Who are the SEC's top 10 WRs for 2018? NFL Draft prospects lead the way

The SEC has seen a dramatic increase in the talent produced at WR in recent years as the conference has dabbled more in spread passing principles. It has been evident in the NFL Draft, as well. This past spring, the SEC had a WR picked in the first round for the fifth time in the past 6 years.

Make no mistake, it’s still very much a league that requires you to run the ball effectively on offense to compete for titles, but even power run stalwarts such as Alabama and Georgia have increased the playbook to evolve with the times.

The crop of QBs in the SEC this year is as good as it has been in some time, and they’ll have a fun time throwing to some very talented WRs.

So, who are the top 10 WRs in the SEC in 2018? Let’s take a look.

10. Jonathan Giles, LSU

Giles was an All-Big 12 pick in 2016 for Texas Tech before sitting out last year following his transfer to the Bayou. The 6-0, 193-pounder hauled in 69 passes for 1,158 yards and 13 TDs that year, and while it’s easy to scoff at the offense he was in and the defenses he faced, you don’t just luck into that kind of production. He has good open field speed, has improved as a route runner and does a nice job working his way back to the QB on broken plays. He should become a favorite target of QB Joe Burrow (or whoever else wins the job) early on, as well as provide leadership and experience to a young but talented group of receivers.

9. Marquez Callaway, Tennessee

If the poor guy only had a QB last year, you wonder what kind of numbers he could have produced. Even playing with some of the worst QBs in the SEC in 2017, he still managed 5 TDs on just 24 receptions, which gives you an idea of his playmaking potential. He has good length at 6-2, 200 and has shown a propensity for acrobatic catches, particularly in traffic, though he’s still coming along as a consistent route runner. Vols fans are hoping grad transfer QB Keller Chryst will be able to do what no one else could last year – get him the ball consistently and let him make plays.

8. Jerry Jeudy, Alabama

The sophomore from Deerfield Beach (Fla.) underwent surgery on his meniscus this offseason, but he’s expected to make a full return by the time the season rolls around, which is good for Tide fans because much is expected from the talented former 5-star. He finished a distant second on the team in receiving yards last year with 264 (on 14 receptions), though he’s expected to blow those numbers away this year with Calvin Ridley off to the NFL and Tua Tagovailoa expected to take the passing game to new heights. He’s an electric athlete whose burst and change of direction skills make him a constant threat to make a play with the ball in his hands after the catch.

7. Terry Godwin, Georgia

With Javon Wims off to the NFL, Godwin is expected to take his place as the go-to receiver for QB Jake Fromm. He finished 2017 second on the team in receptions (38), receiving yards (639) and TDs (6), and is expected to vastly exceed those numbers this year as the Dawgs gradually increase their passing attack under the maturing Fromm. Godwin is quick in and out of his breaks, has shown soft hands and isn’t afraid to make contested catches across the middle. He’s a fighter with the ball in his hands who is tougher to bring down than his size (5-11, 185) would suggest.

6. Bryan Edwards, South Carolina

When Deebo Samuel went down with a broken leg in Week 3 last year, Edwards picked up the slack and took advantage of his increased role in the passing attack, finishing with 64 receptions for 793 yards and 5 TDs, leading the team in all three categories. At 6-3, 220, Edwards is a big body who high points the ball very well and is tough to bring down after the catch, constantly churning his legs fighting for extra yards. With Samuel back, Edwards could have an even better season now defenses won’t be able to constantly double him.

Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

5. Ryan Davis, Auburn

Davis set a school record for receptions in a year with 84. Some will mock that he only averaged 9.7 yards per reception, but you need to factor in the types of routes he was running. He and Darius Slayton are practically playing two different positions. Davis has remarkably smooth and soft hands and is a very polished route runner who does a good job reading and adjusting to coverages. His short area quickness and lateral mobility allow him to get enough separation for QB Jarrett Stidham to find him both as a first option and a safety valve on broken plays.

4. D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss

The son of former Rebels great Terrence Metcalf, D.K. could be the latest in the family to earn All-American honors for Ole Miss. At 6-4, 230 he’s built like an edge rusher (and looks like one too), and he uses his length and frame well over smaller defenders, particularly in the red zone and along the sidelines. And don’t think that just because of his size that he’s also slow, because the kid has wheels. He finished 2017 with 39 receptions for 646-yards and 7 TDs and even more will be expected of him this year as he continues improving his routes and consistency. Plus, playing alongside a loaded receiving unit will allow him plenty of one-on-one opportunities.

3. Emanuel Hall, Mizzou

This kid was one of the better deep ball receivers in college football last year, averaging nearly 25 yards for each of his 33 receptions, and wound up hauling in 8 TDs, which was tied for fifth in the SEC. At 6-3, 200, he has good length to go with his blistering speed, making him a matchup nightmare on the outside, particularly on play-action, where if the CB takes a hard look inside he’s smoked. It’s going to be very interesting to see how first year play-caller Derek Dooley uses him in the new offense, and what kind of matchups he can create to pair with QB Drew Lock.

2. Deebo Samuel, South Carolina

Samuel burst out of the opening gates last year, hauling in 15 passes for 250 yards and 3 TDs — and returning 2 kicks for TDs — before he broke his leg Week 3 against Kentucky. The 6-0, 210-pounder is expected to be fully healthy when Week 1 rolls around, and he’ll again be counted on to provide an explosive element to the offense. He’s an unbelievable athlete with enormous playmaking ability, particularly once he gets the ball in his hands. He has exceptional burst in the open field and does a nice job tracking deep balls, with a knack for making acrobatic catches. He’s an all around playmaker who can impact the game plan in numerous ways.

1.  AJ Brown, Ole Miss

Brown, in my opinion, is the best WR not only in the SEC, but all of college football. He’s also the leader of what many consider to be the best receiving unit nationally. As a sophomore in 2017, he hauled in 75 receptions for 1,252 yards (best in the SEC and a school record) and 11 TDs (tied for best in the SEC and tied school record).

At 6-1, 225, he’s built more like a power back than a WR, and he plays as physically as his thick frame would suggest. He simply mauls smaller CBs who try and press him at the line, using his strength and sneaky quickness to gain separation. He’s quick in and out of breaks and attacks the ball in the air, showing good hands and body control. After the catch, he’s arguably at his best, because he’s brutally tough to bring down. It’s early in the process, but at this point he appears to be in the running to be the first WR picked in the 2019 NFL Draft, which could be in the top 10 overall.