The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy lists his top 10 wide receivers in this year’s NFL draft, based on evaluations and conversations with people around the league:
- Ja’Marr Chase, LSU, 6-0, 201 pounds: Opted out of the 2020 season after he — not Vikings rookie sensation Justin Jefferson — was LSU’s No. 1 receiver during the 2019 national championship run. Gains separation in press coverage breaks tackles.
- DeVonta Smith, Alabama, 6-0, 170 pounds: Heisman Trophy winner is a nightmare to cover because of speed and route-running savvy. But he is paper thin — declining to weigh in at the Senior Bowl — and durability concerns are real.
- Jaylen Waddle, Alabama, 5-10, 182 pounds: A different kind of fast: Think Tyreek Hill-type game-breaking speed. Versatile enough to line up outside or in the slot and returns kicks and punts. Coming off ankle surgery.
- Rashod Bateman, Minnesota, 6-0, 190 pounds: Opted out, opted back in and opted out again after playing in five games last season. All-around receiver who doesn’t have a “wow” tool, but knows how to use size and strength to his advantage on 50/50 balls.
- Kadarius Toney, Florida, 6-0, 193 pounds: Next of the new-age weapons to enter NFL who will come in motion, catch pseudo-handoffs on sweeps or screens and slip through small cracks. Not an every-down receiver yet.
- Terrace Marshall Jr., LSU, 6-3, 205 pounds: Marshall didn’t explode as expected in his only season playing without the help of Jefferson and Chase. Uses his length and physicality well in 1-on-1 vertical routes and in the red zone.
- Elijah Moore, Ole Miss, 5-10, 178 pounds: Undersized playmaker who should have a big yards-per-touch average out of the slot. Fourteen of his 100 touches from scrimmage were rushes. Reliable hands in traffic.
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC, 6-0, 197 pounds: Youngest of three brothers to play receiver in major college football and second to be drafted. Instinctually knows how to find holes in zone coverage and move the chains.
- Rondale Moore, Purdue, 5-7, 181 pounds: First true freshman in Big Ten history to be named a consensus All-American after making 114 catches (and dominating Ohio State) in 2018. Yards after catch from running around defenders.
- Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State, 5-11, 194 pounds: Three straight productive seasons, including one after recovering from a torn ACL in October 2019. Plays with swagger and won’t back down from trash-talking corners.
Late Riser
Bateman: Can develop into a team’s No. 1 receiver during his rookie contract if he outgrows inexplicable drops (concentration lapses?) but keeps making highlight-reel catches.
Falling Fast
Rondale Moore: In a year when limited scouting makes teams less likely to take risks, he’s a bit of a wild card after playing only seven games the last two seasons. Height already has teams wondering if he might fit better as a running back.
Small School Wonder
D’Wayne Eskridge, Western Michigan, 5-9, 190 pounds: Started two ways at wide receiver and cornerback in injury-shortened 2019 before turning his focus to offense. In and out of his routes in a flash because of quick feet.