The NFL Draft is a spectacle of high expectations and even higher surprises. Every year, players once touted as first-round locks find themselves unexpectedly sliding down the board. This year, with the draft set to kick off on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, there are a few potential first-round picks who might just wake up on Friday without a team. Here’s a look at three such NFL hopefuls.
Wide Receiver Woes: Adonai Mitchell’s Uncertain Fate
Adonai Mitchell, the wide receiver from Texas, is a classic example of a player whose draft stock could be hurt by past performance metrics and a deep class at his position. Despite his impressive career highs in 2023, Mitchell’s overall productivity over his three seasons—93 receptions, 1,405 yards, and 18 touchdowns—might not be enough to secure him a spot in the first round.
Jonathon Macri from Pro Football Focus points out that Mitchell’s career yards per route run stands at 1.68, ranking him in the 13th percentile among wideout prospects since 2019. This statistic is particularly concerning, as no first-round wide receiver has been selected with a sub-2.00 figure since 2016. His lack of polish in route running, as noted by NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein, could further hinder his chances.
Alabama DB Terrion Arnold is now officially Nick Saban’s last ever active 1st round NFL Draft pick.
Fitting. pic.twitter.com/QrkbfLgCis
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) April 26, 2024
Bo Nix: A Risky Proposition at Quarterback
Oregon’s Bo Nix, despite his vast experience and accuracy, faces skepticism over his arm strength and potential ceiling in the NFL. Nix, who has started more games than any other college quarterback, is considered a risky first-round pick. Linked to teams like the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, and Las Vegas Raiders, he’s seen as a possible fifth quarterback off the board, yet many experts suggest that drafting him in the first round could be seen as a desperate move.
Cornerback Nate Wiggins’ Stock in Question
Clemson’s Nate Wiggins is another prospect facing doubts. His impressive stats, including allowing just 18 receptions for 176 yards last season, are contrasted by concerns over his slight frame and tackling ability. At 173 pounds, he is 20 pounds lighter than the average NFL cornerback. Injuries, such as a hyperextended knee in 2023 and a hip flexor injury at the Combine, raise questions about his durability. With a 13.3% missed-tackle rate last season, Wiggins’ ability to physically match up at the next level is uncertain.
Conclusion: The Unpredictable Nature of the NFL Draft
The stories of Mitchell, Nix, and Wiggins illustrate just how unpredictable the NFL Draft can be. Factors like physical attributes, past injuries, and key performance metrics play significant roles in determining where a player might land. As teams weigh potential against risk, some college stars will inevitably find themselves bypassed in the first round, proving yet again that in the NFL Draft, certainty is a luxury few can afford.
Source: Yardbarker
