5 players Lions should draft in the first round

3. Jaylen Waddle

Waddle is battling neck and neck with his college teammate DeVonta Smith for the right to be called the No. 2 wide receiver in this class. The ankle injury that cost him the majority of his 2020 season has caused some fans to forget just how electric Waddle can be.

He lacks elite size for the position but his top-end speed more than makes up for any concerns about his lack of stature or length. No one can run with him when he gets going. The applicable comparison for Waddle as a speed guy is Tyreek Hill. He’s that quick with the football in his hands.

He only measures in at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds which means he might be best utilized in the slot at the next level. That doesn’t mean Waddle is just a gadget guy. He’s an accomplished wide receiver who can make plays down the field. Labeling him as just an athlete doesn’t do him justice as a prospect.

The idea of Waddle playing on turf indoors for Detroit should frighten opposing defensive backs. He’s got a chance to develop into one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL if things break right for him during his career. The Lions would love to land him at No. 7.