SEC StatCat's Top5 Deep Pass Catchers for 2021

While scheming easy underneath completions are trending upwards the past decade, having a dude that can take the top off a defense simply facilitates an offense’s functionality. Besides producing exciting highlights, a receiver possessing the ability to consistently bring in deep throws can help divert attention and open up other areas of attack. — Or accomplish the intended goal at hand by winning downfield and securing splash plays. While it’s easier to notice total volume from these attempts, you all should know by now that I gravitate towards efficiency. Though things can change due to the very nature of these targets, here are the SEC’s top5 returning deep receivers ahead of 2021. 

5. John Metchie

Stretching the field as a sophomore, Alabama’s John Metchie was targeted at least 20 yards downfield on well over a fifth of his chances last fall. Though over a third were uncatchable, the Tider managed to spot the conference’s 4th-best yards per deep target and 6th-best Catch Rate for this fall. Along with a few other returners, half of Metchie’s catches resulted in points for the SEC’s silver medal. Weighing his depth of target — or how far he was downfield when thrown the ball— while omitting uncatchable balls, his Depth Adjusted Catch is 3rd best ahead of 2021. Plus, it doesn’t hurt his 362 deep yards are a conference-high. But, a 12% Drop Rate definitely soured his efficiency and keeps him at the 5-spot despite his volume. 

4. Jacob Copeland

Jacob Copeland could be due for a breakout with an enhanced role. While Kyle Pitts and Kadarius Toney commanded quite a bit of attention, Copeland was able to snatch a few valuable catches as a tertiary option. The Gator projects to be a great deep threat if his passers can give him some chances. Obviously, Kyle Trask’s accuracy made his job easier as he only fielded a 16.7% Uncatchable Target Rate. With less busted tries, Copeland rocks the SEC’s 3rd-best Deep Catch Rate. Since a 30% of his attempts came 20+ yards downfield — 3rd highest ahead of 2021 — that should have Swamp Dwellers in a frenzy. Not to mention, he has a top5 Yards/Target and Depth Adjusted Catch Rate in his back pocket. 

3. Trelon Burks

Treylon Burks has one of the most complete resumes among his conference contemporaries. Again since offenses always yearn to win deep, it’s good for Hog fans to see this swine sizzle downfield. Cracking the top3 amongst a lot of good receivers last year, no returner can best Burks’ 30.8 yards per deep target. Throwing deep really wasn’t Arkansas’ thing last year, but nonetheless, he complied the SEC's 5th-most such yards with four of his five catches resulting in scores, creating a TD rate that’s king of the hill along with his lofty yards/target. And to further sugar coat his deep receiving profile, he didn’t drop a single target. But in the end, both his normal and depth-adjusted receiving clips rank 4th amongst returners. Still, that shouldn’t stop Razorbackers from dreaming of big things to come.

2. Dontario Drummond

No returning SEC player trumpets a more preferable Deep Catch Rate than Ole Miss’s Dontario Drummond’s mighty 66.7%. Only three conference pass catchers put up better clips last year. So you might be wondering why he’s number two on this list. Especially considering — like Burks — the Rebel didn’t drop a single pass. Well, hang tight on that gang. Regardless of where I ultimately rank him, Drummond is a fantastic deep receiver. Only a fifth of his attempts occurred in this manner, but his efficiency continued to shine through via his top3 yards per deep target and Depth Adjusted Catch Rate. Thanks to volume and a preferable clip to the latter, I had no choice but to leapfrog one of Drummond’s teammates to the top spot.

1. Braylon Sanders

Braylon Sanders was one of the SEC’s most dedicated deep receivers in 2020. In fact, no returner logged a higher percentage targets 20 or more yards downfield than his 42.1% clip. Like the other members of the top3 performers on this list, Sanders was perfect on opportunities that hit him in the hands ala a crisp 0% Drop Rate. And despite only five SECers suffering from a worse Uncatchable Pass Rate, Sanders boasts the 2nd-best Deep Catch Rate and Yards/Target amongst returners. Every single one of his catchable bombs resulted in a completion. This made his depth-adjusted clip flawless. Meanwhile 40% of his catches resulted in tuddys, which is a top5 clip ahead of this fall. With Matt Corral and Sanders are expected to expand their chemistry, Sanders could be due for plenty of splash plays if he can run this display back with increased volume.