B. Ford-Wheaton  |  West Virginia 6’4” 221 lbs.  |  03/09/2000 (23)

Bryce Ford-Wheaton went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, but he was quickly signed as a UDFA by the New York Giants. 

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Originally a three-star recruit from North Carolina, Ford-Wheaton is a former track star that ultimately chose a football career when he arrived at West Virginia University in 2018. After redshirting the 2018 season, the speedy receiver made an immediate impact in his seven games played in 2019. Although he didn’t receive a ton of opportunities, he did produce a solid 16.8 yards per reception rate throughout the season. After a couple seasons, where he improved throughout, Ford-Wheaton turned some heads during his Senior season. He hauled in 62 receptions for 675 yards and seven touchdowns. His seven receiving touchdowns were tied for second in the Big 12. Ford-Wheaton also finished third in the conference in total receptions and 10th in receiving yards. 

FILM 

STRENGTHS

You won’t find a more athletic receiver in this draft class! His straight-line speed is nearly unmatched. He’s a jump-ball specialist that uses great physicality at the top of his routes. One of the best red zone receivers in this class, as he often wins one-on-one matchups. Uses his big frame and length to haul in contested catches at a regular rate. Great hand-fighter at the line of scrimmage. 

WEAKNESSES 

Needs to work on footwork, as he’s often slower against press coverage. Route running needs tremendous improvement. He often rounds his routes, allowing the defenders to catch up too quickly. Concentration drops have been an issue. The production background isn’t great. He only topped 100 yards in a game three times in 38 collegiate games. A developmental receiver who’s one-dimensional for now. 

ATHLETIC TESTING

At the NFL Combine, Ford-Wheaton measured in at 6’4” and 221 lbs, which equates to a BMI of 26.9. He ran a BLAZING 4.38 40-yard dash, equating to a 125-speed score. Both figures landed him in the 94th percentile or higher. Actually, his speed score lands him in the 100th percentile! Ford-Wheaton also displayed a 134.2 burst score (96th percentile) and a college dominator score of 29.9 percent (54th percentile). 

Ford-Wheaton displays ELITE speed and burst! He also showcases a jaw-dropping catch radius of 10.53, which also lands him in the 100th percentile. Ford-Wheaton also has exceptional leaping abilities, as he recorded the highest vertical (41”) amongst wide receivers at the Combine! If you had to knock him for anything athletic-wise, it would have to do with his strength. But he didn’t participate in any strength drills, so that’s hard to judge as well. 

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Good

Ford-Wheaton was signed by the Giants as a UDFA.  

He joins Jalin Hyatt, as the two rookies look to carve out roles in a depleted wide receiver room in New York. Wan’Dale Robinson brings value to this team, but he’s coming off a serious season-ending injury from last year. Other notable names on this team include Sterling Shepard, Isaiah Hodgins, Darius Slayton, Paris Campbell, and Jamison Crowder. Although there are a lot of capable receivers on this team, don’t be surprised if Ford-Wheaton ends up on the 53-man roster once Week 1 rolls around. 

FANTASY INSIGHTS

Even though Ford-Wheaton showcases an elite mix of speed and size, he won’t bring much fantasy value early on in his career. He’s projected as a project piece, and he may not even be a Giant when the season starts in the fall. Keep an eye on his situation, but there’s no need to even roster him on your taxi squads.  

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