the stronger of the two athletes.
Olave may have had an edge on Wilson in the field drills as both of them had to work with the quarterbacks overthrowing the receivers often but Olave fared slightly better.
With the stronger performance during their final college season, Wilson is still expected to go before Olave in the draft and will likely not be available past pick #15 in the first round.
Garrett Wilson NFL Scouting Combine grade: A-
Drake London, USC
Drake London did not participate in any of the field drills as he is still recovering from an injury sustained in the eighth game of his final college season.
London did participate in the media portion of the Combine and announced he is likely to participate in his pro day at USC in three weeks. London gave some interesting answers to the media Thursday comparing his playing style and abilities to Calvin “Megatron” Johnson and current Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans.
While it was disappointing that London was not healthy enough to take the field he was able to meet with teams and still stays a strong favorite to be the first receiver off the board in April.
(No Grade Given)
Jameson Williams, Alabama
Jameson Williams, like Drake London, was not healthy enough to compete in the Combine after sustaining a torn ACL in January. Williams also made him available for measurements and to the media for questions. Williams assured the press that he is making strides in his rehabilitation and hopes to be healthy enough for training camp.
Williams also encouraged his soon-to-be fans that he brings some speed to the table, “I’ve got speed you can’t teach, I’ve got a lot of speed.”
Williams is a surefire first-rounder. No one expected him to be ready to compete this week so his absence on the field isn’t an issue. Williams won’t be available after the first round.
(No Grade Given)
Jahan Dotson, Penn State
Penn State’s Jahan Dotson worked hard Thursday to overcome his slightly undersized stature of 5’10” weighing 178 pounds.
Dotson told the media he was not overly concerned with his size and teams should focus on his versatility. Dotson showed his versatility on the field throwing down a 4.43 40 time, a strong vertical jump of 36 inches, and made some plays during the on-field drills.
Dotson showed off his speed running quick, efficient routes, and strong hands specifically in the gauntlet drill.
Dotson won’t be available after the beginning of the second round, at the latest. Teams will still keep a note on his size but his performance can’t be ignored.
Jahan Dotson NFL Scouting Combine Grade: B+