Redskins: 2019 NFL Draft top 20 wide receiver big board

Though the 2019 receiver class is deep, it lacks top-end talent. There are a lot of potential No. 2 receivers and slot guys, but there are few guys that could be true No. 1 receivers. D.K. Metcalf is one, and that’s why he ranks at the top of this list.

Metcalf had his share of issues in college. He had trouble staying healthy and he didn’t show a lot of nuanced route running or change of direction ability. However, that may be more of the offensive system’s fault than Metcalf’s fault, so there’s a chance he could improve at the NFL level.

What Metcalf does have elite athletic ability and a well-built frame. He has a 6-3, 228-pound frame yet performed extremely well at the combine. He blazed a 4.33 time in the 40-yard dash (insane for a man of his size and stature) and looked good in the on-field drills. His 3-cone time raised some concerns related to his agility, but they aren’t major enough to completely derail his career and he improved on those numbers at his pro day.

On tape, Metcalf shows excellent deep speed and a wide catch radius. Against Alabama, he had a great play early in the game where he outran the defense and was able to stretch out for the pass, catch it while staying in stride, and continue on down the field. Those are the type of splash plays that Metcalf is capable of, and though his route running needs work, he could still be a threat even with just marginal ability in that area.

Metcalf is likely a first-round pick. The Redskins will consider him with the 15th pick, but given the depth at receiver in this draft, they may opt to wait until Round 2 to target some of the other top options to get the best value. Still, Metcalf could make sense and he is the best receiver in this draft class.