3 former Alabama stars lead NFL rookies in receptions so far in 2021
By Adam Spencer
Published:
Ja’Marr Chase is making a lot of headlines with his strong performance to start his rookie season for the Cincinnati Bengals.
However, the LSU product isn’t among the top 3 when it comes to rookies who have the most receptions in 2021.
No, that list is dominated by former Alabama players. As you can see below, all 3 of the rookies with the most receptions are ex-Crimson Tide stars, led by Najee Harris:
Most receptions among rookies in 2021:
1 @steelers Najee Harris: 26
2 @MiamiDolphins Jaylen Waddle: 25
3 @Eagles DeVonta Smith: 18All 1st-rd picks from @AlabamaFTBL
There has never been a season where the top 3 rookies (or even 3 of the top 5) in receptions were from 1 school
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) October 6, 2021
Harris, a running back, already has 26 catches for the Steelers. Meanwhile, Jaylen Waddle has 25 catches for the Dolphins and reigning Heisman winner DeVonta Smith has 18 for the Philadelphia Eagles.
As NFL Research notes, no school has ever had its players finish in the top 3 of rookie receptions. Never before has a team even had 3 of the top 5.
Alabama has a chance to make history here if Harris, Waddle and Smith keep playing well.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
