Donovan Peoples-Jones
WR, Michigan · 2020 NFL Draft, Round 6, pick #187 (CLE)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: pre-draft rankings, age, availability. Details below.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #126 overall (#21 at his position), but he lasted until pick #187: teams let him slide 61 spots past that ranking.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53.2% of the time (654 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 58 of ~67 possible regular-season games from 2020 through 2023 (~87%). Last NFL season: 2023.
- School
Michigan: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at 212 lbs: faster than 44% of WRs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
WR (WR group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 40.4% of the time (718 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 58 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 1 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 18 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 18.0 |
| Rushing | 1 att, 2 yds, undefined TD |
| Receiving | 122 rec, 1,895 yds, 8 TD |
| Defense | 2 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2023 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2020 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2020 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Slid 32+ picks past ESPN's rank | 53.2% n=654 | |
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position WR | 40.4% n=718 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 212 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.48 s |
| Vertical | 44.5" |
| Broad jump | 139" |
| Arm / hand | 33.5" / 10.13" |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #126 overall (#21 WR) |
Picked around him 2020 redraft
| 184 | Bravvion Roy | redraft #127 |
| 185 | Blake Ferguson | redraft #166 |
| 186 | Alohi Gilman | redraft #73 |
| 188 | Tyler Bass | redraft #100 |
| 189 | Jake Luton | redraft #200 |
| 190 | Charlie Woerner | redraft #203 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.