The evolution of the wide receiver position has been so fun to watch this past decade in football. Whether it’s fancy one handed acrobatic catches by Odell Beckham Jr or speed demons such as Tyreke Hill. The wide receiver position has proved to be a very vital element in a team’s offense. In this past April’s NFL Draft the 2019 class was labeled the most “stacked” class in recent memory. There may be little to no doubt in that fact as we saw a record 13 wide receivers go in the first two rounds and an overall 35 drafted. 2019’s class will be a tough act to follow no doubt. However, the crop of wide receiver talent in 2020 is just as rich. Here is my top five list of collegiate wide receivers to watch in 2020.
Ja’marr Chase, WR, LSU- Chase is coming off a monster year in 2019. Chase played a major part in Joe Burrow’s Heisman campaign. Chase rewrote the record books in LSU’s offense a year ago. He ripped off an SEC record for receiving yards in a season with 1,780, and even better, he set a new conference mark with 20 receiving touchdowns. The sophomore was a runaway winner for the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver. He also had the most receptions of 50 or more yards (9) of any player in FBS. Chase is an explosive play maker who will be looking to add onto his legacy this year.
Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue- Moore burst on the scene as a freshman catching 114 passes for 1,258 yards and 12 scores accumulating 2,215 all-purpose yards overall. Getting Moore’s all-around versatility and play making ability back will be a big shot in the arm for Purdue’s offense. Moore’s season a year ago was cut short due to a hamstring injury suffered in late September. Moore is one of the most dangerous players in the open field and he should benefit from finally being back healthy. Expect a big year from Moore.
Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama- There are 3 things in life that are certain death, taxes and Alabama having a stacked WR corp. Despite losing Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy to the NFL, Alabama’s receiving corps is in good shape thanks to the return of Smith and Jaylen Waddle . Smith led the Crimson Tide with 1,256 receiving yards and 14 touchdown catches last season. He also averaged 18.5 ypc and was second on the team in catches with (68). Honorable Mention: Jalen Waddle, WR, Alabama- Waddle has thrived in the slot for the Crimson Tide by catching 78 passes for 1,408 yards and 13 touchdowns over the last two years. Waddle has also scored three times on special teams.
Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota- The Gophers lost Tyler Johnson to the NFL, as Johnson will be catching passes from Tom Brady in Tampa. Luckily for Minnesota they still have a key member returning in 2020 in Rashod Bateman. Bateman had a breakout year last fall, catching 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 scores. Additionally, his 20.3 per-catch average led all players in the Big Ten.
Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State- Wallace was on pace for another 1,000-yard season, but a knee injury suffered in practice sidelined him for the final five games of 2019. Prior to the injury, Wallace got off to a scorching start catching 53 passes for 903 yards and eight touchdowns. Similar to his 2018 All-American campaign (86 catches for 1,491 yards and 12 touchdowns). Wallace should be back at full strength for 2020 and is one of the top receivers in the nation.
