Michigan State Football: Early look at top 2022 NFL Draft prospects
![Nov 27, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jayden Reed (1) celebrates with running back Kenneth Walker III (9) and quarterback Payton Thorne (10) after making a touchdown catch during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports Nov 27, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jayden Reed (1) celebrates with running back Kenneth Walker III (9) and quarterback Payton Thorne (10) after making a touchdown catch during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/fb171c092f1ba0a63c3526def3bf235f33883ee025e386917e34f48adc2acd67.jpg)
While maybe not as versatile as Reed, there is an argument that Jalen Nailor is the better pure receiver. He is a very polished route runner and has shown his ability to be a deep threat in an offense.
This can be proven by his huge game against Rutgers this season where he hauled in three touchdowns, each of which was 60-plus yards. To further his argument as a deep threat, he also led the Big Ten in yards per reception last season and is second in the conference this season in that same category.
Since Nailor is still a junior, he does have the choice to return for his senior season, which he may lean towards due to missing time with an injured hand. If he were to declare, scouts would view Nailor most likely as a Day 3 pick.