1. Ja’Marr Chase, LSU (6-foot-0, 210 pounds)
Harvey, La. (Archbishop Rummel); Age: 21.16
A two-year starter at LSU, Chase was the X receiver in offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger’s offense, lining up both inside and outside. He had an historic sophomore season with Heisman winner Joe Burrow throwing him the football and became the first player in LSU history to reach 2,000-plus receiving yards in his first two seasons.
Chase is extremely talented after the catch and with the ball in the air, exemplifying the “my ball” attitude to consistently win the catch point (plays like a smaller Larry Fitzgerald). He appears very natural with his route movements, but needs to do a better job making every route look the same off the line of scrimmage. Overall, Chase creates separation with his gear-changing acceleration and is an elite finisher with his physical ball skills. He displays equal parts competitive toughness and playmaking skills to be an NFL No. 1 receiver.
2. Jaylen Waddle, Alabama (5-foot-10, 182 pounds)
Houston, Texas (Episcopal); Age: 22.43
A part-time starter at Alabama, Waddle played the H receiver position (lined up inside and outside) in former offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian’s offense, a passing-friendly scheme designed to get him the ball in space or create vulnerable matchups. Sharing a depth chart with Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs and DeVonta Smith most of his career, he was on pace for 80-plus catches and 1,800-plus yards as a junior before his season-ending ankle injury.
With his natural speed and burst, Waddle is dangerous before and after the catch. He shows the creativity, competitiveness and separation skills to stress defenses in different ways (responsible for four receptions of 75-plus yards in his career). While still a work-in-progress with several details of the position, he showed clear maturation with his route construction and ball skills in 2020. Overall, Waddle doesn’t stand out for his size or seasoning, but he is a special athlete with the sudden movements and acceleration to be an NFL playmaker in the Tyreek Hill mold. He projects as a scheme-versatile receiver and dynamic return man.