The Alabama Crimson Tide have ruled the land in recent years when it comes to putting wide receivers into the NFL. Henry Ruggs, Jerry Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle, and DeVonta Smith have all found their way onto NFL rosters in the early rounds of the NFL Draft. John Metchie III is likely to continue that trend in 2021. Metchie III was often the forgotten man on the Crimson Tide depth charts, but continued to deliver nonetheless. However, with a new offensive coordinator taking over the program, will Metchie struggle?
Steve Sarkisian, the offensive coordinator for Alabama in 2019 and 2020, has moved to Austin to become the head coach of the Texas Longhorns. Filling the role will be the former Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien. Prior to his job in Houston, O’Brien was the offensive coordinator for Bill Belichick in New England, as well as head coach of Penn State. In Houston, O’Brien had top wide receiver talent in Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins.
What To Look For In 2021 From John Metchie III
John Metchie III is an above-average route runner. He excels at tracking the ball downfield over his shoulder. Metchie III has a knack for creating space at the top of his route and completing the catch. Furthermore, John Metchie III has deceptive speed, which he uses to create space on downfield routes.
However, I would like to see John Metchie III improve in several areas in 2021. While he is an above-average route runner, I’d still like to see him use his body to create space. Often times, the Crimson Tide receiver relies on his speed to create space. Additionally, I’d like to see Metchie III create more space in confined areas and in traffic.
Regardless of who ends up on top of the 2021 College Football Playoff, I’m fully prepared to rank John Metchie III at the top of my wide receiver draft board.
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