The latest Pro Football Focus evaluation of yards after catch placed five standout receivers at the top of its list, yet the omission of Tennessee Volunteers slot receiver Braylon Staley has drawn sharp criticism. Analysts argue that the slot receiver’s 2025 performance warrants a spot among the elite.
A Statistical Snub
Staley finished the season with 837 receiving yards and six touchdowns, with 389 of those yards coming after the catch — nearly half of his total production. According to data from nfldraftbuzz.com, his ability to turn short throws into big gains was unmatched among his peers.
The list, however, featured Malachi Toney, Wyatt Young, Jalen Jones, Mario Craver and Ryan Coleman-Williams, the latter chosen despite fewer receptions and a higher drop rate. Coleman-Williams ranked third among returning Power Five wide receivers in yards after catch, but his PFF grade and total after‑catch yards trailed Staley’s.
What makes the snub more glaring is Staley’s flawless ball security; he has never fumbled in his college career, whereas Coleman-Williams recorded ten drops last season. Veteran analyst Mike Matthews weighed in, emphasizing that the data does not lie and that Staley’s consistency should be the benchmark for future rankings.
As the Volunteers gear up for the next season, the expectation is that Staley will remain a central piece of the offense, and his exclusion from the PFF top five may fuel a broader push to re‑evaluate how slot receivers are measured.