Ranking the Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft Class
January 13, 2022
The 2022 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the draft class is one like no other. Unlike usual, there is not true top player in the class and many are constantly debating about teams’ draft-day decisions. However, unlike the quarterback and running back positions, the 2022 wide receiver class is one of my favorites in recent memory, with there being many players that could potentially develop into some of the top players in the league.
As like many of the other positions, this wide receiver class, while very talented, is still stirring up debate over which player is truly the best receiver in the class.
In my opinion, that title goes to Treylon Burks, a strong, yet fast, receiver out of Arkansas.
What follows is my big board for the best ten wide receivers in this years draft.
1. Treylon Burks, Arkansas
As mentioned above, Burks is extremely fast considering his size. A strong natural athlete, Burks does everything right. His footwork is phenomenal, his hands are good, and, for his stature, is very quick and light on his feet. There is no doubt in my mind that Burks is the best receiver in this draft class.
2. Jahan Dotson, Penn State
Dotson has some of the greatest hands I have ever seen on a college receiver. He constantly makes absurd catches, whether that be in traffic, in the back corner of the endzone, or on the sideline. Dotson can be difficult to tackle and his speed allows him to cut straight through zone defenses. All around, Dotson is a very good prospect.
3. Jameson Williams, Alabama
Williams is an interesting player, one that reminds me of the Atlanta Falcons’ Cordarelle Patterson in his ability to do everything that his team asks him to do. Williams has been seen on special teams, kick-off returns, and in his normal position at wide receiver. The dynamic playmaker constantly finds breeches in opposing defenses and it has translated to massive success for the Alabama product. Although a torn ACL may hamper the draft stock of Williams, he is still a top talent that should easily be taken in the first round.
4. John Metchie III, Alabama
Unfortunately for Metchie, a torn ACL in the latter end of Alabama’s season will poorly affect his draft stock. However, Metchie is a world-class talent that could easily be one of the top three receivers in this draft, barring his injury. Metchie runs amazing routes, has good hands, and has a blazing acceleration. On top of all of that, Metchie has the “IT” factor, by which I mean his performance in the clutch. In a tough Iron Bowl matchup with Auburn, Metchie consistently found the endzone in overtime, eventually scoring the game winning two-point conversion.
5. Drake London, USC
London is an intriguing prospect, as he is a much different type of player than many of the others in this year’s draft class. London has amazing size, standing at a whopping 6’5″ (ESPN.com). He is very physical and utilizes his size greatly. Fitting the mold of a typical USC receiver, London plays with a passion and fights for extra yards. Any team looking for a strong, physical talent would love Drake London.
6. Chris Olave, Ohio State
While Olave is a bit smaller, he looks like he can still have a tremendous impact at the next level. Unlike Dotson, who makes up for his size with amazing hands and speed, Olave is more of a short route runner that is quick enough to make men miss. However, Olave does have very good hands, and is overall a solid player with a very high football IQ.
7. Zay Flowers, Boston College
Unfortunately for Flowers, playing at a smaller school (football-wise) has not helped his draft stock.. However, any scout that sees Flowers on film can tell that he is an amazing talent. Flowers is fast, has an amazing juke move, and has astounding footwork. In my opinion, Flowers could end up as one of the best receivers in this class if he is selected by a team with the proper fit for him.
8. Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
Many have Wilson as one of their top receivers in their draft, but personally Wilson is a lot lower on this list for me. Wilson is smaller, but is not very strong or physical, which means he could possibly get out-matched in the NFL. Wilson does have solid hands and is decently quick, but is not that above average from what I’ve seen. Overall, Wilson is a good prospect, but not the top wide receiver in the draft class, as he has been projected.
9. George Pickens, Georgia
Pickens is one of those players that has monstrous talent, but injuries have hampered his success. Fortunately for Pickens, however, he recovered well from his ACL tear in the spring of 2021 and even suited up for the National Championship. In that game, Pickens had just one catch, but it was a big play that went for 52 yards (ESPN.com). The Georgia Bulldog had has very good hands, draws double teams, has good routes and footwork, and is physically gifted standing at 6’3″ 200lbs (ESPN.com). For Pickens, any team that is lucky enough to draft him will see instant success in their passing offense, barring any setbacks with Pickens’ injury. As long as Pickens is fully healthy and can handle a larger snap count, he will be a major star in the NFL. Nonetheless, Pickens still remains a major question mark for draft scouts.
10. Skyy Moore, Western Michigan
Moore, the Western Michigan product, has flown under the radar of many scouts, but could be a solid NFL receiver. The former Mustang is very fast and plays very aggressive considering his smaller stature. Moore has decent hands and reminds me a lot of the New York Jets’ Elijah Moore. Similarly to Elijah Moore, Skyy Moore will most likely not be a top receiver taken off of the board due to his unique playing style that is almost like a running back lined up at receiver. However, as the Jets got with Elijah Moore, Skyy Moore could be a very good value pick towards the later rounds for any team.
Honorable Mention: Romeo Doubs, Nevada
Doubs is a player that really impressed me during his past two seasons. His footwork has improved tremendously, he plays very fast, and is a major deep threat. Similarly to Moore, Doubs has played some weaker competition, so it is slightly unknown if his game will transfer over to the next level. Nonetheless, Doubs is a receiver with a lot of upside, that could very well grow into one of the better receivers in this class.