The media mock draft machines are in hyper drive connecting the Los Angeles Rams to pass catchers early in next month’s NFL Draft. From Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon, and Carnell Tate to Kenyon Sadiq, the Rams are in store to have no shortage of options when the clock starts ticking on the thirteenth overall selection.
What is the recent history of first round receivers? There are certainly busts each year; however, Los Angeles may be well-placed to avoid such a folly.
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Let’s take a look at every first round receiver since 2020 and draw some high level conclusions.
2020
Henry Ruggs (Raiders); 12th
Jerry Jeudy (Broncos); 15th
CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys); 17th
Jalen Reagor (Eagles); 21st
Justin Jefferson (Vikings); 22nd
Brandon Aiyuk (49ers); 25th
Ruggs was a unique case and his legal troubles ran him out of the NFL. Jalen Reagor fizzled out quickly in Philly. Brandon Aiyuk will be released by the 49ers at some point this offseason; however, prior to his injury he was a great player for San Francisco.
This class was more good than bad, though Reagor was really the only straightforward bust.
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2021
Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals); 5th
Jaylen Waddle (Dolphins); 6th
DeVonta Smith (Eagles); 10th
Kadarius Toney (Giants); 20th
Rashod Bateman (Ravens); 27th
Toney and Bateman should be considered the misses relative to the rest of the group. Bateman is someone who gets hyped up every offseason and we are still awaiting his big breakout.
2022
Drake London (Falcons); 8th
Garrett Wilson (Jets); 10th
Chris Olave (Saints); 11th
Jameson Williams (Lions); 12th
Jahan Dotson (Commanders); 16th
Treylon Burks (Titans); 18th
There is a clear line after Williams in terms of separating the wheat from the chaff. Dotson was quickly traded to the Eagles and Burks never really made a splash in the NFL. The rest of the group are keepers.
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2023
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks); 20th
Quentin Johnston (Chargers); 21st
Zay Flowers (Ravens); 22nd
Jordan Addison (Vikings); 23rd
The early returns on Johnston would indicate that he was a miss for the other LA team. Year three showed signs of a turnaround and the jury should still be out for now.
2024
Marvin Harrison, Jr. (Cardinals); 4th
Malik Nabers (Giants); 6th
Rome Odunze (Bears); 9th
Brian Thomas (Jaguars); 23rd
Xavier Worthy (Chiefs); 28th
Ricky Pearsall (49ers); 31st
Xavier Legette (Panthers); 32nd
The last two to three receivers in this group are still out to prove themselves at the professional level. Worthy is useful but he was taken in the late first because he fills a niche role. There is a lot riding on Pearsall to lead a lackluster 49ers receiving corps this season.
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2025
Travis Hunter (Jaguars); 2nd
Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers); 8th
Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers); 19th
Matthew Golden (Packers); 23rd
Hunter and Golden seem to be the most suspect picks of this group. Hunter can return to health and prove me wrong.
The silver lining for Rams
The Rams are picking much earlier than they are accustomed to with the thirteenth overall selection. It’s the best draft pick they’ve had in years.
Fortunately, when we comb through the list of recent first round receivers it seems you are most likely to miss your target later on day one of the draft. LA will likely be in the market for a pass catcher. As long as they don’t trade back (I maintain it’s more likely they instead trade up), history favors their chances of landing an impact player.
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