2020 Scouting Combine: 5 receivers who will raise their draft stock

What five 2020 NFL Draft prospects at the receiver position will raise their draft stock at the NFL Scouting Combine?

Wide receiver is the deepest position in the NFL Draft and these are the ones who will put on a show at the NFL Combine.

The wide receiver position is always a fun position to watch at the combine. It’s one of the positions where athletic testing matters the most, depending on how you win. For bigger receivers, it’s about good explosion numbers to prove your worth in contested spots. Smaller receivers who win horizontally should post good numbers in the agility drills.

It’s going to be a fun event once again, and for some prospects, this will be the draft event that helped out their draft stock. Here are five wide receivers who will raise their draft stock with a good day of testing at the 2020 Scouting Combine.

Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan

Donovan Peoples-Jones isn’t too reveled by the scouting community on Twitter as much, but from rumblings, the NFL likes him a lot more. Peoples-Jones was hampered at Michigan by bad quarterback play and an offense that focused on the running game.

When it comes to his ability, Peoples-Jones should be a productive slot receiver at the next level. He can work through contact well and attack every level of the defense. In terms of the 2020 Scouting Combine, Peoples-Jones should put together a strong week to get himself on the radar in the round two range. His agility drills should be good for his size, and with his ability in contested spots, his explosion numbers should pop as well.

Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado

Yes, Laviska Shenault is very much on the radar when it comes to wide receiver prospects. However, he’s very much in the second tier for most analysts right now. Reports are that Shenault could run near 4.4 flat in the 40-yard dash, and for 227 pounds, that speed score would be really impressive. The 40 might not be the only thing he tests well in either.

His speed, combined with his bowling ball-like nature after the catch, could entice more teams to pounce in the first round of the draft after a strong 2020 Scouting Combine.

Lynn Bowden, Kentucky

Kentucky standout Lynn Bowden did everything for the Wildcats in 2019, from wide receiver to running back. He also threw 74 passes at the quarterback position, so let the Randall Cobb comparisons fly for him going forward.

He weighed in at 204 pounds and could be on his way with a strong week at the scouting combine. His speed may not wow like some others, but it’ll be enough to raise his stock, along with his agility drills and how comfortable he should look in the drills.

Jeff Thomas, Miami

Jeff Thomas is one of the better-kept secrets in the 2020 NFL Draft class at wide receiver, and maybe it isn’t for the best reason. Thomas has had some off the field issues, including being suspended and removed from the football program. Teams will likely be cautious about drafting him, but he should put together a good round of athletic testing.

Thomas is a good vertical threat in the passing game, and it should show up in the 40-yard dash. He consistently makes defenders miss on tape, and he should do excellent in agility drills as well. If everything checks out off the field in interviews, his stock could go up.

Devin Duvernay, Texas

Duvernay had an all-world final season at Texas, catching 106 passes for 1,386 yards and nine touchdowns. Duvernay is praised for his speed when he gets into open space, and everyone will be tuned in to watch his 40-yard dash. If Duvernay can put together an average day everywhere else along with a very good 40 time, his stock could rise from a fringe day two prospect to a fringe Round 2 prospect.

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