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John Metchie III NFL Draft Profile
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John Metchie III Scouting ReportMetchie is a genuine speed threat at the wide receiver position. He can get downfield in a hurry, and once open, there’s very little chance that he’s going to be caught. His speed gives him the ability to create and maintain separation at all three levels of the field. In addition to his speed, Metchie displays impressive route-running ability. He exhibits quick football work and excellent change of direction, which enables him to fake out coverage, allowing for even greater separation. But Metchie is not just a downfield threat; he is equally adept at coming across the middle on slant routes. Due to his speed and route-running ability, he poses a versatile threat to the entire field and from multiple alignments. Metchie has lined up across the formation for the Crimson Tide, including in the backfield. The danger Metchie presents with his speed allows Nick Saban to use him on motion plays like fake jet sweeps — giving them additional options to create diversion and confusion. Metchie can more than hold his own as a blocking wide receiver. He is willing and able, and there are multiple examples in the games studied of him actively moving men towards the sideline or downfield. Finally, his ability to cradle in an over-the-shoulder catch is a wonder to behold. |
Areas for ImprovementMetchie fails to secure the ball in contested catch situations. In addition, he didn’t routinely hold onto the ball through contact. He doesn’t always fight his way through traffic with ease in the middle of the field. There were several examples where he would bump into defenders and even his teammates while running his route. Those physicality issues may cause problems when faced with an increase in press coverage in the NFL, something he hasn’t been subjected to so far in his two-season collegiate career. |
John Metchie III Career at AlabamaMetchie had cited the level of competition as a deciding factor in coming to Tuscaloosa, and nowhere defines competition more than the Alabama wide receiver room. He arrived in 2019 in a unit that contained Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, as well as Smith and Waddle. As a result, Metchie’s potential for playing time would be minimal. Nonetheless, he opened eyes at the Alabama spring game, snagging 8 catches for 104 yards. The performance allowed him to see playing time in 13 games as a true freshman. Moreover, he secured his first career catch against Duke while adding further receptions against Southern Miss, Arkansas, and Western Carolina; 4 receptions for 23 yards might not sound like a lot, but it set the basis for a standout sophomore season. |
John Metchie III NFL Draft Player ProfileThere will be a multitude of NFL teams looking for a wide receiver in the 2022 NFL Draft. Will Metchie be their man? If they decide that he is, they might not want to wait too long to secure him. Reportedly, some scouts already have the Alabama WR ahead of his former teammates Smith and Waddle as he heads into his junior season with the Crimson Tide. Metchie emerged as a reliable big-play threat for the Crimson Tide. The Alabama WR secured a first down or a touchdown on 64% of his receptions during his sophomore campaign. Unafraid of the limelight, he contributed 81 yards in the national championship win over Ohio State. He ended the season with 916 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, winning the Jon Cornish Trophy as the best college player from Canada, and drew remarkable praise from Alabama head coach Saban. |
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