2021: WR Rookie Profiles

Welcome into our 2021 WR Rookie Profiles. We’ve looked at the tape, so you don’t have to! This season has had a lot of disruption due to COVID-19. That has meant that there isn’t going to be a combine. So it’s easy to get lost behind the lack of coverage.

We are going to list the WRs alphabetically, covering:

• Tutu Atwell (Louisville)
• Rashod Bateman (Minnesota)
• Dyami Brown (North Carolina)
• Ja’Marr Chase (LSU)
• Nico Collins (Michigan)
• D’Wayne Eskridge (W Michigan)
• Terrace Marshall Jr (LSU)
• Elijah Moore (Mississippi)
• Rondale Moore (Purdue)
• Amari Rodgers (Clemson)
• Anthony Schwartz (Auburn)
• Devonta Smith (Alabama)
• Shi Smith (S Carolina)
• Amon-Ra St. Brown (USC)
• Sage Surratt (Wake Forest)
• Marquez Stevenson (Houston)
• Tamorrion Terry (Florida St)
• Kadarius Toney (Florida)
• Jaylen Waddle (Alabama)
• Tylan Wallace (Oklahoma St)
• Seth Williams (Auburn)

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Tutu Atwell (Louisville) 5’9″ 165lbs

Pre-draft

Atwell had to wait until 2019 before he exploded with nearly 1,300 yards and 12 TDs. Atwell is a versatile player, having lined up all over the formation, and returning kicks on special teams. Able to get up to top speed in a flash, able to get almost immediate seperation.

Atwell is a smaller receiver, but he makes up for it in his speed of thought and feet. Doesn’t allow defenders to dominate him with his acceleration. Need to see where he lands before his fantasy outlook is determined, but is going to be a decent addition to an offense.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 2, Pick 57 Los Angeles Rams

The Rams didn’t have that many draft picks this season, and the fact they used one on a receiver is a little telling. The team lost Josh Reynolds this season, and Atwell is likely to fulfil a similar role behind Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. A decent mid-round option.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Rashod Bateman (Minnesota) 6’2″ 210lbs

Pre-draft

Bateman is a great receiver, able to play on the outside or kick into the slot. Has a great body type to play in the league, and able to beat players with a variety of routes and releases. Good red-zone target with a great vertical leap and hands.

Bateman might not have great top-end speed, but he is able to make up for that with his physicality and acceleration. Should be a fantasy relevant option in his rookie season, and could be fantastic as a red-zone option.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 1, Pick 27 Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens were screaming for receiving talent, taking Bateman with their first pick in the draft. Honestly, I was a little under-whelmed with this landing spot- at least at the moment. I need to go back and watch some more tape on Lamar Jackson, but currently I’m worried about the passing volume (and accuracy) in this passing offense.

Bateman is likely to slide a little down my board at the moment.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Dyami Brown (North Carolina) 6’1″ 185lbs

Pre-draft

Brown has been impressive in college, with two seasons with over 1,000 yards. Good size enables him to release from the line of scrimmage, and make defenders struggle to keep up with his speed. Constantly able to find space in zone coverage too, making him a great option for QB’s if needed.

Brown is a great runner, able to separate from the line or downfield. Hands could be better, but could find himself being a frustrating rookie add with drops. But has long-term value.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 3, Pick 82 Washington Football Team

Brown joins a receiving unit that has some star power, but he also has an opportunity to get out on the field in a rotational role. I’m not expecting immediate fantasy value but should eb worth a late second/ early third in rookie drafts.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Ja’Marr Chase (LSU) 6’1″ 200lbs

Pre-draft

Chase didn’t contribute too much in 2018, but blew up in 2019 under Joe Burrow. Has good size, and able to use his frame to win the ball in the air. Has fantastic ability in the air to win 50/50 balls with his leaping ability. Great route-runner, with great footwork.

Chase has everything that you might want in a receiver, great route-runner with great hands. If he gets a good QB throwing him in the ball, he could end up having a fantastic rookie season.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 1, Pick 5 Cincinnati Bengals

Chase was the first WR off the board, as many expected and re-unites with his college QB Joe Burrow. The Bengals had needs on defense and offensive line, but the allure of that successful connection was too much to pass up. Chase steps up as the team leading receiver- and he remains at the top of rookie WR rankings.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Nico Collins (Michigan) 6’4″ 222lbs

Pre-draft

Collins opted out of the 2020 season, but was able to show his versatility in the previous years. Collins is a big-bodied player, and uses that well against defenders. Able to work in contested areas without worrying about where the defender is, and good in the red-zone with his size.

Collins is likely to be a late pickup, but has great upside given his raw talents. Might struggle to get on the field, as he isn’t the most consistent. Could end up being a cut-down casualty. Has limited fantasy relevance as a result.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 3, Pick 89 Houston Texans

The Texans selected Collins in the third round, and are a team that needs talent throughout the roster. That means that Collins is likely to see the field early in his career. However, this team is not in good shape so I’d not be wanting to invest more than a mid-round third rookie pick.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: D’Wayne Eskridge (W Michigan) 5’9″ 190lbs

Pre-draft

Eskridge is an undersized receiver, who is more likely to find success in the slot in the NFL (having operated on the outside in college). His pace makes him a constant deep threat, and he has the acceleration to not be beaten at the line of scrimmage. Once he has the ball in his hands, he is a danger and able to pick up chunks of yards.

Eskridge is a speedy weapon, but he needs more development before he is ready to be fantasy relevant. Has a limited route tree (although he didn’t need to challenge himself with his speed advantage) which could be a problem for the next level. Could end up being a special teams weapon only.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 2, Pick 56 Seattle Seahawks

Eskridge lands in a spot where he could excel. His down-field speed makes him a viable player to put on the opposite side from DK Metcalf, and allow Tyler Lockett to line up in the slot. Prior to the draft, I saw him as a special teams option, but I’d be happy to select him late in the second round, or early third round in rookie drafts.

College Stats

Image Credit: Jay Biggerstaff – USA TODAY Sports

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Terrace Marshall Jr (LSU) 6’2″ 200lbs

Pre-draft

Marshall is a good sized player, and able to continue to produce in the offense without Joe Burrow in 2020. Marshall has shown his versatility, spending time in the slot and wide areas of the field. Has a good understanding of how to beat defenders to gain separation. Able to track the ball downfield, or jump up to win a jump ball.

Marshall should be a contributor from day one in the league, due to his versatility should see the field early and often. Good combination of size and skill.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 2, Pick 59 Carolina Panthers

Marshall landing with the Panthers is a good spot. The team can add another receiver to their unit, and Marshall should be a starter from day one. I’d be very comfortable taking him in the early second round of rookie drafts.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Elijah Moore (Mississippi) 5’11” 184lbs

Pre-draft

Moore is another prospect off the back of the Mississippi production line. Primarily operating out of the slot, he finished just shy of 1,200 yards in 2020. Moore is a prime example of what you want in a slot receiver, he plays above his size through contact and has great speed.

Moore is one of the best slot receiving prospects in this class, able to find space consistently in the middle of the field. While running a variety of routes.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 2, Pick 59 Carolina Panthers

Marshall landing with the Panthers is a good spot. The team can add another receiver to their unit, and Marshall should be a starter from day one. I’d be very comfortable taking him in the early second round of rookie drafts.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Rondale Moore (Purdue) 5’9″ 180lbs

Pre-draft

Moore blew up in his opening college season, with nearly 1,300 yards receiving. Operates out of the slot, able to move in a way that makes it tough for defenders to close him down. Moore is able to accelerate extremely quickly to get to his top speed and break in and out of routes.

Moore is going to be the type of player that coaches are going to look to utilize in a variety of ways. An electric player, who could end up with fantasy value straight away, but might be suited to best ball formats for his rookie season.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 2, Pick 49 Arizona Cardinals

Moore joins a stacked offense in Arizona, and has the draft capital to mean he should be put on the field early. This landing spot, on this offense, Moore is going to be used all over the field and could have some relevance this season. Might be a frustrating prospect, but taking him in the second round is fine.

College Stats

Image Credit: Chuck Cook – USA Today Sports

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Amari Rodgers (Clemson) 5’10” 210lbs

Pre-draft

Rodgers had an effective 2018 season on the outside, but then kicked inside where he really excelled. Stepped up when receiving talent was unavailable, culminating in his most productive season in 2020. Rodgers could end up as a running back, given his frame and running style.

Rodgers is a good slot receiver, with the ability to catch passes in tight areas of the field. His fantasy relevance is going to be very dependent on his landing spot.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 3, Pick 85 Green Bay Packers

Moore joins a stacked offense in Arizona, and has the draft capital to mean he should be put on the field early. This landing spot, on this offense, Moore is going to be used all over the field and could have some relevance this season. Might be a frustrating prospect, but taking him in the second round is fine.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Anthony Schwartz (Auburn) 6’0″ 179lbs

Pre-draft

Schwartz has incredible speed, with state records to prove it. A dual-threat back, has experience receiving and rushing the ball. Just needs the ball in his hands, with his speed allowing him to make any play a big-play. Able to start and stop quickly, which enables him to beat defenders.

Schwartz’s speed will make him a relevant player for any offense, but he might be a frustrating fantasy option. Worth a late-flier depending on the landing spot.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 3, Pick 91 Cleveland Browns

Schwartz lands on a Browns offense that doesn’t throw the ball that much, and (currently) behind Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry on the depth chart. As a result, I wouldn’t invest more than a mid to late third-round bid.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Devonta Smith (Alabama) 6’1″ 170lbs

Pre-draft

Smith has been fantastic in college. Made some good plays in 2018 before really stepping up in 2019 and 2020. Smith has shown his ability to return kicks, which has helped him showcase his acceleration and agility. Able to lineup anywhere on the field, uses his acceleration to beat defenders on a multitude of routes.

Smith is a great versatile receiver, who can lineup outside or inside. Should be able to be successful in the NFL, and an immediate fantasy option.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 1, Pick 10 Philadelphia Eagles

Try, try, try again. The Eagles selected another receiver early in the draft. The team needs receiving options to give their QB Jalen Hurts an opportunity to score points. Smith should now be the leading receiver for the team, which should give him immediate fantasy value. If Hurts is as good as the team hopes, this connection could pay dividends for years.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Shi Smith (S Carolina) 6’1″ 186lbs

Pre-draft

Smith has been a consistent performer, with a limited amount of work. Smith has great power in his frame, and has been productive with the coaches looking to get the ball into his hands often. Has good vertical ability, due to his acceleration and top-end speed.

Smith is able to make a play on the ball, able to get separation or leap to catch contested balls. Need to be more polished as a route-runner to succeed at the next level, but has the ability to get on the field early in his career. A late-round rookie pick.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 6, Pick 204 Carolina Panthers

Smith landed with the Panthers, with an outside chance of making the roster. Landing spot was going to be critical for his success. At the moment this doesn’t look like it- a late-round selection at best

College Stats

Image Credit: Matt Cashore – USA TODAY Sports

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Amon-Ra St. Brown (USC) 6’1″ 195lbs

Pre-draft

You might recognise the name, and that’s because he is the brother of the Packers receiver. St. Brown saw most of his action in 2019, where he finished with over 1,000 yards receiving. Like his brother, he is able to run a number of routes effectively. Has great agility and instincts to free him up to make the play on the ball.

St. Brown is a talented slot receiver, able to take advantage of short-yardage situations. However, he might struggle to get separation as he doesn’t have great top-end speed and not a true deep threat. Could have value in PPR leagues, depending on the landing spot.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 4, Pick 112 Detroit Lions

St. Brown lands on a team that has WR talent, but nothing that fits the mold we have seen Jared Goff use in his career to date. St. Brown should fit the role that he has liked, a receiver in the slot that can enjoy checkdowns, and PPR points. The capital is a worry, but I’m still happy taking St. Brown in the back end of second rounds.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Marquez Stevenson (Houston) 5’11” 163lbs

Pre-draft

Stevenson is another speedster in this draft, that uses it to help him complete big plays. However, he has had limited production with drops hurting him. Doesn’t have ideal size, so may struggle against bigger defenders in the NFL.

Stevenson is unlikely to be fantasy relevant. Far more likely to be a special teams contributor than anything else.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 6, Pick 203 Buffalo Bills

Stevenson landed in Buffalo and is a long shot to see the field with the other talent they have at the position. Late round option at best.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Sage Surratt (Wake Forest) 6’3″ 215lbs

Pre-draft

Surratt had a fantastic 2019 season, with over 1,000 yards and 11 TDs. Able to use his size to move defenders and break tackles, as well as blocking defenders on rushing plays. Gives himself the opportunity to make a play on every ball that comes his way.

Surratt is a solid player that should be able to contribute straight away, especially with his ability in the red-zone. Could offer value as a mid-to-late rookie pick.

Post-draft

UDFA – Detroit Lions

Surratt finds himself on a team that has middling talent at the position. That doesn’t spell great success in the NFL, given he was picked up as an UDFA. Late round pick at best, but most likely on the waiver wire post draft.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Tamorrion Terry (Florida St) 6’4″ 210lbs

Pre-draft

Terry has great length and size. More than just a possession receiver, is a constant threat with the ball (shown by the opportunity he had). Terry uses his length to keep defenders away and get downfield quickly. Able to run a variety of routes, finds a way to beat defenders.

Terry is a big receiver with a wide range of skills that should help him in the NFL. His mentality to win against defenders should make him a constant threat. Could have fantasy relevance from day one.

Post-draft

UDFA – Seattle Seahawks

Terry ultimately fell all the way through the draft, but was picked up by Seattle as a UDFA. The Seattle roster has solid talent at the top, but lacks depth. Terry could see the field if a starter misses time, so I’d invest a late-round selection.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Kadarius Toney (Florida) 6’0″ 177lbs

Pre-draft

If a team needs a versatile option on offense, it’s hard to look past Toney. During his time in college he lined up as a receiver, running back and even some time as a wildcat QB. Has great ability with the ball in his hands and flexibility in his body to keep speed in his cuts.

Toney’s 2020 season put him firmly in the minds of NFL teams. One of the best things about him is that he could get even better if he improved his route running ability. Should have fantasy relevance early on in his career, but could be a little inconsistent to start his career.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 1, Pick 20 New York Giants

Toney moving to the Giants is a decent move. The team added Kenny Golladay in the offseason, who should take the primary coverage. That should allow Toney the chance to succeed against secondary coverage. The Giants have put together a sneaky offense and their defense started to gel last season.

Toney in this spot moves him up on my rookie rankings.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Jaylen Waddle (Alabama) 5’10” 182lbs

Pre-draft

Waddle has been a consistent offensive weapon for Alabama during his time in college. Has big-play ability as a receiver or as a returner. Waddle is able to get up to top speed quickly, and move in whichever direction he needs to to find space.

Waddle is a great slot-receiver who has great release and footwork. The wow-factor will give him fantasy relevance. If he lands on a team that utilizes the slot, could end up having a great rookie season.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 1, Pick 6 Miami Dolphins

Waddle re-unites with his college QB in Miami. The team needed receiving talent desperately, and Waddle is the exact type of playmaker that the team needed. With the connection he has with the team QB, this is a perfect landing spot.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Tylan Wallace (Oklahoma St) 5’11” 185lbs

Pre-draft

Wallace is (I feel) an undervalued talent. He made a mark in college in 2018 with his near 1,500 yard season. Since then he has improved as a receiver, but has fallen off statistically. Wallace doesn’t have great top end speed, but gets to it very quickly which helps him in selling routes and getting space to make the play.

Wallace has explosive pace off the line, which helps him beat defenders to where the ball is going to be. Could struggle against physical corners, as he has shown he will struggle against bigger defenders. Late round rookie pick. Likely to be buried on a depth chart for a year or two.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 4, Pick 131 Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens offense has gone through some change this offseason. Certainly the team are looking to give Lamar Jackson the receiving weapons he needs to make the next step in his development. Wallace should be able to compete to get on the field on the rare occasion that the team use a 3 WR set, but is likely to buried on the depth chart. I’d let him fall to the third round in rookie drafts.

College Stats

2021 WR Rookie Profiles: Seth Williams (Auburn) 6’3″ 211lbs

Pre-draft

Williams has been a consistent performer in college, with a great wingspan. Able to catch most passes that come near him, with great body control. Moves well off the line, which enables him to make big plays on a consistent basis.

Williams has primarily become a receiver that knows what he can do, and does it well. Able to perform well on shorter routes and jump-balls. Could struggle at the next level with defenders stopping him getting downfield. Limited fantasy relevance.

Post-draft

Selected- Round 6, Pick 213 Denver Broncos

Williams landing in Denver is going to do nothing for his fantasy relevance. The team has a number of young receivers, and their defense should limit the number of passes they throw. Let him hit the waiver wire, unless you are in a hugely deep league.

College Stats

That’s it for our WR edition of our 2021 Rookie Profiles! These are going to be updated as news breaks, and just after the NFL draft. So check us out as well as our social media channels. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And, as always, if you want something more specific to your league- reach out! Don’t forget to check out our other content in our draft kit!

Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports