Jaylen Waddle Draft Stock Surpasses DeVonta Smith in FanDuel Sportsbook NFL Draft Odds

The rankings at the top of the wide receiver prospect group has seen a lot of switching around since the 2020 college football season ended. As of right now, Alabama wideout Jaylen Waddle's draft stock has surpassed former teammate DeVonta Smith as the NFL Draft quickly approaches.

Waddle now has odds set at -148 to be selected first between him and Smith, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Smith has his odds set at +116 and this competition will be one to watch given both playmakers are projected to be top 15 overall picks in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Jaylen Waddle Draft Stock

Waddle has been a rising prospect throughout this offseason due to his rare combination of size and speed. He averaged an impressive 18.9 yards per reception in college and also shined as a kick/punt returner. Overall, he racked up 1,999 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 34 games played with the Crimson Tide.

On the other side, DeVonta Smith balled out in 2020 hauling in 117 receptions for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns. Although Smith took home the Heisman Trophy, NFL scouts seemed to be worried his small frame (6-foot and 166 pounds) will not allow him to easily transition at the next level.

All things considered, both of these pass catchers could turn into stars in the NFL. The battle between the two on draft night may simply come down to preference amongst NFL teams at this point. Keep an eye on which Alabama wide receiver gets taken first on Thursday night.

Knowing Waddle is likely to be drafted ahead of Smith can also give you a nice edge in FanDuel's Mock the Draft projection contest.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook today and get your first bet risk free for up to $1,000!

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.