The 2022 Senior Bowl Wide Receiver Position Break Down
Wide receiver is always one of the best positions at the Senior Bowl. Jim Nagy and co. know exactly what the NFL is looking for, their wide-out classes always reflecting the trends of the league. It’s no different this time around. This year’s theme is crystal clear... it is all about vertical ability. Nearly every receiver in this draft excels at stretching the field in their own way. In a typically stacked group, here are the pass catchers you should keep an eye on down in Mobile.
Jahan Dotson is the best receiver at this Senior Bowl. Media perception would be even better if he received the service he truly deserved at Penn State. Despite the shaky quarterback play, Dotson still managed over 1,100 yards. A speedster, Dotson runs crisp routes and plays bigger than his size. The former Nittany Lion's quick route running will shine bright in the 1-on-1s down in Mobile. Look for a big Senior Bowl to propel Dotson into the first round.
Another athletic Big 10 receiver is Bo Melton. Held back by the scheme and overall quarterback play at Rutgers, Melton was unable to really show what he can do over the past five seasons in North Jersey. The former Scarlet Knight is a great athlete, and it shows when he has the ball in his hands. A former scatback in high school, Melton just has a knack for creating extra yards with the ball in his hands. He will fight for extra yards with the ball in his hands. Could Melton possibly hold a Deebo Samuel-type role in the future?
Calvin Austin III is another speedster who can turn heads in Mobile. He may be small, but he has game-breaking speed. The pocket-sized slot weapon might not look like much at first… until he blows past your defense for six. As quick as he is fast, Austin is a terror to tackle in the open field. It's not just the straight-line speed for Austin too, his violent cuts are nearly impossible for defenders to keep up with. Look for Austin to corners trouble in the 1v1 drills.
Much larger in stature than Austin is North Dakota State’s, Christian Watson. Watson may not have a ton of hype yet, but a big week in Mobile can change that. Standing out amongst the rest of the pack at 6’5, don’t mistake Watson for just a contest catch guy! Watson was a dynamic threat with the ball in his hands for the Bison. His game has a smoothness you just don't see in guys that big. He played exceedingly well at North Dakota State and has tremendous upside, but how will he fare against a very talented corner group?
Another one looking to shoo away doubts regarding his level of competition is Jalen Tolbert. Tolbert has consistently been one of the best deep threats in football over the past two years for Southern Alabama. A sizable target, Tolbert can extend the field, making tough catches. This guy catches pretty much everything! Playing in the Sun Belt, the level of competition will always be a question mark heading into the draft process. At the Senior Bowl, the Mobile native has the opportunity to answer any doubts.
Finishing up with another big target from a small school we have Cincinatti's, Alec Pierce. All year Pierce has made catches he had no business hauling in. All Desmond Ridder had to do was put the ball in the general vicinity of Pierce, and most of the time it was a completion. Going along with the theme of the class, Pierce uses his contested catch ability to make catches down the field. Averaging over 17 yards a reception for the Bearcats, Pierce’s blend of size and athleticism make him a player to watch at the Senior Bowl.
Final Wide Receivers Roster
Khalil Shakir, Boise State (National)
Alec Pierce, Cincinnati (National)
Romeo Doubs, Nevada (National)
Christian Watson, North Dakota State (National)
Jahan Dotson, Penn State (National)
Bo Melton, Rutgers (National)
Calvin Austin III, Memphis (American)
Reggie Roberson, SMU (American)
Danny Gray, SMU (American)
Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama (American)
Velus Jones Jr, Tennessee (American)
Tre Turner, Virginia Tech (American)
Dontario Drummond, Ole Miss (American)
Writer
-By: Jacob Keppen