I already posted some OTs, LBs, and DTs. So before I start going back and re-looking at them I'll drop a small list of some WRs I have been looking at. Going off the NFLDraftbuzz.com site for their list and picking out ones with 40 yd speed in the 4.30s as a point of emphasis.
I also haven't really looked at the top 5 since I figure we wouldn't be in play for them anyways. It is important to note that every ranking site has a different list and sometimes they vary wildly. It is also early in the season still and the players could move up or down the lists as the season progresses. I also won't attempt to assign where I think what round or pick they will go in the draft, some may even end up being able to be had as UDFAs.
Troy Franklin (Oregon) - Played in 29 games with 1103 snaps.
Height: 6’3 Weight: 178
40 yd: 4.35
Ratings:
ESPN – 86/100
247Sports – 98/100
Rivals.com – 6.0 (98%)
NFLDraftbuzz has him ranked as the #10 WR in the 2024 class so far. With a QB rating of 143.1 when he is target, a 76% rating on his hands, 78% rating on short passes, 84% rating on intermediate passes, and 84% rating on deep passes. He has a 71% rating on blocking.
2022 Production:
As a sophomore in 2022 he played 12 games and had 56 catches for 867 yards for an average of 15.5 yards per catch, with 8 TDs, and an excellent QB rating when targeted of 140.6.
Some Pros/Cons:
Explosive burst and speed to stretch the field, with a quick first step.
Dangerous in the open field.
Fights through press coverage off the LOS.
Dangerous in catch-and-run situations.
Lacks effectiveness as run blocker.
Needs better feel against zone.
Size issues.
Highlight video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxVZkf5jdL8
Troy could ultimately end up being out of reach if he continues his playing trajectory. But it's fun to dream and I wouldn't mind seeing what he could do with Allen throwing the ball to him. My only concern with him is his light weight.
Jalen McMillan (Washington) – Played in 29 games with 1274 snaps.
Height: 6’1 Weight: 182
40 yd: 4.38 Shuttle: 4.15 Vertical: 32
Ratings:
ESPN – 84/100
247Sports – 97/100
Rivals.com – 5.9 (97%)
NFLDraftbuzz has him ranked as the #12 WR in the 2024 class. With a QB rating of 130.9 when he is targeted, a 70% rating on his hands, 76% rating on short passes, 82% rating on intermediate passes, and an 81% rating on deep passes. He has a 63% rating on blocking.
2022 Production:
As a junior in 2022 he played 12 games and hauled in an outstanding 71 catches for an outstanding 1040 yards for an average of 14.6 yards per catch, with 8 TDs, and an excellent QB rating when targeted of 118.3.
Some Pros/Cons:
Runs precise routes with innate feel for setting up DBs to create separation.
Catch-and-run threat who consistently picks up YAC.
Best working in space.
Stop-start ability allows him to create initial separation.
Locates and tracks deep passes, legitimate vertical threat.
Quick acceleration to top speed to stretch field.
Very good hands, accepts ball fluidly and ready to make a play after catch.
Size issues a concern to consistently win on the outside.
May not create a lot of separation.
Struggles to gear down and make necessary sharp cuts to create separation underneath.
Highlight Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEpTrxcFWeg
Another who seems just a little underweight for his size, but still dependable WR. Looks in the neighborhood of Diggs' size 6'0 and 191 but faster 40 and shuttle times. Very good production last year. At a 4.38 40, he is tied for slowest on this short list.
J. Michael Sturdivant (UCLA) – Played in 15 games with 742 snaps.
Height: 6’3 Weight: 205
40 yd: 4.38
Rankings:
ESPN – 86/100
247Sports – 92/100
Rivals.com – 5.8 (95%)
NFLDraftbuzz has him ranked as the #23 WR in the 2024 class so far. With a QB rating of 104.3 when he is targeted, a 53% rating on his hands, 75% rating on short passes, 81% on intermediate passes, and an 81% rating on deep passes. He has a 55% rating on blocking.
2022 Production:
In 2022 as a freshman Sturdivant saw action in 12 games for the Golden Bears as he made 65 receptions for 755 yards for an average of 11.6 yards per reception, with 7 TDs, and QB rating when targeted of 100.7.
Some Pros/Cons:
Has the long arms and soft hands to provide a sizeable catch radius.
Suddenness with lightning footwork to create in tight areas.
Elusive shiftiness and change-of-direction skills.
Excellent downfield, accelerating quickly and stacking on top of CBs.
Plays fast and explosive.
Fits a zone system.
Struggles to gear down and make the necessary sharp cuts to create separation underneath.
More effort needed to create separation needed.
Lacks run blocker skills.
Highlight Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-Pe_bH6GkY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxusUKZigPA
Not sure why they have him listed in the 2024 class if he was only a freshman last year, I guess they assume he may declare after his sophomore year. Height and speed, but his low rating on his hands is concerning. If he can bring that up this year, he may be worth a look.
Julien Fleming (Ohio State) – Played in 28 games with 861 snaps.
Height: 6’2 Weight: 205
40 yd: 4.35 Shuttle: 4.07 Vertical: 43.5
Ratings:
ESPN – 93/100
247Sports – 100/100
Rivals.com – 6.1 (100%)
NFLDraftbuzz has him ranked as the #37 WR in the 2024 class so far. With a QB rating of 109.9 when he is targeted, a 75% rating on his hands, 75% rating on short passes, 75% rating on intermediate passes, and 75% rating on deep passes. He has a 75% rating on blocking.
2022 Production:
As a junior in 2022 he played 10 games and hauled in 29 catches for 462 yards for an average of 15.9 yards per catch, with 6 TDs, and an elite QB rating when targeted of 127.0.
Some Pros/Cons:
Smooth acceleration and deceiving speed, suddenness off the LOS.
Fluid mover capable of creating some separation over the middle of the field.
Catch-and-run threat consistently picking up YAC.
Knack for getting open.
Versatile in the slot and outside, makes plays at all levels.
Lacks ability as a run blocker.
Lacks suddenness as a route runner.
Does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing ball into pads and chest.
Highlight Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESshODo4n3c
Ohio State has three WRs who run in the 4.30s, Fleming is the third ranked of them, the other two being ranked 1 and 2 and most surely out of the Bills reach in the draft. Still, Fleming offers as an intriguing prospect to me, as he has been sitting behind the two best WRs on this list he certainly hasn't had as much chance to showcase himself as he otherwise could. Could be one of those diamond in the roughs found in the later rounds.
Jermaine Burton (Alabama) – Played in 39 games with 1570 snaps.
Height: 6’0 Weight: 200
40 yd: 4.31 Shuttle: 3.98 Vertical: 40
Ratings:
ESPN – 84/100
247Sports – 96/100
Rivals.com – 5.9 (97%)
NFLDraftbuzz has him ranked as the #39 WR in the 2024 class so far. With a 126.2 QB rating when he is targeted, a 75% rating on his hands, 72% rating on short passes, 79% rating on intermediate passes, and 79% rating on deep passes. He has a 53% rating on blocking.
2022 Production:
At Alabama, Burton played 12 games and hauled in a decent 37 catches for 590 yards for an average of 15.9 yards per catch, with 6 TDs, and an elite QB rating when targeted of 139.1.
Some Pros/Cons:
Accelerates quickly, elite straight-line speed.
Solid frame and thrives on physicality, contested-catch specialist.
Fights through press coverage off the LOS.
Elite balance and sideline skills.
Willing blocker.
Needs to develop a better feel for sitting down in zone coverage.
Limited route tree experience.
Under performed at Georgia – possible lack of playing time or ?
Isn’t great at making defenders miss.
Highlight Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bUOjpZEoVM
With Burton transferring from Georgia to Alabama, he didn't seem to make as much impact in his first year there. He should be getting a real good look this year to see how his production is coming along. His 40 yd, shuttle, and vertical are elite and if he can match the skills to his athleticism, he should move up the draft list through the season. Alabama should give him experience with a bigger route tree than Georgia.
Chris Hilton Jr. (LSU) – Played in 10 games with 214 snaps.
Height: 6’0 Weight: 200
40 yd: 4.31 Shuttle: 4.31 Vertical: 37
Ratings:
ESPN – 83/100
247Sports – 96/100
Rivals.com – 5.9 (97%)
NFLDraftbuzz has him ranked as the #40 WR in the 2024 class so far. With a 101.2 QB rating when he is targeted, a 76% rating on his hands, 62% rating on short passes, 54% rating on intermediate passes, and 71$ rating on deep passes. He has a 42% rating on blocking.
2022 Production:
As a sophomore in 2022 he played 4 games and had just 7 catches for 109 yards for an average of 15.6 yards per catch, with no TDs, and QB rating when targeted of 66.3.
Some Pros/Cons:
Tracks bell well, runs under long throws.
Precise route runner.
Slippery runner with elusive footwork.
Suddenness off the LOS and accelerates quickly.
Does not always use hands to secure deep throws, allowing ball into pads and chest.
Size issues for working outside, good in middle.
Problem with drops when coming back to the action.
A player with little experience so far and no college tape I could find on youtube but possibly worth keeping an eye on this year.
Is anyone else following any players? Got a draft crush already? Drop them in the comments and share. Maybe one of the WRs we discuss will end up a Bill after next years draft.
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