The upcoming NFL Draft starts on Thursday, April 28 in Las Vegas, Nev. Alabama football has several players in this year’s draft, including two projected first-round picks.
The staff at Touchdown Alabama Magazine are doing player profiles leading up to the draft.
John Metchie is the third offensive player to profile.
John Metchie
-Position: Wide receiver
-Hometown: Brampton, Canada
-Height: 5-11
-Weight: 187 pounds
-Strengths: Efficient route runner, consistent catcher, works back to the ball, production (96 catches in 2021, team-high), posted first 1,000-yard season in 2021 (1,142), became a two-year starter, developed into a leader
-Weaknesses: Knee injury in SEC Championship (durability), lacks elite speed, struggles with creating separation
-2022 draft projection: Second round
2022 NFL Draft profile
John Metchie had a tough learning curve going from Canada to the University of Alabama, but he succeeded.
Metchie developed into a star receiver and assisted the Crimson Tide to two SEC Championships and a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2020. He increased his output for receptions in 2021, grabbing 96 passes for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns. Metchie led the team and the conference for catches while finishing eighth in the nation in that category.
He recorded his first 1,000+ yard campaign last year and his catches (third) and yards (seventh) rank in the top-10 all-time in Alabama history for a single season. Metchie turned in a productive career as his 155 catches (seventh) and 2,081 yards (seventh) are also top-10 in Crimson Tide history. The 5-foot-11, 187-pounder is an efficient route runner. Metchie has no wasted motion on routes, and he consistently snatches the ball. He works back to the quarterback on routes and is a complementary receiver.
Metchie is not a No. 1 receiver, but if he goes to an established team he will flourish.
The Jacksonville Jaguars open the second round with the first pick at No. 33 overall.
Jacksonville signed Christian Kirk to a major contract, and it has Zay Jones and Evan Engram. If the Jaguars choose an offensive lineman in the first round, it can lock up an effective weapon for Trevor Lawrence in Metchie. The Indianapolis Colts (No. 42) and New Orleans Saints (No. 49) have a culture that fits Metchie. Both teams have an established No. 1 option (Michael Pittman Jr., Michael Thomas), so drafting Metchie would complement them. Metchie told reporters he would love to be reunited with Mac Jones in New England. The Patriots have the 54th selection, and it could pair Metchie with DeVante Parker.
He does not have elite speed, but Metchie is a playmaker. He brings consistency, and that is what an NFL team wants.
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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.
