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NFL Comparisons for Top Wide Receiver Prospects
Here are the comps and scouting reports for this year's top wide receivers from NFL.com's Lance Zierlein.
![D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss – Josh Gordon
Zierlein's Scouting Report*:* Big, explosive talent with projectable upside to become a home-run threat as a WR1. Teams seek out pass-catchers with rare height, weight and speed dimensions and Metcalf has those for days. While he has the talent to become a full-field threat, Metcalf is still an unpolished gem who was the second-best receiver on his college team. Until his skill-set is more developed, he could begin his career as a hit-or-miss long-ball threat. However, once it clicks, defenses could struggle to find solutions for him.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/kybhvbvsqzs5bwphhbaw.jpg)
D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss – Josh Gordon
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: Big, explosive talent with projectable upside to become a home-run threat as a WR1. Teams seek out pass-catchers with rare height, weight and speed dimensions and Metcalf has those for days. While he has the talent to become a full-field threat, Metcalf is still an unpolished gem who was the second-best receiver on his college team. Until his skill-set is more developed, he could begin his career as a hit-or-miss long-ball threat. However, once it clicks, defenses could struggle to find solutions for him.
![Marquise Brown, Oklahoma – DeSean Jackson
Zierlein's Scouting Report*:* "Hollywood" is a skinny, but speedy receiver with game-breaking potential on every snap. His ability to race past cornerbacks and separate deep will require specific coverage and safeties ready to help. His thin frame is a liability when faced with contested catches both short and deep, and long-term durability is a legitimate concern. However, his ability to threaten deep with long speed and short as an elite run-after-catch talent gives him a chance to become the most impactful wideout in this draft](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/lgcvphbkssdvoagyp2ng.jpg)
Marquise Brown, Oklahoma – DeSean Jackson
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: "Hollywood" is a skinny, but speedy receiver with game-breaking potential on every snap. His ability to race past cornerbacks and separate deep will require specific coverage and safeties ready to help. His thin frame is a liability when faced with contested catches both short and deep, and long-term durability is a legitimate concern. However, his ability to threaten deep with long speed and short as an elite run-after-catch talent gives him a chance to become the most impactful wideout in this draft
![Parris Campbell, Ohio State – Percy Harvin
Zierlein's Scouting Report: Blue-chip athlete with elite package of size, speed and fluidity as a big slot receiver. Campbell's athletic attributes could create a coverage conundrum if his offensive coordinator puts him in a diversified role that allows him to attack vertically more often. Teams know he's a gifted athlete, but he needs to add more polish as a route-runner to become a well-rounded target instead of a gadget slot. His upside is bolstered by his traits while his special teams ability and talent with the ball in his hands should level out any bust concerns.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/paqkvlf7juox2drufcwq.jpg)
Parris Campbell, Ohio State – Percy Harvin
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: Blue-chip athlete with elite package of size, speed and fluidity as a big slot receiver. Campbell's athletic attributes could create a coverage conundrum if his offensive coordinator puts him in a diversified role that allows him to attack vertically more often. Teams know he's a gifted athlete, but he needs to add more polish as a route-runner to become a well-rounded target instead of a gadget slot. His upside is bolstered by his traits while his special teams ability and talent with the ball in his hands should level out any bust concerns.
![A.J. Brown, Ole Miss – JuJu Smith-Schuster
Zierlein's Scouting Report*:* Slot bully with rare combination of brawn and quickness that allows him to separate with both power and foot quickness. Brown has the size and demeanor to take on a relatively heavy workload as a safety blanket for a young quarterback in a ball-control passing attack. He'll see an upgrade in athlete across from him, but he has the feet and body control to uncover and create windows as a premium route-runner.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/o83nebaqzmioezoapkae.jpg)
A.J. Brown, Ole Miss – JuJu Smith-Schuster
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: Slot bully with rare combination of brawn and quickness that allows him to separate with both power and foot quickness. Brown has the size and demeanor to take on a relatively heavy workload as a safety blanket for a young quarterback in a ball-control passing attack. He'll see an upgrade in athlete across from him, but he has the feet and body control to uncover and create windows as a premium route-runner.
![Deebo Samuel, South Carolina – Pharoh Cooper
Zierlein's Scouting Report*:* Tyshun "Deebo" Samuel lives up to his nickname (it comes from a tough guy in the movie "Friday") and plays each game like he's stepping into an alley fight. While Samuel is tough and competitive, he lacks suddenness and might need scheme help with motion and bunch formations to help free him against NFL man coverage. He is a gamer who thrives once the ball is in his hands, and he might be able to help a team from the slot if he can stay healthy.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/mjc2oipbrflzvp9gik2o.jpg)
Deebo Samuel, South Carolina – Pharoh Cooper
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: Tyshun "Deebo" Samuel lives up to his nickname (it comes from a tough guy in the movie "Friday") and plays each game like he's stepping into an alley fight. While Samuel is tough and competitive, he lacks suddenness and might need scheme help with motion and bunch formations to help free him against NFL man coverage. He is a gamer who thrives once the ball is in his hands, and he might be able to help a team from the slot if he can stay healthy.
![N'Keal Harry, Arizona State – Allen Robinson
Zierlein's Scouting Report*:* Back-shoulder boss who thrives with contested catch opportunities outside the numbers but lacks explosive traits. Harry's ability to body-up opponents and win with ball skills is undeniable, but his inability to find a threatening top gear or shake loose from tight man coverage must be accounted for within his new employer's scheme. His experience playing inside should help and teams will love his impact as a run-blocker. His competitiveness and ability to come down with the ball could make him a productive member of wide receiver trio in short order.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/tpeumz7kwsonww3golul.jpg)
N'Keal Harry, Arizona State – Allen Robinson
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: Back-shoulder boss who thrives with contested catch opportunities outside the numbers but lacks explosive traits. Harry's ability to body-up opponents and win with ball skills is undeniable, but his inability to find a threatening top gear or shake loose from tight man coverage must be accounted for within his new employer's scheme. His experience playing inside should help and teams will love his impact as a run-blocker. His competitiveness and ability to come down with the ball could make him a productive member of wide receiver trio in short order.
![Riley Ridley, Georgia – James Jones
Zierlein's Scouting Report: Physical possession receiver who wins with attention to detail in his routes, plus body control and sure hands. Ridley isn't the fastest receiver on the block, but there is enough under the engine to race cornerbacks down the field if he's challenged on an island. His separation windows may always be a little tighter, but his timing and ability to turn contested catches in his favor should make him a better pro than college player with an upside of WR2.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/silauolzgsrmofh4mgkl.jpg)
Riley Ridley, Georgia – James Jones
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: Physical possession receiver who wins with attention to detail in his routes, plus body control and sure hands. Ridley isn't the fastest receiver on the block, but there is enough under the engine to race cornerbacks down the field if he's challenged on an island. His separation windows may always be a little tighter, but his timing and ability to turn contested catches in his favor should make him a better pro than college player with an upside of WR2.
![Emmanuel Hall, Missouri – Mike Wallace
Zierlein's Scouting Report: One-trick pony at Missouri with impressive turbo boost to rocket past cornerbacks and take the top off of defenses. Hall's transition into the NFL could be slowed by the challenge of physical press corners with good top-end speed, but his athleticism and short-area quickness should allow him to counter as a three-level route-runner with more exposure to an NFL route tree. It could take time, but he has the size and speed to become a low-volume, high-impact WR2/WR3.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/bbo4dhfprx1yap7qojjb.jpg)
Emmanuel Hall, Missouri – Mike Wallace
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: One-trick pony at Missouri with impressive turbo boost to rocket past cornerbacks and take the top off of defenses. Hall's transition into the NFL could be slowed by the challenge of physical press corners with good top-end speed, but his athleticism and short-area quickness should allow him to counter as a three-level route-runner with more exposure to an NFL route tree. It could take time, but he has the size and speed to become a low-volume, high-impact WR2/WR3.
![J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford – Eric Decker
Zierlein's Scouting Report*:* Big, strong target who plays like he's big and strong and gets more and more dangerous the closer he gets to the red zone. Arcega-Whiteside plays with functional quickness in spurts, but not enough to get away from tight coverage and he won't run by many NFL cornerbacks on go routes. However, his basketball bloodlines are on full display every time the ball is in the air, using his body control and ball skills to excel at combat catches and back-shoulder throws. Arcega-Whiteside may not be explosive, but his competitive nature should help make him a future NFL starter.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/vveejlbxmegxihrql94q.jpg)
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford – Eric Decker
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: Big, strong target who plays like he's big and strong and gets more and more dangerous the closer he gets to the red zone. Arcega-Whiteside plays with functional quickness in spurts, but not enough to get away from tight coverage and he won't run by many NFL cornerbacks on go routes. However, his basketball bloodlines are on full display every time the ball is in the air, using his body control and ball skills to excel at combat catches and back-shoulder throws. Arcega-Whiteside may not be explosive, but his competitive nature should help make him a future NFL starter.
![Mecole Hardman, Georgia – Tyler Lockett
Zierlein's Scouting Report: Raw but explosive with burst to uncover underneath and a second gear to threaten over the top. Hardman is a relative newcomer to the position and it shows up at times in routes and his struggles competing for the ball in traffic. Hardman could develop into a lesser version of Tyreek Hill with his playmaking potential after the catch, on deep balls and as a returner. Speed kills in today's game and Hardman's could be coveted on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3).](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/fgwjjhodzdb7gw0s6i29.jpg)
Mecole Hardman, Georgia – Tyler Lockett
Zierlein’s Scouting Report: Raw but explosive with burst to uncover underneath and a second gear to threaten over the top. Hardman is a relative newcomer to the position and it shows up at times in routes and his struggles competing for the ball in traffic. Hardman could develop into a lesser version of Tyreek Hill with his playmaking potential after the catch, on deep balls and as a returner. Speed kills in today's game and Hardman's could be coveted on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3).
![Jalen Hurd, Baylor – Terrelle Pryor
Zierlein's Scouting Report*:* Hurd was used as big slot but he might need to transition into a role outside to take advantage of his potential to stretch the field as a downfield ball-winner. He's still learning the nuances of the position, but he has outstanding traits, a great work ethic and an ability to get much better very quickly. While Hurd will be an NFL receiver, he offers a unique option of becoming a short-yardage banger near the goal line. His best days are in front of him.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/xgjokee6gnzsc9ep0rb1.jpg)
Jalen Hurd, Baylor – Terrelle Pryor
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: Hurd was used as big slot but he might need to transition into a role outside to take advantage of his potential to stretch the field as a downfield ball-winner. He's still learning the nuances of the position, but he has outstanding traits, a great work ethic and an ability to get much better very quickly. While Hurd will be an NFL receiver, he offers a unique option of becoming a short-yardage banger near the goal line. His best days are in front of him.
![Hakeem Butler, Iowa State – Danario Alexander
Zierlein's Scouting Report: Big long-strider with exceptional length and good build-up speed to challenge cover corners and safeties down the field. Butler's unique play strength after the catch allows him to win contested deep balls and then plow through tackle attempts to create chunk plays and long touchdowns. His routes are basic and clunky and will limit how teams can use him. A greater concern will be those inconsistent hands that could turn quarterbacks against him unless he improves them. He's a work in progress, but the traits and potential are worth taking a shot.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/n4fnmtiukl1e1fpaovbt.jpg)
Hakeem Butler, Iowa State – Danario Alexander
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: Big long-strider with exceptional length and good build-up speed to challenge cover corners and safeties down the field. Butler's unique play strength after the catch allows him to win contested deep balls and then plow through tackle attempts to create chunk plays and long touchdowns. His routes are basic and clunky and will limit how teams can use him. A greater concern will be those inconsistent hands that could turn quarterbacks against him unless he improves them. He's a work in progress, but the traits and potential are worth taking a shot.
![Miles Boykin, Notre Dame – Kenny Golladay
Zierlein's Scouting Report: Lingering on his tape can cause excessive focus on his inconsistencies and areas of improvement, but projecting his traits with additional coaching makes more sense. Boykin's size, length and athleticism offers exciting potential as an outside receiver with mismatch potential, but he will have to learn how to counter press, improve his routes and become more competitive when the ball is in the air. His size won't matter if he doesn't learn to impose it on others. If that happens, he'll become an eventual starter with a high ceiling.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/r1fs36d0cfpzlw8asugy.jpg)
Miles Boykin, Notre Dame – Kenny Golladay
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: Lingering on his tape can cause excessive focus on his inconsistencies and areas of improvement, but projecting his traits with additional coaching makes more sense. Boykin's size, length and athleticism offers exciting potential as an outside receiver with mismatch potential, but he will have to learn how to counter press, improve his routes and become more competitive when the ball is in the air. His size won't matter if he doesn't learn to impose it on others. If that happens, he'll become an eventual starter with a high ceiling.
![Terry McLaurin, Ohio State – Justin Hardy
Zierlein's Scouting Report: Wide receiver with good size, average tape, a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and a special teams pedigree. McLaurin is faster than quick, but he's a detailed route runner who leans on physicality at the top of his route to beat handsy cornerbacks across their face. He will need to improve his ball skills and body positioning if he wants to win contested catches on the NFL level. He has the talent to be an NFL backup and his talent as a gunner could help him see the field quickly on special teams.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/auqqzj5xebwhcpywvgoj.jpg)
Terry McLaurin, Ohio State – Justin Hardy
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: Wide receiver with good size, average tape, a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and a special teams pedigree. McLaurin is faster than quick, but he's a detailed route runner who leans on physicality at the top of his route to beat handsy cornerbacks across their face. He will need to improve his ball skills and body positioning if he wants to win contested catches on the NFL level. He has the talent to be an NFL backup and his talent as a gunner could help him see the field quickly on special teams.
![Andy Isabella, Massachusetts – Phillip Dorsett
Zierlein's Scouting Report*:* Competitive, well-rounded receiver possessing both elite quickness and long speed to go with solid play strength. Isabella has the feet and fakes to uncover in a hallway closet, and the former high school sprint champion proved to Georgia that his ability to win deep should not be underestimated. Isabella could become a menace on option routes with the ability to add vertical routes from the slot, but he must improve his pass-catching consistency and smoothness into his breaks in order to transition all that speed to the NFL.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/a6xhpnfczlvlhg87olkf.jpg)
Andy Isabella, Massachusetts – Phillip Dorsett
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: Competitive, well-rounded receiver possessing both elite quickness and long speed to go with solid play strength. Isabella has the feet and fakes to uncover in a hallway closet, and the former high school sprint champion proved to Georgia that his ability to win deep should not be underestimated. Isabella could become a menace on option routes with the ability to add vertical routes from the slot, but he must improve his pass-catching consistency and smoothness into his breaks in order to transition all that speed to the NFL.
![Kelvin Harmon, N.C. State – Mohamed Sanu
Zierlein's Scouting Report*:* Harmon might show up as average in the speed and quickness departments, but he knows how to play and he plays to his strengths. He has issues separating against tight man coverage so he uses his frame, play strength and ball skills to own a bigger piece of a smaller catch space. He has a big-dog swagger.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/ravens/uulzmuosek0ts3jjccwu.jpg)
Kelvin Harmon, N.C. State – Mohamed Sanu
**Zierlein’s Scouting Report**: Harmon might show up as average in the speed and quickness departments, but he knows how to play and he plays to his strengths. He has issues separating against tight man coverage so he uses his frame, play strength and ball skills to own a bigger piece of a smaller catch space. He has a big-dog swagger.