The wide receiver position has been the talk of the draft thus far.
Even though it’s increasingly likely that there will be no wideouts taken within the top 10 picks, the group of receivers is the deepest position in this draft class. Everyone has a favorite to pick, but fortunately for Gang Green’s sake, there are many receiving threats to be had. It’s likely that there could be over 20 receivers gone by the time Day 2 of the draft is completed.
So, which top wide receivers should the Jets target between picks Nos. 11 and 48? Let’s take a look at the best players to keep an eye on.
CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
CeeDee Lamb played in a fast-pace offense at Oklahoma that allowed him to light the college football world on fire. In 2019, Lamb was named a first-team Associated Press All-American and a Biletnikoff Award finalist. He also earned first-team All-Big 12 honors. In 13 starts, he led the Sooners with 62 receptions for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns.
A playmaker, Lamb’s ball skills and explosiveness after the catch should enable him to become a dominant No. 1 option at wide receiver for years to come.
Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
Jerry Jeudy finds himself as the most polished, pro-ready receiver in this class.
While he didn’t accomplish the same feats he did as a sophomore at Alabama, Jeudy was among the top receivers in the country in 2019. Starting in all 13 games, he lead Alabama with 77 receptions for 1,163 yards and 10 touchdowns to repeat as a first-team all-conference pick.
Jeudy is a route-running technician; his speed and ability to make plays should make him a perennial Pro Bowler for years to come.
Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
Nobody plays faster than Henry Ruggs III.
Ruggs started 12 games for Alabama in 2019, averaging a team-high 18.7 yards per catch. On the season, Ruggs had 40 catches for 746 yards and seven touchdowns.
Ruggs is not just a speed demon. Sure, he has the speed, but he also has the quick, sure hands to round out his game. He’s essentially Tyreek Hill — an offensive weapon that most teams can’t match.
Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
In any other draft, Brandon Aiyuk would be a top-three wide receiver. However, this isn’t just any other draft when you consider how deep this receiver class is.
In his junior season at Arizona State, Aiyuk garnered third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Pac-12 honors after leading the Sun Devils with 65 receptions for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns. Aiyuk was also one of the top returners in the country, averaging 16.1 yards on punt returns and 31.9 yards on kickoffs.
No receiver besides Baylor’s Denzel Mims has done themselves more favors than Aiyuk. His ascension up draft boards means he may not be around when the Jets pick at No. 48.
Michael Pittman Jr., USC
Michael Pittman Jr. not only has the talent to come in and compete, but he also already has great chemistry with Sam Darnold.
In his senior season at USC, Pittman went out with a bang. He had 101 receptions for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns in 13 starts. In 2019, Pittman was a Biletnikoff Award finalist, second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Pac-12.
Pittman is the exact possession receiver that Adam Gase has been lacking in his offense. He has the size, standing at 6-foot-4, ball skills and physicality to come in and be a team’s No. 2 option at wideout right away.
Tee Higgins, Clemson
Tee Higgins was the unsung hero for Clemson the past two years, playing a part in helping the Tigers win the 2018 National Championship.
He led Clemson as a junior with 59 catches for 1,167 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning first-team All-ACC recognition in his junior campaign.
Higgins’ basketball background surely shows in the way he plays wide receiver. He is big, tall and long-bodied, standing at 6-foot-4. Higgins has an outstanding catch radius with the ability to make impressive catches in tight coverage.
His size and ability to play all three wide receiver positions make him a unique threat and potential matchup nightmare waiting to happen. The Jets would be lucky if he falls to them at No. 48.
