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.