NFL Draft Prospect Breakdown: D.K. Metcalf

D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

Strengths:

I can’t start off an article about D.K. Metcalf without mentioning his incredible physique. He is built like a rock and still has incredible speed. Metcalf is a deep threat that can take the top off a defense. He has the explosiveness to instantly create separation at the line of scrimmage. He wins his routes early with quick feet and hips and has the raw traits to develop a bigger route tree at the next level. His combination of speed, strength, balance, and quickness will be a nightmare for defenses in the open field. Metcalf has the strength and ability to shake off weak tacklers.

Weaknesses:

Metcalf was only tasked with a limited route tree in college so he must learn quickly on expanding it. He struggles with drops on routes all over the field. He often flips his hands the wrong way resulting in those drops. Metcalf struggles with balls that are away from his body so he must improve his catch radius. His short shuttle and 3-cone times at the Combine were eye-opening slow and that can affect him developing a bigger route tree.

Draft Projection:

First Round Pick

Metcalf is one of the most intriguing wide receivers we’ve had in a while because of his large size yet crazy speed. He is first and foremost a deep threat who is very dangerous in open space. However, he ran a limited route tree in college that he will need to develop. I also worry that he will not be able to increase his catch radius because he is so physically fit. It sounds weird, but his large muscles may actually prohibit him from reaching throws down low and behind him. D.K. Metcalf has the potential to be a game-changing wide receiver for a long time in the NFL, but he is still a bit of a project at this point.