Breaking: Antoine Wesley declares for the 2019 NFL Draft

It seems fitting that Antoine Wesley announced his decision to declare for the NFL Draft only 24 hours after another former Texas Tech superstar had an MVP statement in a victory over the Ravens. That superstar is of course Patrick Mahomes, and as Mahomes looks to defend his (likely) MVP next season, he will be joined in the NFL by a receiver who’s collegiate debut coincided with Pat’s last game at Tech in 2016.

Antoine Wesley enjoyed an outstanding junior season, catching 88 passes for 1,410 yards and nine touchdowns. His yardage total ranks third on the all time list for Red Raider receivers, behind only Michael Crabtree and Keke Coutee. His best game of the season came in a 63-49 victory over Houston, where Wesley was able to rack up 261 yards and three touchdowns on 13 catches. The 261 yard game was the most in Texas Tech history.

In conference play, Wesley posted five 100 yard games, including a four game stretch in which Wesley had at least 115 yards in every game. Through ten games, his total of 1,347 yards was the most of any Big 12 receiver since Justin Blackmon in 2010. His total receiving yards was second in the NCAA behind only Andy Isabella. Wesley’s nine straight games with 80+ receiving yards was the most in the NCAA this season.

Wesley played in seven games during his freshman and sophomore seasons, as he was placed at inside receiver behind Keke Coutee, Jonathan Giles, and Ja’Deion High. In 2018, he was moved back to the outside position where he was placed when he initially came to Tech. A hip injury during spring put his season in doubt, however Antoine was able to complete rehab and get on the practice field for the last portion of fall camp.

Wesley will likely be invited to the NFL Combine this winter, and should be a high caliber prospect in a stacked class of receivers. His stock could rise or fall depending on how his combine goes, however his tape and stats suggest a receiver with a ton of potential. For a more detailed breakdown of his wide range of abilities, I would suggest reading my article on Wesley’s versatility from this past October.

Good luck in the NFL Tweezy!