Ole Miss’s D.K. Metcalf took the NFL Scouting Combine by storm last week and became one of the biggest talking points from the week.
Metcalf, who reportedly has only 1.9 percent body fat, tested extremely well at the combine with a 4.33-second 40-yard dash, 27 reps on the bench press and a 40.5-inch vertical jump. His 27 reps on the bench tied the record for a wide receiver at the NFL Combine.
Metcalf’s combine performance boosted his already-high draft stock that was built by his performance at Ole Miss. Although shortened by a couple of injuries, Metcalf’s Rebel career caught the attention of NFL scouts and made him one of the most sought-after prospects in this draft class. Metcalf racked up 1,228 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in his three-year college career and was a nightmare for opposing defensive backs.
If Metcalf can translate his physical capabilities successfully into the NFL, he could be the best receiver to come out of this class. His 40 time was a few ticks better than league-star Julio Jones’s, and his bench reps annihilate the norm for wide receivers. All of this comes after a neck injury shortened Metcalf’s 2018 season at Ole Miss, so he could improve even more from where he already is.
Of course, combine testing doesn’t necessarily illustrate how successful a player’s career can be, but Metcalf’s tape from his Ole Miss days should put those concerns to rest. Metcalf made a habit out of making highlight-reel catches, and who could forget his 11 seconds of pure bliss in the first play of the Alabama game in 2018? His speed and size make him a separation nightmare for defensive backs, as does his 82 7/8-inch wingspan, which set a record for receivers at the NFL Combine.
Metcalf’s career didn’t begin at Ole Miss, however. He also played a large role in some successful years with the Oxford Chargers in high school, where his quarterback was current Southern Miss signal caller Jack Abraham. Metcalf hauled in 3,302 yards and 50 touchdowns in his career as a Charger, and although Oxford never won a state championship in his career, Metcalf still went down in Charger lore.
The biggest question mark for Metcalf’s NFL career will be injuries. Metcalf experienced two season-ending injuries in his time at Ole Miss: one in 2016 and one in 2018. Although he has obviously healed well from both setbacks, injuries have the tendency to ruin many promising NFL careers, and that could be a concern for Metcalf as the level of play he’s facing increases.
For a moment, however, let’s assume that D.K. Metcalf stays healthy throughout his time in the NFL. What is his ceiling?
Based on his size, previous performance and performance at the combine, I fully believe that Metcalf could be the next great NFL receiver, joining the likes of the aforementioned Julio Jones. Metcalf was almost impossible to defend in his college days, and although the NFL is obviously a step up from college football, his talent hasn’t changed and should progress well into the league.
While he will likely have to improve and adapt certain areas of his game, I don’t believe the NFL is too much of a challenge for Metcalf. He has successfully adapted to each level of play he has experienced, and I think this will continue to be the case as he transitions to professional football.
What makes Metcalf’s numbers even more impressive is the fact that Ole Miss has an absolutely loaded class of receivers joining the NFL this year. A.J. Brown, DaMarkus Lodge and Dawson Knox all participated in the combine this week and are also gaining the attention of numerous NFL teams as a result. In a few years, we could be discussing not one but multiple elite NFL receivers who got their starts as Ole Miss Rebels.
