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If you watched Oklahoma any of the last three seasons, the superb wide receiver wearing No. 2 probably jumped out at you at some point. CeeDee Lamb has the skills, route-running ability, and overall polish to be an impact NFL player for a very long time. With 173 receptions for 3,292 yards in three years of college, his average of 19.0 yards per catch shows his big-play ability. His punt return skills are also a bonus.
Scouting Report
Lamb has the ability to be a franchise-level No. 1 receiver in the NFL. He’s an elite route runner, has fantastic hands and playmaking ability, and can play both in the slot or on the outside. While he’s certainly NFL fast, he might not be the biggest burner in league history. But in all other areas he’s got elite skills in all phases of being a pass catcher.
CeeDee Lamb profiles as No. 1 wide receiver at the next level that can be the focal point of the passing attack. He’s a threat at all levels of the field with bluechip body control, ball skills, hands and instincts. Lamb has a notable transition ahead of him in terms of applying his traits against NFL corners compared to the ones he toyed with in the Big 12 but his natural gifts should accelerate his acclimation period to the NFL. Lamb has the upside to develop into one of the premiere offensive playmakers in the NFL by Year Three. — The Draft Network’s Joe Marino
Explosive, three-level playmaker and vital cog in one of the most potent offensive machines in college football over the last three seasons. Lamb uses speed and separation quickness to dominate competition in a scheme that frequently created open throws in space. His routes will need to become more efficient and crisp to beat man-to-man coverage against NFL size and speed, but his ball skills and explosiveness with the ball in his hand should allow teams to scheme him into explosive opportunities right away. Lamb has the potential to play any of the three receiver positions as a pro and should benefit greatly from the NFL’s continued movement toward college-style passing attacks. — NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein
Mock Draft Results
Mel Kiper, ESPN: #17 to Dallas Cowboys
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: #17 to Dallas Cowboys
Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports: #12 to Las Vegas Raiders
Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire: #15 to Denver Broncos
Fantasy impact: Rookie year
If Lamb did end up with the Cowboys, he’d be paired with Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup, which might have him see plenty of one-on-one or zone coverage that would allow him to put up some big numbers. His versatility could also see him get even more time than the average rookie because he can be put all over the field if an injury happens.
Fantasy impact: Career
There’s no reason to think Lamb won’t be one one of the best receivers in the NFL for many years to come. If he’s sidelined, it’ll likely be due to a lack of help around him, a bad quarterback, or injury. He projects for many as the No. 1 wide receiver in this draft because of the completeness of his game, and that should equal long-term stability.