Michael Pittman Jr.
WR, USC · 2020 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #34 (IND)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 95 of ~101 possible regular-season games from 2020 through 2025 (~94%). Plus 3 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #42 (#7 at his position), close to where he went (#34). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
USC: 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 4.52 40-yard dash at 223 lbs: faster than 29% 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 | 98 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 6 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 44 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 1 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 45.0 |
| Rushing | 11 att, 100 yds, undefined TD |
| Receiving | 492 rec, 5,343 yds, 25 TD |
| Defense | 5 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
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
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| 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' 4", 223 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.52 s |
| Bench press | 13 reps |
| Vertical | 36.5" |
| Broad jump | 121" |
| 3-cone | 6.96 s |
| Shuttle | 4.14 s |
| Arm / hand | 32.63" / 9.25" |
| Age at draft | 22 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #42 overall (#7 WR) |
Picked around him 2020 redraft
| 31 | Jeff Gladney | redraft #159 |
| 32 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | redraft #81 |
| 33 | Tee Higgins | redraft #13 |
| 35 | D'Andre Swift | redraft #10 |
| 36 | Xavier McKinney | redraft #17 |
| 37 | Kyle Dugger | redraft #47 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.