South Carolina Football: Juice Wells projecting as high NFL draft pick

South Carolina football fans know that Antwane “Juice” Wells is one of the best wide receivers in all of college football. It seems as if most of the rest of the country remains unenlightened, however. Wells has not been talked about nearly as highly as most other big-time receivers.

Several national media outlets have recently come around on the former James Madison transfer, and PFF is the latest to have good things to say about the Gamecocks’ top target.

On Tuesday, Trevor Sikkema wrote for PFF that Wells is the 9th-best receiver in next year’s NFL Draft. Based on recent NFL Draft history, that would put Wells going somewhere in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Sikkema had some glowing things to say about #3 in garnet and black.

He highlighted Wells’ ability to “attack” the football in the air despite not being the biggest receiver on the field. His “give-me-that-ball” attitude led Wells to catch over 95% of the catchable balls thrown his way last season, a remarkable win percentage for a receiver.

Sikkema mentioned that while Wells does not possess any elite physical traits (size, speed, explosion, etc.), all of those traits are still pretty good to back up his elite mental and competitive ones.

“He has my vote as the receiver not getting talked about enough right now headed into the season,” finished Sikkema.

Other outlets have high opinions of Juice Wells’ NFL Draft stock.

NFL Draft Buzz has Wells listed as a likely 3rd-round pick. The outlet believes he only has two weaknesses: perimeter blocking and less-than-elite athleticism.

NFL Mock Draft Database also has Wells averaged out as a 3rd-round selection. The collection of mock drafts shows him taken as high as the late 1st round or as low as the 4th.

With starting quarterback Spencer Rattler also generating lots of offseason NFL Draft buzz, South Carolina football could be in for a special season if the top returning pass and catch combo in the SEC can deliver once again in 2023.

Wells was projected as a late-round pick or even as an undrafted free agent heading into the offseason.

• Published on 07/12/2023 at 10:57 AM
• Last updated at 07/12/2023 at 10:57 AM