John Metchie “Won’t Make it Out of the 2nd Round”

Jameson Williams is not the only Alabama wide receiver whose name is picking up steam as the 2022 NFL draft gets underway this week from Las Vegas.

“Talked to multiple front office execs who believe John Metchie, the other Alabama receiver coming off a torn ACL, won't make it out of the 2nd round,” said NFL Network analyst Mike Giardi. “Saban's love for Metchie knows no bounds. Belief is Metchie will be able to contribute at some point this season.”

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Metchie suffered a torn ACL on Dec. 4 in the 2021 SEC Championship Game, but all signs point to the Alabama wide recovering well this offseason. Before the injury, the Canada native reeled in 96 receptions, 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns, which earned him second-team All-SEC honors.

“Metchie is going to be just fine,” an offensive coach told The Athletic. “They all feel good about Jameson. Metchie is like a freak show with how far ahead he is, almost like an Adrian Peterson(recovery). The doctors down there are saying it’s amazing how fast he’s recovering.”

Williams and Metchie have been training and rehabbing together throughout the draft process, pushing each other to return to form that made them one of the most dangerous receiving duos in college football.

Last week, ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen rated Metchie as the top slot receiver in this year’s draft.

“A route technician who played all three wide receiver spots in Alabama's pro passing game, Metchie has the short-area separation speed to win inside the numbers,” said Bowen. “He is more explosive than given credit for and can create after the catch. And he has a detailed plan to shake loose against press coverage. I like him as slot receiver in the NFL with formation variance.”

One characteristic that stands out about Metchie is his maturity on and off the field.

"The leadership that he showed me when I was younger, he really helped me understand what the culture was once I got here," said Bryce Young. "He works extremely hard, carries himself and conducts himself professionally."

The 2022 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 7 p.m. CST. Coverage will be on ESPN, ABC, and the NFL Network.