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The latest product of the Oklahoma State wideout factory, Tylan Wallace enjoyed one of the most prolific careers of any Big 12 receiver of recent vintage. No pass catcher in the conference produced more receiving yards over the last three seasons than Wallace’s 3,316, and all those that came within spitting distance entered the NFL as a top-100 draft selection.
While many wideouts coming out of air-raid offenses lack experience that translates to the NFL, Wallace displayed refinement as a route-runner with a good understanding of space and leverage. He also didn’t shy away from contact, a trait that receivers of his stature need to survive at the next level.
Scouting Report
Unlike numerous wide receivers of the 2021 rookie class, Wallace doesn’t blow away the competition with athletic testing or measurements. The wideout scored modestly in most drills — 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 4.31 seconds in the short shuttle, 7.07 seconds in the three-cone drill, 33-inch vertical — and came in at 212 pounds and a half-inch under 5-foot-10. Receivers don’t always win with raw athleticism at the NFL level, but those figures will turn off some teams in the draft.
Yet, despite those limitations, Wallace enjoyed a highly productive career at Oklahoma State. His 3,434 career receiving yards trail only James Washington, Rashaun Woods, and Justin Blackmon — all first- or second-round draft picks — in school history. Wallace made hay with refined craftsmanship and winning contested catches. With the ball in his hands, he moves and powers through contact like a running back. Wallace demonstrates elite-level consistency and rarely makes backbreaking mistakes.
Mock Draft landing spots
Wallace’s unimpressive athletic profile limits his appeal, but several teams in need of help at receiver have overlooked such shortcomings in the past. The Los Angeles Chargers have sought a reliable slot receiver for years to play alongside Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and Wallace’s toughness and tenacity as a blocker check boxes for that front office. The Detroit Lions added multiple perimeter receivers during free agency but could use some help in the slot, making Wallace an intriguing option on Day 2 or 3.
Fantasy impact: Rookie year
After four years in the Big 12, Wallace might go through some growing pain as he adjusts to the more physical defenses of the NFL. That process most likely makes his rookie year difficult to bank on from a fantasy perspective.
Fantasy impact: Career
Wallace’s understanding of space and leverage in the passing game should serve him well once he adjusts to the speed of the NFL. He doesn’t project as a featured weapon, but he has the tools necessary to develop into an every-down player in a high-volume passing game.