The 2021 NFL Draft is loaded with talent at the receiver position from top-to-bottom. The likes of Devonta Smith, Ja’Marr Chase, and Kyle Pitts steal the headlines as likely top 10 picks, but there is tons of talent in the tiers below them as well. Rashod Bateman, Kadarius Toney, and Terrance Marshall Jr. are among the receivers that aren’t guaranteed to be picked in the opening round due to the depth at the position in this draft, but these prospects are also projected to play a major contributing role on their future professional squads. Much like I did for the impending quarterback carousel this offseason and the trove of running backs that are hitting free agency, I will be projecting some new homes for these young stars that work as a mutually-beneficial fit for both the players and their franchises. In order of draft selection, I’ll explain what makes each of these eleven combinations work for one another, starting with the first receiver off the board…
Kyle Pitts, Florida – Cincinnati Bengals
- Projected Pick: 5th overall
Compared to a lite version of Calvin Johnson Jr., Kyle Pitts is more than capable of making the switch from tight end to wide receiver in the pros. The athletic nightmare was an absolute mismatch for Kyle Trask and the rest of Florida’s offense, collecting just under 100-yards-per-game and 18-yards-per-catch in 2020, while combining it with 12 receiving touchdowns in just eight games. A.J. Green’s prime seems to have ended before Joe Burrow’s arrival in 2020, so here’s another fast, big-bodied wideout who can make contested catches look easy.
Ja’Marr Chase, LSU – Philadelphia Eagles
- Projected Pick: 6th overall
Ja’Marr Chase was burning SEC defensive backs to the tune of 84 catches, 1,780 yards, and 20 receiving touchdowns the last time he saw the field. Turning 21 after the end of the 2020 season, Chase was 19 years old when he was putting up stats like that against the most talented conference in the nation. Arguably the most complete receiver between his fantastic athleticism, reliable hands, and refined route-running skills, the biggest complaint regarding the LSU product is that while not undersized, he doesn’t have “plus” size. Given the Eagles’ talent at the receiver position in 2020, or rather lack of, it would be nearly impossible to turn their nose to a go-to guy from day one.
Devonta Smith, Alabama – Detroit Lions
- Projected Pick: 7th overall
The Heisman winning-pass catcher out of Alabama might not have an NFL-ready frame, but Nick Saban had no issue playing Smith in situations that required NFL-level physicality in the SEC. Smith played special teams, and racked up over 225 touches over his past three seasons without any real sign of durability issues. While the Lions are reportedly in the market for a rookie quarterback this offseason, they could decide to utilize their seventh-overall pick in order to aid Jared Goff in his attempt to right the ship in Detroit. Even if Goff fails in 2021, Detroit has two more first-rounders in 2022 and 2023 after the Matt Stafford trade, and could bring in a quarterback after acquiring a weapon to help their transition to the NFL.
Jaylen Waddle, Alabama – New York Giants
- Projected Pick: 11th overall
Though Smith is the more polished and pro-ready receiver, Jaylen Waddle’s physical tools and top-notch speed make him a potential superstar at the next level. Like former teammates Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy, the Alabama pass catcher could end up sneaking above his more productive co-star in the draft. Though, if either slip past the tenth pick, I’m sure the Giants will right that wrong. New York’s defense and offensive line look to be on the upswing after some tough years, so now it’s time to give Daniel Jones a speedy wide-out that can bail him out of his inconsistencies on deep passes. Starting the 2020 season with four-straight 120-yard games before getting hurt the following week, his big-play potential was on full display.
Kadarius Toney, Florida – Indianapolis Colts
- Projected Pick: 21st overall
Replacing a long-time standout at wide receiver for the franchise in T.Y. Hilton with Paris Campbell, a second-rounder from 2019 who’s only been active for nine career games in his first two seasons, feels extremely underwhelming for the Colts. The offense needs to get some weapons for Carson Wentz, as only Michael Pittman really stands out at the position. Here’s a speedy guy who not only provides a solid complement to the solid and steady Pittman, but has also been compared to T.Y. Hilton through the pre-draft process. Kadarius Toney’s draft stock has been on the rise due to his potential as a home-run-hitter who can create separation with his crafty running.
Rashod Bateman, Minnesota – Baltimore Ravens
- Projected Pick: 27th overall
The Ravens remain in desperate need of help in the receiving corps, as Marquise Brown shouldn’t be relied on as a primary option. Rashod Bateman is a physical receiver who knows how to find separation despite being the least athletic of the offensive weapons listed above. With nearly 1,700 receiving yards over his past 18 games, the former-Golden Gopher is a day one starter for most teams, but especially one in need of another chain mover outside of Mark Andrews. This addition also allows Hollywood Brown to specialize as a deep threat without having to go beyond his role.
Elijah Moore, Ole Miss – Tennessee Titans
- Projected Pick: 53rd overall pick
Tennessee not only released starter Adam Humphries, but could possibly lose former fifth-overall pick Corey Davis and rising tight end Jonnu Smith to free agency as well. In order to take pressure off of Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown, Jon Robinson and the Titans’ front office could choose to get a standout athlete to take some attention off of their star skill position players. Elijah Moore not only qualifies as a plus-athlete, but also produced some amazing numbers in the slot for Ole Miss in 2020. In just eight games, the the former Rebel failed to reach 10 catches once and had more 200 yard games (three) than games under 100 yards (two).
Rondale Moore, Purdue – Green Bay Packers
Projected Pick: 62nd overall
Rondale Moore, like Smith, is an undersized wide receiver who’s physicality surprises teams when the tape is on. Moore struggled with injuries after a stellar freshman campaign in 2018, but the former Boilermaker is one of the most dangerous ball-carriers in this draft class and has drawn comparisons to former Panthers’ superstar Steve Smith due to the wideouts ability to not only dodge tacklers with his mobility, but also break tackles.
Moore could do a lot of damage in an offensive attack like the Packers have, providing value as a yards-after-the-catch artist, a gadget player who can move into the backfield or return kicks, and a potent deep threat. Aaron Rodgers’ receiving corps could quickly turn into a strength for Green Bay’s offensive attack.
Terrace Marshall Jr., LSU – Washington Football Team
Projected Pick: 74th overall
The Tigers’ number one receiver during the 2020 season, Terrace Marshall made a name for himself after filling in for Justin Jefferson in the slot. With 23 touchdowns over his past two seasons, Marshall projects to be better at the next level on the outside, especially if he can add to his slender frame and limit his drops, of which he had seven last year. At 6’3″, 200 pounds, the tall wideout could turn into a fantastic side-speed mismatch and red zone threat. Marshall could struggle as a number one receiver in an offense, at least right away. And while that might drop his draft stock a bit, a football team like the Football Team could provide the LSU product with a perfect complementary role next to Terry McLaurin.
Sage Surratt, Wake Forest – New York Jets
Projected Pick: 87th overall
In nine games through 2019, Sage Surratt averaged over 110 receiving yards per game and collected 9 touchdowns. After opting out for 2020, the record-breaking Wake Forest receiver will provide his future franchise with a solid possession receiver who’s adept at making contested catches. The former basketball player doesn’t have the top-end speed that the top prospects have in this draft, but he’s projected to be a reliable receiver with a high floor as a pro. One option for Surratt to end up is in New York with the Jets. Regardless of what the Jets do with their quarterback position, the offense could use another weapon to pair with Jamison Crowder and Denzel Mims and ensure three capable starters for whoever’s throwing passes for Gang Green next season.
Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State – New England Patriots
Projected Pick: 97th overall
Tylan Wallace was extremely productive with Oklahoma State in college, but the former track star needs to build a route-running tree in order to find success at the next level. With over 1,100 yards and 9 touchdowns per year over his final three collegiate seasons. Though extremely raw, teams have a glimpse of what the speedster can do if he can refine his routes and create similar separation at the next level. A team like the Patriots could give Wallace the necessary coaching, as well as the opportunity and the targets down the line to help him develop into a Pro Bowl-level player. In the likely event that New England’s offense takes some time to rebuild, there will be no pressure on Wallace to produce right away.
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