WR DK Metcalf, Mississippi**

6’3” – 228 lbs. – 4.33
Father is former pro lineman Terrence Metcalf. Caught two passes in 2016, both for touchdowns, but ended up redshirting. Joined fellow prospects A.J. Brown and DaMarkus Lodge in the receiving corps for the next two years, posting 39-646-7 and 26-569-5 before deciding to declare for the draft; sustained a season-ending neck injury seven games into this past season which may affect his stock. One of the biggest targets in this year’s class, with an excellent combination of size and length for a pro split end. Lined up almost exclusively on the left side of the formation, serving as the Rebels’ primary deep threat. The first thing that stands out is his ability to release at the line of scrimmage against press-man; excellent hand-fighter who can slip opposing defensive backs and challenge them downfield. Sudden, clean footwork at the line of scrimmage. Offers the speed to take the top off of a defense, forcing defenses to roll safeties his way or risk getting beat deep. Adds some nuance to his deep patterns, with some stutter steps, head fakes, and speed changes. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder. Has a wide catch radius, allowing him to go up and bring in passes away from his frame; makes full extension to secure bucket throws look easy. Outstanding body control on jump-balls. Capable of making circus grabs over the top of defenders but also let a couple of catchable balls slip through his hands when covered tightly over the middle of the field. Able to walk the tightrope down the sidelines; good awareness of the boundary and balance to stay inbounds. Doesn’t run a full complement of routes at this point, but was also able to create on screen passes because of his ability to get up to speed quickly; would have liked to see that more integrated into his game. Could be more consistent about sinking his hips and breaking cleanly; faced a lot of off-coverage which allowed him to cruise into hitches and round off crossing patterns without being pressured by tight coverage. Has a high floor as a blocker because of his size and already does a good job of getting inside positioning and using his hands to wall off opponents, but would like to see more consistent aggression. Wasn’t a volume receiver in college but has already solidified himself as a deep threat and vertical threat with an excellent combination of size, length, and speed; getting open won’t come as easy at the pro level, but with more work on his route tree, could become a number-one target and looks likely to be among the first receivers off the board.