[2022 Draft/2-44] John Metchie III, WR, Alabama

https://theathletic.com/3262108/2022/04/29/john-metchie-houston-texans/

Alabama wide receiver John Metchie brings superb route running and experience playing in big games to the Houston Texans with the No. 44 pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft on Friday.

He was never as flashy as the superstar receivers who came before him, but he always made plays. Even as a freshman, it was clear to those around the program that he was the next guy up. He was a complementary receiver to Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith and speedster Jaylen Waddle in 2020, but when Waddle went down with an injury, Metchie picked up the slack — or at least whatever slack was required with Smith having a historic season as the position.

Metchie was sidelined during the 2021 SEC championship game with an ACL tear, and the loss was definitely felt the rest of the postseason. He was the Crimson Tide’s best route runner, a skill set that’s a necessity at the next level. His 96 receptions last season ranked tied for eighth nationally and second in the SEC behind only Kentucky’s Wan’Dale Robinson.

Some receivers might have been threatened when another top player transfers in at their position, but Metchie was never insecure about his standing on the team even after the addition of Jameson Williams from Ohio State. He welcomed him with arms wide open, and the pair even created a touchdown celebration together.

Dane Brugler on John Metchie (No. 11 WR, No.71 overall prospect in The Beast)

A two-year starter at Alabama, Metchie was the X receiver in offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s scheme, lining up both outside and in the slot. He has outstanding body control and adjustment skills, although he is guilty of the occasional focus drop (had more career drops than TD catches). Overall, Metchie has only average size and speed, but he is a seasoned route runner who understands how to manipulate coverage and be a quarterback’s best friend. As long as he makes a full recovery from his ACL tear, he can be a quality No. 2 receiver in the NFL.

Top college highlight

Want a prime example of the technician Metchie is as a route runner? Watch him beat Auburn’s Roger McCreary — picked at No. 35 by the Titans — to win the Iron Bowl.



What you may have missed

While nearly everything you know is probably limited to his receiving ability, and rightfully so, his competitiveness isn’t spoken about enough. Take this play in the 2020 SEC championship game, when he didn’t give up on a play after an interception and forced a Florida fumble with a hard hit.



Superlative

It can be easy to get lost on the Alabama roster, which is stocked with the best of the best in college football. Metchie never did. Even in his freshman season, when he was in the same wide receiver room as Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, his name was always mentioned as a guy to watch out for. That’s four first-round NFL players in front of him, yet he always stood out and finished his career with 155 catches for 2,081 yards and 14 touchdowns, mostly in two seasons.