The NFL Draft is next month, and some media pundits are overthinking the process.
At the wide receiver position, the three best prospects all hail from the Southeastern Conference: DeVonta Smith (Alabama), Ja’Marr Chase (LSU), and Jaylen Waddle (Alabama).
Chase had a monster year in 2019 but opted out of last season because of the Coronavirus pandemic. With him not playing, fans, media personnel, and talent evaluators from the NFL were able to study Smith all year. He put on a show for the Crimson Tide, totaling 117 catches for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns in 13 games.
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The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder set records, broke records, won the Heisman Trophy, and carried home a case filled with awards.
Despite his excellence and consistency, a few draft analysts feel like Chase is better than Smith.
They see Chase’s size on the perimeter and equate it to him being stronger against defensive backs. Smith’s production from 2020 was better than Chase’s in 2019; however, some view Chase as the best receiver in this year’s draft class.
The same thing can be said about Mac Jones.
He had the best season of any quarterback in college football, as he completed 77.4 percent of his throws for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns.
He grabbed the single-season mark for passing yards in Alabama football history and guided the team to a College Football Playoff National Championship. Jones was an All-American, a Heisman finalist, and a Davey O’Brien Award winner.
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Regardless of his success, national media said it was the talent around Jones that made him special.
He proved the narrative false at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, but some are still not buying into Jones as a first-rounder.
The constant back and forth has bothered DeMarcco Hellams. A native of Washington, D.C., Hellams returns to the Tide as a junior for next season. A former four-star in the 2019 class, the talented defensive back offers one message to those who continue to doubt Smith and Jones: “Watch the tape.” Hellams went against both at practice, so he knows what they bring to a team.
Ppl really trying Mac and Smitty I’m confused 🤨, watch the tape?
— DeMarcco Hellams ₂₉ (@DHellams2) March 1, 2021
The team across the league are definitely studying the tape on Smith and Jones.
Both players will have a chance to showcase their skills at Alabama’s Pro Day on March 23.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith
