2006 NFL Draft Talk (1 Viewer)

[Aaron Rudnicki]

2006 NFL Draft Talk

Part III: Wide Receivers

Interested in starting up some discussion on who some of the top players will be in this year's draft class.

Feel free to share any information, opinions, scouting reports, etc. on players who you think will be available during the NFL draft in April. This would also be a good place to ask questions about players who you might be having trouble finding good information on.

This obviously will help dynasty owners begin to prepare for the offseason and upcoming rookie drafts, but will also help to improve our overall knowledge and awareness of the incoming talent pool.

Links to all draft threads: QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, DB

 

[beto]

Very weak WR class. Next year will be much better. Guys I am watching:Santonio HolmesSinorice MossDerek HaganJason AvantMartin NanceSkyler GreenHank BaskettMike HassDemetrius WilliamsGreg JenningsDallas BakerMaurice StovallGreg Leeedit - just saw that Greg Lee declared

 

[Kirby]

Martin Nance - Miami U. 6'5" 210 33 inch vertical and runs a 4.4. Seen him play many times... he's going to be a steal if he doesn't go in the first.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

No marquee names this year, but there is going to be serious value there for a team picking in the bottom of the first round. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Steelers go after Nance if he's still around when they choose in round 1 (unless LenDale White is still there, then they'd have a real decision to make.)Nance and Santonio Holmes have the most upside, IMO, but the best choice may be Hagan from ASU. The guy doesn't have great size or speed, so his measurables will likely relegate him to late first round-early second round consideration, but the guy is a player. He is a terrific route runner, has excellent hands, and uses his body to shield defenders better already than Plaxico Burress, for all his size, ever will. I don't think you'll ever see Moss-like numbers out of Hagan, but he could easily be a less-physical version of Hines Ward, and a great complement for a team that already has a vertical threat. He can be the type of guy who gets 75 catches for 1,100 yards and 7-8 TDs for a team every year for a decade. You could do a lot worse with a second-round pick.There's going to be some REALLY good value late in round 1 at LB, WR, and RB.

 

[Dolfan]

I think Devin Hester will turn out [eventually] to be a steal for some team. This is a complete guess, but I would imagine he will go late first day (late 2nd --> 3rd round) and he looked incredible in flashes when given the opportunity to play this year.May be the next Santanna Moss. Very fast, slippery guy that could be prone to injury with his size, but could be deadly in open space.I'm interested in other opinions on him..

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I think Devin Hester will turn out [eventually] to be a steal for some team. This is a complete guess, but I would imagine he will go late first day (late 2nd --> 3rd round) and he looked incredible in flashes when given the opportunity to play this year.

May be the next Santanna Moss. Very fast, slippery guy that could be prone to injury with his size, but could be deadly in open space.

I'm interested in other opinions on him..

He reminds me a lot of Moss and Roscoe Parrish. Undersized burner who, you're right, will likely go 2nd-3rd round. Will likely make his mark as a kick returner and situational slot guy, at least early on, I don't know if he has the size to be an every down receiver. I wouldn't take him before round 3, but teams will intrigued by his speed.

 

[Dolfan]

I think Devin Hester will turn out [eventually] to be a steal for some team. This is a complete guess, but I would imagine he will go late first day (late 2nd --> 3rd round) and he looked incredible in flashes when given the opportunity to play this year.

May be the next Santanna Moss. Very fast, slippery guy that could be prone to injury with his size, but could be deadly in open space.

I'm interested in other opinions on him..

Oopps! Just checked and I guess he's projected as a cornerback

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I think Devin Hester will turn out [eventually] to be a steal for some team.  This is a complete guess, but I would imagine he will go late first day (late 2nd --> 3rd round) and he looked incredible in flashes when given the opportunity to play this year.

May be the next Santanna Moss.  Very fast, slippery guy that could be prone to injury with his size, but could be deadly in open space.

I'm interested in other opinions on him..

Oopps! Just checked and I guess he's projected as a cornerback

Really?

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

Any USC homers know if Steve Smith plans to declare? I would like to see him in KC.

 

[Dolfan]

I think Devin Hester will turn out [eventually] to be a steal for some team.  This is a complete guess, but I would imagine he will go late first day (late 2nd --> 3rd round) and he looked incredible in flashes when given the opportunity to play this year.

May be the next Santanna Moss.  Very fast, slippery guy that could be prone to injury with his size, but could be deadly in open space.

I'm interested in other opinions on him..

Oopps! Just checked and I guess he's projected as a cornerback

Really?

Well, according to NFL Draft Countdown. They aren't the know-all end-all, but I generally like their write-ups. I suppose two teams could look at him for two different positions...

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I think Devin Hester will turn out [eventually] to be a steal for some team.  This is a complete guess, but I would imagine he will go late first day (late 2nd --> 3rd round) and he looked incredible in flashes when given the opportunity to play this year.

May be the next Santanna Moss.  Very fast, slippery guy that could be prone to injury with his size, but could be deadly in open space.

I'm interested in other opinions on him..

Oopps! Just checked and I guess he's projected as a cornerback

Really?

Well, according to NFL Draft Countdown. They aren't the know-all end-all, but I generally like their write-ups. I suppose two teams could look at him for two different positions...

I suppose it's possible - size-wise he's better suited to CB. In either case, I still believe he makes his mark early on as a KR, whether he plays slot or nickel CB the rest of the time.

 

[Bloom]

I think Devin Hester will turn out [eventually] to be a steal for some team.  This is a complete guess, but I would imagine he will go late first day (late 2nd --> 3rd round) and he looked incredible in flashes when given the opportunity to play this year.

May be the next Santanna Moss.  Very fast, slippery guy that could be prone to injury with his size, but could be deadly in open space.

I'm interested in other opinions on him..

Oopps! Just checked and I guess he's projected as a cornerback

This came up in the Santonio Holmes declares thread. hester for the most part has not worked out at CB and Coker was promising him a move to offense next year if he returned. He spent most of the pre-bowl prep time working on offense.I am very wary of Hester despite his very rare pure speed. He came to Miami as a WR prospect and was moved to defense, so you have to think that early on they identified some problems in his natural WR game. Now he has basically failed to "get it" as a CB, and he's moving back to offense. Unlike Matt Jones, Hester does not have the ideal size and uncanny hands to project as a starting WR in the NFL. I can see taking a risk on a guy like Jones despite having played no WR because he's got unmatched tools, and he's already got an offensive mindset from being a QB. Hester has speed, and thats it. Hester will be an excellent return specialist and a guy you script some offensive plays for, but i dont know that he'll ever develop into a true WR. at the very best, i would grade him the same as jerome mathis last year, and thats giving him all the benefit of the doubt that he will be able learn route running, getting off the line clean, and all the other skills of the WR craft.

 

[Workhorse]

Anyone have any idea on draft projections for Will Blackmon out of BC? Does he project as an NFL WR or DB?

 

[Bloom]

Anyone have any idea on draft projections for Will Blackmon out of BC? Does he project as an NFL WR or DB?

Although he played a lot of offense this year, I think his future is at CB - his upside is much greater there than at WR. He will be a useful player for whatever team he ends up on with his versatility - he could be very good with more discipline and the addition of some toughness.

 

[Bloom]

(posted in Qb thread too):I should add that college QBs like Reggie McNeal, Brad Smith, and Michael Robinson will probably be looked at WR prospects just as much as or moreso than QB prospects (Smith could even be an RB). All are incredible athletes and with the success of QB to WR converts recently, you have to consider all of them in the top 20 WR mix.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Chad Jackson Declares

Like the weak DB class got much more talented with Cromartie, the weak WR class adds a gem. He's definitely a 2nd round talent, and some will have him ranked very near the top of this WR group. If he has an impressive combine he could easily sneak into the first round. I like him alot, and I have been calling him CJ2 all year.

eta: when asked to rank the WRs in another thread, I had him at WR 2 behind only Jason Hill (whose decision is coming very soon) and ahead of Hagan and Holmes.

I expect to hear about Steve Smith (and a few other Trojans) tomorrow.

 

[jurb26]

Chad Jackson Declares

Like the weak DB class got much more talented with Cromartie, the weak WR class adds a gem. He's definitely a 2nd round talent, and some will have him ranked very near the top of this WR group. If he has an impressive combine he could easily sneak into the first round. I like him alot, and I have been calling him CJ2 all year.

eta: when asked to rank the WRs in another thread, I had him at WR 2 behind only Jason Hill (whose decision is coming very soon) and ahead of Hagan and Holmes.

I expect to hear about Steve Smith (and a few other Trojans) tomorrow.

This sure is a gem to add to the WR class. I find it hard to believe that Chad will not leap into the 1st round. He has the raw ability and seems to be more polished than most of the other WR already. I think as of right now he is the best WR in the class. Holmes may come close.

 

[Chaos Commish]

I think as of right now he is the best WR in the class. Holmes may come close.

I agree, but many will differ. Holmes will probably be taken before him, but in a few years, that might look like a mistake. Chad is a playmaker whose ypc went way down because of the new system. He's sort of like Hagan, does everything well, nothing spectacular, but he's more explosive.

 

[Don Quixote]

edit - just saw that Greg Lee declared

Didn't read that one yet. That's a surprise. Put up good numbers this year, but he didn't really develop at all. He has a lot of talent, but drops a lot of passes and takes plays off. Should have stayed in school another year.

 

[RoxSolid]

what do you guys think of stovall for notre dame? prolly a 4th rounder i think, really had a breakout year this year for the irish

 

[Don Quixote]

The wild card is Brad Smith. He doesn't project as a NFL QB, will probably get drafted as a WR (but doesn't have the size of someone like Matt Jones). If he plays WR at the Senior or Hula Bowl, I will be interested to see how he looks.

 

[Don Quixote]

Drouzon Quillen, UL-Monroe, has declared. Interesting prospect to watch. Very good athlete. Put up good numbers at a really crappy program.Could be a guy that sneaks into Day 1 with a good combine.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Drouzon Quillen, UL-Monroe, has declared. Interesting prospect to watch. Very good athlete. Put up good numbers at a really crappy program.

Could be a guy that sneaks into Day 1 with a good combine.

I made a little money betting on ULM this season, but I have never seen this kid. He does have good size, and reportedly will give the bigger names a run for their money. Others are saying he's pretty much a lock for day 1 or he wouldn't be coming out, so he must have some fans in high places.

 

[Pipes]

Another sleeper pick is Brandon Williams from Wisconsin. He became Wisconsin's all time receiving leader which may not sound impressive but he passed the likes of Toon, Chaimbers & Evans. He's also an amazing punt & kick returner. He's on the small side but he will be a solid contributor to a NFL team.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Another sleeper pick is Brandon Williams from Wisconsin. He became Wisconsin's all time receiving leader which may not sound impressive but he passed the likes of Toon, Chaimbers & Evans. He's also an amazing punt & kick returner. He's on the small side but he will be a solid contributor to a NFL team.

he reminds me somewhat of Bobby Engram. will likely start out as a slot WR and punt returner, but could develop into a solid starting possession WR for someone in a couple years.

 

[JAA]

I think Devin Hester will turn out [eventually] to be a steal for some team.  This is a complete guess, but I would imagine he will go late first day (late 2nd --> 3rd round) and he looked incredible in flashes when given the opportunity to play this year.

May be the next Santanna Moss.  Very fast, slippery guy that could be prone to injury with his size, but could be deadly in open space.

I'm interested in other opinions on him..

Oopps! Just checked and I guess he's projected as a cornerback

This came up in the Santonio Holmes declares thread. hester for the most part has not worked out at CB and Coker was promising him a move to offense next year if he returned. He spent most of the pre-bowl prep time working on offense.I am very wary of Hester despite his very rare pure speed. He came to Miami as a WR prospect and was moved to defense, so you have to think that early on they identified some problems in his natural WR game. Now he has basically failed to "get it" as a CB, and he's moving back to offense. Unlike Matt Jones, Hester does not have the ideal size and uncanny hands to project as a starting WR in the NFL. I can see taking a risk on a guy like Jones despite having played no WR because he's got unmatched tools, and he's already got an offensive mindset from being a QB. Hester has speed, and thats it. Hester will be an excellent return specialist and a guy you script some offensive plays for, but i dont know that he'll ever develop into a true WR. at the very best, i would grade him the same as jerome mathis last year, and thats giving him all the benefit of the doubt that he will be able learn route running, getting off the line clean, and all the other skills of the WR craft.

This is the exact player I would like the Eagles to target, as long as they dont overpay for him

 

[JAA]

Drouzon Quillen, UL-Monroe, has declared. Interesting prospect to watch. Very good athlete. Put up good numbers at a really crappy program.

Could be a guy that sneaks into Day 1 with a good combine.

measurables?

 

[JAA]

Another sleeper pick is Brandon Williams from Wisconsin. He became Wisconsin's all time receiving leader which may not sound impressive but he passed the likes of Toon, Chaimbers & Evans. He's also an amazing punt & kick returner. He's on the small side but he will be a solid contributor to a NFL team.

define "small side"

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Drouzon Quillen, UL-Monroe, has declared. Interesting prospect to watch. Very good athlete. Put up good numbers at a really crappy program.

Could be a guy that sneaks into Day 1 with a good combine.

measurables?

Drouzon Quillen is listed at 6'6", 215lbs. He seems like more of a complentary WR/big play guy than a true #1, and I also think he's pretty raw so he would need time to develop.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Another sleeper pick is Brandon Williams from Wisconsin.  He became Wisconsin's all time receiving leader which may not sound impressive but he passed the likes of Toon, Chaimbers & Evans.  He's also an amazing punt & kick returner.  He's on the small side but he will be a solid contributor to a NFL team.

define "small side"

Williams is listed at 5'11", 175lbs, but he looks bigger than that to me (in terms of weight, not height).

 

[Chaos Commish]

what do you guys think of stovall for notre dame? prolly a 4th rounder i think, really had a breakout year this year for the irish

I think he's pretty darned good. He's not just tall but he makes tough catches and uses his height properly. He also seems to have impressive game speed regardless of how he clocks. 4th round is probably right, but he could easily move up to the first day.

 

[sho nuff]

Another sleeper pick is Brandon Williams from Wisconsin. He became Wisconsin's all time receiving leader which may not sound impressive but he passed the likes of Toon, Chaimbers & Evans. He's also an amazing punt & kick returner. He's on the small side but he will be a solid contributor to a NFL team.

define "small side"

Williams is listed at 5'11", 175lbs, but he looks bigger than that to me (in terms of weight, not height).

Probably a decent #3 of #4 WR with good skills as a returner.I think Orr could be a deep sleeper with his size out of Wisconsin though.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Drouzon Quillen, UL-Monroe, has declared. Interesting prospect to watch. Very good athlete. Put up good numbers at a really crappy program.

Could be a guy that sneaks into Day 1 with a good combine.

measurables?

He's 6-5 and thicker than the other tall recievers, probably about 215. He has very good speed and overall athleticism too.

 

[Chaos Commish]

The wild card is Brad Smith. He doesn't project as a NFL QB, will probably get drafted as a WR (but doesn't have the size of someone like Matt Jones). If he plays WR at the Senior or Hula Bowl, I will be interested to see how he looks.

I started a thread on college QBs converted to WR in the NFL awhile back. I think the success of the idea is very underrated. I'd be more comfortable with my favorite team taking Smith or Michael Robinson after the best 4 or 5 WRs are gone than going with the next pure WR. QBs are tough as can be, and many WRs tend to be a little soft, while the NFL is very very tough.

 

[Wu-banger]

if Jovon Boughknight declares from Wyoming I think he has incredible potential to make an immediate impact. Great size, speed, hands and is an assest in the return game as well.. he looks like a player with all the tools needed to make it in the NFL.

 

[Chaos Commish]

if Jovon Boughknight declares from Wyoming I think he has incredible potential to make an immediate impact. Great size, speed, hands and is an assest in the return game as well.. he looks like a player with all the tools needed to make it in the NFL.

A lot of people love Bouknight, but he looks stiff to me. :dunno: I'm bumping this because my personal favorite and a guy who would have surely ranked top five, Jason Hill, is staying in school. :(

It's still a weak WR class, unless some of these converted QBs pan out.

 

[Football Jones]

if Jovon Boughknight declares from Wyoming I think he has incredible potential to make an immediate impact. Great size, speed, hands and is an assest in the return game as well.. he looks like a player with all the tools needed to make it in the NFL.

Bouknight is a senior.

 

[Don Quixote]

Just to throw another name out there... Jeremy Bloom. Has been compared to Tim Dwight. Played at Colorado, but stopped playing football after the NCAA ruled him ineligible due to his skiing endorsements. He'll be competing at Turin in the Olympics, and then heading to the NFL Combine a week later.He's a bit rusty and a developmental guy, but could potentially run a 4.2-4.3 at the combine which would shoot his stock up.

 

[ExaltedOne]

Just to throw another name out there... Jeremy Bloom. Has been compared to Tim Dwight.

Is that supposed to make us more interested or less?

Tim Dwight sucks.

 

[Don Quixote]

Just to throw another name out there... Jeremy Bloom. Has been compared to Tim Dwight.

Is that supposed to make us more interested or less?

Tim Dwight sucks.

Tim Dwight's got his role and has been doing it for 10 years. That's more than most WR's can say. When you get down to the 5.10 pick in a rookie draft (especially in a league that awards points for return yardage), I'd take that.

 

[beto]

I am holding the #8 pick in one of my leagues. Should I be excited about the prospects of getting one of the top WRs in this draft? Anybody really like Santonio Holmes?

 

[harrycarey]

A late guy I like is Chris Hannon out of tennessee. I believe he's 6'3 and was one of the fastest players one the team. If he could bulk up he could be a nice find late in the draft.

 

[harrycarey]

Bump for the games today.. See if Orr and Williams live up to Bloom's hype. I really like David Anderson and Mike Hass also

 

[-OZ-]

Just to throw another name out there... Jeremy Bloom. Has been compared to Tim Dwight.

Is that supposed to make us more interested or less?

Tim Dwight sucks.

Tim Dwight's got his role and has been doing it for 10 years. That's more than most WR's can say. When you get down to the 5.10 pick in a rookie draft (especially in a league that awards points for return yardage), I'd take that.

Dwight is one of many underrated players in the NFL. Not much for FF, but there isn't much for FF late in the 5th anyway.

 

[azgroover]

Just to throw another name out there... Jeremy Bloom. Has been compared to Tim Dwight. Played at Colorado, but stopped playing football after the NCAA ruled him ineligible due to his skiing endorsements. He'll be competing at Turin in the Olympics, and then heading to the NFL Combine a week later.

He's a bit rusty and a developmental guy, but could potentially run a 4.2-4.3 at the combine which would shoot his stock up.

Why's he compared to Tim Dwight?

 

[-OZ-]

Just to throw another name out there... Jeremy Bloom. Has been compared to Tim Dwight. Played at Colorado, but stopped playing football after the NCAA ruled him ineligible due to his skiing endorsements. He'll be competing at Turin in the Olympics, and then heading to the NFL Combine a week later.

He's a bit rusty and a developmental guy, but could potentially run a 4.2-4.3 at the combine which would shoot his stock up.

Why's he compared to Tim Dwight?

Short, smallish, white, fast.

 

[Bob Henry]

Even if Jeremy Bloom doesn't do anything as a WR, he'll instantly upgrade a team's return units potentially as much as Jerome Mathis did with the Texans on kickoffs. He's a gamebreaking talent with the ball in his hands.

 

[Rozelle]

Hagan better hope he has a better combine, (if he goes) than he did Senior Bowl week.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Even if Jeremy Bloom doesn't do anything as a WR, he'll instantly upgrade a team's return units potentially as much as Jerome Mathis did with the Texans on kickoffs. He's a gamebreaking talent with the ball in his hands.

I hate Jeremy Bloom. Football player, Olympic skier, model, banging the hot chick from the Real World-San Diego. Come on already, like any ONE of those things isn't enough.

 

[beto]

Even if Jeremy Bloom doesn't do anything as a WR, he'll instantly upgrade a team's return units potentially as much as Jerome Mathis did with the Texans on kickoffs. He's a gamebreaking talent with the ball in his hands.

I hate Jeremy Bloom. Football player, Olympic skier, model, banging the hot chick from the Real World-San Diego. Come on already, like any ONE of those things isn't enough.

Which Real World SD girl? I remember that season. Linky?