Edward Corron

Blog Post #3

The Facade of D.K. Metcalf

University of Mississippi wide receiver D.K. Metcalf recently set mainstream media on fire after
performing well at the 2019 NFL Combine. The 6’3 228-pound redshirt sophomore ran a 4.33
second 40-yard dash, put up 27 reps on bench press and had a 40.5 inch vertical jump.

If you don’t know, all of these measurements are extremely good for a wide receiver, especially
at Metcalf’s size. He’s an athletic freak, which at first had me sold on his talent, but there’s more
here than what meets the eye.

Metcalf is a receiver, which entails a lot more than running fast in a straight line and jumping
high while standing still.

Some of the most telling combine drills for wide receivers are the 3-cone drill and the 20-yard
shuttle, both of which test agility and ability to change direction. Metcalf ran these drills in 7.38
seconds and 4.5 seconds, respectively.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady scored better times on both drills at his combine
in 2000.

For the casual and credulous football fan, comparisons being made on ESPN and NFL Network
may lead you to believe Metcalf is the next Calvin Johnson or Julio Jones, but I’m here to tell
you that’s wishful thinking.

Besides the poor agility numbers that the media fails to address, Metcalf’s college film and
production speak for themselves.

When watching Metcalf’s highlights, a few things stick out to me. He is really good at out-
running and out-muscling college defenders, there’s no question this guy is a high tier athlete.
However, his route tree is very limited which simply won’t cut it at the next level against the best
defensive backs in the world.

As for his production, he played one full season at Ole Miss in which he only managed 39
catches for about 650 yards. For his entire career, Metcalf has 67 receptions.

As a comparison, fellow Mississippi wide receiver A.J. Brown, who is also slated to be drafted in
April, had 85 receptions for over 1,300 yards in his best year as a Rebel.

D.K. Metcalf is an extremely polarizing prospect among dedicated NFL fans. It’s clear that he
has the athletic credentials to be a good wide receiver, but his unpolished route-running and
terrible agility scare me. Regardless, if you want a dog in this fight, do some research and don’t
believe the first thing the media spits at you.