DRAFT TRACKER 2021

While Atlanta Falcons WR Calvin Ridley is my NFL comparison for Smith, I feel like a better comp might be Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry. Like Curry, Smith is thinner than you'd like and isn't the strongest player, but he has rare quickness, speed, and change-of-direction fluidity, and he creates separation from defenders seemingly at will. He possesses an elite skill level for the position and can hit the defense from short, mid-range or deep. Smith has quietly been the most complete of the receivers at Alabama over the last two seasons and will give an NFL team the ability to mismatch him against the weak links either inside or outside in coverage. He's a detailed route runner with the athletic ability to really make them count, from a separation standpoint, and his ball skills are unquestioned. Smith has the football character, athletic gifts and upper-echelon skill level to become a long-time starter and Pro Bowl regular.

We could sit here and talk about the marginal route-running issues or challenges getting off press. However, Chase is supremely talented as a ball winner and playmaker. After all, routes and release can be coached. He had some issues when Trevon Diggs and Cameron Dantzler gave hard jams to his release in 2019, so that will need to be addressed. His burst is effortless, which tends to catch coverage off guard when he really hits the vertical gas. His competitive nature and play strength simply act as multipliers for his outstanding ball skills. He hasn't played football since very early in 2020 and still has work to do, but he should be an early starter and a future Pro Bowler.

Thrilling, game-breaking talent who will come into the league as one of the fastest receivers to ever play the game. His whereabouts pre-snap and post-snap must be accounted for at all times. Despite his size, he's a legitimate outside option, thanks to his ability to not only take the top off the defense, but also go up and win 50-50 throws. Waddle's adept at working all three levels, so it will be tough for defenses to predict how offenses will utilize him, as he has the potential to post a higher catch volume in the right offense. Waddle can instantly upgrade a team's scoring potential, whether it's with the deep ball, the catch-and-run or as a return man.

Ultra-competitive slot target with the talent and mindset to handle a heavy amount of targets and shine in the process. He's not very big, but he's stronger than his measurables might suggest and he's shown a fearlessness to make the catch despite impending punishment. Moore has the short-area quickness to snap off crisp routes underneath for separation and the play speed to challenge over the top as well as work the deep middle. He has soft, sure hands and above-average ball skills with a great feel for spatial awareness to hit the sweet spots when working against zone. While longer, more physical cornerbacks could slow him a little bit in the NFL, his athletic profile and playing demeanor should lead evaluators to believe he will be a very good pro early in his career.

Slot talent who competes like a player bigger than his listed size. Toney has battled injuries, which helped cap his production until the 2020 season, when it finally clicked for the entire offense. His routes can look like one-on-one isolation basketball moves at times, but he has the ability to make instant cuts and break his routes off sharply. He could become a much more creative and consistent route runner in due time. He's an atypical NFL slot in some ways and is likely to do his best work in a scheme that allows him plenty of run-after-catch opportunities. He'll need more polish but should contribute right away as a receiver and punt returner.

Big, fast and talented, Marshall has the ingredients to become a solid starter in the league but has some questions to answer. With the departure of Justin Jefferson and with Ja'Marr Chase opting out, more targets and more shaded coverage ended up coming his way until he opted out at the end of November. He looks much more comfortable outside than he does in the slot, and he's a more reliable ball-catcher when he's working the second and third levels. He's a natural ball-tracker with a second gear and the catch radius to go get it, and his size gives him an advantage on 50-50 balls. For all of his talent, Marshall seemed disinterested at times in 2020 and wasn't always committed to finishing his routes or running them with consistent intensity. There are traits and talent at his disposal, but the difference between becoming a WR2 and a WR3/4 could be determined by how hard he's willing to work at his craft.

Outside receiver with excellent size and quality build-up speed to attack the third level. Collins shines with his ability to track the deep ball and land the 50-50 catch. His size, hands and competitive nature give him an advantage on contested catches underneath. He struggles to slip press coverage quickly and has issues ridding himself of coverage unless he's getting vertical. Despite his frame, his struggles to uncover on intermediate routes could bother teams looking for a three-level target. Collins must improve his route acumen to open his catch windows a little wider, but he has the size, field toughness and ball skills to become a future chain-mover as a WR2.

Intriguing outside target with combination of size and build-up speed. His flashes of eye-opening production were counterbalanced by inconsistency against stronger, more talented opponents. Has clever press release, but needs to eliminate some wasted motion and play quicker to make up for his average explosiveness off the line. Bateman plays with pro-ready hands and the upper-body agility needed to adjust in air and bring the ball in. He needs to play with grit in contested catch battles and do a better job of defending catch space. There are pro traits to mold but much more work is needed before he can be safely projected as a good NFL starter.

Highly productive slot prospect with average size. Possesses above-average toughness to work in the middle of the field and win the combat catches. Johnson's acceleration off the snap is instant and smooth. He's very good at weaving around route redirection to maintain his timing and momentum. His routes are a little rounded and he doesn't have much of a catch radius. However, he does have the ability to add yards after the catch and offers kick-return value. College teams missed with this former FCS walk-on, but NFL teams should pay attention. He has starting slot upside.

Compact slot target who thrived at Clemson with his ability to create chunk plays out of short catch-and-runs and take the top off defenses with his speed. Rodgers has a running back's stout lower body, providing power and balance to break tackles and rumble through contact with the ball in his hands. His ball skills are pretty good, but he can go from magnificent catch to focus drop in a single drive. Rodgers uses speed alterations inside the route and a sudden burst to top speed to create deep separation from coverage. He's not as effective at separating underneath against tight man coverage and will need to prove himself in that regard.

Wallace is slightly undersized as an outside receiver, but has the swagger, toughness and ball skills to get the job done. He's a crisp route runner with the ability to handle more complicated patterns with good fluidity in his transitions to separate. His initial upfield charge is just average and big press corners have some success detouring his scheduled departure. He will be at his best on the second and third levels. His leaping, focus and timing make him a likely candidate to continue winning downfield jump balls as a pro. Wallace's competitive nature has helped create a history of making big plays on big stages and he has the skill level and mental makeup to become a good starter as a plus WR2.

While he was hurt by inconsistent quarterbacking during his time at Tennessee, the production totals are still disappointing. However, the more tape you watch of Palmer, the more you like him. He has size, clearly works on refining his route-running and has a good understanding of how to help himself with contested catches. While he doesn't appear to have great long speed, he did beat future NFL cornerbacks at Georgia (DJ Daniel) and Alabama (Patrick Surtain Jr.) down the field for scores. He's an instinctive pass catcher on all three levels with above-average ball skills, but beating press and finding separation will be his toughest challenges in the NFL. The limited production is a concern, but he appears to have the traits of a solid NFL backup.

Slightly undersized slot receiver who makes up for it with above-average strength and competitive fire that shows up throughout the tape. He can beat one-on-one coverage with speed but lacks the size and length to legitimately challenge NFL cornerbacks outside. He's difficult to press, elusive out of route breaks underneath and his ability after the catch could make him a priority target when it's time to move the sticks on third down. He lacks desired game experience on paper, but he's the same player week in and week out and teams know exactly what they will get with him. His football character and acumen are big pluses to go with his talent. Moore should become a good starting slot target with punt return potential.

Has been both an inside and outside receiver over the last two seasons, but might lack the speed and strength to make a living outside at the pro level. Despite average foot quickness, St. Brown will vary his press release and displays polish as a route-runner from the slot. He's unlikely to gain consistent vertical separation but has above-average tracking talent and body control to improve his chances for success. His focus drops underneath are a concern and his run blocking can be woeful at times. There is nothing dazzling about his athletic profile or overall game, but he's a solid football player with a chance to become a starting slot in the future.

Unique evaluation as a wideout who came into the program as a four-star recruit, never beat out talent in front of him and then put together impressive tape in his single season as full-time starter. Powell is well-skilled beyond the career production as he's clearly taken in the coaching and learned from others at the position. He's smooth but will have to win with route polish and competitiveness as his long speed and separation burst appear to be very average, which could lead to a higher number of contested catches outside the Clemson offense. The tape is good but the testing will be important as teams grapple with the single season of production. Powell will be an NFL backup, at worst.

Feast or famine deep-ball specialist with build-up speed that surprises cornerbacks who are tardy to open and run with him. Brown is a little thin, but has good length and excellent ball-tracking talent with the ability to follow the flight over his shoulder and bring it in for the score. He's a willing combatant when his quarterback allows him jump-ball opportunities. However, his lack of short-space foot quickness and agility allows coverage to hitch rides on his short and intermediate routes, which could limit his overall effectiveness as a pro. More importantly, he simply doesn't display trustworthy hands, which could cause quarterbacks and coordinators to lose faith if it's not corrected. Brown's talent to extend the defense has value, but he could have a limited ceiling as a scheme-dependent outside target.

Linear outside target with an exciting blend of size, tape and speed to open up an offense's vertical attack. Terry really opens his stride length, rocketing him past the coverage. He clearly needs more attention to route-running underneath, but his pure speed will open easy slant catches and subsequent slant-and-go (sluggo) looks that are capable of turning into home runs. While focus and ball-tracking are issues, the bigger issue is that his pass-catching technique is poor and drops might just have to be part of the package. Terry is a high-upside prospect with undeniable home run potential and WR2/3 talent, but the floor is on the low side.

Big wideout with above-average hands and good physicality who could take a big step forward if he can improve consistency of his tracking and ball skills down the field. Watkins shows good build-up speed for his size and has enough athleticism to run basic routes on the first two levels. He can use size and strength to battle against press corners looking to blanket him underneath. In addition, he has the frame and hand strength to make contested catches. He's good at finding the soft spots in zone and is a wide, reliable target quarterbacks can depend on. Watkins needs more polish to clearly define his role, but he could be a solid middle-round pick with future value as a WR3.

He's not a great route-runner, will struggle with contested catches and lacks desired size, but he can really fly and has home run potential from anywhere on the field. Eskridge is a linear route-runner with good tempo when working down the field but will need a more limited route tree featuring crossing routes, slants, posts and over routes so he can rely on his speed rather than route-running. He can rise up and get the tall throws but catching through contact is where he is likely to struggle. He has gadget potential in the quick game and is a potentially dangerous kick returner, but his biggest selling point might be as a field stretcher from the slot.

Prospect with legitimate track speed and rare acceleration who is more of a catch-and-run specialist right now. Schwartz will break your heart on occasion with his poor ball tracking and below-average hands, but there is no doubting his ability to alter coverage once he's in the game. Schwartz will need a layered passing concept that can keep him on the move, threatening defenses on crossers, over routes, go routes and posts. He hasn't played in the most stable passing attack at Auburn, so there might be some meat on the bone for him as a pro. He's unlikely to ever develop the desired ball skills of an NFL wideout, but even as a field stretcher or diversionary piece, he will offer value.

Hybrid talent with experience as both a runner and volume pass-catcher who might be targeted to make a full-time transition to the receiver position. Felton's Senior Bowl week showed off improved route running and an ability to compete against press. His run-after-catch talent gives his draft profile a boost at receiver, but clever offensive coordinators might be well-served to maintain his versatility as a two-position player to help create more options from a personnel grouping and matchup standpoint. With an ability to carry the ball, catch the ball and return kicks, Felton offers scheme and roster flexibility that could push him up the board.

Under-the-radar wideout with elite size and dangerous speed. Harris has inside/outside experience and offers the potential to threaten coverage as a matchup talent. Cornerbacks tend to fall asleep on his long, smooth strides and he gets by them before they know it. While his size and speed will be alluring, his consistency as a pass catcher could be a concern. Harris hasn't developed a feel for utilizing body positioning to help him win more contested catches and his ability to correct that issue could be the difference between becoming a productive pro or just an explosive athlete.

Under-the-radar wideout with explosive athleticism and experience to play inside or outside. Baker crushed his pro day with outstanding speed and leaping numbers to go with a huge set of hands. His 1.49-second 10-yard split verifies the tape, as Baker plays with electric acceleration that can help him race past press corners or take a short throw and turn it into a long touchdown. He's a fluid athlete with natural feet and is developing a feel for separation inside his routes, even though there is more work to do. His ball-tracking is solid, but his hands are very average. Baker hasn't seen pro-caliber cornerbacks, so an adjustment will be necessary, but he has the traits and talent to be considered one of the sleepers of this draft.

Smith played inside and outside at South Carolina, but will be a slot on the next level. He has an ability to slip and accelerate past press coverage. He will primarily work the first two levels of the field and he's very tough to pull in throws in traffic, but he takes on excessive punishment at times with the way he plays. He has plenty of experience as a gadget player who's able to handle the quick game and jet sweeps. His physicality makes him an interesting option as a possession player with potential middle-round value.

Dangerous three-level talent with speed and short-area athleticism to play inside or outside as a pro. Nixon had impressive flashes over his first two seasons at UCF before playing in just four games this past year due to a shoulder injury. His play strength and hands are both in need of work in order for him to be considered a trustworthy option for play callers and quarterbacks. He has the juice to win foot races deep and displays enough route-running potential to uncover against pro coverage on the first and second levels. Nixon offers intriguing value as a potential Day 3 selection with WR3 talent.

Good size and speed but a scouting report filled with ball-skill concerns. Darby's deep-ball production is unquestioned, but he's one of the rare prospects who can look very good or very bad when tracking throws down the field. His top-end speed will create cushions and open up some intermediate throws for him, but the route-running still needs work. The biggest concern is that he really struggles to secure throws outside his frame. Catching the football is the name of the game, so the speed might land him on a roster, but he needs to improve his basic ball skills to stick around.

Rail-thin slot receiver with electrifying speed and a history of hitting the home run. The problem for Atwell could be the question of whether he offers up a diversified enough skill set for teams to take a chance on such a small frame. He's not a competitive pass catcher in traffic and doesn't have the play strength to finish contested catches in the middle of the field. He's a "gadget-and-go" option. He's able to handle screens and jet sweeps and has the speed to stretch the field. The big-play potential will be enticing, but his imitations make him a niche talent who needs a very specific role, which could limit his suitors.

Fehoko's high-end height, weight and speed measurables are automatic eye-openers and with a catch of 40-plus yards in eight of his last 15 games, teams needing speed will take additional notice. However, it needs to be said that he doesn't always play fast. He lacks the suddenness and aggression to consistently separate out of breaks on the first two levels. He doesn't always take what he wants from the coverage, but definitely has the ball skills and potential to impose his size on cornerbacks if he adds a little more grit to his game.

Scheme-specific developmental prospect who needs to do a better job of matching his play speed with his true speed. Stevenson lacks the ball-tracking and physicality to win contested catches as an outside receiver. He'll be scouted as a slot receiver, but is hindered by unfocused route-running and leggy strides that limit his suddenness to uncover quickly underneath. With coaching, the routes should improve, but he might need a route tree that can keep him on the move and open up chances to separate with his speed. Crossing routes, receiver screens and kick returns show off his instincts as an open-field runner, but he will need to improve his toughness, pass-catching consistency and routes if he wants to make his mark in the pros.

He's big, strong and fast, but McMath lacks the necessary position fundamentals to be labeled anything more than a project with enticing core special-teams potential. He doesn't play with desired balance and salesmanship as a route-runner, but has plenty of size, body control and focus when working through contested catches between the numbers. The traits and special-teams tape make him a potential late-round pick.

With an impressive frame and elite testing numbers, it is becoming more likely that a team will be willing to overlook the underdeveloped aspects of Imatorbhebhe's game in hopes of cashing in a jackpot if it can unlock enough skill to go with the traits. His route running is raw and lacks salesmanship to throw coverage off his scent, but he's not overly tight in his lower body and should continue to develop in that area. He has foot quickness and strength to work around press and can be a handful when it turns into a pure 50/50 battle. He is the most explosive leaper coming out of the college game that I've ever seen. Imatorbhebhe improved from 2019 to 2020, but there is no guarantee he can become more than just an explosive athlete. However, a team will gladly spend a Day 3 pick on this high-ceiling, low-floor prospect.

I'm sure teams would like for him to carry a little more weight on his frame, but he's certainly not lacking in toughness. Philyor is more than willing to work into the teeth of the defense underneath, but also has the acceleration to blow past unsuspecting off-man coverage and stretch the field from the slot. He's going to have trouble with contested catches and needs to work with smarter angles to help him shield defenders from opportunities to harass him. He's instinctive and effective in tracking deep balls and makes late adjustments to haul in the catch. The route-running could use better attention to detail to more effectively manipulate the coverage. The team who takes him will be getting a three-level slot with average hands but good football IQ as a Day 3 WR4/5.

Highly competitive pass catcher with great size and good route technique but missing suddenness and long speed as an outside target. While Skowronek can make a roster as a backup receiver due to his matchup potential and overall skill level, a switch to move tight end would diminish his weaknesses and enhance his strengths. He's a quick opener to eat up quick throws underneath, has the speed and athleticism to work the second level and occasionally get deep if teams aren't careful about how they match up with him. He needs more weight but is already a plus run blocker who can handle blocking duties from the slot. Skowronek could be the next Robert Tonyan if given a chance at that spot.

Big, strong target lacking explosiveness to uncover against tight man coverage, but a willing combatant when it's time to make a contested catch. Surratt opted out of the 2020 season but put together nice production as a sophomore in 2019. He lacks the foot quickness needed to elude press corners and will likely have coverage squatting on his routes underneath due to his lack of speed. He has experience in the slot, which might be where NFL teams look at him thanks to his ball skills and ability to post up smaller defenders to create a window for quarterbacks. His soft hands and feel for the catch phase are appealing, but inconsistencies in uncovering could make him a WR3/WR4 at best.

Thin-framed receiver whose value rests in his speed, gadget-package potential and kick-return talent. He's an average route-runner and can be undone by physical coverage, which is likely to continue on the next level. His ball skills are below average on deep throws, but his ability to push the defense downfield should open up things for easy catches underneath. He's a likely later-round candidate with potential to land a WR5 gig, thanks -- in part -- to his return value.

The lack of urgency and inconsistencies as a big pass catcher can be maddening during tape study. Williams is a different receiver in the red zone, where his size and length are huge advantages on jump-ball battles. However, between the 20s, his routes lack salesmanship, he's unable to create separation and he fails to use his size to prevail. Despite some of the flashes and his overall potential, he doesn't have the field demeanor of a player with an NFL-caliber competitive streak. His physical traits are certainly worthy of a Day 3 selection, but he needs to play with more passion if he wants to make it as a long-term pro.

Diminutive wideout with blazing speed who can have an impact on the game both short and deep against most defenses. Darden is short and slight, which will keep him off the board for teams who use hard and firm size standards at every position. He can mash the turbo and get to top speed instantly, which could require defenses to play off or offer safety help if he's on the field. He's not a big fan of working into traffic and lacks the size and strength to make contested catches. Despite his smallish frame, his ability to threaten defenses from all three levels is bound to catch a team's attention on Day 3.

Camp could be considered a workout warrior after his monster pro day, but that might be underselling him. With just 48 catches and five career touchdowns, there isn't much production to base a draft grade on. He can be his own worst enemy with ragged route breaks that create catch-point congestion, but that is correctable with more teaching and in an offense that allows him to stay on the move. He flashes ball skills and toughness in traffic and his best football could be ahead of him. Camp has rare traits that teams covet when looking for developmental targets on Day 3.

Competitive, high-energy slot with gadget package and punt return talent to help round out his potential roster flexibility. Newsome has work to do before he can be labeled a polished pro prospect. His pass-catching technique is below average and his route-running is a little too unfocused at this time. However, his short-area footwork and ability to alter his route speed provide hope that he can improve quickly in that department. Punt returning could get him on the field quickly depending on where he lands, but his ceiling will be determined by whether or not he grows from being a catch-and-run talent to a well-rounded target.

Big slot receiver on the next level with average speed but the ball skills to potentially find work as a zone-beater. Stoner is a smooth athlete with good body control once the ball goes up. He's not very sudden and hasn't learned to run crisp routes in order to uncover quickly underneath. His ball skills are fine-tuned with the ability to track and create catch space while battling for 50-50 balls with strong hands. He could be a Day 3 pick or sign as an undrafted free agent, but his size, ball skills and punt return value give him a chance of making a roster.

There can be no doubting the smooth, striding deep-ball potential that McKoy brings to the table. He consistently found a way around coverage in his conference and stepped up the competitive juices when matched up with Auburn's neighborhood bully, Noah Igbinoghene, in 2019. However, he still managed to have the same number of drops as touchdowns during his time in school. While he can work on his hands, his issues with deep-ball tracking could be a long-term concern. If McKoy can get to work on his route-running and become a more viable three-level target, he could have a shot at finding work as a WR4/5.

Vaughn was never an explosive, top-tier wideout in the conference, but "steady" is a very accurate term for him. He's a long-bodied leaper with excellent timing and body control in mid-air. His lack of muscle mass and hand strength robbed him of hauling in a higher percentage of contested catches. The speed is just OK and the short-area separation is below par, so NFL man coverage will stay tight to him. The ball skills are fun to watch, but he'll need to improve his play strength and run cleaner routes to hang on as an NFL backup.

Hazelton has the size and wingspan that will immediately garner attention from evaluators. His Missouri tape wasn't necessarily bad, but he didn't look like the same guy who played at Virginia Tech. He can win jump balls with his catch radius and leaping ability but also has the strength and length to help create separation in the red zone or in tight quarters. He's not sudden or fast, so he'll have to get used to wearing man coverage, but he has some skill in moving past press to get himself into the route with decent timing. He has a shot to make a team if he can improve his consistency.

Williams' 2020 production is eye-catching, averaging close to 130 yards per game and finishing fourth in the FBS in yards after contact, according to Pro Football Focus. He's not sudden, but he's also not a plodding mover in space. He uses his hands and feet to work free of press and has a feel for finding the soft spots of the zone. Williams uses his size to create some separation at the top of the route but doesn't have the burst out of his break to keep the window open for long. He's more of a big slot than an outside threat and teams might be discouraged by his body-catching and inability to consistently secure the throw.

Big junior season prompted Milne to come out and test the waters as an early draft entrant but the 2020 production might not be the best indicator of where he is as an NFL prospect. He has good size and decent athleticism but doesn't have enough play speed or strength to make a living outside. He runs routes with pretty good precision but he's not exactly sudden getting in and out of breaks underneath, which could hurt him from the slot. If he can learn the tricks of the trade to play a little faster, he has a shot as a Day 3 talent. He might have a very modest ceiling as a back of the roster player, though.

Highly productive small-school wideout with elite size but with work to be done. Playing against bigger, stronger, faster defenders could create a challenging transition, as the route running and ball skills will need more development to be pro-ready. His size and ability to win jump balls make him an intriguing late-round possibility.

Long and slender with hurdler's stride length to eat up space and create separation on post, go and over routes. Dixon's speed and above-the-rim leaping ability can create concerns for cornerbacks matched up against him in man coverage. However, he needs to add more muscle to his frame and improve his hand strength to help alleviate some of his issues with drops. He's average after the catch when working underneath and is better suited in a scheme that allows him to stretch the field. He has late-round talent with the potential to find a practice squad early on if he can crank up his competitive aggression.

Linear speedster with playmaking ability down the field and the potential to help on special teams. Gaither's long strides serve him well when opening up to attack the third level, but they make him too gradual getting in and out of breaks underneath. His go routes and posts can roll downhill on the coverage if he's allowed to get down the field untouched. The inability to create uncertainty as a route runner is an area that will need to be corrected, as he lacks the elite speed and functional physicality to make a living dealing with NFL cornerbacks as purely a deep-ball specialist. He has late-round potential and could find his way onto a practice squad.

"Body beautiful" wide receiver prospect who could struggle under the weight of physical coverage that is tougher and faster than he is. Smith doesn't have the burst, speed or route acumen to consistently create passing windows for his quarterback, but when the ball goes up near the end zone, he plays with good body control and ball skills to haul in the jump balls. Smith lacks the ability to consistently threaten on any of the three levels of the field and is likely to face an uphill battle to make a roster.