Alabama football saw two receivers go in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but they still have the best receiving corps of college football.
College football saw a mass exodus of wide receiver talent after the 2019 season. Alabama football was no different. Both Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs were drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, leaving the Crimson Tide with some big holes to fill for next season.
Alabama had the greatest receiver room in college football last year thanks to both Jeudy and Ruggs, but they were not the only players involved. The Tide were able to retain DeVonta Smith, who was 11th in receiving yards in all of college football. He will be paired with Jaylen Waddle, the speedster receiver who will see a major boost in targets. He managed to get 560 receiving yards despite being the fourth target in the offense.
With this two-headed monster, Alabama football certainly has the best receiving corps in college football. There are only a few receivers that can even compete to be better than one of these guys. The other best receivers in college football include Justyn Ross, Ja’Marr Chase, Rondale Moore, and Tylan Wallace. Although these players have quality supporting casts around them.
The only other receiving corps that can compete with Alabama football’s is in Columbus. Ohio State will see plenty from Chris Olave in 2020, and they add Garrett Wilson as a way to spread the love. However, Wilson is light years away from being as good as Jaylen Waddle.
This discussion doesn’t even include the depth behind Smith and Waddle. Alabama football have Slade Bolden John Metchie, and Tyrell Shavers. None of these receivers are ready to be the top target just yet, but all of them will have quality roles in the 2020 season. When you have two superstars to worry about, there is a role carved for someone to fill underneath. These guys won’t see any double-teams all season, so they just have to beat one guy to get open.
It’s hard to imagine after losing two of the greatest receivers in college football, but the Crimson Tide are still the top dogs in terms of wide receivers. They will be a great boost to whoever the quarterback ends up being in 2020.