FantasyPros NFL Draft Special: WRs 11–20 with E.J. Snyder (Ep. 1991)
Date: April 6, 2026
Host: Seth Wilcock
Guests: Derrick Brown ("Dbro") and E.J. Snyder
Episode Overview
This episode of the FantasyPros NFL Draft Show is focused on analyzing wide receiver prospects ranked 11–20 for the 2026 NFL Draft. Host Seth Wilcock is joined by co-host Derrick Brown and NFL Draft analyst E.J. Snyder, who break down each receiver’s profile, strengths, weaknesses, and NFL fit. The panel discusses film versus analytics, small school prospects, combine results, real versus perceived slot/outside versatility, and the immense role draft capital and landing spot will play. The show’s goal: to give listeners insight well beyond the stat lines and name recognition, helping both fantasy managers and draft fans get a jump on the upcoming class.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Introductions, Banter, and Format
- [00:37] Seth opens the show, introducing guests and joking about university allegiance.
- [01:25] E.J. mentions his Puget Sound Homecoming PTSD, starts a trivia challenge about the school and worst NFL trade ever.
Player Breakdowns
1. Elijah Surratt (Indiana/JMU)
- Main Points:
- Strong production at JMU, then translated to Big Ten, leading the country in TDs despite injuries.
- Concerns: Zero-star recruit, limited athleticism, "high floor, limited ceiling."
- Quotes:
- E.J.: “I see a lot of Michael Pittman Jr. in Elijah Surratt...I think he's going to come in, play a WR2 role and be pretty good at it. Solid and reliable.” [03:53]
- Derrick: “I could see him settling in as a really solid, dependable, possibly one of the best wide receiver threes in the NFL... Diet Mountain Dew version of Keenan Allen.” [05:39]
- Segment: [03:40–09:13]
2. Ted Hurst (Georgia State)
- Main Points:
- Played for struggling teams, excelled with constant QB turnover. High-level production (127 catches, 2,000 yards, 15 TDs) and elite testing (9.92 RAS).
- Not just “raw small-school athlete”—shows route nuance and play strength.
- Quotes:
- Derrick: “I've been extremely high on him since I watched his film before Senior Bowl. I freaking love this kid.” [10:48]
- E.J.: “There's more there than just height-weight-speed...I’m gonna bet on him because of size and the film.” [13:19]
- Segment: [10:48–15:26]
3. Bryce Lance (North Dakota State)
- Main Points:
- FCS star, brother of Trey Lance, electric testing (4.34 40, 9.5 RAS), elite per-catch and YAC numbers.
- Shows Christian Watson traits, NFL-ready skillset, scheme versatility.
- Quotes:
- E.J.: “He provides a scare for defenses...brings a very particular skill set, wins at all three levels, and is a hell of a blocker.” [16:12]
- Derrick: “Hot, nasty, dirty speed—the NFL loves it and Lance has it for days...I think he can grow into being a wide receiver one for an NFL offense.” [19:15]
- Segment: [16:12–24:01]
4. Eric McAllister (TCU/Boise State)
- Main Points:
- Big, productive, but athletic testing and off-field red flags (arrest, broken foot) lower stock.
- Unstoppable on specific routes (backside dig), draws comp to Nico Collins.
- Quotes:
- Derrick: “The talent is real...TCU just asked him to go be big and win on slants—he did it, and did it, and did it...” [27:02]
- E.J.: “On the field, there is not a way to keep him out of the top 15...his ability to pull away from contact is uncanny.” [29:26]
- Segment: [26:16–37:15]
5. Kevin Coleman (Missouri, Louisville, Jackson State, Mississippi State)
- Main Points:
- 4 teams in 4 years, always productive. Size/athleticism limit, but route savvy and reliability.
- Seen as a day 3 “overperform” candidate, potential starting slot.
- Quotes:
- E.J.: “He’s just a really good wide receiver...finds space, makes the catch, productive. Keep sleeping—somebody’s going to draft him late and he’ll outproduce that.” [38:18]
- Derrick: “He adds verticality from the slot that you don’t see out of every slot WR...he could be a starting slot in the NFL from day one.” [40:35]
- Segment: [38:18–43:27]
6. Jacoby Lane (USC)
- Main Points:
- Consistent big man producer, combines size with build-up speed.
- Not elite at separation, potential comp: Kenny Golladay.
- Quotes:
- Derrick: “He’s a very similar archetype...tall, lanky guy, more build-up speed—what is the NFL route tree he’s being asked to do?” [44:48]
- E.J.: “He knows who he is...can physically dominate at the catch point. Very natural ball catcher.” [46:05]
- Segment: [44:48–49:56]
7. Skyler Bell (UConn/Wisconsin)
- Main Points:
- Hyper-productive after transfer, UConn’s offense ran through him, elite combine.
- NFL-ready skillset, inside/outside versatile.
- Quotes:
- E.J.: “Number one with a bullet in this list...professional grade—understands leverage, release, route setup. One of the most scheme-agnostic players in the draft.” [52:30]
- Derrick: “My one question: vertical push. Didn’t see the vertical element, but he’s very Jaden Reed-esque...can do a crap ton with the ball in his hands.” [54:58]
- Segment: [51:33–59:28]
8. Malachi Fields (Virginia/Notre Dame)
- Main Points:
- Prototypical X receiver size, but questions about athleticism and polish.
- More “scalpel”/boom-bust than versatile, explosive plays over high-volume role.
- Quotes:
- Derrick: “More of a linear athlete, high-cut, long-striding. Like, if he’s a better version of Preston Williams, I wouldn’t be surprised.” [60:10]
- E.J.: “He’s more boom-bust...the highs are high, but it’s a much more narrow role.” [62:05]
- Segment: [59:28–63:57]
9. Antonio Williams (Clemson)
- Main Points:
- Former breakout star, athletic slot with gadget/YAC utility; draft stock sliding due to lack of standout traits, injury.
- Non-imposing measurables, lacks true outside profile.
- Quotes:
- E.J.: “He is productive...talented athlete, but when you stack him up in this class, he's just one of those guys that floats down. I was whelmed, not over or underwhelmed.” [64:52]
- Derrick: “I look at Antonio Williams’ skill set in the NFL, and I just think you can get this type of player from a lot of different places...he’s a slot-combined player.” [67:47]
- E.J. (re: Williams vs. Coleman): “Their key metrics are practically identical, but one gets hype, the other doesn’t. NFL could see little difference and even take Coleman earlier.” [72:27]
- Segment: [63:57–74:31]
10. Brennan Thompson (Mississippi State, Texas, Oklahoma)
- Main Points:
- Deadly speed (fastest combine), return/gadget specialist, limited by size.
- Niche NFL role, Rashid Shaheed comp.
- Quotes:
- Derrick: “I think he’s going to be a situational deep threat—he is who he is. The size shows up too much on his film.” [75:38]
- E.J.: “He’s a scalpel, but he is damn sharp...he will break your defense over the top, and do it maybe once every three weeks.” [76:49]
- Segment: [75:38–78:53]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
E.J. Snyder on projection vs. production:
“It all changes when they go to the NFL. Sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. We don’t have the crystal ball.” [08:02] -
Derrick Brown on NFL loving speed:
“The NFL double counts speed every single year...they can’t stay away from it. That hot, nasty, dirty speed.” [19:15] -
On McAllister’s unique value:
“He is a backside dig merchant...if you single cover that route with McAllister and he pulls through the tackle, there’s nobody there. And he’s gone.” [32:00] -
On Skyler Bell’s versatility:
“One of the most scheme-agnostic players, not just WRs, in this draft. Don’t care where he goes, he’ll find production & be good, period.” [53:04] -
Antonio Williams vs. Kevin Coleman stat comparison:
“Their key stats are practically identical—yards/reception, YAC, yards/route run—yet perception is wildly different.” [72:27]
Wide Receiver Tiers/Consensus
- Top of This Chunk (11–20) (per EJ): Skyler Bell (would be top 10 overall), Bryce Lance, Ted Hurst.
- Boom/Bust/High Ceiling: Eric McAllister, Malachi Fields, Jacoby Lane.
- Slot/Mover Types: Kevin Coleman, Antonio Williams.
- True Specialists: Brennan Thompson (deep threat/return only).
- Wild Cards: Malachi Fields (explosive, but very specific fit).
- Notable Sleepers: Kevin Coleman ("Keep sleeping...he’ll outproduce his draft capital"), Ted Hurst, Bryce Lance.
Timestamps for Key Player Segments
| Player | Start Time | |---------------------|-----------| | Elijah Surratt | 03:40 | | Ted Hurst | 10:48 | | Bryce Lance | 16:12 | | Eric McAllister | 26:16 | | Kevin Coleman | 38:18 | | Jacoby Lane | 44:48 | | Skyler Bell | 51:33 | | Malachi Fields | 59:28 | | Antonio Williams | 63:57 | | Brennan Thompson | 75:38 |
Closing
- Trivia Answer: Mike Oliphant was the Puget Sound alum involved in the worst NFL trade—traded for Ernest Byner.
- Find E.J.: Bootleg Football (YouTube), The Blue Chip Committee (with Trevor and Connor), and on Twitter.
- Upcoming content: Next week: Rookie TE class breakdown, Derrick’s positional primers out now on FantasyPros.com.
Episode Takeaways
- Film work and traits are weighed heavily, especially for small-school and non-elite testers.
- NFL landing spot and scheme usage will determine the final value for almost everyone in this WR group.
- Multiple mid-round prospects could far exceed expectations—a very deep class, especially in the WR2–WR4/utility mold.
- Don’t sleep on day 3 names like Skyler Bell, Kevin Coleman, or Bryce Lance for real NFL or dynasty value.
[For more, check out FantasyPros.com for full rankings, positional primers, and the YouTube Dynasty and Tailgate channels.]
