Members enjoy this outlook of 2021 Rookie Wide Receivers Outlook to prepare you for your upcoming rookie dynasty drafts by our NFL Scouting Analyst Riley Bymaster. This Rookie Profile Feature is MEMBER ONLY and designed to help dynasty fantasy players evaluate the incoming crop of NFL Rookies. We’ll be releasing rookie profiles for all the prominent dynasty rookies, including Dynasty ADP, Dynasty Rankings, draft boards and more. Subscribe today and use the Promo TD30 for 30% off your first two months!
The play of the 2020 rookie wide receiver class quickly rivaled that of the loaded 2014 class that included Odell Beckham, Mike Evans, and Allen Robinson. Coming off of a season where the world was formally introduced to Ceedee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, and Tee Higgins, among others, there is another set of uber-high expectations for the incoming rookie class. Be careful with going all in on the so-called depth of this group of wideouts as there are several well-known players who carry higher bust potentials than the community may believe. However, these first six receivers carry the top-heavy class.
Ja’Marr Chase – LSU / 6’0” – 201 lbs
Having opted out of the 2020 season, Chase left us salivating about his phenomenal 2019 year where compiled a whopping 1,780 yards on 84 receptions and 20 touchdowns. His teammate at the time, Vikings’ soon-to-be sophomore Justin Jefferson, was the clear-cut second option for the 2019 Tigers. Chase brings his running back-like frame to the position and is likely headed for the title of first receiver off the board in this year’s draft.
On the field, Chase leaves little to be desired as he shows game-in and game-out what he brings to the table as an alpha wide receiver. He shows incredible hands and the ability to snatch and tuck the ball away quickly and safely. Chase’s ability to high-point the football and play above the rim is the best in the class, which will immediately translate to the NFL. He is solid after the catch and will shake a good number of tackles with the ball in his hands. Chase needs to improve the quickness in and out of his breaks, but he brings a well-rounded, elite skillset to the table.
- Grade: Elite starter
- Draft Projection: Top 10
- Projected DFWC ADP: 1.02
- Comparison: AJ Brown with a sprinkle of DJ Moore
- Bottom Line: Chase will enter the league and immediately become one of the top receivers in all the NFL. He is a sure-fire top 5 pick in every fantasy format with the potential of being a perennial All-Pro. Don’t pass on Ja’Marr Chase.
Rashod Bateman – Minnesota/ 6’0” – 190 lbs
The Minnesota product sat out most of the 2020 campaign after being diagnosed with COVID and losing 10 pounds in the process. After breaking out as a freshman with 700 yards and six touchdowns, Bateman and teammate Tyler Johnson roasted the rest of the BIG 10 throughout the 2019 season. Totaling over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns, Bateman proved to be a go-to receiver with significant room to grow.
Bateman’s route running and ability to separate with ease will easily translate to the next level. He snags passes away from his frame and keeps his momentum in the process. He shows clean footwork in his releases off the line of scrimmage, which will give cover corners problems in the NFL. Bateman may struggle with fighting through contact with physical, handsy corner backs. He dominates in the short and middle areas of the field, but we would like to see him win vertically a bit more before he can take the next step into the elite group of NFL receivers.
- Grade: ????
- Draft Projection: ????
- Projected DFWC ADP: ????
- Comparison: ????
- Bottom Line: ????
- This is reserved for our Premium Members. Click here to read the Member version or click here to subscribe.
DeVonta Smith – Alabama / 6’1” – 170 lbs
Deemed the “Slim Reaper” by many in the fantasy community, Smith is the newest product of the Crimson Tide wide receiver factory. After a Heisman-winning campaign in 2020 where he accounted for just under 1,900 yards, 117 catches, and 23 touchdowns, fewer concerns were raised about Smith’s razor-thin frame. He proved his worthiness of a first-round pick by dominating every single Saturday against tough SEC defenses.
Smith is a fast player who likely falls between Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs on the explosion scale. He holds the biggest catch radius in the class as he’s able to catch any pass within a 10-foot radius. Smith has elite body control and has no issues adjusting to back shoulder or poorly thrown balls. He is a shifty runner after the catch and was used quite often on smoke and tunnel screens. His run blocking vastly improved from 2019 to 2020. Smith’s only concern is slightly leaning into his breaks when running deep posts or digs, but his NFL receiver’s coach should be able to tighten the screws relatively easily.
- Grade: Solid starter
- Draft Projection: 1st Round
- Projected DFWC ADP: 1.04
- Comparison: Calvin Ridley on theoretical steroids
- Bottom Line: Smith is a natural playmaker whose weight will matter less than many may believe. He is best suited to play opposite of another elite receiver and may take a season to develop into his full potential. He is no worse than a top-three receiver in the 2021 class.
Jaylen Waddle – Alabama / 5’10” – 180 lbs
One of the most debated prospects in recent years, Waddle’s best collegiate season came during his first year on campus where he totaled 848 yards and seven scores on 45 receptions. Keep in mind this came on a loaded offense with Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, DeVonta Smith, and Josh Jacobs. He suffered a brutal ankle injury against Tennessee during the 2020 season, which kept him off the field for the majority of the year. He hobbled his way through the national championship game which likely provided ambivalent feelings from scouts and NFL personnel. That being said, Waddle should be ready roll and back to 100% in time for rookie mini camp this summer. ????????????????
- Grade: ????
- Draft Projection: ????
- Projected DFWC ADP: ????
- Comparison: ????
- Bottom Line: ????
- This is reserved for our Premium Members. Click here to read the Member version or click here to subscribe.
Rondale Moore – Purdue / 5’7” – 180 lbs
Moore has one of the most interesting prospect profiles in recent memory, serving up one the best freshman seasons in the history of college football and not doing a darn thing after that. He measured at 5’7” during his pro day, but ran a 4.29 40-yard dash to go along with a 42.5” vertical jump. Moore is tiny, yet juiced receiver who carries loads of potential, but which Rondale Moore will the NFL see once the 2021 season begins?
Moore’s play style is another electric one. He will be a slot-only player at the next level but… ????
- Grade: ????
- Draft Projection: ????
- Projected DFWC ADP: ????
- Comparison: ????
- Bottom Line: ????
- This is reserved for our Premium Members. Click here to read the Member version or click here to subscribe.
Elijah Moore – Mississippi / 5’8” – 179 lbs
The “other” Moore wide receiver has shot up draft boards throughout the offseason once many realized his pure explosiveness and natural play-making ability. It took him till the 2020 season to break the thousand-yard mark, but he played well throughout his sophomore season once he took the reigns from AJ Brown and DK Metcalf. Moore is another player who has taken advantage of the pro day-only workouts this year, clocking his 40-yard dash in the late 4.30s. Though he likely profiles as a slot-only receive at the next level, Moore…????????????????
- Grade: ????
- Draft Projection: ????
- Projected DFWC ADP: ????
- Comparison: ????
- Bottom Line: ????
- This is reserved for our Premium Members. Click here to read the Member version or click here to subscribe.
