NFL Draft - All time WR class?

Submitted by AC1997 on December 4th, 2020 at 8:59 AM

The Ringer posted a story today (link) about how the 2020 WR draft for the NFL was one of the best ever with guys like Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Chase Claypool and many others already having success but the 2021 class may be just as good.  

I decided to read the story and find out what they say about Nico Collins, who opted out to prepare for the draft.  I will spare you the scrolling - Nico appears in the 24th paragraph of the story and is the SEVENTEENTH name they mention as an interesting WR prospect next year.  They mention him with two other big bodied WR (Auburn's Seth Williams and Wake's Sage Sarratt) as guys that could get more hype leading up to the draft. But the story focuses on the guys who may be day-1 picks with video and breakdown of their game.  There are 8 guys who get that treatment, which includes three other big ten receivers.  

I love Nico and I think he has a future in the NFL, but it seems like he'll probably have to follow a similar path as DPJ where he gets picked up in the middle rounds and works his way up into a rotation.  I don't fault anyone, including him, for opting out of this crazy season.  But it sure is frustrating to think about all of these other WR who have given it a shot this year and are ahead of him on this list and picture what our offense might have been with Nico being a safety net for our new QBs.

ERdocLSA2004

December 4th, 2020 at 3:40 PM ^

Frustrated with squandered talent and less than ideal draft projections?=Harbaugh

I think the only question behind Nico is speed.  He had way better hands than DPJ, so if he puts down some quick numbers then I think there will be very few remaining questions for teams.

Michfan777

December 4th, 2020 at 7:17 PM ^

1996 will almost always be considered the best WR class. Two top 5 all time WRs (Owens/Harrison) and 26 total pro bowls.

“Combined, 1996 wide receivers (through the end of the 2006 season) have totalled 7,646 receptions for 105,866 yards, eclipsing any other class by more than 1,000 receptions and 10,000 yards.”

In general, it may be one of the greatest drafts of all time in the NFL. Between it and the NBA draft in 1996, that year saw the most talent ever go to the pros probably.