4. Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
If it weren't for Alabama's DeVonta Smith, Moore would have led the nation in multiple receiving categories in 2020, including receptions (86) and yards (1,193). He averaged just under 14 yards per catch and broke 200 yards in three separate games. Another slot receiver, Moore is excellent at reading the defense and finding open space. He flashes as a route runner and has the ability to generate separation. His 4.32 in the 40-yard dash was among the top five results this spring across the draft class.One of Moore's best traits is his ability to make defenders miss. His 39 forced missed tackles over the past two seasons tied for the most in the FBS, and his 18 in 2020 alone tied for 13th. He has burst and elusiveness, which cause problems for defenders after the catch. And while he is a smaller receiver at 5-foot-9 and thus not a serious downfield threat, he does have the speed to make vertical grabs. His 30 receptions for 20 or more yards over the past two seasons ranked tied for sixth in the FBS. Moore will be an elite offensive weapon and punt returner right out of the gate in the NFL, and he will likely be picked at the end of Round 1 or early on Day 2.
1. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
As I explained how dangerous Henry Ruggs III can be with the ball in his hands on last year's list, I made note of another Alabama player to keep an eye on for the future: "The scary thing for Crimson Tide opponents is Ruggs' teammate Jaylen Waddle might not have his speed but somehow has even more wiggle in his game. Remember that name for the 2021 draft class -- and next year's All-Satellite list."
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Waddle didn't run a 40-yard dash this spring as he nurses an ankle injury, but I don't need to see it to confirm what we all already know: He is a world-class burner. He reaches top speed very quickly, and once he's there, good luck catching him. Waddle can get behind the secondary and tracks the deep ball very well.
The talented speedster also returned kicks and punts for Alabama, averaging 19.3 yards per punt return (38 attempts) and 23.8 yards per kick return (nine attempts) over three seasons. The Crimson Tide found ways to get the ball in his hands because, simply put, he made things happen. The NFL team that drafts him -- potentially in the top 10 -- should follow suit.
2. Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville
Atwell might be undersized at 5-foot-9, but he has an elite combination of quickness and top-end speed. At Louisville's pro day in March, the lightning-quick receiver posted a 4.32-second 40. Atwell is a threat to pull away any time he gets a seam.He is more dangerous after the catch than he is on deep-ball throws, though his speed certainly will get him behind defenders. He is particularly dynamic with the ball in his hands, and 40 of his 140 career catches came on screens. That's where he excels. If you get him going in the quick-pass game, he has the explosiveness to hit the home run in space.
Over the past two seasons, Atwell averaged 16.4 yards per reception, nearly nine of which came after the catch. Twenty-seven of 116 catches over that time picked up at least 20 yards. Atwell is expected to be a Day 2 selection.
3. Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Toney is a versatile offensive weapon with incredible elusiveness; he forced 21 missed tackles in 2020, which tied for seventh most in the nation. Playing mainly out of the slot for Florida, he showed high-end instincts, and his ability to find open space will only continue to improve as his route-running skills take the next step.2021 NFL draft coverage
• Mock drafts: Kiper | McShay | GM
• Rankings: Kiper | McShay
• QBs: Key stats | Best throws | Proj.
• Kiper/McShay draft dueling superteams
• Pro day notes | Kiper's mailbag
• Full ranking | Pick order | More
Toney is an explosive prospect with 4.39 speed and very strong contact balance. While he will certainly be used on all kinds of screens, sweeps and other quick-game elements of the offense, he also has the wheels to threaten vertically and separate from the coverage. His 18 catches of 20-plus yards last season tied for fourth in the FBS, and he tacked on an average of seven yards after the catch per reception.
In addition to his 70 catches for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, Toney was used in the run game and as a returner with the Gators. He averaged 8.8 yards per rush on 66 career carries and returned double-digit punts and kicks during his final collegiate season. A likely first-rounder, he is the kind of player you want to manufacture touches for on offense and special teams.
4. Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
If it weren't for Alabama's DeVonta Smith, Moore would have led the nation in multiple receiving categories in 2020, including receptions (86) and yards (1,193). He averaged just under 14 yards per catch and broke 200 yards in three separate games. Another slot receiver, Moore is excellent at reading the defense and finding open space. He flashes as a route runner and has the ability to generate separation. His 4.32 in the 40-yard dash was among the top five results this spring across the draft class.One of Moore's best traits is his ability to make defenders miss. His 39 forced missed tackles over the past two seasons tied for the most in the FBS, and his 18 in 2020 alone tied for 13th. He has burst and elusiveness, which cause problems for defenders after the catch. And while he is a smaller receiver at 5-foot-9 and thus not a serious downfield threat, he does have the speed to make vertical grabs. His 30 receptions for 20 or more yards over the past two seasons ranked tied for sixth in the FBS. Moore will be an elite offensive weapon and punt returner right out of the gate in the NFL, and he will likely be picked at the end of Round 1 or early on Day 2.
