2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: John Metchie





  • John Metchie, 5-11/187

  • Wide Receiver

  • Alabama


  • John Metchie Scouting Report
    By Charlie Campbell

    Strengths:
  • Smooth route runner
  • Steady quickness
  • Consistently generates separation
  • Doesn’t take extra steps in and out of breaks
  • Tracks the ball well
  • Good ball adjustment
  • Advanced body control
  • Reliable hands
  • Late hands to make receptions
  • Natural hands catcher
  • Makes contested catches
  • Concentration
  • Ready to contribute immediately
  • Experienced and successful against good college programs




  • Weaknesses:
  • Lacks elite speed
  • Not overly big
  • Not that physical
  • Coming off a torn ACL
  • Could miss part of, or all of, rookie season


  • Summary: Even though Alabama was loaded at the wide receiver with first-round talents like Devonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle and Jameson Williams, Metchie worked his way onto the field and was a steady producer for the Crimson Tide over the past two seasons. In 2020, Metchie averaged 18 yards per reception over 44 catches for 782 yards and six touchdowns. As a junior, he totaled 96 catches for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns. Unfortunately, Metchie suffered a torn ACL in the SEC Championship Game. Because the injury happened in December 2021, Metchie could miss part of or all of his rookie season, depending on how his rehab goes.

    Metchie may not ever become a team’s No. 1 wide receiver as a pro, but he could be a very good No. 2 receiver. Metchie is a polished receiver who does everything well. He smoothly runs his route, never taking extra steps in and out of his breaks. He has enough quickness through the route and the shiftiness to generate separation from press coverage. For Alabama, Metchie used his route-running and quickness to consistently generate separation.



    Metchie has natural hands and is astute at putting out his hands late to not tip off defensive backs that the ball is coming. Metchie tracks the ball well and has advanced body control to adjust to the ball while making acrobatic catches along the sideline. Even though he is not a big wideout, Metchie is skilled at making catches around coverage to win on 50-50 balls. He has very good concentration and maintains excellent poise when covered with passes coming his direction.

    Metchie is not a true No. 1 receiver because he lacks game-breaking speed and is not overly big or physical. Thus, he was a better fit as a second- or third-round pick prior to his late-season ACL tear. As it stands with the injury, he could go as high as the third round and probably won’t slip out of the fourth round.

    Metchie could become a solid starter and a quality No.2 receiver. He would be best being paired with a true No. 1 receiver, but in his role, he could be a real asset and help his offense with solid, dependable play.



    Player Comparison: Robert Woods. Woods (6-0, 195) and Metchie are almost identical in size and have similar skill sets. Neither is especially dominant with size or speed, but they are polished receivers who are solid No. 2 targets. If Metchie lands in the right circumstances, he could end up being a receiver similar to Woods.






    RELATED LINKS:


    2022 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2022 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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