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NFL Draft 2014: Is this the best group of receivers we've seen sin (3 Viewers)

Biabreakable

Footballguy
By James Brady@JamesBradySBN on Apr 10 2014, 8:00a
http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/4/10/5594778/nfl-draft-2014-wide-receiver-sammy-watkins-mike-evans

Further, is this draft better than 2009 when it comes to wide receivers?

There are 26 wide receivers on SB Nation's latest top 200 big board of players entering the 2014 NFL Draft. Nine of those receivers are within the top 50, three within the top 30 and two within the top 10. Despite there being just four within the top 32, as many as six or seven receivers can easily go in the first round and just as many could go in the second and third.

We're looking at a year in which SB Nation's fifth-ranked receiver -- Brandin Cooks of Oregon State -- could easily be considered top material in previous years. This year's top receiver, Sammy Watkins of Clemson, is a special talent that SB Nation has placed at No. 5, below defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, offensive tackleJake Matthews and outside linebacker Khalil Mack.

The full list of receivers on SB Nation's top 200 is below:

5. Sammy Watkins, Clemson
7. Mike Evans, Texas A&M
30. Marqise Lee, Southern California
31. Odell Beckham Jr., LSU
34. Brandin Cooks, Oregon State
40. Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt
42. Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State
46. Jarvis Landry, LSU
50. Davante Adams, Fresno State
55. Donte Moncrief, Ole Miss
61. Allen Robinson, Penn State
71. Brandon Coleman, Rutgers
82. Cody Hoffman, BYU
94. De'Anthony Thomas, Oregon
105. L'Damian Washington, Missouri
106. Paul Richardson, Colorado
107. Hared Abbrederis, Wisconsin
109. Robert Herron, Wyoming
110. Martavis Bryant, Clemson
123. Bruce Ellington, South Carolina
141. Josh Huff, Oregon
146. Jeremy Gallon, Michigan
157. Mike Davis, Texas
160. Cody Latimer, Indiana
193. Corey Brown, Ohio State

All of Watkins, Evans, Lee, Cooks and a combination of the next three or four have been pegged as going in the first round by analysts around the Internet. Teams can look at those players and see a No. 1 receiver or someone who can approach that level of ability. With an increasing reliance on the passing game in the NFL, teams are placing higher and higher premiums on No. 1 receivers, and less on running backs.

We could see zero running backs drafted in the first round this season, and seven wide receivers. That's a pretty intense differential at this point, but it's clearly where the NFL has been headed for some time now. But the receivers aren't going to go in the first just out of necessity, they've earned every bit of the recognition they've received.

Take Cooks, the fifth guy down on the list. A quick glance at his stats shows some overwhelmingly impressive numbers in college. He put up 128 receptions for 1,730 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, setting multiple Pac-12 records. He earned the Fred Biletnikoff award and was a consensus All-American, and yet we have him pegged as the fifth-best receiver this year.

In 2013, Tavon Austin, DeAndre Hopkins and Cordarrelle Pattersonwere all drafted in the first round. The jury is still out on them, but the number is what we're interest in. Austin was considered a potentially game-breaking receiver due to his speed and general athleticism, but not necessarily a try No. 1 receiver. This year, most of the top guys are considered potential No. 1 receivers either right out of the gate or early on.

The year before, Justin Blackmon went at No. 5 overall to theJacksonville Jaguars. The first round also saw Michael Floyd, Kendall Wright and A.J. Jenkins taken. It's worth noting that Jenkins was taken at No. 30 overall and he was considered a significant reach by most experts. He's since been traded and will struggle for playing time in 2014.

The 2011 NFL Draft might be the most comparable to this year when it comes to the level of talent up top. Both A.J. Green and Julio Jones were expected to be excellent players, and they have proven to be thus far. They were both drafted in the top 10 that year, as well. Jonathan Baldwin was taken at No. 26 and thus far has proven to be a bust, however.

A receiver wasn't drafted until No. 22 in 2010, when the Denver Broncos took Demaryius Thomas. Dez Bryant went to the Dallas Cowboys two picks later. It's not until 2009 we get a draft that really looks like it stacks up to this one in comparison, at least in regards to pre-draft hype.

The 2009 NFL Draft sawDarrius Heyward-Bey,Michael Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin, Percy Harvin,Hakeem Nicks and Kenny Britt all taken in the first round. A total of 15 wide receivers ended up being drafted in the first three rounds.

But how does that talent compare? Well, Crabtree had an awful lot of hype for his ability, and the fact that he took the aforementioned Biletnikoff award two seasons in a row -- the first time any receiver had done that. Heyward-Bey was one of the most athletic players we've ever seen, and both of Maclin and Harvin were pegged as game-breaking receivers due to their quickness.

Unfortunately, that class hasn't quite measured up to its draft status. Maclin and Crabtree have been good, while Nicks, Harvin and Britt have all been derailed due to injuries. Even Crabtree has had issues with injury as well. But as a whole, this class is pretty comparable to that one in regards to the talent level, depth and athleticism. It should be interesting to see if we get more than the six that were taken in 2009.


 
Last edited by a moderator:
From Rob Rangs list above just the skill players with the rank number-


5 Watkins
6 Bridgewater
8 Bortles
12 Evans
17 Manziel
20 Ebron
22 Cooks
24 Beckham
27 Lee
30 Carr
38 Moncrief
40 Robinson
44 Adams
45 Garoppolo
48 Latimer
54 Sankey
55 Mason
57 ASJ
60 Amaro
62 Ellington
67 Hyde
72 Landry
73 Benjamin
74 Hill
75 Murray
77 Bryant
84 Richardson
87 Mettenberger
89 C J Fiedorowicz
90 Carey
93 Matthews
95 McCarron
96 West
97 Savage
98 Andre Williams

It is notable to me that Rob Rang ranks Ebron ahead of Lee/Beckham/Cooks. This is a big board ranking, so not influenced by where players may be taken in the draft as much as a value type of ranking. So I consider that in the context of discussions comparing Ebron and Evans, who should be ranked higher, so that seems to separate the top 2 WR from the rest by having Ebron cut in at that point.

54 Sankey
55 Mason these 2 RB are ranked back to back, so they are essentially the same value. This is the highest he ranks a RB and not in the top 50.

The WR ranked ahead of these 2 RB-

5 Watkins
12 Evans
20 Ebron
22 Cooks
24 Beckham
27 Lee

38 Moncrief
40 Robinson
44 Adams
48 Latimer

9 WR and Ebron


57 ASJ
60 Amaro
62 Ellington



67 Hyde 12 spots seems like a tier drop from the previous 2 rb but maybe not. He is below the other 2 TE and WR Ellington.

72 Landry
73 Benjamin

74 Hill Maybe these 2 bigger rb are part of a top tier of 4 rb. It is a ton of spots to the next guys. So that seems like a top 4.

77 Bryant
84 Richardson
93 Matthews
90 Carey

96 West

98 Andre Williams

 
Since I've been evaluating prospects(which hasn't been long) this class from head to toe is pretty astonishing. The class is extremely deep, doesn't lack elite talent either big 3 WRs, Ebron and Cooks that's a solid to great top 5 depending on who you ask.

It's why I traded down to acquire extra 2nds. I took ARob at 2.2 in a rookie mock two weeks ago, that's insane!

 
The list of 26 above doesn't even include some of the more popular sleepers in this draft class. WRs like Kevin Norwood, TJ Jones and Matt Hazel and others have draftable grades. It almost too bad that some good WRs will go undrafted this year because the WR class is soo strong.

 
NFL Draft 2014: What do you watch when evaluating wide receivers?

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/3/27/5552738/nfl-draft-2014-wide-receivers-scouting-notes-traits-breakdown?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=mustreads&utm_campaign=blogs

Nice article.

I will be adding some more rankings on WR specifically to this thread. There is a thread for the RB but I didn't see one for WR yet.

My current WR list -

WR Sammy Watkins
WR Mike Evans
WR Marqise Lee
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
WR Brandin Cooks

WR Jordan Matthews
WR Kelvin Benjamin
WR Allen Robinson

WR Jarvis Landry
WR Davonte Adams
WR Donte Moncrief
WR Martavis Bryant
WR Cody Latimer

WR Sammy Coates
WR Jeff Janis
WR Josh Huff
WR Bruce Ellington
WR Kevin Norwood
WR Robert Herron
WR Mike Davis
WR Paul Richardson
WR Dri Archer
WR Shaquelle Evans
WR/TE Brandon Coleman
WR Cody Hoffman
WR L'Damian Washington
WR Matt Hazel
WR/TE DJ Coles

I keep finding more players worth considering here but I feel like there is a solid 13 guys to consider with expected surprises from the last group to possibly add to that draftable number.
 
Excellent topic and really good replies in this thread.

Good job guys. :thumbup:

The depth and talent at the wide receiver position has to be the biggest fantasy story of this draft.

From today's Florida Times-Uninion.

The article talks about how teams use a traditional way to build their WR corps where they have one big athletic guy as the #1 WR and a shifty slot receiver but that teams saw what Marc Trestman did in Chicago with two-tall behomoths in WR Bradon Marshall at 6'4 230 lbs and Alshon Jeffery at 6'3 and 216 lbs and that teams can actually try to form their WR corps like Chicago has.

Andy Ried drops an interesting tidbit in saying you can tell how important the slot WR has become due to the increasing importance on the type of defenders teams need to match the current spate of talented slot WRs.

Really good read.

http://members.jacksonville.com/sports/football/jaguars/2014-04-16/story/bumper-crop-talent-it-will-be-tough-pass-receivers-draft

It will be tough to pass on receivers in NFL DraftWith bumper crop of talent, Jaguars and others teams have many options
By Hays Carlyon Wed, Apr 16, 2014 @ 9:39 pm | updated Wed, Apr 16, 2014 @ 11:21 pm
More than a dozen offensive coordinators in the NFL will be getting a brand new toy to play with in the early rounds of May’s draft.

The receiver class is loaded, with 12-14 receivers likely to be selected in the first two rounds. The question for each team: What kind of new toy do they want?

This draft has it all. As promising as Clemson’s Sammy Watkins is as the consensus best receiver available, there are many other intriguing options.

Most teams prefer to build their receivers the way Denver did last season. Have an athletic mismatch on one side (Demaryius Thomas), a dominant slot receiver (Wes Welker) and a steady possession man (Eric Decker) on the other side.

Related: Who's the safest bet for the Jaguars in the first round?

Related: Analyzing 5 possible first-round draft trade scenarios for Jaguars

Decker has since signed with the New York Jets, but the Broncos will have several chances to replace him in this draft.

While Denver uses a more traditional approach in its record-breaking offense, Chicago finished second in scoring offense with a new model.

The Bears sport two huge receivers in Brandon Marshall (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) and Alshon Jeffery (6-3, 216).

Having to combat that size on both sides of the field is quite a challenge for any secondary.

For teams envious of Chicago coach Marc Trestman’s tandem, there are plenty of prospects with the size the Bears utilize.

There are seven receivers in the draft who are similar in size to Jeffery or bigger: Florida State’s Kelvin Benjamin (6-5, 240), Texas A&M’s Mike Evans (6-5, 231), Penn State’s Allen Robinson (6-3, 220), Clemson’s Martavis Bryant (6-4, 211), Ole Miss’ Donte Moncrief (6-2, 221), Vanderbilt’s Jordan Matthews (6-3, 212) and Indiana’s Cody Latimer (6-2, 215).

“There are a lot of good receivers, and they’re different types of receivers,” Houston coach Bill O’Brien said. “There are big, strong, outside receivers. There are receivers that can play outside and in the slot. There are receivers that can play in the slot and in the return game. That makes it a really deep receiver draft. That’s what I like because for our offense, we like versatile guys. That’s what intrigues us about this receiver class.”

Teams looking for the next Welker have ample options as well.

Oregon State’s Brandin Cooks is the best option for teams looking to get playmakers the ball in space. Cooks (5-10, 189) ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at February’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

LSU’s Odell Beckham and Colorado’s Paul Richardson are also speedy receivers who could start their careers inside, depending on which team selects them.

While Chicago’s model impressed, the league is still focused on developing a weapon in the slot. Kansas City coach Andy Reid says you just have to look at who is defending the slot receiver to see the value of the position.

“That slot defender has become better and in more demand,” Reid said. “You know those receivers in there are creating some kind of situation that’s not positive for the defense. You’re seeing that defender that’s in there. That’s how you tell.”

Slot receiver appears to be a low need for the Jaguars after the emergence of Ace Sanders last season. Sanders caught 51 passes for 484 yards and a touchdown as a rookie.

“There is a specific skill set to be a slot receiver,” Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell said. “A guy like Ace, he’s not very productive on the perimeter, but he can be very productive in the slot.”

The Jaguars are expected to address the receiver position in the first few rounds of the draft and could pick Watkins with the third choice.

However, if Watkins is gone or the Jaguars deem another player more valuable at that spot, expect the Jaguars to target height.

Justin Blackmon (6-1, 210) remains the Jaguars most physical receiver, but his future remains uncertain after being suspended twice last season and missing 12 games. His return remains undetermined.

The Jaguars tried to add some height and physicality by claiming Stephen Burton (6-1, 224) and Stephen Williams (6-5, 208) off waivers during the season.

If Watkins doesn’t land in Jacksonville, expect the Jaguars to go with a big target in the draft.

They won’t be alone.

Whether a team wants size or speed at receiver, this appears to be the draft to land an upgrade.
 
WaltherFootball top 25 WR http://walterfootball.com/draft2014WR.php

1-Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
Height: 6-1. Weight: 200.
Projected 40 Time: 4.40.
Projected Round (2014): Top-5 Pick.
3/29/14: Even before the Combine, Watkins was labelled a hot prospect viewed by many to be the best wide receiver to enter the NFL since A.J. Green. The electric play-maker has also impressed evaluators with his blocking and well-rounded skill set. Watkins is a threat to score on any touch and features rare first-step quickness. He is game-breaking receiver for the NFL that should be a difference-maker right away and looks like a potentially elite No. 1 receiver in the NFL.

In 2013, Watkins recorded 101 receptions for 1,44 yards and 12 touchdowns. He played well to close out the regular season, including in his matchup against South Carolina and a dominant performance against a weak Ohio State (16-227-2) defense in the Orange Bowl. Watkins looks like a special receiver for the NFL. He has the explosive speed to stretch a defense vertically and is a threat to score on any reception. The junior also improved his hands, route-running and concentration in 2013.

Watkins dominated Maryland with 14 receptions for 163 yards. A week earlier, he caught eight passes for 68 yards and a touchdown against Florida State. Watkins played better than the numbers indicate.

From the very beginning of the 2013 season, Watkins looked like the 2011 version of himself, starting with the season opener against Georgia. He caught a 15-yard bullet from Tajh Boyd, then shed a tackle and exploded down the field. None of Georgia's defenders could catch Watkins as he sprinted for a 75-yard score. That set the tone for Watkins this year. He also had huge games against Virginia and Georgia Tech.

8/3/13: 2012 was a disappointing year for Watkins. He had a drug arrest in May of that year that landed him a two-game suspension to start last season. The sophomore was unable to reestablish his place in the offense after his return as DeAndre Hopkins emerged as Clemson's No. 1 receiver. Watkins caught 57 passes for 708 yards and three touchdowns. On the other hand, Watkins had a fantastic freshman season. The speedster totaled 82 receptions for 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also ran the ball 32 times for 231 yards. On special teams, the versatile receiver averaged 25 yards per kick return with one score.

Watkins is a threat to score on any touch and has rare first-step quickness. He looks like a potential game-breaking receiver for the NFL. With Hopkins in the NFL, Watkins should be the No. 1 receiver again and has the luxury of a great college quarterback, Tajh Boyd. As long as Watkins stays healthy, he should produce a massive season. Some scouts have told WalterFootball.com that they prefer Watkins over Lee entering the season. If Watkins stays clean off the field, he still should be a first-round pick.

2-Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Height: 6-4. Weight: 231.
40 Time: 4.53.
Projected Round (2014): Top-20 pick.
3/29/14: Evans had a "mission accomplished" at the Combine with a 40 time that was faster than expectations. With his size and leaping ability, he looks solidly in the top 20.

Evans had stretches of dominance during the 2013 season. He destroyed Alabama (7-279) and made a lot of difficult catches for big gains along the sideline. Evans turned in another massive performance against Auburn (11-287). For the year, the sophomore had 69 receptions for 1,394 yards with 12 touchdowns. He tailed off late in the year and was held to only eight yards on four catches by Missouri cornerback E.J. Gaines in his penultimate game.

For the NFL, Evans looks like Vincent Jackson - except maybe a little slower. Evans could be a downfield threat with his size and should also be a good possession receiver in the short to intermediate part of the field. With his size and leaping ability, he is always open. Evans has good hands and excellent body control.

8/3/13: While redshirt freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel grabbed all the headlines last year, Evans had a breakout redshirt freshman season for the Aggies as well. He is a bit of a freak with speed to go along with massive size.

Evans took over as Texas A&M's No. 1 receiver in 2012 even through the team had Ryan Swope as an established feature receiver. Evans led the team with 82 receptions for 1,105 yards and five touchdowns. He was consistently good for the Aggies week in and week out. Evans has phenomenal leaping ability and body control to make some highlight-reel catches.

The sophomore looks poised for a massive season with Swope in the NFL and being firmly established as Manziel's No. 1 receiver.

Personal: A sports management major, son of Heather Kilgore and Mike Evans.

There is a tier drop after Watkins/Evans based on the projected round value change.

3-Marqise Lee*, WR, USC
Height: 5-11. Weight: 192.
40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2014): 1.
3/29/14: Even with a rough final year at USC, Lee is projected to be a first-round pick. When healthy, he is a play-maker who is extremely tough to cover. At the Combine, Lee had a decent performance.

Lee had a disappointing 2013 season. Prior to a knee injury, the Trojans' quarterback play was holding the junior back. Lee had a rough night against Arizona State. He caught seven passes for 92 yards, but also allowed a terrible dropped pass to be intercepted by the Sun Devils. Then in the fourth quarter, Lee injured his knee on a punt return.

Lee missed a couple of games with his knee injury and the second half of the contest with Notre Dame. He also had a mildly disappointing outing in the season opener with a few drops and a muffed punt. Lee recorded just 57 receptions for 791 yards and four scores in 2013. He flashed his 2012 form against Oregon State (5-105-1) and looked like his old self when he dominated Fresno State in the Las Vegas Bowl (7-118-2).

8/3/13: Lee was one of the best players in college football in 2012. He was a Heisman finalist who carried USC's offense while other players had a down season. Lee was a consistent source of big plays with the speed to score on any reception. He put up astounding totals with 118 receptions for 1,721 yards and 14 touchdowns. Lee also returned kicks and averaged 28.5 yards per return, plus took one for a 100-yard touchdown in the season opener.

Lee was a dominant freshman, too. He broke into the starting lineup for the Trojans in 2011 and was a superb weapon for quarterback Matt Barkley to exploit. Playing opposite Robert Woods, Lee had a massive debut hauling in 73 passes for 1,143 yards and 11 touchdowns.

For the NFL, Lee looks like a potential No. 1 receiver. He is extremely fast and explosive. Lee also is a track star at USC. He projects as a receiver who will stretch a defense vertically and be a threat to score on any play. While Lee isn't the biggest or strongest, he plays bigger than his size and makes up for it with great route-running and hands. The 2013 season could be a challenging year for Lee as he is going to see double- and triple-teams while the Trojans break in a new starting quarterback.

4-Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
Height: 6-5. Weight: 240.
40 Time: 4.61.
Projected Round (2014): 1.

3/29/14: At the Combine, Benjamin had a solid performance. Some sources were disappointed that he didn't run at his pro day. Sources say that Benjamin could surprise and go higher than most are projecting.

Benjamin was a big-time play-maker for the Seminoles in 2013. Even though other receivers saw more targets, the redshirt sophomore produced a lot of long receptions for Jameis Winston. Benjamin hauled in 54 receptions for 1,011 yards with 15 touchdowns. He is mismatch nightmare with a ton of upside.

Benjamin showed his red-zone skills by going over Auburn cornerback Chris Davis for the game-winning touchdown in the final minute of the National Championship game. Benjamin could skyrocket in the months leading up to draft day.

Benjamin has the speed to stretch a defense vertically as he torched Florida and cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy to the tune of 212 yards on nine catches and three scores. Benjamin was on fire late in the season as he dominated the competition. Benjamin has to work on his hands as he drops too many passes.

Benjamin saw his first playing time in 2012. He caught 30 passes for 495 yards with four touchdowns. Benjamin has some speed to go along with his size as he averaged 16.5 yards per catch.

This is a tier drop from lock to be 1st round at WR 4 to 1-2 round talent.

5-Odell Beckham, Jr., WR, LSU
Height: 5-11. Weight: 198.
40 Time: 4.43.
Projected Round (2014): 1-2.

3/29/14: Sources told WalterFootball.com that Beckham is grading out as a late first-round pick and he should go quickly if he somehow slips out of Round 1. Beckham is very fast and looks like a dangerous slot receiver for the NFL. He was very impressive at the Combine.

Beckham has the speed to stretch the field and has demonstrated the potential to make game-changing plays. He caught 59 passes for 1,152 yards with eight touchdowns in 2013. Against UAB, the junior returned a missed field goal 100 yards for a touchdown, returned a punt 60 yards for a score and caught five passes for 136 yards and three touchdowns. He had six receptions for 204 yards and three scores against Furman. Beckham gave Alabama a lot of problems in their matchup.

8/3/13: Beckham has the speed to stretch the field and showed the potential to produce some big plays for the Tigers in 2012. The sophomore led LSU in receiving with 713 yards on 43 catches and two touchdowns. He averaged 9.1 yards per punt return. Beckham had a strong 2011 season for LSU. The true freshman caught 41 passes for 475 yards and two touchdowns.

With Jarvis Landry on the other side, Beckham could produce a big junior season with Zach Mettenberger at quarterback.

Personal: Majoring in human movement fitness. Son of Odell Beckham, Sr.; a running back for LSU in 1989-1992. His mother, Heather Van Norman, was a track star for LSU.

6-Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State
Height: 5-9. Weight: 189.
40 Time: 4.33.
Projected Round (2014): 1-2.

3/29/14: Cooks was one of the nation's leaders in receptions and receiving yards in 2013. He was superb for quarterback Sean Mannion. Cooks recorded 128 receptions for 1,730 yards with 16 touchdowns for the season. He finished 2012 with 67 catches for 1,151 yards and five touchdowns.

Cooks is undersized, but he could be a slot receiver for the NFL. Cooks didn't get separation when matched up with Oregon cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. In the NFL, Cooks should be a valuable weapon. He is a mismatch problem as a slot receiver who can stretch a defense vertically. Cooks is very fast running downfield and is a treat to burn cornerbacks over the top. He also is a good route-runner who has excellent hands. Cooks is short, but put together well. He is a tough receiver who battles defenders.

Even though Cooks is undersized, he can operate in the short and intermediate part of the field. He gets separation on short routes and is a nice weapon on third downs. His slot receiver capabilities could turn him into one of the better slot wide outs in the league.

(Please note a value drop after WR6 meaning this is a new tier-)

7-Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU
Height: 5-11. Weight: 204.
40 Time: 4.77.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.

3/29/14: Sources told WalterFootball.com that they've graded Landry as a third-round pick, but expect him to go in Round 2. Some pundits are pushing Landry as a first-round pick after Landry impressed in 2013.

The junior caught 77 passes for 1,193 yards and 10 touchdowns for the season. Landry had excellent games against Georgia and TCU. He is a tough receiver with good hands.

However, Landry didn't help himself at the Combine with a shockingly slow 40 time, plus he checked in smaller than expected.

8/3/13: Landry flashed for LSU in 2012 and did a nice job of moving the chains in the team's run-heavy offense. He caught 56 passes for 573 yards and five touchdowns. Landry should produce more as a junior with quarterback Zach Mettenberger returning.

Personal: Majoring in sports administration. Son of Dietra Landry and related to Glenn Dorsey.

8-Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 212.
40 Time: 4.56.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.

3/29/14: At the Combine, Adams had a solid performance. Some feel he could go in the first round, but it looks more likely that he's selected on Day 2.

Adams had a huge night against Rutgers to open the 2013 season. He caught 14 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns. All year, Adams was reliable for Derek Carr as Fresno State's aerial offense lit up the scoreboard. Adams finished 2013 with a total of 131 receptions for 1,718 yards and 24 touchdowns. He had huge games against Idaho (16-185), UNLV (8-221), New Mexico (9-246) and San Jose State (13-264).

Adams has the speed to beat defenses deep, but he was also dominating a weak level of competition. Adams didn't look as dynamic when he went against USC in his bowl game.

8/24/13: Adams had an impact redshirt freshman year working with quarterback Derek Carr. Adams caught 102 passes for 1,312 yards with 14 touchdowns. In 2013 he should see plenty of double coverage but with Carr coming back they should produce a big season.

Personal: Son of Pamela Brown and Douglas Adams.

9-Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 220.
40 Time: 4.60.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.

3/29/14: The big question with Robinson is if he has enough speed to separate from NFL defensive backs. Robinson played really well for Penn State in 2013. He demonstrated nice speed and run-after-the-catch ability to go along with his size. The junior recorded 97 receptions for 1,432 yards and six touchdowns. Robinson has shown nice quickness to get separation and pick up extra yards. He turned in many prolific games, including contests against Ohio State (12-173), Illinois (11-165) and Indiana (12-173).

Robinson could be on the bubble between the first and second day of the 2014 NFL Draft. At the Combine, Robinson's 40 time was mildly disappointing. Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien developed Robinson well for the NFL.

8/3/13: The 2012 season was a challenging year for Penn State and Robinson was one of the bright spots. He excelled in the Nittany Lions' new pro-style offense. Robinson hauled in 77 passes for 1,018 yards and 11 touchdowns after barely playing in 2011. He has good size and the only question is if he has enough speed for the NFL.

Personal: Majoring in communications. Son of Allen and Tracie Robinson.

10-Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt
Height: 6-3. Weight: 212.
40 Time: 4.46.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.

3/29/14: Matthews collected 112 receptions for 1,477 yards with seven touchdowns in 2013. He had a clutch performance in a tight season opener against Ole Miss, snagging 10 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown. Matthews' score came from midfield as he took a quick swing pass the distance. The senior looked very good with his route running and moving the chains in the intermediate part of the field.

Matthews needed to run well at the Combine and ran faster than expected. Sources have said that Matthews is like Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams as a great college receiver lacking enough speed to go in the first round, but his Combine should clinch a second-day spot for Matthews.

8/3/13: Matthews was excellent for the Commodores in 2012. He contributed to Vanderbilt almost upsetting South Carolina in the season opener. Matthews showed nice quickness with a 78-yard touchdown. He totaled eight receptions for 148 yards against the Gamecocks.

Matthews had 119 yards on eight receptions against Georgia. He also played well versus Florida with eight catches for 131 yards and a score. The junior finished the regular season strongly, going over 100 yards against Ole Miss, Tennessee and Missouri. Matthews recorded 94 receptions for 1,323 yards and eight touchdowns for the year. He totaled 41 receptions for 778 yards and five touchdowns in 2011.

Matthews has been well coached. He is a good route-runner with excellent hands. Scouts have told WalterFootball.com that entering the season they view Matthews as a second-day prospect for the 2014 NFL Draft. They feel he lacks the speed and explosiveness to be a first-rounder.

Personal: Son of Roderick and Brenda Matthews. Jordan Matthews does a lot of charity work. Matthews is the cousin of Jerry Rice.

11-Paul Richardson, WR, Colorado
Height: 6-0. Weight: 175.
40 Time: 4.40.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.

3/29/14: Richardson came back in impressive fashion to start the 2013 season. He was the most productive receiver in the nation in Week 1 with 10 receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns against Colorado State. All season, Richardson gave Pac-12 defenses problems, including Oregon (5-134). He maintained his strong play with 83 receptions for 1,343 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2013. Richardson ran fast at the Combine - as expected. He needs to add some weight to his frame.

Richardson started his collegiate career strongly as a freshman and sophomore. In 2010, he hauled in 34 passes for 514 yards and six touchdowns. Richardson made 39 receptions for 555 yards and five scores in 2011. He lost 2012 to a torn ACL that occurred in the final week of spring practice.

12-Brandon Coleman, WR, Rutgers
Height: 6-6. Weight: 225.
40 Time: 4.56.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.

3/29/14: The biggest question about Coleman is if he has enough speed for the NFL. The senior started out this season with nine receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns against Fresno State. Coleman fell quiet after that, and many believe a preseason knee injury slowed him down all year. He had 33 receptions for 538 yards with four touchdowns in 2013. Coleman decided to enter the 2014 NFL Draft, but he should have returned to Rutgers. Coleman had a solid Combine.

8/3/13: Coleman is a massive receiver who looks like a tight end. He has been very consistent for Rutgers and has produced while playing in a running offense. Coleman led Rutgers with 43 receptions for 718 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2012. He led Rutgers with 663 receiving yards on 39 receptions with 10 touchdowns the year before, too. The biggest question about Coleman will be if he has enough speed to be a high draft pick.

Personal: Labor studies major.

13-Donte Moncrief, WR, Ole Miss
Height: 6-2. Weight: 221.
40 Time: 4.40.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.

3/29/14: Moncrief had a mildly disappointing 2013 season as Ole Miss had a star freshman who received a lot of targets. In 2013, Moncrief recorded 59 receptions for 938 yards with six touchdowns. He didn't do much against Alabama (6-60), but played well against Auburn (6-122) and LSU (5-107).

Moncrief performed well at the Combine and ran faster than expected.

8/3/13: Moncrief broke out last season and was one of the better wide receivers in the SEC. The sophomore notched 66 receptions for 979 yards and 10 touchdowns as the primary target for quarterback Bo Wallace. Moncrief had some huge games against Texas (7-144-1), LSU (6-161-2) and Mississippi State (7-173-3). He had a lot of success beating Mississippi State cornerback Johnthan Banks (second-round pick Tampa Bay) and LSU cornerback Tharold Simon (fifth-round pick Seattle) in man coverage.

Moncrief ran a lot of vertical routes last year and did a superb job of stretching the defense. He burned defensive backs deep throughout 2012 and could have had a bigger season if some passes had been thrown more accurately. Moncrief has some burst with deceptive deep speed. Considering he is a big receiver, he could stand to play more physical football and should be a better blocker. The junior should make improvements in those areas in 2013.

Moncrief had 31 catches for 454 yards and four touchdowns in 2011. He has already hinted that this could be his last season at Ole Miss.

Personal: Son of Nineta and Spencer Moncrief. Cousin of former Ole Miss wide receiver Shay Hodge.

(Please note a value drop here WR 13 meaning this is a new tier-)

14-Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin
Height: 6-1. Weight: 195.
40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2014): 2-4.

3/29/14: Abbrederis was excellent in 2013. He produced despite spotty quarterback play and the Badgers' inclination to run the ball. There were a lot of plays that Abbrederis was wide open for long touchdowns, but passes weren't delivered due to subpar quarterback play. For the year, Abbrederis made 78 catches for 1,081 yards with seven touchdowns. He torched Bradley Roby and Ohio State for 10 receptions, 207 yards and a touchdown.

Abbrederis is a phenomenal route-runner and is in the running as the best route-runner in the 2014 NFL Draft. He had a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl and did well in the Combine.

8/3/13: Abbrederis suffered a mild concussion against Oregon State early last season, and Wisconsin really missed him when he was out. Despite terrible quarterback play, Abbrederis totaled 49 receptions for 837 yards and five touchdowns. He has consistently produced big plays for the Badgers the past two years.

In 2011 even though Abbrederis had less receptions than No. 1 receiver Nick Toon, Abbrederis topped Toon in yardage. Abbrederis caught 55 passes for 933 yards and eight touchdowns. The sophomore exploited a lot of soft coverage and produced some big plays for quarterback Russell Wilson. Abbrederis also returned punts and averaged 16 yards per return.

The Badgers lost a lot on offense following 2011, so Abbrederis saw more attention from defenses, but also more offensive opportunities. He had a modest freshman season with 20 catches for 289 yards and three scores. Abbrederis has good size with deceptive quickness.

Personal: Abbrederis is a scholar athlete majoring in human ecology. He is the son of Scott and Lisa Abbrederis.

(Please note a value drop here at WR 14 meaning this is a new tier-Abbrederis is all by himself at 2-4 value-)

15-Martavius Bryant, WR, Clemson
Height: 6-3. Weight: 211.
40 Time: 4.42.
Projected Round (2015): 3-4.

3/29/14: At the Combine, Bryant surprised with an excellent 40 time for such a big receiver. It helps him enough that he could have a shot at being a second-day pick.

Bryant didn't have the breakout 2013 season that many expected, but he still entered the 2014 NFL Draft. Bryant caught 42 balls for 828 yards and seven touchdowns for the year. He came alive against Georgia Tech with five receptions for 176 yards and one touchdown. There is no doubt that Bryant has great size, but the junior looks short of the speed to be an early-round pick.

Bryant had a disappointing performance in the 2013 season opener as he dropped a few passes that could have been big plays for Clemson. Bryant didn't record a reception against Georgia, but he did recover the onside kick that clinched the 38-35 win for the Tigers.

8/24/13: Even though Bryant is tall, he has some speed to stretch the field. He averaged 30 yards per catch while totaling 305 yards on 10 receptions and four touchdowns. As a freshman, he caught nine passes for 221 yards and two scores. With DeAndre Hopkins in the NFL, Bryant should see more targets in 2013. He also has one of the best quarterbacks in the nation to work with in Tajh Boyd.

16-Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina
Height: 5-9. Weight: 197.
40 Time: 4.45.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.

3/29/14: Ellington ran fast as expected at the Combine. There is a nice buzz about him, and he could go in the third round.

The speedster Ellington decided to enter the 2014 NFL Draft after starting on both South Carolina's football and basketball teams. For the NFL, he projects as a slot receiver. Ellington is short, but he has developed his frame to take the hits. The junior had 49 receptions for 775 yards with eight touchdowns in 2013.

In 2012, Ellington collected 40 catches for 600 yards and seven scores. He (17-211) made a modest contribution as a freshman. Ellington could also serve as a kick returner in the NFL.

Personal: Son of Gwen and Bruce Ellington.

17-Josh Huff, WR, Oregon
Height: 5-11. Weight: 206.
40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.

3/29/14: In 2013, Huff collected 62 receptions for 1,140 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is sudden and quick with the ability to beat defenses downfield. Huff finished the regular season on a strong note. He looks like a good slot receiver candidate for the NFL. Huff played well at the Senior Bowl and had a solid Combine.

8/3/13: Like the other skill-position players at Oregon, Huff is a good athlete with speed. The junior registered 32 receptions for 493 yards with seven touchdowns last year. He had 31 catches for 430 yards and two scores in 2011.

Huff hasn't gotten a lot of targets given the Ducks' running offense, but that could change as a senior since Oregon has lost Kenjon Barner and LaMichael James in the draft the past two years. Quarterback Marcus Mariota has a lot of ability and should throw more having gaining a year of experience. For the NFL, Huff looks like he could be a nice weapon as a slot receiver.

Personal: Son of Donald and Charlotte Simpson.

(Please note a value drop here at WR 17 meaning this is a new tier-)

18-Dri Archer, WR/RB, Kent State
Height: 5-8. Weight: 173.
40 Time: 4.26.
Projected Round (2014): 3-5.

3/29/14: At the Combine, Archer blazed the fastest 40 time of any prospect. He also did well in the field drills and the bench press with a shocking total of 20 reps of 225 pounds. The Combine really helped him.

Archer is a small speed receiver. He dealt with an ankle injury in the early going of 2013 and missed a few games. The junior returned to field in impressive fashion against Western Michigan with six carries for 73 yards and four receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown.

Archer recorded 68 carries for 527 yards and six touchdowns this year. As a receiver, he hauled in 25 passes for 327 yards and four scores. Archer ran for 1,429 yards on only 159 carries for an average of nine yards per carry in 2012. The sophomore also caught 39 passes for 561 yards. He totaled 20 touchdowns (16 rushing, four receiving). Archer contributed 246 yards rushing (4.2 average) and 16 receptions for 75 yards (four total touchdowns) in 2011.

Archer's best fit in the NFL would probably be as a slot receiver.

19-Mike Davis, WR, Texas
Height: 6-0. Weight: 197.
Projected 40 Time: 4.55.
Projected Round (2014): 3-5.

3/29/14: In 2013, Davis played well for Texas with 51 receptions for 727 yards and eight touchdowns. He could have produced more in his Longhorns career if they had had better quarterback play. As a junior, Davis recorded 57 receptions for 939 yards and seven scores. He put up some production as a sophomore (45-609) and freshman (47-478). Davis has some size and speed to his game. He played in the Senior Bowl, but didn't really impress. Davis didn't run at the Combine.

20-Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana
Height: 6-2. Weight: 215.
Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
Projected Round (2014): 3-5.
3/29/14: At his pro day, Latimer was said to have a great performance with a fast 40 and an impressive work out. Some feel that he could be a second-day pick.

Latimer decided to skip his senior season after producing a quality junior year for the Hoosiers. His most impressive game of 2013 was an eight-catch, 136-yard game against Missouri. However, he didn't stand out against Ohio State (5-60) or Wisconsin (5-42). Latimer finished 2013 with 72 receptions for 1,096 yards and nine touchdowns. As a sophomore, he had 51 receptions for 805 yards with six scores.

Personal: Son of Tonya and Robert Dunson.

(Please note a value drop here at WR 20 meaning this is a new tier-)

21-Robert Herron, WR, Wyoming
Height: 5-9. Weight: 193.
40 Time: 4.48.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.

3/29/14: Herron isn't the biggest of receivers, yet he had a solid career for Wyoming. Herron's best season came as a senior with 72 receptions for 937 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2012, he had 31 catches for 657 yards and eight scores. Herron helped himself at the Senior Bowl and ran a fast 40 at the Combine.

22-Shaq Evans, WR, UCLA
Height: 6-1. Weight: 213.
40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.

3/29/14: Evans was solid for Brett Hundley in 2013, but Hundley didn't play consistently enough for Evans. He totaled 47 receptions for 709 yards and nine touchdowns for the year. Evans had a solid week at the Senior Bowl and performed well at the Combine.

8/3/13: Evans had a breakout 2012 season and was a good target for quarterback Brett Hundley. Evans caught 60 receptions for 877 yards and three touchdowns. The junior had a huge game against Oregon State (6-148) and an impressive outing against USC (8-114). He caught 19 passes for 309 yards and two scores in 2011.

Evans started out his collegiate career with Notre Dame in 2009 before transferring to UCLA. He had to sit out the 2010 season.

Evans has a mix of size and quickness for the NFL. He has received excellent coaching from Bruins wide receivers coach Eric Yarber, a former NFL wide out and receivers coach with multiple teams. That coaching made a big difference in Evans' 2012 improvement. He should be in store for a big senior season as Hundley's No. 1 receiver.

Personal: A sociology major. Son of Kelisha Wright.

23-Cody Hoffman, WR, BYU
Height: 6-4. Weight: 223.
40 Time: 4.65.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.

3/29/14: The senior missed the 2013 opener with a hamstring injury. Hoffman recorded 57 receptions for 894 yards and five touchdowns for the year. He hurt his draft stock by landing a one-game suspension, but had impressive games against Wisconsin (7-113) and Washington (12-167). In those games, Hoffman flashed some nice run-after-the-catch ability. He didn't run well at the Combine, so that hurts his ability to rise.

8/3/13: Hoffman was one of the most productive receivers in the nation in 2012, despite inconsistent quarterback play. He caught 100 passes for 1,248 yards with 11 touchdowns. Hoffman had some huge games against weak competition. He was held in check by Boise State and cornerback Jamar Taylor, catching just three balls for 21 yards.

Hoffman had solid production as a sophomore with 61 receptions for 943 yards and 10 touchdowns. He hauled in 42 catches for 527 yards and four scores in 2010.

Hoffman is a big receiver who uses his size well. He is a serious weapon in the red zone as he runs good routes and has excellent hands. However, the big question about Hoffman is if he has enough speed to get separation from NFL defensive backs.

24-Matt Hazel, WR, Coastal Carolina
Height: 6-1. Weight: 198.
40 Time: 4.50.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.

3/29/14: Of all the players at the East-West Shrine, Hazel probably helped himself the most. He really impressed scouts, and they compared Hazel to Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Cecil Shorts in his ability to make plays. Hazel definitely helped himself. At his size, he showed nice quickness and route-running for a big receiver.

Hazel had 70 receptions for 990 yards and nine touchdowns in 2013. He had a quality Combine performance, too.

25-Tevin Reese, WR, Baylor
Height: 5-10. Weight: 163.
40 Time: 4.46.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.

3/29/14: As expected, Reese ran well at the Combine with a fast 40 time.

Reese was well on his way to 2013 being his best season of a good collegiate career before undergoing wrist surgery. In his first seven games this year, he caught 33 passes for 824 yards with eight touchdowns. Reese came back to play against UCF in the Fiesta Bowl, but he wasn't his normal self (5-43).
br<> For the season, Reese had 38 catches for 867 yards and those eight scores. The speedster averaged 23 yards per catch and went over 100 yards in five games. In two other contests, Reese contributed 97 yards and 75 yards. For the NFL, he looks like a speedy slot receiver who can burn defenses vertically.

Reese was the secondary receiver to Terrance Williams in 2012, but Reese still caught 53 passes for 957 yards and nine touchdowns. As a sophomore in 2011, he was the third receiver behind Williams and Kendall Wright. With Robert Griffin III at quarterback, Reese caught 51 passes for 877 yards and seven scores. He had 45 receptions for 401 yards as a freshman.

Personal: Son of Ruby Reese. Majoring in general studies.
 
The 2014 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Class: To each their own

By Nate Dogg on Mar 17 2014, 10:08a

http://www.fieldgulls.com/2014/3/17/5518616/the-2014-wr-class-to-each-their-own

is WR class is everything it's been built up to be but doesn't quite live up to the hype, all at the same time. There are two legit studs at the top of the draft in Watkins and Evans, although neither is quite AJ Green or Megatron. After that are two guys, Beckham and Lee, that are solidly in the first round but not without question marks.

If we stop there and assume that no other WR go day one, that's an average haul for the position. Four WR would tie for the most taken since 2009. Going back to 2005, however, it'd be a much more meager number. Six WR were taken in the 2009, 2007, and 2005 classes.

It's probably not wise to assume only the four I've mentioned go in the first day though. It's a deep class in general, but when you get to the end of round one things get a little unpredictable. I wouldn't be surprised to see any of my third tier of receivers go earlier than I've predicted, nor would I be shocked to see a couple of the guys from the tier after that go day one either.

On the flip side of that, the receivers after the first four start to have some serious question marks. Some are lacking polish, some are lacking top notch athleticism. Some are lacking size, and some have far too much of it. It's a group that is deep on the surface, but individual grades are likely to vary significantly based on your flavor of choice.

Potential is a tricky thing.

To the list:

WR Sammy Watkins 1
WR Mike Evans 1
WR Odell Beckham Jr. 1
WR Marqise Lee 1

WR Jordan Matthews 2
WR Davonte Adams 2
WR Cody Latimer 2
WR Martavis Bryant 2
WR Kelvin Benjamin 2
WR Brandin Cooks 3

WR Jared Abbrederis 3
WR Jarvis Landry 3
WR Donte Moncrief 3
WR Allen Robinson 3
WR/TE Brandon Coleman 4

WR Josh Huff 4
WR Paul Richardson 4
WR Robert Herron 5
WR L'Damian Washington 5

WR Matt Hazel 5
WR Shaquelle Evans 5
WR Jeremy Gallon 6
WR Devin Street 6
WR Cody Hoffman 6
WR Quincy Enunwa 7

WR Kevin Norwood
WR Jeff Janis


I've color coded my tiers. What this means, in short, is that I'm not going to fight you if you think Kelvin Benjamin is better than Davante Adams. That wouldn't be my choice, but the difference isn't enough for me to worry about. On the other hand, if you want to put Robert Herron ahead of Donte Moncrief, we're going to have to have a talk.

Tier 1 - As I said above, Mike Evans (6'5, 231) and Sammy Watkins are legit studs that will step in and make in an impact as rookies before growing into stars in the league. I think I'm fairly alone in ranking Evans ahead of Watkins, and maybe rightfully so. Watkins is the more dynamic athlete and doesn't lack for size at 6'1, 211lb.

Evans isn't far behind Watkins in athleticism though, trailing him by fractions of a second in most of the combine events. He does, however, have Watkins roundly beat in size. Evans' size isn't just for show, he demonstrates the body control and catch radius that puts those extra inches to good use.

Both of these guys should be big time playmakers at the next level, but if I had to bet on one I'd narrowly take Evans over Watkins.

Tier 2 - OBJ (5'11, 198) and Lee (5'11, 192) are somewhat similar players. Both are explosive playmakers in space, and neither will dominate with their size. Beckham wins out in the head to head after Lee's (relatively) disappointing junior year and combine performance. Lee's junior season was marred by an uptick in drops, a downtick in QB play, and injuries. Those don't mask his talent when you watch him play though, he's still the guy that caught for 1,700 yards a couple years ago.

Tier 3 - There is a lot to talk about in this tier. Jordan Matthews (6'3, 212) is a big bodied, dependable receiver with good athleticism for his size. He's got a big catch radius he puts to use, but he's not going to pull down many more tough catches than the average receiver and he's no less prone to concentration drops. He's a very smooth athlete, but he's a build to speed guy with good, not great, top end speed. It wouldn't be unfair to call him a safe pick, in both the good and the derogatory way. He'd almost certainly take the label of safe the wrong way, judging by his twitter he'd fit right in on the Hawks. Eric Decker is a guy that comes to mind when I think of NFL comps.

Davante Adams (6'1, 212) is a playmaker but lacks for great size and athleticism (not that either are poor, but neither are top of the line either). Where Adams makes his hay is in his ability to attack balls in the air and use his fantastic body control to extend and pull in catches. He showed off his leaping ability at the combine with a 39.5in vertical, and he has the body control to put that raw leaping ability to use. Think Brandon Lloyd. Just don't ask him to block.

Jared Stanger tipped me off to Cody Latimer (6'2, 215) and he's been a favorite of mine since. He's a bit of a jack of all trades, with nice size, good athleticism, longer arms, and dependable hands. He's a very willing and effective blocker out wide. He's a very sudden athlete, especially for his size, and he explodes in and out of his breaks. He also uses this to his advantage getting off of the line. For Latimer to really succeed he'll need to improve his ability to go up over corners and pull down jump balls.

Martavis Bryant (6'4, 211) basically has everything you want on the field, and nothing off of it. Supposedly he's getting his act together and if the Seahawks agree, look for Bryant to be a strong option at 32. Ranking him where I did was more or less random, a guess between his skill and his possible fall due to red flags.

He's a bit of a specialist, but smart teams look for players that create mismatches and Brandin Cooks (5'9, 189) can certainly do that. The athleticism is off the charts, his production was outstanding, and while he's not the tallest guy around he's roughly the same height as Antonio Brown and Doug Baldwin. Because of his height he doesn't present the biggest target and can be bodied up and bullied when defenders get into him. At the same time, he attacks balls with his hands and can correct to catch errant passes. This is critical when his QB looks to him as an outlet receiver and rockets a ball in his direction before taking a lick from the pass rush.

Kelvin Benjamin (6'5, 240) is tall. Annnnnd, that's kinda it. But, boy! He's sure tall. Big too. That does count for something though and if he can do more of this and less of this, he could become a force on the red line and in the red zone. If he takes his game a step further and learns to body out corners on slants and curls, he could become one a legitimate #1 receiver. The body control to use his size is there, it's just a matter of his focus and drive. Based off nothing more than his game tape, I'm not confident Benjamin is pissed off for greatness.

Tier 4 - To me there are a lot of similarities between Abbrederis (6'1, 195) and Landry (5'11, 205). Both are grinders that will outsmart and outwork the competition. That doesn't mean they lack for athleticism or are "try hard" guys, both players are deadly quick in and out of their cuts and have the top end speed to take a play to the house. I call them grinders because neither are likely to be consistent big play threats at the next level. These guys are going to work underneath defenses and in the middle of the field, and they'll rack up catches and first downs in the process.

Donte Moncrief (6'2, 221) blew up the combine, but to my eye those numbers don't show up during the game. Not that Moncrief looks like a poor athlete in games, but he doesn't display the explosion I'd hope for. On the flip side, he'll just be turning 21 when training camp in underway and there is still a lot to work with in both his size and raw athleticism. A coaching staff that believes in coaching up their players could be well rewarded by selecting Moncrief.

The more I've watched Allen Robinson (6'2, 220) and the more I've watched other receivers in this class, the farther down the list he's slipped. It's not that there is anything wrong with him, but there just isn't a lot of juice there either. His YAC is unlikely to translate well to the NFL, as he's not particularly elusive or sudden. He's a build to speed guy that will rely on his ability to win jump balls and back shoulder fades to threaten defenses vertically. He could be an effective slot receiver, using his size and fluid cuts to work zones and the middle of the field.

Brandon Coleman (6'6, 225) is, like Kelvin Benjamin, tall and, even more so than Benjamin, not a lot else. While I have no doubt that Gary Nova severely hampered Coleman's production, I'm still skeptical Coleman can grow into a productive NFL player. Coleman lacks the body control needed to put his size to use. He's frequently unable to organize himself and position himself to leverage his size and make a play on the ball. But he's a tall dude with decent athleticism, and that equals potential and intrigue.

Tier 5 - The first WR in Tier 5 is my 16th ranked player. You might think we're starting to scrape the bottom of the barrel, but that's not the case. Two guys I really like, Josh Huff (5'11, 206) and Robert Herron (5'9, 193), and in this tier. Both of these guys remind me of Golden Tate minus the hops. Herron's big knock is his height, and Huff's is his consistency. Both of these guys are likely to be nice NFL players with clear roles on an offense, and have the makeup to be solid special teams contributors.

Paul Richardson is a good athlete who has both nice top end speed, good quicks, and the body control to attempt circus catches. He's also a very skilled receiver with dependable hands and crisp routes. The concern with Richardson is his slight frame. At 6'0 and 175lb, it's possible he could literally be broken in half if asked to work the middle of the field. Richardson also has small hands, if you're into that kind of thing for receivers. His durability and ability to handle physical coverage are the major questions surrounding Richardson's ability to have a productive NFL career.

DCrockett described L'Damian Washington (6'4, 195) as "...a blazer like Lockette, but he's starting out as the receiver Lockette is now. Also, like Lockette was during his first tour in Seattle, Washington is Olive Oyl skinny. Still tough enough to play gunner on punts, and he goes over the middle as a WR." I'd agree, Washington is a lanky, straight line speed guy that can take the top off defenses and be reasonably dependable hauling in balls on the redline. Mix in his special teams abilities and he's ready made to have a nice little NFL career, and that's before predicting any growth in his game.

Tier 6 - Things start getting sparse here in terms of players that can hope to contribute within a year or two. Shaq Evans (6'1, 213) and Matt Hazel (6'1, 198) are another similar duo, both have nice size and decent athleticism. Shaq is rougher around the edges, and has a habit of drops that can be hard to overlook. He's 23, which doesn't kill his potential as a project but is on the older side of rookies. Both project as WR#4 types that can capably spot start when needed.

Jeremy Gallon will likely land a roster spot and could even be productive as a spot starter in the slot. He has good quickness and great balance, and has a Steve Smith like ability to elevate and catch contested balls. But at 5'7, 185 and with only average top speed, he'll need to find a role on special teams to hold a roster spot over the long term. Look for him to have a Justin Forsett type career.

Devin Street (6'3, 198) is a lesser version of Donte Moncrief.

Cody Hoffman (6'4, 223) is another big body, but unlike the previous guys he's more of a skilled prospect with limited physical talent. He's a plodder that doesn't elevate particularly well, and really struggles with bringing down balls when he has to leap for them. That limits the advantages of his height. He catches the ball well otherwise, and could carve out a role in the slot working the middle of the field and seams.

Quincy Enunwa is yet another guy who has nice size at 6'2 225lb, but looks very stiff on tape and doesn't catch particularly well. Likely to have special teams value and will need it to stick long enough to justify taking up a WR roster spot.

Honorable mentions - The 25 players listed above are they guys I've watched at least a little of and feel confident in my read on them. There are two other guys, Jeff Janis (6'3, 219) and Kevin Norwood (6'2, 198), that I wanted to include but wasn't able to without more tape. Janis is a freak physically and racked up numbers at Saginaw Valley St. I was only able to find highlight videos of him, and truth be told I wasn't as impressed as I'd hoped to be. Big time body catcher and he looked less dynamic than I had hoped. He housed a bunch of catches, but you kind of expect that with the competition he played against. Still, the numbers he put up at the combine are jaw dropping for his size. He's a very raw prospect, but there is a lot to work with. My minimally informed guess would put him somewhere in tier 5.

Norwood has nice size, good measurables, and once did this. From what little I've seen, he reminds me a bit of Mike Williams (Tampa's, not BMW). My minimally informed guess would have him between tiers 4 and 5.

Conclusion - This draft is deep as hell at WR, and I'm drooling over the top two guys. Teams are going to have to be smart about how they match prospect to scheme, but assuming guys are used correctly there should be a lot of production out of this class. My guess is that Seattle will be interested in the following guys (in no particular order, and not including the top 4): Adams, Bryant, Cooks, Moncrief, Norwood, Janis, Street.

 
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2014 NFL Draft: WR outlook

by Cory J. Bonini on April 14, 2014

Read more: http://www.kffl.com/a.php/135424/nfl-draft/2014-NFL-Draft--WR-outlook/all#ixzz2zAyAulf8

The 2014 NFL Draft offers a deep wide receiver class with a range of skill sets. No one is truly a lock for professional stardom, but Clemson's Sammy Watkins is at least in that conversation. His collegiate teammate, Martavis Bryant, could carve out a productive career, too, when all is said and done.


You will see several names come off the board in the second half of the first round and first half of the second, while the middle rounds should be loaded with quality receiver picks. This draft class also provides a few really nice gambles in the later rounds.

Tier 1

Sammy Watkins, Clemson: In a class all by himself ... Watkins is the best receiver in the class, hands down, and no one else is close. He should be an immediate contributor in the NFL and has a bright future among the league's best at the position. He has quality size (6-foot-1, 211 pounds), speed (4.43 40 time), explosion (34-inch vert, 10-foot-6 broad jump), and the on-field results to back it up. Watkins has a knack for finding the end zone and can play all over the field. His route tree is extensive. A smooth runner, he plays faster than he times, and glides effortlessly through traffic. While he isn't the strongest of receivers, Watkins should not have any problem gaining separation at the line in the NFL. He is a capable blocker and has special teams return game experience. I'd be surprised if he fell out of the top 10 picks.

Tier 2

Odell Beckham, LSU: An exciting athlete, Beckham is explosive and dangerous. Few receivers are as dynamic with the ball in their hands. Every team in the NFL has a spot for someone like Beckham. His open-field moves, stemming from amazing vision and balance, afford him a role in every form of NFL offense. He plays taller than his 5-foot-11 frame suggests, which is apparent in the way he attacks the ball and extends his catching radius to that of a much larger receiver. Even though he isn't an exceptionally fast player (4.43 40 time), Beckham's game speed is excellent because of his nifty footwork. He has return man experience on special teams. He is a willing but unrefined blocker and occasionally allows the ball to get into his body. Expect him to come off the board somewhere in the second half of the opening stanza.

Mike Evans, Texas A&M: Evans has a doppelganger in the NFL who goes by the name of Vincent Jackson. Like V-Jax, Evans is a long strider with excellent body control, enough speed (4.53 40 time) to get deep, tremendous size (6-foot-5, 231 pounds), and the ability to create separation in tight spaces. Few NFL cornerbacks come close to matching up with Evans' size and high-point skills. He tracks the ball well and makes for a scary threat in the red zone. While the former Aggies standout lacks burst, he is an extremely tough guy to bring down in the open field. Evans is a first-round luck in the draft but likely will go in the second half of it.

Brandin Cooks, Oregon State: Any adjective synonymous with "electric" that comes to mind can be applied to Cooks. He is lightning fast out of his breaks and has impressive footwork. Cooks, who is tough as nails, moves through traffic like he is a character on a video game and has experience returning the ball on special teams. Every offense in the NFL has a spot for a player like this, but he is also likely limited to the slot. He is smaller than you'd like (5-foot-10, 189 pounds) and lacks the strength to play a role as a blocker. Cooks is exciting, sure, but I see a player who could struggle to beat press-man coverage and become one-dimensional in the NFL. While he doesn't have poor hands, the former Beaver has his share of concentration lapses. Cooks has late first-round draftability.

WR Marqise Lee, USC
Marqise Lee, USC: Lee's tape shows a very mixed bag. Most of his big plays came with exceptional offensive line play, which allowed him to shake defenders. He could struggle to create separation at the next level. In college, he was able to get away with body fakes to work in tight quarters. Lee's strength comes from his ability to outmaneuver defenders when he has the ball in his possession. All too often he allows the rock to come into his body, and he tends to drift on many routes. There is a lot of at potential here, don't get me wrong, but Lee is not quite as polished as some pundits make him out to be. Durability also is a concern. Nevertheless, Lee is a first-round talent because of his hands, athleticism and playmaking ability.

Davante Adams, Fresno State: Following two monster years with the Bulldogs, Adams enters the NFL after posting eye-popping stats, albeit versus inferior completion. He led the nation in receptions in 2013 (131-1,718-24) on the heels of a 102-1,312-14 line as a freshman. Derek Carr's go-to target put himself on the national map, and it made sense for him to go pro as a sophomore. Adams is a glorified possession receiver in the NFL. He stands a well-built 6-foot-1, 212 pounds, with an explosive lower body. A willing blocker, Adams has very good hands. He is somewhat raw as a route runner, though, and doesn't have the speed to take the top off a defense. Adams can get lackadaisical with ball security, at times. He is a borderline first-rounder who could go in the final stages of the draft's opener.

Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State: Physically imposing, size that automatically creates mismatches, Benjamin is a nightmare to guard around the stripe. Standing 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, the junior receiver also is a load to tackle in the open field. He has enough wiggle in space to make defenders miss and can glide downfield, despite running just 4.61 second in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Benjamin doesn't have the skill set of a WR1 in the NFL. He can play out of the slot, which is helpful and improves his worth, but he isn't dynamic enough to take over games with regularity. A dedicated blocker, Benjamin is a pure upside pick. His major areas of concern include questionable maturity, dedication, lapses in concentration when securing a reception, stiff hips, and a lack of diversity in his route-running repertoire. Benjamin has the potential to play like a first-rounder, but he probably will remain in the selection pool well into the second round.

Tier 3

Martavis Bryant, Clemson: An impressive combination of size and speed, Bryant is an explosive playmaker. The 6-foot-4, 211-pounder gives quarterbacks a wide catching radius to work with and has quite a few highlight-reel receptions on his resume. He can create separation in a hurry and shows plenty of burst. He has just one year of starting experience, and playing opposite Sammy Watkins, so he saw a lot of single coverage. Bryant needs to improve his route-running ability and the number of routes he knows. His hands could be better, too, but Bryant's upside is seemingly limitless. He should come off the board in the second round.

Allen Robinson, Penn State: Robinson isn't particularly athletic -- certainly not a burner -- and doesn't consistently catch the ball with this hands. He had a minor off-field dust-up in early 2013 that cost him a suspension for two quarters in the season opener. His footwork needs to become more consistent. Robinson has a big frame (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) and is deceptively quick in the open field. He has pretty good body control and employs nuances to create separation to make up for his pedestrian speed. He has borderline Round 1 draftability as a strong WR2 in the pros.





Tier 4

Donte Moncrief, Mississippi: The junior receiver size (6-foot-2, 221 pounds) and plenty of speed to go with that frame (4.40-second 40). Moncrief is a smooth accelerator and pass catcher, tracking the ball well over either shoulder. He plays with a suddenness to his game, showing burst from a stop-start move. He is a capable blocker and has room to grow his overall game. Moncrief has a high third-round grade and figures to be drafted in that neighborhood.

Jarvis Landry, LSU: System-limited, Landry will be a good fit for a West Coast offense as the possession receiver. He has sure hands and is at his best catching while on the run. This comes in handy, given his mediocre straight-line speed and occasional struggles gaining separation off the line. He has good body control and fights for extra yardage. Landry is a strong blocker and is experienced in special teams coverage. He'll be a WR2 in the NFL and should be drafted in the late second or early third.

Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin: Abbrederis is an underrated playmaker who on tape shows savvy route running and attention to detail. Hardly an athletic specimen, the former walk-on has been extremely productive and reliable. He does all of the little things well and plays bigger than his 6-foot-1, 195-pound frame. Abbrederis is a capable deep threat and shows a little shiftiness after the catch. He is probably going to be drafted in Round 3 or Round 4.

Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt: The senior pass catcher is a four-year contributor at Vanderbilt and has been very productive the past two years. Standing 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, Matthews gives quarterbacks an easily identifiable target. He is a strong route runner and has quality hands. Despite a very athletic physique, he isn't a burner and may struggle with creating separation against NFL defenders. Matthews, a likely third-round selection, has a bright pro career as a grinder. ... Also, it can't hurt being Jerry Rice's cousin!

Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley State: On paper, Janis is what you would like to see out of a second wideout. He is well-built at 6-foot-3, 219 pounds and athletic (37 1/2-inch vertical, 10-foot-3 broad). The senior posted strong numbers against D-II talent after redshirting in 2009, including back-to-back seasons with at least 1,500 receiving yards to close out his NCAA career. He has 37 career starts and has all of the intangibles coaches look for. Janis needs to improve his route-running skills and consistency with the little things. He is a pure upside pick and could come off the board as early as the fourth round.

Dri Archer, Kent State: What is he in the NFL, running back or receiver? Both? Archer is exciting to watch and will have a role in an NFL offense, given his explosive ability in short area. I extensively debated including Archer in my running backs outlook, but I ultimately see him as a specialty slot player in the NFL. At 5-foot-8, 173 pounds, his thin lower body limits his appeal to play running back. He is super fast (4.26 40 time) and likely will play all over the field as a perimeter player -- someone you can use in space to create mismatches and take advantage of his raw speed. A more talented and dynamic version of the Kansas City Chiefs' Dexter McCluster, Archer is a midround selection in May's draft.

Tier 5

WR Jared Abbrederis,
Paul Richardson, Colorado: I can't help but think of Chad Johnson when I see Richardson play. He isn't overly athletic but has ample speed (4.40 40 time) and wiggle to get deep. Like Johnson, he has a slim build and sells out for receptions. Richardson (6-foot, 175 pounds) is trying to follow in the footsteps of father as an NFL wideout. Durability is a concern because of his frame; Richardson missed the 2012 season after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament. He is explosive but tends to play timid over the middle, which suggests he may be a one-trick pony in the NFL. I have him pegged as an early third-round pick.

Robert Herron, Wyoming: An undersized (5-foot-9, 193 pounds) big play waiting to happen, Herron is an intriguing prospect. A huge chunk of his production (72-937-9) in 2013 came against Hawaii in late November when he torched them for an 11-141-4 line. He timed 4.48 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, but he plays a little faster than that. Herron isn't afraid of going over the middle but has a limited route tree at his disposal. With almost no special teams return experience, I can see him lasting a good while in the draft. I have given him a borderline late fourth- to early fifth-round grade.

Tier 6

Bruce Ellington, South Carolina: Well-built (5-foot-9, 197 pounds), powerful lower body with an excellent vertical jump (39 1/2) extremely fluid, great lateral agility, natural receiver, return game experience and skill ... raw as a route runner, struggles as a blocker. Definite upside with proper coaching ... fourth-rounder.

Mike Davis, Texas: Inconsistent hands, questionable work ethic and dedication, lacks creativity as a route runner ... capable blocker, adequate speed (high 4.4s), smooth accelerator off the line, tracks the ball nicely. Midround draft placement expected.

Tier 7

Kevin Norwood, Alabama: All of the positive intangibles you look for, lacks suddenness, isn't overly athletic, natural hands receiver, impressive body control, limited upside, will be 25 in his rookie season. Late fifth- or early sixth-round pick.

Josh Huff, Oregon: Somewhat shifty, hard worker, improved his game each year, strong lower body to maintain balance and produce leg drive ... isn't dynamic, lacks natural hands, needs to improve concentration and on-field self-control. Little to no upside; fifth- or sixth-round value with profile of a career backup or spot starter.

Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma: Small frame (5-foot-9, 165 pounds), limited catching radius, feeble blocker, can't play on the outside ... Quality return man, great intangibles, big-play style, fleet-footed in short space. Borderline Round 5 or Round 6 pick.

Devin Street, Pittsburgh: Decent athlete, average speed, good height (6-foot-3), natural hands, lacks elusiveness, productive on the field. Fifth-round grade.

T.J. Jones, Notre Dame: Reliable hands, good route runner, savvy player. Reads defenses well, short-area burst, thin build, lacks explosive athleticism. Fifth-round grade.

Michael Campanaro: Wake Forest: Lacks fluidity. Durability concerns, extremely intelligent player with savvy and maturity as a route runner. Thick build but will be limited to the slot. Late fifth- or early sixth-round draft placement expected.

Ryan Grant, Tulane: Good route-running skills, quality hands when he concentrates on the catch, average athleticism, limited upside. Borderline fifth- to sixth-round grade.

Brandon Coleman, Rutgers: Huge target (6-foot-6, 225 pounds), unrefined talent, project with modest upside, lacks physicality, average speed, creates separation with his frame. Sixth-round grade.

Cody Latimer, Indiana: Pretty good flexibility for his well-built size (6-foot-3, 215 pounds), creates separation even with suspect footwork as a route runner, so-so hands. Sixth-round grade.

 
NEPD Editor: James Christensen

http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2014-nfl-draft-positional-rankings/5

I took the rankings from the top 100 list and then added the rest of his WR list to it from the link above.

WR/TE

5. Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson*

11. Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
12. Marqise Lee, WR, USC*
13. Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina
28. Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

33. Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech
35. Odell Beckham Jr, WR, LSU
38. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington
39. Brandon Coleman, WR, Rutgers

44. Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State
45. Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State - Interesting ASJ and Coleman ranked ahead of him.
56. Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana
59. C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa
65. Paul Richardson, WR, Colorado

81. Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson
82. Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State
85. Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU
94. Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

Continued from the positional rankings-

14. Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina

15. Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana

16. Robert Herron, WR, Wyoming

17. Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson

18. Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin

19. Michael Campanaro, WR, Wake Forest

20. Kevin Norwood, WR, Alabama

21. Josh Huff, WR, Oregon

22. Matt Hazel, WR, Coastal Carolina

23. Ryan Grant, WR, Tulane

24. L’Damian Washington, WR, Missouri

25. Tevin Reese, WR, Baylor

26. T.J. Jones, WR, Notre Dame

27. Albert Wilson, WR, Georgia State

28. Jeremy Gallon, WR, Michigan

29. Jeff Janis, WR, Saginaw Valley State

30. Kain Colter, WR, Northwestern

31. Shaq Evans, WR, UCLA

32. Cody Hoffman, WR, Brigham Young

33. Mike Davis, WR, Texas

34. Eric Ward, WR, Texas Tech

35t. Willie Snead, WR, Ball State

35t. Austin Franklin, WR, New Mexico State

 
I was watching ESPN tonight and on their ticker they had a mock draft. It may have been Kiper's (I think it mentioned him in the top 10), not sure. Anyway, they split it into top 10, 11-20 and 21-32 and they had Watkins and Evans in 1-10, Beckham, Lee and Cooks in 11-20 and then had Benjamin, Latimer and Matthews in 21-32.

Not sure how many WRs will go in the first, but I can't imagine 8 will go in the first.

 
stbugs said:
I was watching ESPN tonight and on their ticker they had a mock draft. It may have been Kiper's (I think it mentioned him in the top 10), not sure. Anyway, they split it into top 10, 11-20 and 21-32 and they had Watkins and Evans in 1-10, Beckham, Lee and Cooks in 11-20 and then had Benjamin, Latimer and Matthews in 21-32.

Not sure how many WRs will go in the first, but I can't imagine 8 will go in the first.
I think there is a lot of talent at other positions, coupled with the depth of the WR class I can see some teams passing on WR early on because of the teams belief in drafting a WR they like with a later pick.

So far people have been comparing the WR group to 2009. But I think it is possible this WR may be better than that.

This draft may be more similar to the 2004 draft (which was one of the better overall classes I've seen).

2004 draft-

1 San Diego Chargers Eli Manning QB Mississippi
2 Oakland Raiders Robert Gallery T Iowa
3 Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald WR Pittsburgh
4 New York Giants Philip Rivers QB North Carolina State
5 Washington Redskins Sean Taylor FS Miami (Fla.)
6 Cleveland Browns Kellen Winslow TE Miami (Fla.)
7 Detroit Lions Roy Williams WR Texas
8 Atlanta Falcons DeAngelo Hall CB Virginia Tech
9 Jacksonville Jaguars Reggie Williams WR Washington
10 Houston Texans Dunta Robinson CB South Carolina
11 Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger QB Miami (Ohio)
12 New York Jets Jonathan Vilma MLB Miami (Fla.)
13 Buffalo Bills Lee Evans WR Wisconsin
14 Chicago Bears Tommie Harris DT Oklahoma
15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Michael Clayton WR Louisiana State
16 Philadelphia Eagles Shawn Andrews T Arkansas
17 Denver Broncos D.J. Williams OLB Miami (Fla.)
18 New Orleans Saints Will Smith DE Ohio State
19 Miami Dolphins Vernon Carey T Miami (Fla.)
20 Minnesota Vikings Kenechi Udeze DE USC
21 New England Patriots Vince Wilfork NT Miami (Fla.)
22 Buffalo Bills J.P. Losman QB Tulane
23 Seattle Seahawks Marcus Tubbs DT Texas
24 St. Louis Rams Steven Jackson RB Oregon State
25 Green Bay Packers Ahmad Carroll CB Arkansas
26 Cincinnati Bengals Chris Perry RB Michigan
27 Houston Texans Jason Babin OLB Western Michigan
28 Carolina Panthers Chris Gamble CB Ohio State
29 Atlanta Falcons Michael Jenkins WR Ohio State
30 Detroit Lions Kevin Jones RB Virginia Tech
31 San Francisco 49ers Rashaun Woods WR Oklahoma State
32 New England Patriots Benjamin Watson TE

The 2004 draft had 4 QB taken, 3 RB late, 2 TE (one 6th overall) and 7 WR all in the 1st round.

16 skill players were drafted in 2004.

The average number of skill players drafted from 2003-2013 are 8.5
 
Last edited by a moderator:
stbugs said:
I was watching ESPN tonight and on their ticker they had a mock draft. It may have been Kiper's (I think it mentioned him in the top 10), not sure. Anyway, they split it into top 10, 11-20 and 21-32 and they had Watkins and Evans in 1-10, Beckham, Lee and Cooks in 11-20 and then had Benjamin, Latimer and Matthews in 21-32.

Not sure how many WRs will go in the first, but I can't imagine 8 will go in the first.
I think there is a lot of talent at other positions, coupled with the depth of the WR class I can see some teams passing on WR early on because of the teams belief in drafting a WR they like with a later pick.

So far people have been comparing the WR group to 2009. But I think it is possible this WR may be better than that.

This draft may be more similar to the 2004 draft (which was one of the better overall classes I've seen).

2004 draft-

1 San Diego Chargers Eli Manning QB Mississippi

2 Oakland Raiders Robert Gallery T Iowa

3 Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald WR Pittsburgh

4 New York Giants Philip Rivers QB North Carolina State

5 Washington Redskins Sean Taylor FS Miami (Fla.)

6 Cleveland Browns Kellen Winslow TE Miami (Fla.)

7 Detroit Lions Roy Williams WR Texas

8 Atlanta Falcons DeAngelo Hall CB Virginia Tech

9 Jacksonville Jaguars Reggie Williams WR Washington

10 Houston Texans Dunta Robinson CB South Carolina

11 Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger QB Miami (Ohio)

12 New York Jets Jonathan Vilma MLB Miami (Fla.)

13 Buffalo Bills Lee Evans WR Wisconsin

14 Chicago Bears Tommie Harris DT Oklahoma

15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Michael Clayton WR Louisiana State

16 Philadelphia Eagles Shawn Andrews T Arkansas

17 Denver Broncos D.J. Williams OLB Miami (Fla.)

18 New Orleans Saints Will Smith DE Ohio State

19 Miami Dolphins Vernon Carey T Miami (Fla.)

20 Minnesota Vikings Kenechi Udeze DE USC

21 New England Patriots Vince Wilfork NT Miami (Fla.)

22 Buffalo Bills J.P. Losman QB Tulane

23 Seattle Seahawks Marcus Tubbs DT Texas

24 St. Louis Rams Steven Jackson RB Oregon State

25 Green Bay Packers Ahmad Carroll CB Arkansas

26 Cincinnati Bengals Chris Perry RB Michigan

27 Houston Texans Jason Babin OLB Western Michigan

28 Carolina Panthers Chris Gamble CB Ohio State

29 Atlanta Falcons Michael Jenkins WR Ohio State

30 Detroit Lions Kevin Jones RB Virginia Tech

31 San Francisco 49ers Rashaun Woods WR Oklahoma State

32 New England Patriots Benjamin Watson TE

The 2004 draft had 4 QB taken, 3 RB late, 2 TE (one 6th overall) and 7 WR all in the 1st round.

16 skill players were drafted in 2004.

The average number of skill players drafted from 2003-2013 are 8.5
What makes the WRs interesting this year is that in this draft and 2009 us the minimal amount of success the WRs have. This draft really has only 1 real success out of 7. Maybe 1 or 2 good years at most for the others. Unless this is historically great class, most of these guys aside from Watkins will be busts.
 
What makes the WRs interesting this year is that in this draft and 2009 us the minimal amount of success the WRs have. This draft really has only 1 real success out of 7. Maybe 1 or 2 good years at most for the others. Unless this is historically great class, most of these guys aside from Watkins will be busts.
To compare this one to that class:

Fitzgerald = Watkins

Roy Williams = Mike Evans

Reggie Williams = Kelvin Benjamin

Lee Evans = Cooks

Michael Clayton = Jordan Matthews

Michael Jenkins = Martavis Bryant

Woods = Allen Robinson

 
stbugs said:
I was watching ESPN tonight and on their ticker they had a mock draft. It may have been Kiper's (I think it mentioned him in the top 10), not sure. Anyway, they split it into top 10, 11-20 and 21-32 and they had Watkins and Evans in 1-10, Beckham, Lee and Cooks in 11-20 and then had Benjamin, Latimer and Matthews in 21-32.

Not sure how many WRs will go in the first, but I can't imagine 8 will go in the first.
I think there is a lot of talent at other positions, coupled with the depth of the WR class I can see some teams passing on WR early on because of the teams belief in drafting a WR they like with a later pick.

So far people have been comparing the WR group to 2009. But I think it is possible this WR may be better than that.

This draft may be more similar to the 2004 draft (which was one of the better overall classes I've seen).

2004 draft-

1 San Diego Chargers Eli Manning QB Mississippi

2 Oakland Raiders Robert Gallery T Iowa

3 Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald WR Pittsburgh

4 New York Giants Philip Rivers QB North Carolina State

5 Washington Redskins Sean Taylor FS Miami (Fla.)

6 Cleveland Browns Kellen Winslow TE Miami (Fla.)

7 Detroit Lions Roy Williams WR Texas

8 Atlanta Falcons DeAngelo Hall CB Virginia Tech

9 Jacksonville Jaguars Reggie Williams WR Washington

10 Houston Texans Dunta Robinson CB South Carolina

11 Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger QB Miami (Ohio)

12 New York Jets Jonathan Vilma MLB Miami (Fla.)

13 Buffalo Bills Lee Evans WR Wisconsin

14 Chicago Bears Tommie Harris DT Oklahoma

15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Michael Clayton WR Louisiana State

16 Philadelphia Eagles Shawn Andrews T Arkansas

17 Denver Broncos D.J. Williams OLB Miami (Fla.)

18 New Orleans Saints Will Smith DE Ohio State

19 Miami Dolphins Vernon Carey T Miami (Fla.)

20 Minnesota Vikings Kenechi Udeze DE USC

21 New England Patriots Vince Wilfork NT Miami (Fla.)

22 Buffalo Bills J.P. Losman QB Tulane

23 Seattle Seahawks Marcus Tubbs DT Texas

24 St. Louis Rams Steven Jackson RB Oregon State

25 Green Bay Packers Ahmad Carroll CB Arkansas

26 Cincinnati Bengals Chris Perry RB Michigan

27 Houston Texans Jason Babin OLB Western Michigan

28 Carolina Panthers Chris Gamble CB Ohio State

29 Atlanta Falcons Michael Jenkins WR Ohio State

30 Detroit Lions Kevin Jones RB Virginia Tech

31 San Francisco 49ers Rashaun Woods WR Oklahoma State

32 New England Patriots Benjamin Watson TE

The 2004 draft had 4 QB taken, 3 RB late, 2 TE (one 6th overall) and 7 WR all in the 1st round.

16 skill players were drafted in 2004.

The average number of skill players drafted from 2003-2013 are 8.5
What makes the WRs interesting this year is that in this draft and 2009 us the minimal amount of success the WRs have. This draft really has only 1 real success out of 7. Maybe 1 or 2 good years at most for the others. Unless this is historically great class, most of these guys aside from Watkins will be busts.
I am making the comparison in terms of how the players will be drafted, their talent level as prospects. Not how these players would compare on a case by case basis of their expected career performance.

There may only be 5 WR drafted in the 1st round of 2014 and zero RB.

 
From the rankings above I extracted the WR and TE players h/w/40 time

1 Sammy Watkins WR Clemson 6'1" 211 4.43
2 Mike Evans WR Texas A&M 6'5" 231 4.53
3 Jordan Matthews WR Vanderbilt 6'3" 212 4.46
4 Brandin Cooks WR Oregon State 5'10" 189 4.33
5 Marqise Lee WR USC 6'0" 192 4.52
6 Odell Beckham WR LSU 5'11" 198 4.43
7 Davante Adams WR Fresno State 6'1" 212 4.56
9 Allen Robinson WR Penn State 6'2" 220 4.60
10 Eric Ebron TE North Carolina 6'4" 250 4.60

11 Kelvin Benjamin WR Florida State 6'5" 240 4.61
15 Donte Moncrief WR Ole Miss 6'2" 221 4.40
22 Austin Seferian Jenkins TE Washington 6'5" 262 4.68*

28 Jarvis Landry WR LSU 5'11" 205 4.77
29 Troy Niklas TE Notre Dame 6'6" 270 4.69*
30 Paul Richardson WR Colorado 6'0" 175 4.40
32 Brandon Coleman WR Rutgers 6'6" 225 4.56

34 Martivis Bryant WR Clemson 6'4" 211 4.42
35 Jared Abbrederis WR Wisconsin 6'1" 195 4.50
40 Cody Latimer WR Indiana 6'2" 215 4.39*
41 AC Leonard TE Tennessee St 6'2" 252 4.50

42 Cody Hoffman WR BYU 6'4" 223 4.65
43 TJ Jones WR Notre Dame 6'0" 188 4.48
45 Robert Herron WR Wyoming 5'9" 193 4.48
47 Jeff Janis WR Saginaw Valley 6'3" 219 4.42

I set tiers by where they ranked the next TE prospect. I am seeing a similar pattern of 8 WR ranked near the top then Ebron. The cut off point is usually around Kelvin Benjamin separating the top tier of WR from the rest.

Looking at Landry's 40 time again sure makes me wonder about him.
 
Biabreakable, thank you for posting those articles, they are great and very helpful.

Does anyone here think Davante Adams is getting a bit lost in the massive WR shuffle? Could he be a top 2 WR from this class? It seems he has awesome body control and can catch everything. His catch radius is bigger than he looks standing still because his athleticism and control. Is he just considered a product of Carr or something? Thanks

 
Biabreakable, thank you for posting those articles, they are great and very helpful.

Does anyone here think Davante Adams is getting a bit lost in the massive WR shuffle? Could he be a top 2 WR from this class? It seems he has awesome body control and can catch everything. His catch radius is bigger than he looks standing still because his athleticism and control. Is he just considered a product of Carr or something? Thanks
I think so. Really like Adams and Robinson. And Beckham and Cook. Oh, and ....

 
Biabreakable, thank you for posting those articles, they are great and very helpful.

Does anyone here think Davante Adams is getting a bit lost in the massive WR shuffle? Could he be a top 2 WR from this class? It seems he has awesome body control and can catch everything. His catch radius is bigger than he looks standing still because his athleticism and control. Is he just considered a product of Carr or something? Thanks
I think so. Really like Adams and Robinson. And Beckham and Cook. Oh, and ....
Thanks. Yeah, I know that lots of people like a bunch of WRs here. I'm asking from a relative point of view, so my question is not only might he be a good WR, but one of the best from this class?

 
Does anyone here think Davante Adams is getting a bit lost in the massive WR shuffle? Could he be a top 2 WR from this class? It seems he has awesome body control and can catch everything. His catch radius is bigger than he looks standing still because his athleticism and control. Is he just considered a product of Carr or something? Thanks
As I have watched more of Adams he keeps moving up my list. I noted quite a few folks I respect had him pretty high on their lists, which made me wonder the same thing, is he a product of David Carr and high volume passing offense?

The more I watched of him the more I came to the conclusion that Adams made Carr look more efficient than it being the other way around. Adams adjusts to the ball very well and has a my ball attitude coming down with difficult and contested catches pretty often.

So better late than never, but Adams has moved his way up to WR 7 on my most recent list ahead of Benjamin. I also moved Landry pretty far down the WR list due to lack of speed.

 
2014 rookie rankings at dynasty league football:
Looking at Landry's 40 time again sure makes me wonder about him.
Landry will be a huge bargain.
He is highly regarded by many draftniks which is why I had him pretty high on my list until recently. But speed matters and I am not sure his game will translate well to the NFL.

What do you like about him? What pro does his skill set compare to?

FWIW this is how my list looks today (with the changes I mentioned) -

WR Sammy Watkins
WR Mike Evans
WR Marqise Lee
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
WR Brandin Cooks
WR Jordan Matthews
WR Davonte Adams
WR Kelvin Benjamin
WR Allen Robinson
WR Donte Moncrief
WR Cody Latimer
WR Martavis Bryant
WR Jeff Janis
WR Jarvis Landry
WR Josh Huff
WR Bruce Ellington
WR Kevin Norwood
WR Robert Herron
WR Mike Davis
WR Paul Richardson
WR Dri Archer
WR Shaquelle Evans
WR/TE Brandon Coleman
WR Cody Hoffman
WR L'Damian Washington
WR Jared Abbredeis
WR Matt Hazel
WR/TE DJ Coles

The overall list right now-

WR Sammy Watkins
WR Mike Evans - These 2 players may not deserve their own tier, but they seem to have the consensus percieved value so the safer bets to be successful players than the rest. But I think the next 6 players have similar potential.

RB Bishop Sankey
WR Marqise Lee
RB Carlos Hyde
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
WR Brandin Cooks
TE Eric Ebron - these 8 players have great potential if that meets opportunity it should mean a lot of points. Sankey and Hyde seem to be the top 2 RB to me but I can see any of the RB in the next tier possibly being the best RB from this class.

RB Lache Seastrunk
QB Johnny Manziel
WR Jordan Matthews
RB Charles Sims
QB Teddy Bridgewater
QB Blake Bortles
WR Davonte Adams
RB Tre Mason
WR Kelvin Benjamin
WR Allen Robinson
RB Jeremy Hill
QB Derek Carr
TE Jace Amaro
TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins
- I consider all of the above 22 players to potentially be considered as 1st round rookie dynasty picks in the right situation.


RB Isaiah Crowell
WR Donte Moncrief
RB Devonta Freeman
RB Damien Williams
RB Terrance West
WR Cody Latimer
WR Martavis Bryant
QB Brett Smith
WR Josh Huff
QB Garrett Gilbert
RB Andre Williams
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
QB Zach Metternberger
WR Jeff Janis
RB KaDeem Carey
WR Bruce Ellington
WR Robert Herron
WR Kevin Norwood
RB Stephen Houston
RB Antonio Andrews
WR Jarvis Landry
WR Mike Davis - This tier of 21 players still have the potential to be starting quality in the right situation. Possibly moving up into the 3rd tier/(1st round pick quality). For the most part I expect these players to carry 2nd round rookie pick value in a decent not great situation/opportunity.

RB Jerick McKinnon
RB DeAnthony Thomas
TE C.J. Fiedorowicz
WR Dri Archer
QB Aaron Murray
TE Colt Lyerla
TE A.C Leonard
QB David Fales
WR Paul Richardson
QB Tajh Boyd
QB Logan Thomas
RB Storm Johnson
QB AJ McCarron
WR Shaquelle Evans
Qb Tom Savage
WR/TE Brandon Coleman
RB Marion Grice
WR Cody Hoffman
WR L'Damian Washington
RB James White
RB Rajion Neal
RB Tim Flanders
RB James Wilder - This last tier of 23 players are guys I consider to be long shots. So more of a watch list. If they land in a good situation I could see them moving up into the 4th tier value of players.

I am not sure if Landry is really much better than Cody Hoffman or other WR who have good ball skills but poor speed.

 
WaltherFootball top 25 WR http://walterfootball.com/draft2014WR.php

...
(Please note a value drop here at WR 20 meaning this is a new tier-)

21-Robert Herron, WR, Wyoming
Height: 5-9. Weight: 193.
40 Time: 4.48.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.

3/29/14: Herron isn't the biggest of receivers, yet he had a solid career for Wyoming. Herron's best season came as a senior with 72 receptions for 937 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2012, he had 31 catches for 657 yards and eight scores. Herron helped himself at the Senior Bowl and ran a fast 40 at the Combine.
...
Anyone have any views on Herron?

It turns out (per an interview he had on Fox sports radio that I caught randomly) that Herron had workouts with the Saints and the Panthers. Now I've had an inkling that the Saints are interested in the right WR (say maybe a Cooks in the 1st round if he's there, but not just any WR like they did with Meachem), and we all know that Carolina really needs a quality pass catcher, but the fact they're both interested also tells me (a leap here maybe granted) that the Saints might be looking to snag a WR to simply keep him from the Panthers. Not sure if that holds water.

Anyway, apparently he ran a 4.29 at the combine. And we all know the Saints can take an UDFA (Lance Moore) or a late rounder (Colston 7th, Stills 5th) and make them into something.

Any observations or pro ready qualifications on Herron?

 
Jarvis Landry improves his 40 time at LSU Pro Dayhttp://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20140410/SPORTS0202/304100015/Jarvis-Landry-improves-his-40-time-LSU-Pro-Day

BATON ROUGE — Former LSU wide receiver Jarvis Landry shaved a full tenth of a second off his 40-yard dash time at LSU’s Pro Day Wednesday.

Landry ran the 40-yard dash in 4.51 seconds — more than a tenth of a second better than his disappointing 4.65 time in the 40 at the NFL Combine last February in Indianapolis that featured various tests, agility drills and timings like Pro Day.

“I’m ecstatic,” Landry said. “I guess I silenced a few of the critics.”

Landry led LSU in receptions, yards receiving and in touchdowns as a junior last season with 77 catches for 1,193 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“He can run,” LSU offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. “The coaches who came here, they have no doubt what his speed is — his game speed. He carries his pads well.”

Landry is projected as a second round pick.

Beckham Sits Out: LSU’s other junior wide receiver who has entered the NFL Draft is Odell Beckham Jr., who did not run the 40-yard dash on Wednesday because he had an excellent 4.43 time at the NFL Combine in February. Already considered a first round pick either in the middle or late, Beckham did not take part in any of the drills.

“There are teams I’ve actually talked to about mid-round to the front of the round that are looking for receivers,” he said. “It’s not like you know where you’re going to go, but you know that teams are looking for receivers. I think three receivers may be taken before the 15th pick. You’ve just got to wait around and see.”

Beckham has been invited to visit the New York Jets, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills in the next two weeks.

“It’s a whirlwind, and I’ve heard that this next month is going to be even more hectic,” he said. “It’s a crazy experience, but one that’s well worth it.”

Faces In The Crowd: There were no less than five NFL head coaches at LSU’s Pro Day – Saints coach Sean Payton, Jets coach Rex Ryan, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly and Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer.

Other Saints coaches spotted were defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, defensive line coach Bill Johnson and linebacker coach Joe Vitt. New Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner was also on hand. Former LSU defensive line coach Pete Jenkins also attended.
Obviously I am a bit skeptical of this pro day 40 time. So I split the difference between that and his combine time which tells me his speed is likely something around 4.6

It isn't just his lack of speed that bothers me either. He performed poorly on the jump drills and he is a smaller player than was expected as well.

I think it is a very good thing that he was coached by Cam Cameron who is a former NFL coach. That should help his players transition better to the NFL.

His situation seems to matter more than some of the other WR who have abilities where you can see them winning their match ups at the next level.

 
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WaltherFootball top 25 WR http://walterfootball.com/draft2014WR.php

...
(Please note a value drop here at WR 20 meaning this is a new tier-)

21-Robert Herron, WR, Wyoming
Height: 5-9. Weight: 193.
40 Time: 4.48.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.

3/29/14: Herron isn't the biggest of receivers, yet he had a solid career for Wyoming. Herron's best season came as a senior with 72 receptions for 937 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2012, he had 31 catches for 657 yards and eight scores. Herron helped himself at the Senior Bowl and ran a fast 40 at the Combine.
...
Anyone have any views on Herron?

It turns out (per an interview he had on Fox sports radio that I caught randomly) that Herron had workouts with the Saints and the Panthers. Now I've had an inkling that the Saints are interested in the right WR (say maybe a Cooks in the 1st round if he's there, but not just any WR like they did with Meachem), and we all know that Carolina really needs a quality pass catcher, but the fact they're both interested also tells me (a leap here maybe granted) that the Saints might be looking to snag a WR to simply keep him from the Panthers. Not sure if that holds water.

Anyway, apparently he ran a 4.29 at the combine. And we all know the Saints can take an UDFA (Lance Moore) or a late rounder (Colston 7th, Stills 5th) and make them into something.

Any observations or pro ready qualifications on Herron?
Robert Herron Scouting Report: NFL Outlook for Wyoming WR By Ryan McCrystal, Featured Columnist

Mar 10, 2014

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1983406-robert-herron-scouting-report-nfl-outlook-for-wyoming-wr

NFL Comparison: Travis Benjamin, WR, Cleveland Browns

Positives

  • Prototypical slot receiver for the NFL.
  • Plenty of experience both in the slot and out wide.
  • Well built for his size and capable of bouncing off would-be tacklers.
  • Primarily played running back as a freshman, which shows up in his running style after the catch.
  • Straight-line speed isn't quite elite, but it's dangerous enough that opponents must respect his ability to break free down the field.
  • Change-of-direction ability ranks among the top receivers in this draft class.
  • His speed, agility and diminutive size make him slippery when weaving through traffic after the catch.
  • Impressive leaping ability gives him the tools to make some plays on 50/50 balls, despite his lack of height.
  • Shows flashes of ability in his route running, occasionally losing defensive backs with double moves and subtle fakes.
  • Shows great body control when adjusting to poorly placed passes.
  • Large hands for his size, which clearly helps him as he hauls in nearly everything thrown his direction.
  • Limited experience against top competition, but always stepped up in the biggest games.
  • Has the overall skill set of a return specialist and may be given an opportunity in that area despite limited experience in college.
Negatives

  • Height may limit him to a role in the slot.
  • Route running can be sloppy at times—he had the pure speed to win most of his battles against lower-level competition and didn't always focus on running the most crisp routes.
  • Ran a fairly basic set of routes in Wyoming, limited primarily to simple deep routes (fly, post, corner, etc.) and short screens and slants.
  • Almost no experience on special teams (just three kick returns, zero punt returns).
  • Level of competition raises some concern, as it's difficult to see just how well his speed and agility translates against defenses with more balanced talent.
  • Below-average blocking skills and generally doesn't give a great effort.
  • Serious durability concerns due to size and history of nagging injuries—missed four games in 2012 with a shin injury, missed time with a concussion and another unspecified injury in 2010.
Overall

Herron's skill set compares favorably to LSU's Odell Beckham, who is regarded as a potential first-round selection. Both are undersized, but have a combination of speed and agility which makes them extremely dangerous.

The main difference between the two is in their route running. Beckham is among the best in this class, while Herron still trusts his raw talent a little too much and hasn't refined the technique necessary to excel at the next level. As a result, Herron probably comes off the board a few rounds after Beckham, but he definitely has the tools to play at a high level if he continues to develop.

Draft Projection: 3rd-4th round

By Dave-Te' Thomas
NFL Draft ReportPosted Apr 21, 2014 http://min.scout.com/2/1396029.html
Robert Herron
[SIZE=.9em]Wide Receiver [/SIZE]

University of Wyoming Cowboys #6 5:09.1-193

Los Angeles, California

Dorsey High School

[SIZE=.9em]OVERVIEW[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]The former prep running back with blazing speed that made him a renowned track star during his days at Los Angeles’ Dorsey High School has been on cruise control to the National Football League ever since stepping into the starting lineup the second half of his sophomore season at Wyoming. Based on the countless cornerbacks he has raced past during his college career, the split end has never stopped running. Now, he is hoping to take his fleet feet and step on to an NFL field in 2014.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]It has been a long “road trip” for the Los Angeles native, who ventured more than 1,000 miles away from home to play college football. When he first made the decision to Laramie four years ago, he constantly doubted why he pursued a career as a Cowboy.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]Herron did not sign on with Wyoming until two days before 2010 August camp was about to commence. He not only had to take a crash course in the playbook and quickly grasp the offensive scheme, but for a city kid, it was quite a culture shock adapting from living in a city with millions to going to a town that generously lists its population at 30,000.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]As each day passed and the plays looked more and more complicated, Herron was considering dropping out, heading home and enrolling at one of the local colleges back in the Los Angeles area. “It was real tough getting adjusted to the new lifestyle,” Herron said. “It was a whole new life out there in Wyoming. It was cold as heck. The city felt very isolated. I was real homesick coming from LA.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]Looking back at that decision to leave home, Herron realizes it was all for the best and he is just weeks away from hearing his name called on draft day and beginning the next phase of his football life. He just hopes that next phase ends as well as the one he started back in August 2010.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]As a child, Herron was raised by his father’s first cousin, who he refers to as Aunt Kathy. Because his father was imprisoned and his mother wasn’t a consistent presence, he was fortunate to have Kathy Hales in his life. Herron also learned a valuable lesson at a young age: Nothing is given. With hope that one day he’d be able to play football professionally, Herron spent early mornings and late nights in high school with position coach Jeff Johnson. It was on that field where he molded himself into being one of the most polished prospects for the 2014 NFL Draft.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]“He came to one of my high school games at Dorsey and he saw that I had the potential,” Herron said. “He started working with me and taught me how to separate myself from the competition. I tried to perfect my footwork. He helped me a lot and made me become a good receiver.” Herron, who is 5-foot-9, 193 pounds, uses his speed and quickness to be an efficient receiver. While lengthy cornerbacks pressed Herron in coverage during Senior Bowl week, he made them pay with quick-twitch double moves.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]“The plays that we ran at Wyoming were a lot different than the plays we ran at the Senior Bowl,” Herron said. “I knew I had some NFL route-running skills, but I showed some separation off the jam, too. I think I proved a lot that week.” His play certainly caught the eyes of league scouts and team personnel, but he didn’t surprise his former strength and conditioning coach Firdose Khan.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]“When I first met him I knew he had amazing potential,” said Khan, who spent four years with Herron at Wyoming. “He has speed and all the athleticism you could want. He needed a positive influence and someone who would go to work with him. He’s a worker. From there we built a bond. I could see it in his eyes. There’s a lot of people who talk, but I could tell he really wanted to be great.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]Herron would typically spend Friday nights with quarterback Brett Smith, who is also eligible for the 2014 draft. They would work with Khan in the half-acre gym looking to get better. The more time he spent working on his craft, the more familiar he became with the unacquainted sights of the small town. Herron knew he was at the right place at the right time and he chose to capitalize on the opportunity.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]“He’s going to be very productive because he has the mental part down,” Khan said. “Showing up on time, being at meetings, football is all he has. He’d be damned if he’d let someone or something take that from him. His work ethic is unmatched.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]Despite running the 40-yard dash at 4.48 seconds and delivering a scorching 6.84 clocking in the three-cone drill, along with executing a 10’-5” broad jump, Herron believes he can continue to improve on all areas of his game with some proper fundamentals.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]While he looks back at his time in Laramie, he wouldn’t have it any other way. The adversity humbled him, which has fueled him to be where he is today. “I just stayed and hoped for the best,” Herron said. “I wanted to leave, but I’m glad it didn’t because it paid off in the end.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]At Dorsey High School, Herron lettered in football as a junior and senior, competing as a running back and wide receiver, but it was not until his final year that he saw extensive action. In 2009, he helped guide his team to a 9-4 record and an appearance in the semifinals of the state playoffs. He finished second on the squad with 24 catches for 600 yards and six touchdowns, while adding 15 carries for 171 yards and three scores on the ground. His efforts earned him first team all-city and all-league honors.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]Herron also lettered as a sprinter in track and field his final two years. As a senior, he qualified for the state meet in four events, after helping win city titles in the 4-x-400-meter[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em](3:18.34) and 4-x-100-meter relays (41.01). As a junior, his best performances during the outdoor season produced a 10.73 clocking in the 100 meters and 21.93 seconds in the 200 meters. He owned personal bests of 20.99 seconds in the 200 meters and 10.50 in the 100 meters. In the classroom, Herron volunteered as a peer mediator.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]His late arrival at Wyoming left the true freshman auditioning for playing time in 2010. The coaches tried him as a tailback, slot receiver and at split end, but he saw his most extensive action toting the pigskin out of the backfield, generating 235 yards on 40 carries, the third-best rushing total on the team. He also caught a half-dozen screen passes for 57 yards while appearing in a total of 10 games before a concussion vs. Nevada-Las Vegas kept him out of the season finale vs. Colorado State.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]Herron earned the slot receiver position for the final seven games on the 2011 schedule and the switch from the backfield saw the youngster haul in 43 passes, the second-best total on the squad. He scored three times and gained 379 aerial yards and also picked up 53 yards on eight carries.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]Having increased his bulk to 187 pounds, Herron would start all eight games he appeared in as a slot receiver in 2012. He suffered a shin injury in the season opener vs. Texas that would sideline him for four of the Cowboys’ next five games, but when he returned to action, he finished fourth on the team with 31 receptions for 657 yards and eight touch-downs. He was one of just three major college players with a minimum of 30 catches to average 20 yards a reception in 2012 (21.19), joining Tavares King of Georgia (22.62 ypc; 42 for 950) and Titus Davis of Central Michigan (20.00 ypc; 43 for 860).[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]As a senior, Herron enjoyed a banner season, receiving All-American and All-Mountain West Conference recognition. With no injury issues to block his path, he recorded a career-high 72 receptions, marking the eighth time that the Cowboys featured a player with at least 70 catches in a season. In fact, it was the first time in school annals that two players reached that level in the same campaign (Dominic Rufran had 75). Herron amassed 937 yards and produced nine touchdowns.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]Herron’s final year was duly recognized as he received an invitation to play in the prestigious 2014 Senior Bowl, where he was matched vs. the elite cornerbacks in college football. Most team personnel left the week-long practices very impressed with the Wyoming prospect, as they considered him to have been the most consistent of the wide-outs in attendance.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]While perhaps best known for his straight-line speed, Herron also impressed scouts with his stout frame, competitiveness and willingness to extend for the contested grab. He made the catch of the day early in a mid-week practice, soaring high to snatch a high, hard pass from Clemson quarterback Tahj Boyd along the left sideline.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]CAREER NOTES[/SIZE]

[SIZE=.9em]Herron started 27-of-42 games at Wyoming, catching 152 passes for 2,030 yards (13.36 ypc) and 20 touchdowns…Carried 54 times for 310 yards (5.74 ypc) and gained 31 yards on three kickoff returns…Also recorded three solo tackles.[/SIZE]

 
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Biabreakable, thank you for posting those articles, they are great and very helpful.

Does anyone here think Davante Adams is getting a bit lost in the massive WR shuffle? Could he be a top 2 WR from this class? It seems he has awesome body control and can catch everything. His catch radius is bigger than he looks standing still because his athleticism and control. Is he just considered a product of Carr or something? Thanks
I think so. Really like Adams and Robinson. And Beckham and Cook. Oh, and ....
Thanks. Yeah, I know that lots of people like a bunch of WRs here. I'm asking from a relative point of view, so my question is not only might he be a good WR, but one of the best from this class?
I think he might be. Problem is he's just one of many who might be. I'm not sure he has anything that makes him rise above any of the other logjam though. I think draft slot will probably dictate my dynasty draft order. If he goes to New England or Carolina in the 2nd round, then yeah he's got a great shot to become a beast. If he goes to Cleveland in the 4th.....eh not so much.

 
No less than seven wide receivers will be among the Gang of 30 at the draft. It’s unclear if some guys just said, “No, I’ll avoid the bright lights of Broadway.” If they were snubbed, guys like Kelvin Benjamin have a right to be legitimately pissed. Cody Latimer has as much positive buzz around him as anyone, but wasn’t viewed as a top 10 type WR when a left foot injury kept him from working out at the Combine, yet he got the call. http://min.scout.com/2/1396390.html
The seven WR invites are Watkins, Evans, Lee, Beckham, Cooks, Matthews, Latimer.

Zero RB were invited.

4 QB were invited and Carr is not one of them. Bortles, Bridgewater, Manziel, Garappolo.

 
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By Dave-Te' Thomas
NFL Draft Report
Posted Apr 21, 2014 http://min.scout.com/2/1396024.html
Martavis Bryant

Wide Receiver
Clemson University Tigers #1
6:03.6-211
Calhoun Falls, South Carolina
Hargrave Military Academy
T.L. Hanna High School


OVERVIEW

While split end Sammy Watkins garnered most of the media attention during the Tigers’ pair of receivers three seasons together, Bryant never seemed to mind much about not being in the limelight. Bryant never came close to matching his teammates’ lofty numbers of 240 receptions for 3,3391 yards and 27 touchdowns, but once he secured a starting job as a junior, Bryant put together an impressive season that has thrust him into the elite receiver prospect section of the 2014 NFL Draft.

One look at Bryant’s career numbers of 61 receptions for 1,354 yards, it is just a shade better than Watkins’ worst season as a Tiger (57 for 709 yards in 2012), but the flanker made the most out of his limited opportunities. Eleven of his 13 career starts did not come until his junior season, but among players that appeared in at least two seasons of competition, his career average of 22.20 yards topped the previous NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and Atlantic Coast Conference record of 21.96 yards by Herman Moore of Virginia (114 for 2,504 yards; 1988-90).

Bryant also became just the third player in Clemson history to average at least 20 yards per reception, joining tight end Joe Blalock (20.34 ypc; 38 for 773; 1939-41) and flanker Gary Cooper (20.145 ypc; 79 for 1,592; 1985-89) to establish a new Tigers all-time record. He also converted 21.31% of his receptions into touchdowns, as his 13 scoring grabs are tied for tenth on the school career-record list.

Thanks to quarterback Tahj Boyd, Bryant and Watkins, Clemson led the Atlantic Coast Conference and ranked ninth in the nation in passing (333.1 ypg), finishing tenth in total offense (507.7 ypg) and eighth in scoring (40.2 ppg) in the FBs during the 2013 season.

Bryant and Watkins combined for 143 receptions for 2,292 yards (16.03 ypc) and 19 touchdowns last season. The only ACC tandem to register more receiving yards in the same season were North Carolina State’s Torry Holt (1,604) and Chris Coleman (876), who totaled 2,480 yards in 1998.

While the media has yet to embrace Bryant and his impressive athletic ability, the two Clemson receivers certainly impressed NFL decision makers with their almost identical performances at the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine. In their own personal version of the game show, “Can You Top This,” Watkins ran 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash, but Bryant beat him with a 4.42 time. After Watkins delivered a 34-inch vertical jump, Bryant performed the event at 39-inches.

Bryant measured 10’-4” in the broad jump, with Watkins delivering 10’-6”. Both met at 16 reps during the 225-pound bench press. Watkins was timed at 4.34 in the 20-yard shuttle, giving way to Bryant, who performed it at 4.15 seconds. The three-cone drill saw Bryant come in at 7.18 seconds, but Watkins ran a scorching 6.95-second event.

Before he arrived on the Clemson University campus in 2011, Bryant was rated the third-best player in the nation by 247Sports.com during his senior season at T.L. Hanna High School. Scout.com ranked him ninth among the state of South Carolina’s high school prospects.

Bryant moved into the starting lineup for head coach Kenya Fouch during his sophomore season, producing 47 catches for 803 yards, eight kickoff returns for 208 yards, and eight punt returns for 107 yards. In 2008, he recorded 44 receptions for 776 yards and six touch-downs, adding 13 kickoff returns for 348 yards and a touchdown.

Rated ninth in the state by the Charlotte Observer, Bryant played in the Shrine Bowl and U.S. Army All-American game after receiving first-team all-state honors from The State and the High School Sports Report as a senior in 2009. He had 70 receptions for 722 yards and 11 touchdowns during his final campaign. He did not qualify academically after his senior year and attended Hargrave Military Academy to improve his academic standing.

At Hargrave in 2010, Bryant was the top receiver for an offense that was quarterbacked by Doug Williams, Jr., the son of the former Super Bowl Champion. He had five catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns in his first game, including touchdown catches from Williams that were 60 and 74 yards.

Bryant enrolled at Clemson University in 2011 and he was immediately inserted into the receiving corps rotation. In 14 games, he started twice, but managed just nine receptions. However, he made the most of those few chances, scoring twice while averaging 24.56 yards (221 total) per catch. He also averaged 22.5 yards as a kickoff returner.

Much like his teammate, Sammy Watkins, Bryant experienced a few “roadblocks” during his sophomore season that would limit him to 10 games in reserve action. He missed the Boston College and Wake Forest contests after he injured his groin working out in the

Tigers strength facility in September and missed the Chick fil-A Bowl when he was ruled academically ineligible. He finished with just 10 receptions, but his average of 30.5 yards per grab (305) was the best for any non-qualifier in the major college ranks. Four of those catches resulted in touchdowns and he also averaged 19.77 yards on 13 kickoff returns.

Bryant’s breakout season would come in 2013. He rededicated himself to not only the game of football and his class work, but also wanted to show the coaches that he was willing to “buy into the program.” Seeing his change in attitude and work ethic, head coach Dabo Swinney would send the junior flanker out for 11 starting assignments. Bryant rewarded his coach’s faith by finishing second on the team with a career-high 42 receptions for 828 yards (19.71 ypc) and seven touchdowns.

There was one “brief” moment during his junior season when Bryant was temporarily in his coach’s doghouse. After he scored the first of two touchdowns in the North Carolina State game, Bryant was caught on tape making a “throat-slashing” gesture after hauling in a 30-yard touchdown reception from Tajh Boyd during the third-ranked Tigers’ 26-14 win. Bryant escaped a 15-yard flag, but was not free from the coaching staff’s wrath.

Bryant was suspended for the first half of the Tigers’ next game, vs. Wake Forest. “He’ll play this weekend, but it will affect his playing time a little bit,” head coach Dabo Swinney announced during his Tuesday press conference prior to the Wake Forest clash. “Just an unacceptable gesture after scoring a touchdown that nobody even knew about until after the game, but it’s not representative of what we want. So there will be some team discipline for him.”

“Listen, he’s been good. Just one of those situations that you’re always growing and teaching,” Swinney said, referring to Bryant. “It’s just unacceptable behavior, and he knew it. I wish I had seen it during the game. I wish the refs had called a flag. There’s no better punishment than immediate. Everybody missed it, but TV sure didn’t miss it. He’ll be fine. I don’t think he’ll do it again.”

On January 5th, 2014, two days after Clemson defeated Ohio State, 40-35, in the Orange Bowl, Bryant told the Post & Courier that he was leaving school and filing paperwork to enter the 2014 NFL Draft. In a text message, he stated the decision was "best for me and my family."

Bryant fit comfortably into the role as Tajh Boyd's number-two big-play option threat in 2013, with 17 of his 42 catches going for 20 yards, including eight for 30 yards and four for 40 or more. The Calhoun Falls native led the ACC in yards per catch (19.7) for a second consecutive season. He exceeded his prior two-year receiving total in 2013's first 10 games en route to 828 yards and seven touchdowns. Bryant finishes his Clemson career with 61 career receptions for 1,354 yards and 13 scores.

CAREER NOTES

Bryant started 13 games, appearing in a total of thirty-seven contests during his Clemson career…Caught 61 passes for 1,354 yards (22.20 ypc) and 13 touchdowns, adding 338 yards on 17 kickoff returns (19.88 ypc) and 17 yards on a reverse…His receiving average of 22.20 yards topped the previous NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and Atlantic Coast Conference record of 21.96 yards by Herman Moore of Virginia (114 for 2,504 yards; 1988-90)

 
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Here is an older set of rankings before the combine and media has reshaped things somewhat-


WR Rankings by Adrian Ahufinger
Written by Adrian Ahufinger on February 15, 2014

http://draftbreakdown.com/wr-rankings-by-adrian-ahufinger/

1 Sammy Watkins Clemson Jr 6'1" 205 1st
2 Odell Beckham Jr. LSU Jr 6'0" 187 1st
3 Marqise Lee USC Jr 6'0" 195 1st

4 Allen Robinson Penn State Jr 6'3" 204 1st-2nd
5 Jarvis Landry LSU Jr 6'1" 195 1st-2nd
6 Brandin Cooks Oregon State Jr 5'10" 186 1st-2nd

7 Kelvin Benjamin Florida State rSo 6'5" 234 2nd
8 Mike Evans Texas A&M rSo 6'5" 225 2nd
9 Jordan Matthews Vanderbilt Sr 6'3" 209 2nd
10 Jared Abbrederis Wisconsin Sr 6'1" 189 2nd

11 Josh Huff Oregon Sr 5'11" 201 2nd-3rd
12 Martavis Bryant Clemson Jr 6'5" 200 2nd-3rd
13 Davante Adams Fresno State rSo 6'2" 216 2nd-3rd

14 Jalen Saunders Oklahoma Sr 5'9" 164 3rd
15 Ryan Grant Tulane rSr 6'0" 197 3rd
16 Donte Moncrief Ole Miss Jr 6'3" 216 3rd

17 Cody Hoffman BYU Sr 6'4" 218 3rd-4th
18 Devin Street Pittsburgh Sr 6'4" 190 3rd-4th
19 Brandon Coleman Rutgers rJr 6'6" 220 3rd-4th

20 Paul Richardson Colorado rJr 6'1" 170 4th
21 TJ Jones Notre Dame Sr 5'11" 190 4th
22 Bruce Ellington South Carolina rJr 5'9" 196 4th
23 Michael Campanaro Wake Forest rSr 5'9" 191 4th
24 Mike Davis Texas Sr 6'0" 193 4th

25 Allen Hurns Miami Sr 6'1" 193 4th-5th

26 Robert Herron Wyoming Sr 5'9" 193 5th
27 Kevin Norwood Alabama rSr 6'2" 197 5th
28 Eric Ward Texas Tech rSr 6'0" 204 5th

29 Shaq Evans UCLA rSr 6'1" 210 5th-6th
30 Chandler Jones San Jose State Sr 5'9" 180 5th-6th
31 L'Damian Washington Missouri rSr 6'4" 205 6th
32 Cody Latimer Indiana Jr 6'3" 215 6th
33 Josh Stewart Oklahoma State Jr 5'10" 185 6th-7th
34 Matt Hazel Coastal Carolina Sr 6'1" 196 7th
35 Jeremy Gallon Michigan rSr 5'7" 183 7th
36 Noel Grigsby San Jose State rSr 5'11" 175 7th
37 Willie Snead Ball State Jr 5'11" 193 7th-FA
38 Eric Thomas Troy Sr 6'1" 209 7th-FA
39 Tevin Reese Baylor rSr 5'10" 165 7th-FA
40 Corey Brown Ohio State Sr 5'11" 187 7th-FA
 
Here is an older set of rankings before the combine and media has reshaped things somewhat-

WR Rankings by Adrian Ahufinger

Written by Adrian Ahufinger on February 15, 2014

http://draftbreakdown.com/wr-rankings-by-adrian-ahufinger/

1 Sammy Watkins Clemson Jr 6'1" 205 1st
2 Odell Beckham Jr. LSU Jr 6'0" 187 1st
3 Marqise Lee USC Jr 6'0" 195 1st

4 Allen Robinson Penn State Jr 6'3" 204 1st-2nd
5 Jarvis Landry LSU Jr 6'1" 195 1st-2nd
6 Brandin Cooks Oregon State Jr 5'10" 186 1st-2nd

7 Kelvin Benjamin Florida State rSo 6'5" 234 2nd
8 Mike Evans Texas A&M rSo 6'5" 225 2nd
9 Jordan Matthews Vanderbilt Sr 6'3" 209 2nd
10 Jared Abbrederis Wisconsin Sr 6'1" 189 2nd

11 Josh Huff Oregon Sr 5'11" 201 2nd-3rd
12 Martavis Bryant Clemson Jr 6'5" 200 2nd-3rd
13 Davante Adams Fresno State rSo 6'2" 216 2nd-3rd

14 Jalen Saunders Oklahoma Sr 5'9" 164 3rd
15 Ryan Grant Tulane rSr 6'0" 197 3rd
16 Donte Moncrief Ole Miss Jr 6'3" 216 3rd

17 Cody Hoffman BYU Sr 6'4" 218 3rd-4th
18 Devin Street Pittsburgh Sr 6'4" 190 3rd-4th
19 Brandon Coleman Rutgers rJr 6'6" 220 3rd-4th

20 Paul Richardson Colorado rJr 6'1" 170 4th
21 TJ Jones Notre Dame Sr 5'11" 190 4th
22 Bruce Ellington South Carolina rJr 5'9" 196 4th
23 Michael Campanaro Wake Forest rSr 5'9" 191 4th
24 Mike Davis Texas Sr 6'0" 193 4th

25 Allen Hurns Miami Sr 6'1" 193 4th-5th

26 Robert Herron Wyoming Sr 5'9" 193 5th
27 Kevin Norwood Alabama rSr 6'2" 197 5th
28 Eric Ward Texas Tech rSr 6'0" 204 5th

29 Shaq Evans UCLA rSr 6'1" 210 5th-6th
30 Chandler Jones San Jose State Sr 5'9" 180 5th-6th
31 L'Damian Washington Missouri rSr 6'4" 205 6th
32 Cody Latimer Indiana Jr 6'3" 215 6th
33 Josh Stewart Oklahoma State Jr 5'10" 185 6th-7th
34 Matt Hazel Coastal Carolina Sr 6'1" 196 7th
35 Jeremy Gallon Michigan rSr 5'7" 183 7th
36 Noel Grigsby San Jose State rSr 5'11" 175 7th
37 Willie Snead Ball State Jr 5'11" 193 7th-FA
38 Eric Thomas Troy Sr 6'1" 209 7th-FA
39 Tevin Reese Baylor rSr 5'10" 165 7th-FA
40 Corey Brown Ohio State Sr 5'11" 187 7th-FA
Outside of Landry being too high and Adams too low, I think this is a good list.

 
Here is an older set of rankings before the combine and media has reshaped things somewhat-

WR Rankings by Adrian Ahufinger

Written by Adrian Ahufinger on February 15, 2014

http://draftbreakdown.com/wr-rankings-by-adrian-ahufinger/

1 Sammy Watkins Clemson Jr 6'1" 205 1st
2 Odell Beckham Jr. LSU Jr 6'0" 187 1st
3 Marqise Lee USC Jr 6'0" 195 1st

4 Allen Robinson Penn State Jr 6'3" 204 1st-2nd
5 Jarvis Landry LSU Jr 6'1" 195 1st-2nd
6 Brandin Cooks Oregon State Jr 5'10" 186 1st-2nd

7 Kelvin Benjamin Florida State rSo 6'5" 234 2nd
8 Mike Evans Texas A&M rSo 6'5" 225 2nd
9 Jordan Matthews Vanderbilt Sr 6'3" 209 2nd
10 Jared Abbrederis Wisconsin Sr 6'1" 189 2nd

11 Josh Huff Oregon Sr 5'11" 201 2nd-3rd
12 Martavis Bryant Clemson Jr 6'5" 200 2nd-3rd
13 Davante Adams Fresno State rSo 6'2" 216 2nd-3rd

14 Jalen Saunders Oklahoma Sr 5'9" 164 3rd
15 Ryan Grant Tulane rSr 6'0" 197 3rd
16 Donte Moncrief Ole Miss Jr 6'3" 216 3rd

17 Cody Hoffman BYU Sr 6'4" 218 3rd-4th
18 Devin Street Pittsburgh Sr 6'4" 190 3rd-4th
19 Brandon Coleman Rutgers rJr 6'6" 220 3rd-4th

20 Paul Richardson Colorado rJr 6'1" 170 4th
21 TJ Jones Notre Dame Sr 5'11" 190 4th
22 Bruce Ellington South Carolina rJr 5'9" 196 4th
23 Michael Campanaro Wake Forest rSr 5'9" 191 4th
24 Mike Davis Texas Sr 6'0" 193 4th

25 Allen Hurns Miami Sr 6'1" 193 4th-5th

26 Robert Herron Wyoming Sr 5'9" 193 5th
27 Kevin Norwood Alabama rSr 6'2" 197 5th
28 Eric Ward Texas Tech rSr 6'0" 204 5th

29 Shaq Evans UCLA rSr 6'1" 210 5th-6th
30 Chandler Jones San Jose State Sr 5'9" 180 5th-6th
31 L'Damian Washington Missouri rSr 6'4" 205 6th
32 Cody Latimer Indiana Jr 6'3" 215 6th
33 Josh Stewart Oklahoma State Jr 5'10" 185 6th-7th
34 Matt Hazel Coastal Carolina Sr 6'1" 196 7th
35 Jeremy Gallon Michigan rSr 5'7" 183 7th
36 Noel Grigsby San Jose State rSr 5'11" 175 7th
37 Willie Snead Ball State Jr 5'11" 193 7th-FA
38 Eric Thomas Troy Sr 6'1" 209 7th-FA
39 Tevin Reese Baylor rSr 5'10" 165 7th-FA
40 Corey Brown Ohio State Sr 5'11" 187 7th-FA
Outside of Landry being too high and Adams too low, I think this is a good list.
I agree.

Many of the pre combine draft lists I have seen are pretty good. There is more variance in these lists than you will see in some made more recently. Many of them have Landry being ranked in the top 10 so I keep that in consideration even though I have dropped him quite a bit.

Jalen Saunders is a player I have seen ranked fairly high who I do not list because I think he is too small to make it as much more than a special teams/offensive weapon type player like Dexter McCluster.

Street and Campanaro likely deserve to be ranked but I haven't looked into them enough yet to do so.

 
BOB’ MCGINN’S DRAFT SERIES: RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS April 30, 2014 6:11 p.m
It's a great year, if you're looking for pass-catchers

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Green Bay — As National Football League executives examine their draft boards ad nauseam, some will fret about less than stellar prospects in the defensive linemen and at tight end, running back and quarterback.

Then they'll gaze upon the multitude of wide receivers and know, as a comforting default move, it's the year to draft a pass catcher.

"I'm always cautious," said Rick Reiprish, the New Orleans Saints' director of college scouting. "I could (throw) out a number and say there's 12. With this group, if these guys go to the right teams, there could be a number of good players, because they're all talented."

In the last five drafts, an average of 12.8 wide receivers went off in the top 100. Teams might wait to draft here because of the sheer numbers, but there could be 15 or more in the first 100 this year.

How far down will teams still be able to secure a capable wide receiver?

"If you do your homework you can find that type of guy in the fourth round," said Don Gregory, the Carolina Panthers' director of college scouting.

It's not a stretch, according to Senior Bowl executive director and former Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage, to think this class could rival the greatest wide receiver drafts in history.

In 1978, the first 14 selections included James Lofton, Wes Chandler and John Jefferson.

In 1988, Michael Irvin, Tim Brown, Sterling Sharpe and Anthony Miller were among the first 15 choices; Brian Blades, Brett Perriman and Willie "Flipper" Anderson arrived within a span of seven selections late in Round 2, and Michael Haynes came along atop the seventh round.

And, in order of their selection, the 1996 contingent counted Keyshawn Johnson, Terry Glenn, Eddie Kennison, Marvin Harrison, Eric Moulds, Amani Toomer, Muhsin Muhammad, Bobby Engram, Terrell Owens and Joe Horn.

"Ten years from now, when we add up the production of this entire class, I would expect the numbers would be very strong," Savage said. "Are there a couple Hall of Famers in here? Perhaps. They'll certainly get that chance because the ball is in the air."

The Journal Sentinel polled 17 personnel men with national responsibilities to name their five top wide receivers. A first-place vote was worth five points, a second was worth four and so forth.

Sammy Watkins, with 15 firsts and two seconds, led with 83 points.

He was followed by Mike Evans, 59 points; Odell Beckham, 55 (two firsts); Brandin Cooks, 25; Marqise Lee, 22; Jordan Matthews, three; Kelvin Benjamin, Cody Latimer and Paul Richardson, two; and Davante Adams and Shaq Evans, one.

From a subjective list of the top 14 wide receivers, the only senior is Matthews.

Of the other 13, only Martavis Bryant and Richardson had four years on campus. Everyone else spent the necessary minimum of three years, although Mike Evans and Benjamin redshirted in 2011 and after two seasons renounced their final two seasons of eligibility.

The unwanted ghost in every draft room is the reality that several of these unpolished gems will come a cropper in the NFL.

"This is the scariest position to draft from," said one scouting veteran. "There's more busts in the top 10 at that position. There's some really good players here, but until they do it I can't say it's a great group."

Of the 23 wide receivers selected among the top 10 in the last 15 drafts, a total of fourteen, or a stunning 61%, could be categorized as busts or disappointments.

The six busts were David Terrell, Charles Rogers, Reggie Williams, Troy Williamson, Mike Williams and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

The eight disappointments were David Boston, Peter Warrick, Travis Taylor, Koren Robinson, Roy Williams, Braylon Edwards, Ted Ginn Jr. and Justin Blackmon.

Six of the 23 were, are or probably will be among the very elite at the position: Torry Holt, Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, A.J. Green and Julio Jones. The last five stand at least 6 feet 2 inches.

Plaxico Burress and Michael Crabtree have been very good performers; it's too early to tell about Tavon Austin.

"Part of it is the way the college game is played now," said Savage. "In a number of systems the player may only run six routes. In the NFL, you're asked to do a lot more.

"In college, there aren't as many sight adjustments and hot reads. The complications of the pressure defense is not there as much as it is in pro football.

"The biggest factor is you're going to get man coverage in your face in the NFL. In college football, you don't get that as much."

Five of the six top-10 busts entered the NFL as underclassmen, as did five of the eight disappointing players.

One team uncovered a significant correlation in the failure rate for junior wide receivers that had fewer than 36 receptions before their final season.

"Receivers that have two years of very good production have a much higher rate of success," an executive from that club said. "Guys that catch a lot of balls end up being pretty good players."

Be warned that Benjamin, with just 30 receptions before his 54-catch sophomore season, and Bryant, with only 19 before a 42-catch junior season, fall in the danger zone for callow wide receivers.

"Bryant is a maybe and I don't major in maybes," an AFC personnel man said. "Maybe there's some people that like maybes. I'm not a maybe guy."

Dismissing Benjamin, another scout said: "He's stiff and lazy. Can't separate. Inconsistent catcher. I don't think he has off the field what it takes to be great on field.

"Other than that he'll be fine."

At tight end, the Journal Sentinel poll asking for the top four prospects was cut and dried. Eric Ebron got the nod from all 17 execs to become the first unanimous choice at the position since Brandon Pettigrew in 2009.

Following Ebron, who had the maximum 68 points, were Austin Seferian-Jenkins, 37; Jace Amaro, 33; Troy Niklas, 16; C.J. Fiedorowicz, 11; Jake Murphy, three; and Arthur Lynch, two.

"Once you get past the first two or three everyone else you just put them in a bag and kind of shake them up," one scout said. "There's nothing that really stands out. The tough part is all the guys that are talented have off-field issues."

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So the list from above article-

Sammy Watkins 83

Mike Evans 59
Odell Beckham 55

Brandin Cooks 25
Marquise Lee 22

Jordan Matthews 3
Kelvin Benjamin 2
Cody Latimer 2
Paul RIchardson 2
Davante Adams 1
Shaq Evans 1



Ebron 68

Austin Seferian Jenkins 37
Jace Amaro 33

Troy Niklas 16
CJ Fiedorowicz 11

Jake Murphy 3

Arthur Lynch 2
 
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Rating the NFL draft prospects: Wide receivers and tight ends

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The Journal Sentinel's Bob McGinn assesses the top wide receivers and tight ends in the draft next week.

Included is each player's height, weight, 40-yard dash time and projected round.

WIDE RECEIVERS

1. SAMMY WATKINS, Clemson (6-0½, 213, 4.42, 1) — "He's so explosive," one scout said. "Just like Tavon Austin was last year. He's probably the most explosive guy in the draft." Third-year junior. In 2011, joined Herschel Walker, Marshall Faulk and Adrian Peterson as the only freshmen to make the AP All-America first team. "Really a dynamic player," said another scout. "He's so good in and out of his breaks. He runs like a running back but he moves like a receiver. He has strong hands to snatch the ball. He's going to be a real difference-maker." Concluded with a devastating 16-catch, 227-yard outburst against Ohio State in the Tigers' victorious Orange Bowl. Finished with 240 receptions for 3,391 yards (14.1-yard average) and 27 touchdowns. "He's had some drops this year," a third scout said. "He's not Calvin (Johnson) or Andre Johnson. He's almost a faster version of Dez Bryant but not as good hands. I had him ahead of Julio Jones." Doesn't turn 21 until June. From Fort Myers, Fla. "Good player but not great," a fourth scout said. "There's a lot of good stuff. But he's not a real good route runner and it's almost like he's gotten too thick in his lower body. Only 6 feet."

2. MIKE EVANS, Texas A&M (6-4½, 231, 4.52, 1) — Third-year sophomore. "Some of the best ball skills I've ever seen," one scout said. "Tremendous hand-eye coordination, body control, balance. He runs fast. Not a great route-runner. He's a little stiff in and out of his breaks. But he's a guy you throw the ball up to and he's going to catch his share like an Alshon Jeffery type of guy. Wish he was faster. Highly competitive." Outstanding prep basketball player in Galveston, Texas. Signed with Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman. "He doesn't really separate," another scout said. "He just goes up and climbs. He is exceptional because he's fast." Finished with 151 catches for 2,499 yards (16.6) and 17 TDs. Scored 25 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test. "I wonder if he had a big bump-run corner on him could he separate?" a third scout said. "That was my only hesitation. But now with the rules the way they are he'll get every call imaginable." Some scouts argue Evans made Johnny Manziel, while others argue just the opposite.

3. ODELL BECKHAM, Louisiana State (5-11, 196, 4.40, 1) — Played at Isidore Newman High in New Orleans, the same school that the Manning boys attended. "No holes that I can see," said one scout. "I think he will be great." Third-year junior improved his statistics each season, finishing with 143 catches for 2,340 yards (16.4) and 12 TDs. "He lacks the elite height and size," said another scout. "He has the athletic ability, ability to bend and get in and out of breaks, the catch radius, unbelievable hands, return value. He's a very, very talented player." His father was a running back at LSU and his mother was a national champion track athlete for the Tigers. "Little bit of a diva but he is tough," a third scout said. "More of an outside guy but he can stretch the field. Very, very, very explosive. Intriguing player." Compared by scouts to Marvin Harrison and Greg Jennings.

4. BRANDIN COOKS, Oregon State (5-9½, 187, 4.33, 1-2) — Compared by one scout to long-time Carolina Panther Steve Smith. "He's like Antonio Brown in Pittsburgh," one scout said. "That's a close comparison. He's faster down the field than Brown but he's sudden like he is." Third-year junior out of Stockton, Calif. "He surprised me by running that fast," another scout said. "He doesn't play as fast as he ran but he does get behind people. He's quick. In the air he can go to the ball and catch it one-handed. He plays bigger than he is because he can jump so well." Broke Pac-12 season records for receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,730) in 2013. Finished with 226 catches for 3,272 yards (14.5) and 24 TDs. Won't turn 21 until September. "He's exciting, in his own way," a third scout said. "Little stiff but really fast. Can make a lot of people miss. Limited routes he ran as a little guy. Stronger than Tavon Austin, but not as elusive."

5. MARQISE LEE, Southern California (6-0, 195, 4.47, 1-2) — Third-year junior from Inglewood, Calif. "Even though he doesn't run as well as Beckham he's more explosive," one scout said. "He has been the guy where Beckham has been one of the guys (at LSU). He was much better obviously in '12 than '13." After catching 118 passes for 1,721 yards (14.6) and 14 TDs in 2012, he was hampered by shoulder and knee injuries as well as shoddy quarterback play. Slumped to 57 grabs for 791 (13.9) and four TDs. "He's not going to be a great No. 1 but a good No. 1," said another scout. "Very similar to Greg Jennings. Greg may be a little thicker in the lowers. Speed is comparable." The Trojans' spotty track record at WR in the last 20 years has one scout concerned. "Go back since Keyshawn (Johnson)," he said. "They've had some busts."

6. KELVIN BENJAMIN, Florida State (6-5, 241, 4.65, 1-2) — Seminoles' best WR since Anquan Boldin. "Really like his up side," said one scout. "He's actually a little more fluid for a big guy getting in and out of his breaks but he's not as fast and certainly not near as smart as Evans. He's going to be a project. Good kid. He could have really used another year in school." Turned 23 in February but academic woes (Wonderlic of 7) delayed his arrival in Tallahassee until age 20. After redshirting in 2011 and backing up in '12, he broke out in '13. Finished with 84 catches for 1,506 yards (17.9) and 19 TDs. "Boom or bust," another scout said. "You can see some flashes. Little bit inconsistent, there's lack of speed and some stiffness." From the football hotbed of Belle Glade, Fla. "I should like him more," a third scout said. "I just thought he was a prima donna. That was his personality on tape."

7. ALLEN ROBINSON, Penn State (6-2½, 209, 4.52, 1-2) — Led the Big Ten in receptions and receiving yards two straight years. "Big, strong, fast," one scout said. "His speed is good enough, He's a legitimate No. 2. Speed is why he won't be a No. 1. I don't think he gets out of the second round." Third-year junior from Southfield, Mich. "I really like his RAC (run after catch) for a bigger guy," another scout said. "Like he's instant up the field. He will be a really good complementary starter. He does like the weight room, but it was bad because he put on too much weight before Indy." Weighed 220 at the combine but was down to 207 at pro day. Finished with 177 catches for 2,474 yards (14.0) and 17 TDs. "I liked his hands," a third scout said. "But he looked like more of a power guy than a lithe, quick guy." Led WRs with a 42-inch vertical jump.

8. CODY LATIMER, Indiana (6-2½, 215, 4.44, 2) — Third-year junior worked out well in late April after coming back from a foot injury. "He's big and he can get behind guys," said one scout. "He's competitive. Really good hands. He's a bigger guy so he's not a sudden guy who will gain a lot of separation against man coverage. He's going to beat you vertically and he's a big guy. He'll win by getting body position on guys. He's not a No. 1, not a special guy like that. He's a No. 2." Named Hoosiers' MVP in 2013. Finished with 137 receptions for 2,042 yards (15.1) and 17 TDs. From Dayton, Ohio. "People will say he can't run and played at Indiana," another scout said. "But he's big. He's in the top group."

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

10. DAVANTE ADAMS, Fresno State (6-1, 212, 4.59, 2-3) — Fourth-year junior from Palo Alto, Calif. "He's got very good ball skills, first of all," one scout said. "He's got big size. He catches a lot of shorter balls. That offense is a little bit inflated because they run all kinds of bubble screens and hitches. He's pretty savvy. He positions himself well. He's not a burner. I see him more as a possession guy. Probably like a Keenan Allen from (2013 draft, third round). Got some of the same skill set but I don't know if he has Keenan Allen's toughness." Led the nation in 2013 with 131 catches. Finished with 233 receptions for 3,030 yards (13.0) and 38 TDs. Probably best WR at Fresno State since Henry Ellard. "All his big games were against (expletive) competition like Hawaii," another scout said. "He came on a little at the end but I don't see him as a top-three round guy. Fourth round."

11. JARVIS LANDRY, Louisiana State (5-11½, 200, 4.67, 2-3) — Confirmed guesswork among scouts with a bad 40. "He's a poor man's version of the big guy with the 49ers (Anquan Boldin)," one scout said. "His numbers don't match up. I don't know how he gets the strength or whatever he possesses to do what he does. He manages to." Third-year junior from Lutcher, La., with 137 catches for 1,809 yards (13.2) and 15 TDs. "He's not near as fast as Sterling Sharpe," another scout said. "But this is a mean (expletive) that is tough." Vertical jump of 30½ exceeded by some offensive linemen. Added a third scout: "He's cocky. He wills himself to make plays. Not as big as James Jones. Really good football player."

12. DONTE MONCRIEF, Mississippi (6-2½, 220, 4.40, 2-3) — Led WRs with an 11-0 broad jump and blazed a fast 40. "He's a vertical receiver," said one scout. "He's a big guy with straight-line speed. He drops balls. He's got some tightness to him and he's not real quick, but he's powerful. He may be the best blocker of all the receivers. He actually goes after people." Third-year junior with 156 catches for 2,371 yards (15.2) and 20 TDs. Disappointing final season. "Really soft," said another scout. "He doesn't want anything to do with it." From Raleigh, Miss.

13. MARTAVIS BRYANT, Clemson (6-4, 214, 4.46, 3-4) – Fourth-year junior from Calhoun Falls, S.C. "He's a vertical guy," one scout said. "Clemson said he was the fastest guy on their team. I said, 'No way he's as fast as Watkins.' They said yes. This guy separates from them all. He's 6-4 and can run. If Al Davis was still alive he'd be all excited over him." Caught 61 passes for 1,354 yards (22.2) and 13 TDs; his average broke the FCS record of 22.0 held by Herman Moore since 1990. Wonderlic of 14, struggles in interviews. "He has a Randy Moss-type build," another scout said. "Doesn't run as fast as Randy but a notch below. There's some immaturity. He scored a touchdown and threw the ball in the stands and did the throat-slash gesture. He does some idiotic stuff. But as far as natural ability he's up there."

14. PAUL RICHARDSON, Colorado (6-0, 172, 4.39, 3-4) – Described by two scouts as "pure speed." Fourth-year junior from Los Angeles. "He's a lightweight guy so he can really get in and out of his (breaks)," said one scout. "He's not going to play the power game. He's not going to pull through tackles. If a (cornerback) gets his hands on him they're going to reroute him pretty easy. But if you want a guy who can separate on the outside from man cover that's what he can do. He can threaten deep. Great feet. Very quick." Finished with 156 receptions for bad Buffaloes teams, gaining 2,412 yards (15.5) and scoring 21 TDs. His father, Paul, was a WR obtained by Packers GM Ron Wolf from the Raiders in June 1992 for past considerations. He didn't last long in Green Bay. "Little bit of a forgotten guy," another scout said. "The only thing he lacks really is bulk."

OTHERS: Dri Archer, Kent State; Shaq Evans, UCLA; Kevin Norwood, Alabama; Bruce Ellington, South Carolina; Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin; T.J. Jones, Notre Dame; Devin Street, Pittsburgh; Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley State; Josh Huff, Oregon; Brandon Coleman, Rutgers; Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma; Kain Colter, Northwestern; L'Damian Washington, Missouri.

TIGHT ENDS

1. ERIC EBRON, North Carolina (6-4½, 252, 4.58, 1) — Third-year junior often compared to the 49ers' Vernon Davis. "Vernon is more sudden and compact," said one scout. "Twitchy. Eric's fluid. Where Eric makes his mark is being deceptive, running in gears and transitioning well in and out of breaks. I think he has special hands. You see him making one-handed palm of the ball in traffic. He has a chance to be an exceptional player, especially the way the game's played now." Two-year starter with 112 catches for 1,805 yards (16.1) and eight TDs. "He's a top-10 talent," another scout said. "He's as talented a tight end as has come out in the last five years." Played most of his career flanked wide or in the slot. "He's not a great big bulky guy but he'll block," another scout said. "Watch him against (Jadeveon) Clowney. He didn't win but he wasn't afraid. He's (Rob) Gronkowski-like but he's a lot smoother." From Greensboro, N.C. "In this new-fangled tight end position he can stretch the field and be a matchup issue," a third scout said. "He's better than (Jermichael) Finley and (Tyler) Eifert." Wonderlic of 16.

2. AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS, Washington (6-5½, 263, 4.78, 1-2) — Third-year junior from Fox Island, Wash. "He has a chance to be real good and be a red-zone guy," said one scout. "That's become more and more important. He has great catching radius and I thought he blocked all right. He's a shield and wall-off guy but he's not getting tossed around. He's not going to go soft on you. But he's better off unattached (from the formation)." Pleaded guilty to drunken driving in March 2013, spent a day in jail and was suspended for one game. Turned off some team personnel with what was described by one scout as a surly, defensive attitude. "I wouldn't say he's a bad kid," said one scout for a team in the market for a TE. "But I would say that he probably will be hostile at times to coaches. He's going to have a hard time with authority figures because he's never been around them his whole life. Very, very abrasive at times when you criticize him." Finished with 146 catches for 1,840 yards (12.6) and 21 TDs. "He's big and really has soft hands but he's lazy as heck," a third scout said. "Even in the pregame of the game I went to he was just going through the motions. He should be a good blocker because he's built so powerfully but he doesn't block that well. Where he's really good is in the red zone."

3. JACE AMARO, Texas Tech (6-5½, 266, 4.71, 2) — Set an FCS record for receiving yards (1,352, on 106 catches) by a TE in 2013. "Difficult guy to do because he's in the slot all the time," said one scout. "He's so much bigger than the people he's going against. He's not real exciting." Third-year junior from San Antonio. "People compare him a little bit to a (Mark) Bavaro or a Gronkowski in terms of just catching the ball and then being very hard to bring down," another scout said. "He's not a great athlete but he's big and strong and physical. Not a great blocker at the point. He might have the strength to be a pretty good blocker. I would say he'll be gone by (pick) 50." Caught 138 passes for 1,818 yards (13.2) and 13 TDs. "I'm not a big fan," a third scout said. "He's really soft. He's more a product of that offense than anything else."

4. TROY NIKLAS, Notre Dame (6-6½, 269, 4.8, 3-4) – Labeled "steady" by one scout. "A bit of an enigma," another scout said. "He's not as good as all the tight ends that came out of there like (Kyle) Rudolph and Eifert. He's got a little bit of softness to him. He tries (to block). It's disappointing just because he's 270 and he thinks he's a 240-pound tight end. He'd rather be in the slot than doing the dirty work inside." Third-year junior from Fullerton, Calif., recruited as a DE but made 20 tackles as a true freshman LB in 2011. Two-year starter at TE with 37 catches for 573 yards (15.5) and six TDs. "I really didn't like him," a third scout said. "This guy is just a big, lumbering guy." His uncle, Bruce Matthews, was a Hall of Fame lineman. "He's just got to (mature) and get a little tougher," a fourth scout said. "He's got the size. He needed another year. He shouldn't have come out. Got a lot of tools to work with."

5. C.J. FIEDOROWICZ, Iowa (6-5½, 266, 4.77, 3-4) – Three-year starter with 91 catches for 899 yards (9.9) and 10 TDs. "He's an all-around guy," said one scout. "I'd take him over Amaro. He has a chance to be a good, solid blocker. He doesn't run real good. He can catch." Recruited by Wisconsin and Indiana as a basketball player. Paige, his sister, played basketball at Marquette from 2008-'11. "Typical Iowa kid," said another scout. "He's dependable, reliable." From Johnsburg, Ill. "He'll be a journeyman No. 3 type," a third scout said. "He's not a starter. He's just a guy."

6. COLT LYERLA, ex-Oregon (6-4, 242, 4.58, 3-FA) – Quit the team Oct. 6 after 2½ event-filled years in Eugene. Two weeks later, he was arrested for cocaine possession. "I bet he's off 80% of the teams' draft boards," one scout said. "Talented guy but into all kinds of (expletive). I think you can touch him in the sixth or seventh rounds." Best vertical jump (39) and broad jump (10-8) of all TEs and tied Ebron for swiftest 40. Caught 34 passes for 565 yards (16.6) and 11 TDs. Also played some RB, carrying 13 times for 77. "More of a receiver," said another scout. "Doesn't block well. Knowing Ted (Thompson), I don't think Ted would mess with a guy like that." Mourned the departure of coach Chip Kelly to the Eagles after his second season and it was all downhill after that. "Drugs, quitting, you name it, it's happened," a third scout said. "I would never trust him. I couldn't imagine anyone taking him with those credentials. No way." From Hillsboro, Ore. Wonderlic of 24.

OTHERS: Crockett Gillmore, Colorado State; Arthur Lynch, Georgia; Richard Rodgers, California; Rob Blanchflower, Massachusetts; Marcel Jensen, Fresno State; A.C. Leonard, Tennessee State; Blake Annen, Cincinnati; Jake Murphy, Utah; Trey Burton, Florida; Jacob Pedersen, Wisconsin; Xavier Grimble, Southern California; Reggie Jordan, Missouri Western State; Joe Don Duncan, Dixie State; Anthony Denham, Utah; Jordan Najvar, Baylor; Justin Jones, ex-East Carolina.

Read more from Journal Sentinel: http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/rating-the-nfl-draft-prospects-wide-receivers-and-tight-ends-b99258025z1-257423561.html#ixzz30QJFJWZr
Follow us: @JournalSentinel on Twitter

 
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thanks for posting this -

good stuff.
You're welcome.

A few posts back you see me retreating to some older lists again, because things have gotten a bit crazy and in my opinion unreliable over the past couple weeks as far as news goes. But I always like McGinn's take on the draft since he does have some connections with actual scouts giving their honest but anonymous opinions as a basis for his rankings here.

What I will likely do right before the draft is take each list posted in the thread and form an average of each list for one overall master list. So if anyone has a good list you would like to add to these please post those here as well.

 
2014 NFL Draft wide receiver rankings

By Dan Kadar@MockingTheDraft on Mar 27 2014, 8:00a

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2014/3/27/5551322/2014-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-rankings

Anyone who touts the 2014 NFL Draft as being one of the best ever needs to use the wide receiver class as an example. An incredible 19 underclassmen wide receivers entered this year's draft. While some were questionable, a number of them should be top 100 picks.

The group is paced by Sammy Watkins of Clemson. While he is not an A.J. Green-level talent, comparing any wide receiver to Green is like comparing a quarterback to Andrew Luck. Watkins is speedy with good hands and good enough size.

If teams are after a wide receiver size, Mike Evans of Texas A&M slots right behind Watkins. For many, the next two players – Marqise Lee and Odell Beckham Jr. – are interchangeable. After that top four, it comes down to personal preference at the position.

Brandin Cooks has the speed, but not the size. Jordan Matthews has the hands and work ethic, but not the pure athleticism. Kelvin Benjamin has the size and playmaking, but not the route running.

The wide receiver class is deep. Teams are going to be able to really hit on the position late into the draft's second day, in addition to finding sleepers on the third day.

1. Sammy Watkins | 6'0 3/4, 211 pounds | Wide receiver | Clemson *
2. Mike Evans | 6'4 3/4, 231 pounds | Wide Receiver | Texas A&M **
3. Marqise Lee | 5'11 3/4, 192 pounds | Wide Receiver | Southern California *
4. Odell Beckham Jr. | 5'11 1/4, 198 pounds | Wide receiver | LSU *
5. Brandin Cooks | 5'9 3/4, 189 pounds | Wide receiver | Oregon State *
6. Jordan Matthews | 6'3 1/8, 212 pounds | Wide receiver | Vanderbilt
7. Kelvin Benjamin | 6'5, 240 pounds | Wide receiver | Florida State**
8. Jarvis Landry | 5'11 1/2, 205 pounds | Wide receiver | LSU *
9. Davante Adams | 6'2, 216 pounds | Wide receiver | Fresno State **
10. Donte Moncrief | 6'2 3/8, 221 pounds | Wide Receiver | Ole Miss *
11. Allen Robinson | 6'2 5/8, 220 pounds | Wide receiver | Penn State *
12. Brandon Coleman | 6'6, 225 pounds | Wide receiver | Rutgers *
13. Cody Hoffman | 6'3 7/8, 223 pounds | Wide receiver | BYU
14. L'Damian Washington | 6'3 7/8, 195 pounds | Wide receiver | Missouri
15. Paul Richardson | 6'0 3/8, 175 pounds | Wide receiver | Colorado *
16. Jared Abbrederis | 6'1, 195 pounds | Wide receiver | Wisconsin
17. Robert Herron | 5'9 1/8, 193 pounds | Wide receiver | Wyoming
18. Martavis Bryant | 6'3 3/4, 211 pounds | Wide receiver | Clemson *
19. Bruce Ellington | 5'9 3/8, 197 pounds | Wide receiver | South Carolina *
20. Josh Huff | 5'11 1/4, 206 pounds | Wide receiver | Oregon
21. Jeremy Gallon | 5'7, 185 pounds | Wide receiver | Michigan
22. Mike Davis | 6'0, 197 pounds | Wide receiver | Texas
23. Cody Latimer | 6'2, 215 pounds | Wide receiver | Indiana *
24. Devin Street | 6'2 7/8, 198 pounds | Wide receiver | Pittsburgh
25. Corey Brown | 5'11 3/8, 178 pounds | Wide receiver | Ohio State
26. Jalen Saunders | 5'8 7/8, 163 pounds | Wide receiver | Oklahoma
27. Tevin Reese | 5'10 1/2, 163 pounds | Wide receiver | Baylor
28. Ryan Grant | 6'1, 191 pounds | Wide receiver | Tulane
29. John Brown | 5'10, 179 pounds | Wide receiver | Pittsburg State
30. Willie Snead | 5'11, 195 pounds | Wide receiver | Ball State
31. Kain Colter | 5'10, 198 pounds | Wide receiver | Northwestern
32. Shaquelle Evans | 6'1, 213 pounds | Wide receiver | UCLA
33. Chandler Jones | 5'11, 174 pounds | Wide Receiver | San Jose State
34. Quincy Enunwa | 6'2, 225 pounds | Wide receiver | Nebraska
35. Josh Stewart | 5'9 7/8, 178 pounds | Wide receiver | Oklahoma State *
36. Michael Campanaro | 5'9 3/8, 192 pounds | Wide receiver | Wake Forest
37. Kevin Norwood | 6'2, 198 pounds | Wide receiver | Alabama
38. Jaz Reynolds | 6'2, 198 pounds | Wide receiver | Oklahoma
39. Noel Grigsby | 5'11, 175 pounds | Wide receiver | San Jose State
40. Bernard Reedy | 5'9, 175 pounds | Wide receiver | Toledo
41. Eric Ward | 6'0, 205 pounds | Wide receiver | Texas Tech
42. Tracy Moore | 6'2, 215 pounds | Wide receiver | Oklahoma State
43. Marcus Lucas | 6'4, 218 pounds | Wide receiver | Missouri
 
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The wide receiver class is deep. Teams are going to be able to really hit on the position late into the draft's second day, in addition to finding sleepers on the third day.
After watching a lot of tape of the top 20 prospects I do see a lot of very good prospects but I've dialed back my overall expectations for the class. IMO Watkins and Evans are in a league of their own and there are another 10 or so who can be good to very good, just not as dominate as I first thought. This is mainly because I've cooled on the big guys in the class - Benjamin, Matthews, Moncrief, Robinson, Bryant - I don't see true #1's here.

 
Here is an older set of rankings before the combine and media has reshaped things somewhat-

WR Rankings by Adrian Ahufinger

Written by Adrian Ahufinger on February 15, 2014

http://draftbreakdown.com/wr-rankings-by-adrian-ahufinger/

1 Sammy Watkins Clemson Jr 6'1" 205 1st
2 Odell Beckham Jr. LSU Jr 6'0" 187 1st
3 Marqise Lee USC Jr 6'0" 195 1st

4 Allen Robinson Penn State Jr 6'3" 204 1st-2nd
5 Jarvis Landry LSU Jr 6'1" 195 1st-2nd
6 Brandin Cooks Oregon State Jr 5'10" 186 1st-2nd

7 Kelvin Benjamin Florida State rSo 6'5" 234 2nd
8 Mike Evans Texas A&M rSo 6'5" 225 2nd
9 Jordan Matthews Vanderbilt Sr 6'3" 209 2nd
10 Jared Abbrederis Wisconsin Sr 6'1" 189 2nd

11 Josh Huff Oregon Sr 5'11" 201 2nd-3rd
12 Martavis Bryant Clemson Jr 6'5" 200 2nd-3rd
13 Davante Adams Fresno State rSo 6'2" 216 2nd-3rd

14 Jalen Saunders Oklahoma Sr 5'9" 164 3rd
15 Ryan Grant Tulane rSr 6'0" 197 3rd
16 Donte Moncrief Ole Miss Jr 6'3" 216 3rd

17 Cody Hoffman BYU Sr 6'4" 218 3rd-4th
18 Devin Street Pittsburgh Sr 6'4" 190 3rd-4th
19 Brandon Coleman Rutgers rJr 6'6" 220 3rd-4th

20 Paul Richardson Colorado rJr 6'1" 170 4th
21 TJ Jones Notre Dame Sr 5'11" 190 4th
22 Bruce Ellington South Carolina rJr 5'9" 196 4th
23 Michael Campanaro Wake Forest rSr 5'9" 191 4th
24 Mike Davis Texas Sr 6'0" 193 4th

25 Allen Hurns Miami Sr 6'1" 193 4th-5th

26 Robert Herron Wyoming Sr 5'9" 193 5th
27 Kevin Norwood Alabama rSr 6'2" 197 5th
28 Eric Ward Texas Tech rSr 6'0" 204 5th

29 Shaq Evans UCLA rSr 6'1" 210 5th-6th
30 Chandler Jones San Jose State Sr 5'9" 180 5th-6th
31 L'Damian Washington Missouri rSr 6'4" 205 6th
32 Cody Latimer Indiana Jr 6'3" 215 6th
33 Josh Stewart Oklahoma State Jr 5'10" 185 6th-7th
34 Matt Hazel Coastal Carolina Sr 6'1" 196 7th
35 Jeremy Gallon Michigan rSr 5'7" 183 7th
36 Noel Grigsby San Jose State rSr 5'11" 175 7th
37 Willie Snead Ball State Jr 5'11" 193 7th-FA
38 Eric Thomas Troy Sr 6'1" 209 7th-FA
39 Tevin Reese Baylor rSr 5'10" 165 7th-FA
40 Corey Brown Ohio State Sr 5'11" 187 7th-FA
Outside of Landry being too high and Adams too low, I think this is a good list.
What about Evans being to low... Evans below Landry this list sucks.!

 
Watkins

Evans

Lee

Beckham

Cooks

Benjamin

Robinson

Matthews

Adams

Moncrief

My top 10 as of now 5/1/2014

 
I don't agree with the Watkins hype. I think he looks like a very good player, but special talent is an overstatement. He's no Calvin/Gordon/Green IMO and with how deep this class is, if I were a GM, a WR would have to be on that level for me to take him in the top ten.

I'm not full-on predicting he'll bust, but the weight on his shoulders to be an elite WR is going to be tremendous from day one. Anything short of that (which I do believe is likely, especially if he goes to a crappy QB) could cause a downward spiral mentally. We'll see.

FTR, I think Cooks and Matthews are the best plays in this draft at WR, given where they are likely to be drafted.

 
right now, tough to see who the 3rd WR off the board or in rookie drafts will be... I've seen at least 6 different WRs listed as WR #3, which makes me think that the middle of the first will have some activity during rookie drafts

 
LawFitz said:
I don't agree with the Watkins hype. I think he looks like a very good player, but special talent is an overstatement. He's no Calvin/Gordon/Green IMO and with how deep this class is, if I were a GM, a WR would have to be on that level for me to take him in the top ten.

I'm not full-on predicting he'll bust, but the weight on his shoulders to be an elite WR is going to be tremendous from day one. Anything short of that (which I do believe is likely, especially if he goes to a crappy QB) could cause a downward spiral mentally. We'll see.

FTR, I think Cooks and Matthews are the best plays in this draft at WR, given where they are likely to be drafted.
1) I think we settled that he's not an 'elite' talent by the standards of Calvin/Julio/Green - and also that he can be a great fantasy player despite it.

2) He dealt with adversity his sophomore year (including a 2 game suspension) and rebounded for the best season of his career. I don't expect a rough start to crush him mentally.

 
LawFitz said:
I don't agree with the Watkins hype. I think he looks like a very good player, but special talent is an overstatement. He's no Calvin/Gordon/Green IMO and with how deep this class is, if I were a GM, a WR would have to be on that level for me to take him in the top ten.

I'm not full-on predicting he'll bust, but the weight on his shoulders to be an elite WR is going to be tremendous from day one. Anything short of that (which I do believe is likely, especially if he goes to a crappy QB) could cause a downward spiral mentally. We'll see.

FTR, I think Cooks and Matthews are the best plays in this draft at WR, given where they are likely to be drafted.
1) I think we settled that he's not an 'elite' talent by the standards of Calvin/Julio/Green - and also that he can be a great fantasy player despite it.

2) He dealt with adversity his sophomore year (including a 2 game suspension) and rebounded for the best season of his career. I don't expect a rough start to crush him mentally.
I don't either but if he starts slow it might disappoint some folks who draft him 1st overall. I liked the overall premise of what LawFitz is getting at.

 
I like Adams a lot. I think it's a total logjam after Watkins and Evans. Beckham, Lee, and Adams are all damn near equal in value to me. Obviously situation could be huge. Any of those guys ends up in a great spot, he could have tremendous value.

 
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2014 Composite Rookie WR Rankings

April 29, 2014 Jon Moore http://rotoviz.com/index.php/2014/04/the-rotoviz-wr-rankings-for-the-2014-nfl-draft/

The wait is over. After months of articles and debates, it’s finally time to reveal the RotoViz WR Rankings for the 2014 NFL Draft!

First, an editor’s note on methodology. The RotoViz writing crew ranked TEs and QBs 1-15, and then ranked RBs and WRs 1-30. The number of players ranked is roughly based on how many players are selected at each position in the draft each year. Those ranks were then used to generate a Composite Score so that we can get both raw rankings, and also tiers (which are visualized in the graph below).

The way this works is as follows: a ranking of 1 for a wide receiver gives that player a score of 30, a 2 gets the player a 29, and so on (note that for QBs and TEs the max score a player could get would be a 15). The score is essentially the inverse of the rank. Then we average the score for each of our writers to get the Composite Score. Again, the point of doing this extra step is to get to tiers for each position. Also, this overcomes an issue that can be seen in ADP data, where a player like Tim Tebow will be taken in a small number of drafts, but will infect the average position data because he’s drafted highly in that small subset. This will make more sense after you’ve viewed the graph below.


Tier 1: The Top Dogs

1) Mike Evans

Our top ranked receiver for the 2014 NFL Draft is Mike Evans, which probably could have been anticipated considering he won the RotoViz WR prospect championship. Although his comparables are exceedingly scattershot, Mr ##### sums it up perfectly by saying “if you have a top 2 pick in your rookie draft…I don’t think you can really afford to pass him up.” Whiskey Tango Foxtrot said about Evans “I’m taking Evans over everyone. He’s the unicorn in this draft. The film guys and the stat guys love him. He’s young, he’s the most physically impressive receiver, and for all he’s talked about, we don’t make much of how athletic he is.” The potential buzzkill on Evans, as Shawn Siegele points out, is the distinct possibility that he lands in a turbulent destination like Buffalo or Tampa Bay, but that remains to be seen. If you’re looking for a blemish on his resume, it would probably be that he only caught 30% of Texas A&M’s yards–that drops down to 26% if you remove the Alabama game. One might ask, if he’s really that exceptional, why wasn’t he more consistently dominant throughout 2013? By contrast, you could hypothesize that really great players have the psycho Michael Jordan gene that requires them to go berserk in the biggest games (see: Alabama 2013, Auburn 2013). Bottom line: Evans’ upside is too rare and his track record is too respectable to be anything other than the WR1 in this class.



2) Sammy Watkins

You’ve probably seen more anti-Watkins pieces than positive ones in recent months, which might be confusing because he’s so similar to a 2013 receiver we loved. Here’s the the thing to remember though, via Fantasy #####, “I think we’re having a collective mild negative reaction to where Watkins is rumored to be going in the NFL draft, which is probably somewhere in the top 5.” In other words, I think Team RotoViz generally likes Watkins as a great prospect, but we’re a little skeptical that he should join Calvin Johnson as a Top 6 Overall Pick. Then again, him getting drafted too highly probably means he’ll have a great chance to succeed. WTF put it like this: “Sammy is going to be great. He outplayed DeAndre Hopkins as a freshman and will go to a team that wants to make him a big part of the game plan. Let’s not overthink it.” Shawn Siegele, who has had Watkins #1 since his early wide receiver rankings, furthers this idea by saying, “Watkins figures to see 130-plus targets as a rookie (and in perpetuity). He’s not as talented as many believe, but he’s plenty talented enough to be a WR1 on that volume.” The biggest detractors are me and Davis Mattek, who recently explained why Watkins is an arbitrary superstar. So, why do I have him 4th? I absolutely think he’s a premium talent, but this WR class is just so deep. Jordan Matthews and Allen Robinson had significantly better age-weighted production at both age 19 and age 20 while being at least as good athletically. Then again, Watkins will probably have much greater opportunities to contribute than those two, at least in the early going.



Tier 2: Doubt At Your Own Risk

3) Allen Robinson

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Allen Robinson is a first round talent. In fact, I think Allen Robinson is the best receiving prospect in this draft. He has the sixth best Phenom Index score on record and is a fantastic athlete. Detractors might discount his B1G Ten pedigree, but I would contend that he is bigger and more productive than recent B1G Ten flops. James Todd says “To the extent that projecting any player is a random affair, this is the type of player to throw a lot of darts at.” Meanwhile, Shawn Siegele calls him “a good fit for teams that already have a No. 1 and want to put together a Marshall/Jeffery-type duo.” If you’re looking for a reason to nitpick, you would probably point to his lack of touchdowns, but I am fairly convinced that he does not have a red zone problem.



4) Jordan Matthews

Upon discovering the exceedingly optimistic Jordan Matthews comparables, Mr ##### summarized the case for Jordan Matthews like this: What are the odds that a player weighing over 210 pounds, running under a 4.5 forty, with a lengthy resume of college production while still being fairly young, isn’t going to be a very good NFL receiver? If that’s not enough for you, consider that he has dominated the most games of any receiver in recent memory and is strikingly similar to Sammy Watkins (yes, really, Sammy Watkins). Scott Smith says “I think his work ethic will shine when he gets to the pros. He may never be elite but will put together a nice career.” Shawn Siegele says: “If Matthews can be one of the greatest Dominator Rating receivers in the past decade without activating his tools, imagine what he’ll be like when he starts playing up to his athletic ability.” Based on everything I look at, Matthews has been well above an elite trajectory for three seasons and has sufficient athleticism to be a great pro.



Tier 3: One Step Away

5) Davante Adams

I think about both players in this tier as one step away from being elite prospects. The one step for Davante Adams is his small-conference track record. In 2013 he posted one of the greatest seasons in college football history…while playing the Mountain West Conference. Should we ding him for that? I don’t know. Does it increase the uncertainty around the situation? I think so. Conference aside, Adams’ metrics are off the charts, highlighted by his outrageous red zone dominance. The Fantasy ##### says “I’m probably as high as anyone on Adams. If he were two inches taller (or hell, 1.75 inches taller) I would move him into my top spot.” If you enjoy the comparables approach, DeAndre Hopkins and Hakeem Nicks appear in Davante’s peer group.



6) Brandin Cooks

The one step for Brandin Cooks is his size; everything else about him is really impressive. In fact, I think he deserves consideration as the best small-WR prospect in the last decade. In his exploration of small receivers, Jacob Myers said “He’s probably as close to a lock as a small WR can be.” Elsewhere, Scott Smith suggested that “Cooks is basically Percy Harvin with better skills as a receiver.” To illustrate the absurd depth of this class, I think Brandin Cooks is in a different (and better) tier than Tavon Austin, who went 8th overall last year–Cooks is 6th in this class. Aside from fantasy utility, Fantasy ##### offered an interesting take on smaller receivers in the draft: “I don’t think it would be that ridiculous to advance a theory of drafting WRs which is essentially binary – Is the player big enough to be a #1? And then the players that aren’t would be banished to rounds 3-7 of the draft. Note that we don’t think it’s ridiculous to stay away from RBs in the first round of the draft. I think eventually we’ll think of small WRs in the same way. From a fantasy standpoint though I suspect Cooks will score a good amount of points over his career.”



Tier 4: The Unsolved Mysteries

7) Donte Moncrief

If you’re into physically gifted receivers, Moncrief is your guy. At 220lbs he ran a 4.4 forty with an 11 foot broad jump and 39.5″ vertical, earning the title of human cheat code. However, if he’s such a physical specimen, where was the production in 2013? Shawn Siegele summed him up perfectly: “If there’s an Andre Johnson or Julio Jones in this draft, it’s probably Donte Moncrief. If there’s a Stephen Hill in this draft, it’s probably Donte Moncrief.”



8) Odell Beckham Jr.

At the risk of making a totally douchy move, I think a lot of Team RotoViz’s hesitancy about Beckham can be summarized by a single tweet:


It’s not that Beckham isn’t a good prospect, he’s just not really a WR1 type, so that kinda limits our thought on how valuable he’ll be. On the optimistic side, Shawn Siegele thinks Randall Cobb is a comparable of Beckham’s. An interesting story line related to Beckham is the fact that his teammate Jarvis Landry had much better on-field metrics than Beckham. James Todd says “I really think he’s overrated. I find it difficult to put him higher, when he was out-produced by the athletically inferior Jarvis Landry. Landry’s career arc is also better than Beckham’s, in my opinion. It’s been suggested that the production differences between the two are accounted for by scheme and player role within the offense. That just begs the question: why was Beckham’s role to be the Robin to Landry’s Batman?” Interesting thought…

And then there’s Mr RotoViz Staff, who just said “God I hope the real OBJ doesn’t have a Google alert set to his name because if he does, he probably hates RotoViz. ”



9) Marqise Lee

If you can keep an open mind for a minute, this piece comparing Marqise Lee to Sammy Watkins is pretty thought provoking. It’s easy to forget now, but had Lee entered the 2013 NFL Draft, it’s conceivable that he could have been a top 10 pick. Shawn Siegele said, “I’m tempted to say 2013 Antonio Brown is Marqise Lee’s healthy floor. But that would be ridiculous.”



Tier 5: Swing for the Fences


10) Cody Latimer

Since he didn’t workout at the NFL Combine, there wasn’t a lot of buzz about Cody Latimer until later in the process. We knew his Phenom Index score was excellent and that he had surprisingly good comparables, but things really reached a fevered pitch when Latimer ran in the low 4.4s at his pro day with a 39″ vertical. In fact, if you compare apples to apples, Cody Latimer looks a lot like Allen Robinson. Scott Smith says “Has the attributes to compete with the players ranked higher on this list…but will likley take a year or two longer to develop.” Latimer is a pretty big unknown, but I think it’s possible that he could go higher in the real draft than he did in the latest rookie mock draft. Would that be surprising? Yes. Is it impossible? I really don’t think so.



11) Kelvin Benjamin

Here’s an interesting thought from Matt Freedman: “If Calvin Johnson were slower and dropped a few more passes, would he still be a good player?” A lot of our analysis on Kelvin Benjamin has centered around the idea that he’s older (but still raw), a freak (who was hardly the focal point of the Heisman-winning QB) and not terrifically athletic. I think the general consensus is that he’s not really WR1 material, even though that’s the portrait everybody paints. Then there’s also the story that he blew off an NFL coach. But what if we’re asking the wrong question? Is it possible that a TD Machine like Benjamin is a TE1? Personally, I have a much easier time digesting him in that role and Scott Smith agrees with me saying “I don’t know if an NFL GM will draft him as such, but Kelvin Benjamin’s best chance at success in the NFL may be at TE”. If that’s the case, I wonder where Benjamin would have ranked in the composite rookie TE rankings.



Tier 6: The Intriguingly Flawed


12) Paul Richardson

When Shawn Siegele proposes that someone could be the Keenan Allen of 2014, it’s probably worth noting. Richardson has quietly had an excellent career and boasts some excellent market share metrics. The problem is that he only weighs 175lbs.



13) Jarvis Landry

Pretty much everything you need to see about Jarvis Landry can be found here.



14) Jeff Janis

Davis Mattek wrote a love story about Jeff Janis (and Janis retweeted it), and Fantasy ##### named him one of nine sleepers to win your rookie draft. The big caveat here is that he played at Saginaw Valley State, which reminds me of Grand Valley State and my 2013 receiver crush Charles Johnson.



Tier 7: The Lottery Tickets


15) Quincy Enunwa

Quincy Enunwa has a speed score over 110 and caught double digit touchdowns in 2013. Very few people in recent college football history can say that, which is why Quincy Enunwa is the Ultimate Lottery Ticket. Matt Freedman isn’t too excited though: “He’s going to be a great TD-catcher . . . in the arena league.” Meanwhile, Scott Smith proclaims “Enunwa has great measurables…I dub thee Greg Little v. 2.0″



16) Albert Wilson

This is probably the first name you’ve seen on this list and asked “who the f^ck is that guy?” If that’s the case, Jacob Myers has detailed why Albert Wilson is 2014′s most underrated. Fantasy ##### also had an interesting idea: “another guy that I think would work in the reverse McCluster role. Instead of drafting RBs and making them slot receivers, draft receivers and make them combo players.”



17) Martavis Bryant

If you like freak athletes who compare to Cordarrelle Patterson and/or Limas Sweed then Bryant is your man. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot says “Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane.”



Tier 8: Everyone Else

If you want additional commentary about anyone we haven’t covered yet, leave a comment and we’ll get back to you. Enjoy!

2014 Rookie WR Composite Rankings


Mike Evans
Sammy Watkins

Allen Robinson
Jordan Matthews

Davante Adams
Brandin Cooks

Donte Moncrief
Odell Beckham Jr.
Marqise Lee

Cody Latimer
Kelvin Benjamin

Jarvis Landry
Paul Richardson
Jeff Janis

Quincy Enunwa

Albert Wilson
Martavis Bryant

Dri Archer
Josh Huff
Michael Campanaro
Jared Abbrederis
Brandon Coleman
Bruce Ellington
Robert Herron
Chandler Jones
Mike Davis
Alex Neutz
TJ Jones
John Brown
Devin Street
Cody Hoffman
Willie Snead
Jeremy Gallon
Eric Thomas
Jeremy Butler
Jalen Saunders
Shaquelle Evans
Tevin Reese
Gerald Ford
Ryan Grant
L'Damian Washington
Bennie Fowler
Javontee Herndon
Matt Hazel

 

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