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2020 NFL Draft: Importance of Speed at WR and who’s got next

By Jacob Schyvinck

TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 08: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide scores a touchdown against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 08: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Alabama Crimson Tide scores a touchdown against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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TEMPE, AZ – AUGUST 29: Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (2) catches a pass before the college football game between the Kent State Golden Flashes and the Arizona State Sun Devils on August 29, 2019 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Brandon Aiyuk

Last on the list of speedsters who can make an instant impact in the NFL is Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk had a breakout 2019 for the Sun Devils in his senior season, catching 65 passes for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns. He didn’t get a ton of attention until the Oregon game, but now there are reports he might go in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

This is a great thread from Jordan Reid of The Draft Network, where he highlights an important part of Aiyuk’s game. Part of being an impact speed receiver in the NFL is the ability to make big plays after the catch. Here in these clips, we see Aiyuk take some short passes the distance because of his game-breaking speed.

Like we discussed in the intro of this article, when speedy receivers can make use of their speed in a variety of ways as a route runner, they become truly dangerous. Aiyuk is one of those players. Here against Oregon, Aiyuk puts together a filthy stutter move that makes both Oregon defenders in the area to bite, and easily works past one of them to gain separation. Once he’s got the ball in his hands, Aiyuk has the speed to take it all the way.

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