Wide receiver can be one of the most difficult positions for rookies to adjust to at the NFL level. Over the past 10 seasons, just eight rookie receivers have topped the 1,000-yard mark, and only two rookies (Odell Beckham Jr. in 2014, and Michael Thomas in 2016) have topped 1,100.
So which rookie wide receivers will be the most productive in terms of fantasy production in 2020? I recently spoke with noted devy guru @RayGQue on a range of topics, including a list of his top rookie wide receiver prospects in this year’s strong class. I will dive into each prospect and shed some light on why Ray and I are so high on these guys. And be sure to catch his Destination Devy Podcast on DLF. It’s a must for all dynasty league players, especially those looking to get an edge on rookie prospects.
The 2020 Rookie Class has been one of the most hyped in years. But is this class more machine than man? Let me help you terminate the competition with insight from my initial scan of these prospects.
CeeDee Lamb – Oklahoma
While he didn’t garner the attention of teammate Hollywood Brown at Oklahoma, Lamb was very good for the Sooners.
The biggest downside with Lamb is that he lacks game-breaking speed, although he more than makes up for with great hands, polished route running and contested catch ability. At 6-2, 190, Lamb has the physique of a prototypical NFL #1 receiver. Lamb has excellent body control and uses his big frame to consistently win at the catch point and finish through contact. He easily defeats press coverage with a variety of techniques. He’s sudden in and out of breaks and has the vision and creativity to create separation in the open field. This is the attribute we look for in game-breakers. Perhaps no play showcased his ability more than the touchdown he scored in the Red River Shootout this past year. He fought through contact to catch a wobbler from QB Jalen Hurts. Lamb then broke two tackles, managed to keep his balance and tiptoe five yards to the end zone. His teammates call him a magician. Watching his tape it’s easy to see why.
Jalen Reagor – Texas Christian University
Reagor’s blinding speed immediately announces it’s presence on the field and demands opposing defenses’ focus. A true home run hitter, Reagor is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Think young DeSean Jackson but with more speed (yes, more). And even though speed kills, the TCU product possesses shiftiness at the line of scrimmage that allows him to create space and separation. He sells cuts hard and is explosive after the catch. In terms of weaknesses, Reagor needs to polish his route running and expand his route tree. With that said, you simply cannot teach this kind of speed or his ability to gain chunk yardage after the catch.
Jerry Jeudy – Alabama
As far back as 2017, NFL scouts (and devy players) have been drooling over Jeudy. Tabbed the next great Alabama receiver, Jeudy stands to be the next in a long line that produced Julio Jones, Amari Cooper and Calvin Ridley.
If you want to know why Jeudy has the following, flip on his game film. The first attribute that jumps out is speed. Jeudy uses a lighting quick first step to reach second gear in an instant. But along with being a vertical threat, Jeudy should be an excellent third-down weapon in the NFL with his ability to get open on short to intermediate routes. His after the catch ability and phenomenal footwork give him the ability to turn any reception into a house call. ESPN’s Todd McShay called Jeudy the best route runner he’s ever evaluated. He’s a top-five player in the class and should step right on to an NFL field as starter on day 1.
Tee Higgins – Clemson
Higgins is a natural hands catcher that displays great extension. A physically imposing receiver who wins the catch point and finishes through contact, the Clemson WR has as a catch radius that would make Josh Allen look accurate. You don’t expect someone his size (6’4″ 215) to have the crispness in his routes that Higgens effortlessly displays. His slants and double moves routinely leave defenders in his wake. Excellent body control and deadly in the red area.
The main knock on Higgins may be that he’ is “just a possession receiver”, but I don’t know many possession receivers who average 20 YPC! His production was held back by Clemson spreading the ball around to a stable of playmakers so don’t blame any disappointment in production on Higgins. This day two game-changing prospect has the upside to shoot up draft boards over the offseason.
Laviska Shenault – Colorado
Fans lust over his big-play abilities and rightfully so as Shenault rarely disappoints. Laviska burst onto the scene in Colorado, scoring the first time he ever touched the football. And then went on to have plays of at least 25 yards in his next six games. He led the nation in scrimmage yards per play (10.9) and showed his versatility by lining up all over the field.
First contact rarely affects him and his stout frame allows him to truck through arm tackles… this guy turns into a running back after the catch. His field vision allows him to gain YAC in chunks. Shenault also tracks the ball well and possesses above average body control. In terms of negatives, Shenault’s routes tend to get away from him so his route running needs to be more crisp. With all that, Shenault has more than enough speed to project as more than a possession receiver in the NFL. Think a bigger Deebo Samuel.
