Racey McMath 2021 NFL Draft Profile

Racey McMath played his college ball at LSU from 2017-2020. He chose LSU over the likes of Mississippi State, Texas A&M, Arizona and Kansas. In those four years, McMath totaled 33 receptions for 522 yards and four touchdowns. The former Tiger only played in two games during 2017. In 2018, McMath finished with two catches for 42 yards and averaged 21 yards per catch. His junior year in 2019 was his best as he finished with 17 receptions for 285 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 16.8 yards per reception. Then in 2020, McMath had 14 catches for 195 yards and one score. He averaged 13.9 yards per catch last season.

McMath was overshadowed by the likes of Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Terrace Marshall Jr. But during his LSU career, the 6’3″ wideout proved to be a clutch receiver over the middle of the field. The former LSU receiver will likely be a later round pick, probably in the fifth-seventh round range. His numbers in Baton Rouge weren’t stellar, but McMath was electric after the catch. The receiver had to wait his turn, and when it finally came, he got sidelined with an injury.

Given, he was on an LSU Tigers team in 2019 that had multiple first round draft picks and won a National Championship. The LSU offense was never designed for McMath to be a breakout receiver. Still, he impressed the coaches enough during his four seasons and the time he saw on the field. Even though his numbers say otherwise, McMath could end up becoming a solid receiver for any team in the league.

Strengths

Good size and build for the position;

Impressive ability to shield away defenders;

Competitive, physical receiver;

Gets separation from slower cornerbacks.

Weaknesses

Lacks soft hands – drops could be an issue;

Not a great route runner and could struggle against NFL competition;

Gets knocked off his route a little too easily.

Projection: Day 3 Pick

Bottom Line on Racey McMath

McMath wouldn’t necessarily be a steal in the later rounds for any team. His lack of great route running could see his stock fall on draft day. But the receiver can get away from defenders and is physical on every play. However, if he is not involved in the action, McMath is not quick to come off the line of scrimmage. Therefore, it will take a lot of time in practice and training camp to get McMath used to the schemes in the NFL and improve his quickness off the line.

McMath has good size and runs a 4.34 40-yard dash. He accelerates with quickness and shows flashes of lateral suddenness. He was sidelined with an injury in 2020 that took away his chance to improve his draft stock, albeit in what became his largest role as an LSU Tiger. McMath is also great as a special teams player. If the receiver position fails to work, any NFL team could put him on special teams. With his burst of speed, McMath is an excellent return man on punts and kickoffs. The ability to play both receiver and special teams could be the big factor into how well his career progresses.

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