Amon-Ra St. Brown has emerged as a star for the Detroit Lions, surpassing expectations as a fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite being the 112th overall pick, St. Brown has outshone many of the 16 wide receivers selected ahead of him. With 4,851 career receiving yards, three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, and multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections, he’s proven to be one of the best value picks in recent draft history.
Let’s take a closer look at the wide receivers drafted before St. Brown and how their careers compare to his exceptional performance.
2021 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Class Overview
Ja’Marr Chase (1st Round, Pick 5 – Bengals)
Chase has been a dominant force since his rookie year. With four Pro Bowl appearances, two All-Pro selections, and the WR Triple Crown in 2024, Chase is considered one of the best in the game.
Jaylen Waddle (1st Round, Pick 6 – Dolphins)
Waddle’s explosive speed has made him a key player for Miami. Despite a dip in 2024, he has consistently surpassed 1,000 yards in his first three seasons.
DeVonta Smith (1st Round, Pick 10 – Eagles)
A Heisman Trophy winner, Smith has become a reliable receiver for the Eagles, forming a formidable duo with A.J. Brown.
Mid- to Late-Round Picks: Mixed Results
Kadarius Toney (1st Round, Pick 20 – Giants)
Toney started strong but has struggled with inconsistency, moving through three teams and underperforming since his rookie season.
Elijah Moore (2nd Round, Pick 34 – Jets)
Despite being traded to the Browns, Moore has yet to reach his potential, with only 2,162 career receiving yards.
Nico Collins (3rd Round, Pick 89 – Texans)
Collins has been a bright spot among mid-round picks, developing into one of the league’s better receivers since 2023.
Dez Fitzpatrick (4th Round, Pick 109 – Titans)
Drafted just before St. Brown, Fitzpatrick’s career pales in comparison, with minimal contributions over the years.
Why St. Brown Stands Out
Unlike many of his peers, Amon-Ra St. Brown uses being overlooked as motivation. Known for keeping a list of the receivers drafted before him, he has developed into one of the NFL’s top offensive threats. His consistent production and work ethic set him apart from players like Kadarius Toney and Dyami Brown, who have struggled to meet expectations.
FAQs
1. How many wide receivers were drafted before Amon-Ra St. Brown in 2021?
A total of 16 wide receivers were selected ahead of him in the 2021 NFL Draft.
2. What draft round and pick number was St. Brown selected?
The Detroit Lions picked him in the fourth round, at 112th overall.
3. What are St. Brown’s notable career achievements?
He has recorded three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, earned three Pro Bowl selections, and made two first-team All-Pro appearances.
4. Who is considered the best wide receiver from the 2021 draft class?
Ja’Marr Chase is widely regarded as the best, with numerous accolades, including the 2024 WR Triple Crown.
5. How does St. Brown use his draft position as motivation?
He memorized the names of all 16 wide receivers taken before him and uses it as fuel to prove his value on the field.
