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2021 NFL MOCK DRAFT - WALT'S | CHARLIE'S ROUND: 1

Teams See Wydermyer in Early Rounds

Updated Sept. 10, 2021
By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.

The passing-driven NFL has teams always on the lookout for mismatch weapons, and tight end is often a prime position that coaches look for to produce coverage advantages. Since his freshman season, Texas A&M tight end Jalen Wydermyer has jumped out to NFL scouts, and now that he is finally eligible for a draft, he has garnered their focus for the 2022 NFL Draft. Multiple team sources told WalterFootball.com they believe Wydermyer could be at least a second-round pick, as it stands right now at the beginning of his junior season.

"He has some similarities to O.J. Howard," said a NFC director of player personnel. "O.J. was more athletic, and the 40 time from Jalen might not be as good, but there are some similarities between the two as receivers."

Howard made a quick impact at Alabama, and Wydermyer did the same at College Station. In 2019, Wydermyer totaled 32 receptions for 447 yards and six touchdowns. He improved his production as a sophomore despite the shortened season, making 45 catches for 502 yards and six touchdowns. At other pass-happy schools, his numbers probably would have been even better, but the Aggies utilize a balanced offense that runs the ball and spreads the targets over multiple receivers. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Wydermyer has the size to block in the NFL as well.

"O.J. Howard is a good comp on Wydermyer," said an AFC director of college scouting. "They're different types of athletes. Wydermyer is probably not as explosive or smooth as O.J., but [Wydermyer] still has mismatch ability at the position. The second round is a good starting point for him, but it depends on the overall depth at the position shapes out."

It is the very beginning of the draft process, so Wydermyer could rise or slide in the months to come, but he has made a favorable early impression on NFL teams.

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