Don’t be surprised if we see a run on wide receivers early in the 2022 NFL Draft. While there are a plethora of teams with pass-catching problems, there’s a deeply talented group of playmakers ready to meet those needs. We could see six or more prospects at the position penetrate the first round. The biggest question, then, is who sits atop the wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft? And why is it Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson?
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2022 NFL Draft: Garrett Wilson vs. Drake London
There’s very much a “pick your poison” approach to the wide receivers of the 2022 NFL Draft. What role do you need your pass catcher to perform? How will you need to utilize him to win? Where will he align for you in your offense? In a deep WR class, almost every single archetype is catered for. Without a consensus “alpha” at the position, different flavors have led to vast variations in rankings for the wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Before breaking down why we have Wilson leading the 2022 NFL Draft wide receivers, how does the betting market view how they stack up? Currently, DraftKings Sportsbook has tight odds for the top three wide receivers in the class. USC’s Drake London currently has odds of +250 to be the first receiver selected. Alabama’s Jameson Williams is the second favorite, with odds of +175. Wilson enters the draft as the favorite at -110.
The case for London
While London is the third favorite to be the first wide receiver selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, he’s actually the second-ranked pass catcher on the Pro Football Network Top 300 Big Board. Expanding on that disconnect, you could make a reasonable argument to suggest that the USC pass catcher could be the first receiver off the board. Teams selecting early, including the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets, appear to have genuine interest.
The interest is warranted. Show me a wide receiver in this class who can consistently dominate in contested situations the way London does. You can’t. That player doesn’t exist in this class. 50/50 balls are no such thing when the pass is thrown the USC wide receiver’s way. With 33″ arms, he has a “Go-Go Gadget” catch radius and a natural “pluck it out the sky” technique that leaves the ball with no question as to who is its master.
All this is mightily impressive. But as one of the tallest wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft, it’s almost expected. The real wizardry with London comes from what you don’t expect from an almost-6’4″ pass catcher. He flashes an inexplicable change-of-direction ability for someone so tall. London has quick feet enabling excellent lateral agility, making cuts with ease and often leaving defenders clutching at air.
As a result, London poses an excellent after-the-catch threat. The physicality that he displays in contested-catch situations also helps in this respect. He’ll often carry multiple defensive players on his back down the field as he grinds out yardage. That physicality is also apparent as a blocker. Throw in inside-outside versatility and an impressive level of football intelligence, and London has few holes in his NFL Draft résumé.
The case for Wilson
The case for London rests. No further questions, your honor. His candidacy to sit atop the wealth of 2022 NFL Draft wide receivers is solid — almost water-tight. And yet, here is Wilson with a scouting report worthy of not just being the No. 1 pass catcher on our big board but of being the first wide receiver selected when Roger Goodell puts the Jacksonville Jaguars on the clock in little more than a few hours.
Wilson can’t compete with London from a contested-catch standpoint. There’s no one in this class that can, in my opinion. However, that’s not to say he’s a slouch in this regard. The Ohio State receiver possesses top-tier body control, elevation ability, and ball tracking to put himself in the best position to win. 32″ arms on an almost 6’0″ frame give him ample functional length. As a result, he replicates that natural technique that London showcases.
While London is impressively athletic for his size, Wilson is just plain impressive in his athletic ability. He has the twitchy suddenness to create separation at any given part of the play. Gaining instant separation on release? Check. Breaking out of his routes with explosiveness? Check. Using throttle control, change of direction, explosiveness, and head fakes to shake safeties and cornerbacks out of their skin? Check!
One area that London can’t match Wilson for his pure speed. Once the ball is secured, Wilson can pull away from pursuers with excellent speed. He also proves a slippery after-the-catch threat who is capable of taking short passes for bigger gains. As speed becomes an increasingly important element of the position, Wilson has a distinct edge in this battle of the top wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Remaining wide receiver rankings at the top of the 2022 NFL Draft
2. Drake London, USC
3. Jameson Williams, Alabama
4. Chris Olave, Ohio State
5. Treylon Burks, Arkansas
6. Jahan Dotson, Penn State
7. Christian Watson, North Dakota State
8. John Metchie III, Alabama
9. Skyy Moore, Western Michigan
10. Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama
