This offseason, the chatter around the Baltimore Ravens wide receiver corps has centered on new additions Sammy Watkins, Rashod Bateman, and Tylan Wallace — and for good reason. But what about 2020 sixth-round pick James Proche?
Watkins boasts a proven NFL track record with playoff success. Bateman was a consensus top-five wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft. And pundits often listed Tylan Wallace as one of the draft’s biggest steals.
That said, when discussing the anticipated top 2021 Ravens receivers, NFL analysts usually fail to mention James Proche, a sophomore with untapped potential to spare. Doing so puts them at risk of looking foolish if Proche breaks out in 2021.
For the following four reasons, Proche could shock the NFL during the 2021 season.
4. James Proche’s college production
Proche was an ultra-productive receiver at Southern Methodist University, setting records for career receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Much of his success was a result of his excellent hands.
Best hands in the 2020 NFL Draft? In my opinion, James Proche (SMU)
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 30, 2020
And NFL Draft insider Daniel Jeremiah wasn’t the only one who noticed.
James Proche: The most targeted WR in college football - and for good reasonpic.twitter.com/lZiuoNqoVi
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 3, 2020
Collegiate wide receiver production doesn’t translate directly to NFL production — as the Ravens’ unfortunate draft history attests. That said, receivers don’t just lose their ability to catch the ball after they graduate.
Besides, it’s not merely Proche’s college success that sets him up to succeed in the NFL. It’s where he earned much of his success that meshes well with where Lamar Jackson likes to throw the football.