2020 Rookie Class: An Early Look at Jalen Reagor, WR TCU

You may not know the name Jalen Reagor yet, but after the NFL Scouting Combine, I can assure you, you won’t forget it. When you think about the big-play receiver who can line up anywhere on an offense as well as be utilized in the return game, Reagor is your guy. 

AS A RECRUIT

Reagor was a consensus four-star recruit out of Waxahachie, Texas. According to 247Sports, Reagor’s .9566 composite ranking rated him as the 96th overall and 13th-best wide receiver prospect in the country.

Reagor was a highly-touted recruit out of high school. He was listed at 5’11”, 185-pounds. The son of former Denver Broncos second-round NFL Draft pick Montae Reagor. With his father playing in the NFL, Jalen had no shortage of high-level mentorship coming out of high school. Before signing with TCU, he was committed to play for the Oklahoma Sooners. He had offers from every major division one program in the nation including: Alabama, LSU, Notre Dame, and Clemson to name a few.

COLLEGIATE CAREER 

Statistics from sports-reference.com.

Reagor hit the ground running as a true freshman. His 22% dominator rating in 2017 (which for the wide receiver position is comprised of a player’s total percentage of their team’s receiving yards and receiving touchdowns) qualified him for an age 18.8 breakout age.  A breakout occurs when a player’s dominator rating is higher than 20%. In laymen’s terms, you want your wide receivers to produce early and command a significant share of the receptions and yards as early in their career as possible.

Reagor enjoyed an even more successful 2018 season when he smashed in the receiving game and produced on the ground showing off that versatility that made him such a sought-after recruit.

This past season is where the wheels fell completely off the wagon, not only for Reagor, but the entire TCU offense. The lack of consistent quarterback play significantly hurt his production. He saw his numbers dip in every receiving category, but this is where context matters. There were three games in 2019 where a TCU wide receiver didn’t catch a single pass until the four min mark in the second quarter. Reagor had two games where he didn’t receive a single target until the third quarter. The passing game was non-existent for the majority of the season. TCU’s offense was putrid, and that’s putting it kindly. Their passing offense ranked 90th out of 130 eligible teams.

Despite the offensive ineptitude, Reagor still commanded 20% of the reception market share, 25% of the receiving yards market share 33% of the receiving touchdown market share and a 44% dominator rating. So even in a down season, he was still the man on that offense in the passing game; and that is the silver lining for his junior campaign.

ATHLETIC ATTRIBUTE PROFILE

There have been rumblings about his size and him being a smaller receiver. Do not listen to that analysis. His measurables compare favorably to current NFL wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr, DJ Moore (also Antonio Brown), and he is one of the strongest pound-for-pound players in this class.

Here are some interesting notes about him and how strong he is. I’ve long maintained that Reagor is a move explosive version of former NFL wide receiver Percy Harvin. Let’s take a look at his why I believe this is the case.

Athleticism

Jalen Reagor is an absolute BEAST – as promised here are two PHENOMENAL grabs he made in today’s game vs. Oklahoma State 🔥🔥🔥

Do not let this season fool you he is the truth. Can’t wait to see him tear it up on Sunday’s very soon! #ReagorWork #Devy pic.twitter.com/bZNKl4ajWb

— Ray G (@RayGQue) November 3, 2019

There isn’t much he can’t do on offense. When you turn on the film, you see a player who can take the top off a defense from either of the receiver positions. He’s a player you can hand the ball off to out of the backfield or on jet sweeps. He can beat his man off the line of scrimmage or win in contested catch situations.

Landing spot will be something to pay close attention to with Reagor as the ideal team would be one with a creative offensive coordinator that is open to getting this playmaker the ball in a variety of ways.

Special Teams Ability

There’s a real reason why the receiving production has dipped & it’s not because of the talent or skill-set.

Don’t sleep -Jalen Reagor is still a TOP 2020 WR prospect! Even though my guy @TheJalenReagor knows I’m going to get on him for not pressing the turbo button!! 😂 #SeeYa pic.twitter.com/TKu5izPZBU

— Ray G (@RayGQue) November 29, 2019

Most all rookie receivers struggle early on. It takes time to learn the NFL game, coverages, and how to win in those situations. When that happens, special teams is a way for said player to see playing time, make an impact and gain confidence. Much like Kansas City Chiefs first-year receiver Mecole Hardman, the ability to return punts can get a player on the field earlier than expected. Reagor is a stud in the return game, even if he’s not the go-to guy on offense early in his career he should instantly slide into the starting punt return role.

Position Flexibility

If you forgot or are just looking at 2019 Season Stats – Jalen Reagor is one of the best WRs in the nation. He can do it all and will check all the metric boxes

Freshman| 22% DR 18.8 Breakout Age
Sophomore | 43% DR
Junior | 29.3% DR

A true playmaker & future NFL Star 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9yz0nJI3b6

— Ray G (@RayGQue) December 3, 2019

When you look at the group of wide receivers in the 2020 class, it’s hard to find one more versatile than Reagor. He is a mismatch nightmare and the ultimate chess piece for an NFL offensive coordinator. He spent time during his TCU career at all three receiver positions (X, Z, and slot.) He has lined up in the backfield taking direct handoffs from the quarterback as well has shown been a weapon in the punt return game.

STRENGTHS

• Elite speed
• Offensive versatility
• Burst and acceleration
• Jump-ball ability
• Homerun threat
• Lethal punt returner
• Release off the line
• NFL Pedigree (father played in the NFL)

WEAKNESSES

• Focus drops
• Struggles against press at times
• Route refinement

DRAFT PROJECTION

NFL offenses are changing. Teams are using three and four wide receiver sets at a higher rate, and are being more creative with how they use dynamic weapons on offense. I’ve seen Reagor go as high as the 20s to the third round in early mock drafts. I believe his stock will only continue to rise after his inevitable domination of the combine. Reagor is projected to run in the 4.3s, be one of the leaders in both jumping events, and look the part in the weight room.

NFL Draft projection: Round one-two

DYNASTY VALUE

The 2020 wide receiver class is deep and right now player values are all over the map. I’ve seen Reagor as high as the number one rated position player and as low as 11th. The combine should help separate the pack some and better project draft capital. If he is selected as a top-64 pick, he should see an immediate opportunity to contribute to an offense. With his talent, skill-set and projected draft capital he should be a late one early second round pick in dynasty rookie drafts.

Dynasty rookie draft projection: first to early second-round pick.