Should we try and flip Trez Davis or Brayden Allen if we miss out on Matthews

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Brayden Allen

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I think he has been undervalued, but I've seen him play more than a lot of others so I may be less than objective. I do think if LSU had offered, he would be all LSU.

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Not when you can get 3 studs in the transfer portal

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This is a super short-sighted and overly narrow perspective. It is true that in most years there are a decent number of solid WRs in the transfer portal, but the fact is that that's NOT a great way to find true gamechangers - certainly not an avenue you want to rely upon.


Here's a stat that illustrates what I'm talking about: In the NIL era--that is, the era in which the portal has existed in its current form--there have been 21 total WRs drafted in the first round. Of those 21, only *5* transferred at some point during their college career. That's 5 total guys in 4 years. And one of those was Travis Hunter, who followed his coach and was never actually on the "open market". So 16 of 20 is probably a more accurate figure. Basically, **80%** of future first-round WRs get locked up via HS recruiting.


ALSO: In the portal, if you want a no-doubt stud WR, it's going to cost you. Of the four first rounders who hit the open market, the only one who was an established star at the time he transferred was Jordan Addison, whose recruitment was very openly money-driven. The other three guys had a combined 2048 career receiving yards over 7 combined seasons--with 0 of those 7 seasons cracking 600 yards--at the time they transferred. There are plenty of portal receivers with production on or above that level who either turn out to just be average or don't pan out at all.



Bottom line: The portal should NOT be viewed as a substitute for HS recruiting at WR. It's too impactful of a position, and too few impact guys hit the portal. If you are looking for a third WR, or you're just looking to bring your WR room to "average" or "pretty good", then fine - the portal can get you there for sure. But if you want a true star WR, your HS recruiting better be on point.