Drake London, USC
Drake London is easily in my eyes the most NFL ready receiver in the PAC 12 with his 6’5 / 210 frame and physical play style. Seems to be the clear alpha of this conference and football isn't all he does, also playing for USC’s basketball team in the winter. London still managed to shine in USC’s crowded WR room last season which saw two players land on NFL Teams.
He lead the team with 502 receiving yards in just 6 games, good for an average of 83.7 per game. He has a high football IQ and showed a ton of comfort and awareness, exploiting zones and extending plays by getting out in space when Slovis was under pressure. He has a smooth change of direction and can create yardage after the catch consistently. London is the best bet out of this group to take home some hardware as he possesses the most talent and is expected to have the best QB play in the Pac 12.
Kyle Phillips, UCLA
The back to back reception leader for UCLA is poised for a prominent role heading into his junior season and will without a doubt be one of the top targeted receivers in the PAC 12 this year. His 2019 was a special “breakout” type year as he led UCLA’s receivers in virtually every major stat category as a redshirt freshman. The Bruins will get him the ball at all 3 levels in 2021, especially close to the line of scrimmage so the dynamic playmaker can utilize his elusiveness. He also returns punts for UCLA, proving his ability to be shifty and create plays with the ball in his hands. Phillips should have the volume/targets to compete for the Biletnikoff award in 2021, his YAC ability will be crucial to his success.
Michael Wilson, Stanford
Stanford’s #1 WR in 2019 is back for his senior year, entering the season on the Biletnikoff watch list after an underwhelming 2020 season. Wilson appeared in just 4 games last year and caught 19 passes for 261 yards (65 per game), but his 2019 numbers were phenomenal as he led Stanford in both yards and receptions.
Wilson has a solid frame at 6’2 / 210 and has shown the ability to highpoint the football and find success with the deep ball and inside the redzone.
He had arguably his best game of his college career against an 11-2 Notre Dame, putting up 96 yards and a score with 10 receptions. Wilson has the mid field talent to warrant a ton of targets and the hands / size to compete in the redzone, Stanford just needs to get the ball to him.
Johnny Johnson III, Oregon
Johnny Johnson is coming back for his 5th year, and just like Wilson his 2020 didn’t live up to the expectations he set after a massive 2019 with Justin Herbert. He had 867 yards and 7 TD’s with Herbie in 2019, almost doubling production from the next best receiver on the list for the Ducks. He plays the game hard, embracing contact and willing to get into the blocking mix in order to help this offense succeed. He’s constantly extending plays and possesses true burner speed. Something about the bully ball he plays in the trenches reminds me of Deebo, just willing to get active on any play. He’s a dynamic playmaker looking to create a legit draft profile in his final college season, and he’s off to the right start landing on the Biletnikoff preseason watch list.
Rome Odunze, Washington
Rome Odunze is by far the youngest player on this list and has produced the least, but his star potential has Husky fans juiced for the upcoming season. He’s technically a redshirt freshman heading into 2021 but did play in 2 games last year, showing the unique ability to make spectacular catches with his 6’3 / 205 frame. In 2020 he had one game playing significant snaps and played well, hauling in 5 catches for 69 yards against Stanford as a true freshman. He’s a great route runner and looks to be the premiere guy for Washington heading into the season. He has extremely strong hands and has the acrobatics to convert in the redzone, 2021 could be a breakout party for Odunze, he might be a little raw still but he has the potential to make some noise within the Pac 12.
- Ryan Mobley, Upside Play
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