Risers In The CFB Saturdays College Football WR Rankings

With a few weeks of the season in the books and an opportunity to see how players have developed we have updated the College Football WR rankings. A few notes before we discuss the rankings themselves.

• The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
• Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
• Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
• We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the College Football WR Rankings here.

Here is a look at a few of the wide receivers who have made big moves up in the rankings.

Terrace Marshall Jr – LSU

When Ja’Marr Chase opted out, LSU was left without their quarterback, running back and top two receivers from last year’s championship team. Marshall was the most productive player returning on offense and would have to lead the way for the Tigers. He has thrived in that role and his performance warranted a move up in these rankings. Marshall has good speed to get behind the defense and the quickness to get open underneath. He has the ability to make difficult catches even when covered and has made several big catches already this season. He has played out of the slot this season and on the perimeter, providing versatility and allowing LSU to mix and match the personnel around him. Marshall has always been a talented receiver but is elevating his game further in 2020.

Marshall’s statistics reflect what we have seen during the games, he has become a go to receiver and has multiple touchdown catches in each of the Tigers’ three games this season. He has made 21 catches for 424 yards and 7 touchdowns, averaging over 20 yards per catch. Marshall is an explosive threat who also makes consistent plays that keep the chains moving for his offense. LSU has had a rocky start to the season but the play of Marshall has been a bright spot the Tigers can rely on going forward. He has taken advantage of the extra touches he is getting this year and has made the most of his opportunity.

Amari Rodgers – Clemson

Clemson’s offense has been dominant this season and Rodgers has been the primary weapon for Trevor Lawrence in the passing game. Rodgers is not a big receiver but has the quickness and precision to create separation and make big plays. He catches the ball naturally with his hands and is able to extend and make plays in contested situations. Rodgers is shifty after the catch, quickly getting up field and getting his offense nice gains on short passes. He plays primarily out of the slot but is Clemson’s number one option in the passing game and has been a difficult cover for opponents. With Justyn Ross lost due to injury, the Tigers needed a receiver to take the lead and Rodgers has stepped into that role and prospered.

Rodgers has had no problem handling the added responsibility this season. Through five games he has made 25 catches for 429 yards and 5 touchdowns, while also serving as the teams punt returner with 5 returns for 60 yards. Most of this production has come in the first half of games since Clemson’s starters usually come out of the game midway through the third quarter (They are blowing everyone out). He has played 40 snaps or less three times this season and that trend will likely continue for most of the season, but Rodgers has shown he can produce in limited playing time.

John Metchie III – Alabama

DeVonta Smith is #2 on our list and we just moved Jaylen Waddle up to #7 so the receiver room is crowded and talented in Tuscaloosa. Metchie has the benefit of seeing less attention from opposing defenses because of the other guys on the field, but also sees less targets for the same reason. He has shown big play speed and has subtle deception in his route running to create easy separation. He tracks the deep ball well and adjusts well to make the catch, showing strong hands and a good catch radius. Metchie will be the third option on Alabama because of the other receivers ahead of him, but on most teams across the country he would be the lead receiver.

Alabama has an explosive offense that gets the ball around to their plethora of weapons. Metchie has made his share of plays this season, he has 14 catches for 348 yards and 3 touchdowns in four games. His 24.9 yards per catch are the highest among receivers with at least 10 catches this season. He has made the most of his targets, striking for long plays regularly. Metchie has become a big play threat for Alabama and has carved out a key role on one of the best offenses in the country, we expect he will continue to flourish in 2020.

Jordan Addison – Pittsburgh

When Pittsburgh landed Jordan Addison in their 2020 recruiting class he was thought of as an explosive playmaker who would contribute early. Even the most optimistic fans could not have predicted how quickly Addison would become the centerpiece of the Panthers offense. Addison gets plenty of touches every week and has been showing his explosive ability on a weekly basis. Addison is still a freshman and needs to add strength and polish to his game, but he has good speed and is a dynamic athlete that can put pressure on the defense. Addison is elusive in space and can be used as a receiver or as a runner on jet sweeps and such. The Panthers have made Addison the focal point of their offense and he has not disappointed.

Pittsburgh has made a point of getting the ball to Addison every week. He has made 38 catches for 444 yards and 3 touchdowns as a receiver and has also run the ball 5 times for another 43 yards. His 487 yards from scrimmage lead the team by over 123 yards. The Panthers offense has been inconsistent in 2020 but Addison has been steady picking up over 50 yards receiving in every game since the season opener. He had his best game of the season this weekend against Miami, catching 8 passes for 147 yards. Expect the true freshman to continue to get better as the season progresses.

Marvin Mims – Oklahoma

Oklahoma was already replacing CeeDee Lamb but found out this spring that they would also be without Jadon Haselwood, at least for the early part of the season. The Sooners have recruited well at the receiver position but Marvin Mims quickly stepped into a key role. Mims has a nice stride that helps him cover ground in a hurry and an innate ability to adjust to the football while it is in the air to make the catch. He has make you miss ability and is a threat as a punt returner and in the open field. Mims has quickly become a trusted receiver for new quarterback Spencer Rattler and should see his production increase as the season moves forward.

Mims has earned playing time as a true freshman and is producing already, with 15 catches for 196 yards and 4 touchdowns. He has also been dangerous as a punt returner as well, picking up 101 yards on just 6 returns. Mims should see his production increase as he continues to impress, resulting in more targets and increased production. Mims is one of a few true freshmen receivers that have made an early impact this year and has earned his way onto our list of the best receivers in the country.

For the complete Top 25 WR rankings click here.

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