Ja’Marr Chase burst onto the NFL scene in rookie season. Coming out of LSU, Chase was widely regarded as the top wide receiver prospect and a supremely talented playmaker; even with not having played any football since early 2020.
On Wednesday’s “Get Up” on ESPN, draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. was asked who the Ja’Marr Chase of this year’s draft is. And while Kiper admitted there isn’t one out there necessarily, he did lean towards a standout Ohio State Buckeye.
“I don’t think there’s a Ja’Marr Chase, a DeVonta Smith or Jaylen Waddle out there necessarily,” Kiper began. “I think Garrett Wilson could be … I think Jameson Williams would’ve been in that discussion had it not been for ACL.”
.@MelKiperESPN says Garrett Wilson could be this year’s Ja’Marr Chase 👀 pic.twitter.com/jmSQHuJDIU
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 13, 2022
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“There’s a host of others who could be maybe that good,” Kiper continued. “But, I don’t have any grade on any receiver in this draft equal to what the three guys: DeVonta, Ja’Marr and Jaylen had last year.”
Garrett Wilson posted big numbers opposite fellow All-American Chris Olave in Columbus this past season; catching 70 balls for 1,058 yards and 12 touchdowns.
However, Wilson is seen as more of a boom-or-bust prospect by NFL Scouts. Noting that the Texas-native lacks polish, but his eye-popping ball skills and acceleration really jump out.
Garrett Wilson knew he had a chance to go to the NFL since he was in high school. That dream will become a reality at the end of the month. 📈
📺: 2022 @NFLDraft — April 28-30 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/0Ymym024Yc
— NFL (@NFL) April 7, 2022
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Whatever team that drafts him would be ecstatic if Wilson posted anywhere near the numbers Ja’Marr Chase did last season.
Reuniting with LSU QB Joe Burrow, Chase recorded 81 receptions for 1,455 yards and 13 TDs on his way to Pro Bowl and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. But just the eye-test when it came to his burst separating from coverage bordered on absurd.
In his latest mock draft, Mel Kiper has Wilson slated to go eighth to the Atlanta Falcons.
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