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1. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
Height/Weight: 6'1/215
College Experience: Third-year sophomore
Combine Nos.: DNP (foot)
Comparison: Andre Johnson
2008 Stats: 93 - 1,135 (12.2) - 18 Tds
Positives: Crabtree played all three receiver positions in college, but is a tailor-made NFL outside wideout due to fantastic body control, especially along the sideline. Dominant on jump balls, he catches the pigskin away from his body and possesses strong wrists and 34+ inch arms. A prep QB, Crabtree displayed tremendous work ethic to morph into college football's top receiver as a redshirt freshman. Crabtree isn't an Anquan Boldin or Brandon Marshall after-catch threat, but is a determined runner and can create plus yardage. Unlike some spread-offense products, Crabtree is experienced facing press and double coverage and has consistently excelled in difficult matchups. He showed toughness playing through an ankle/foot injury for most of 2008.
Negatives: Crabtree underwent foot surgery to repair a stress fracture on March 4 and has no forty time on record. Texas Tech's spread attack creates advantageous situations for receivers, helping to offset Crabtree's lack of ideal speed. He has little experience running pro-style downfield routes; 90% of Graham Harrell's throws went in the 0-11 yard range. Crabtree often relied on pure power to separate in college and will face bigger, faster DBs in the pros.
Verdict: Crabtree has a Pro Bowl skill set, but will likely face a learning curve. He may not be healthy for the "install" portion of offseason workouts, is coming from a gimmicky offense, and has only two years of experience at wide receiver. Still, his upside is easily worth a top-ten pick.
2. Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina
Height/Weight: 6'1/212
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.49 forty
Comparison: T.J. Houshmandzadeh
2008 Stats: 68 - 1,222 (18.0) - 12 Tds
Positives: Nicks very arguably possesses the surest hands in this draft and is a terror in traffic. He consistently uses his 10 1/2-inch catcher mitts (over a full inch bigger than Crabtree's) to snatch the ball out of the air and run with it. Few D-I receivers faced as frequent double teaming after UNC lost then-No. 1 WR Brandon Tate to a season-ending knee injury in October, and Nicks still dominated. He ran pro-style routes in Butch Davis' offense, offers near-ideal experience as a three-year starter, and has a knack for the big play. Nicks is a willing blocker in the running game, highly competitive, and displays uncommon awareness no matter where he is on the field.
Negatives: Often a downfield threat for the Tar Heels, Nicks' style of play may have to change some because he lacks game-changing vertical ability and will struggle to blow by quicker NFL DBs. Added responsibility seemingly caught up to Nicks down the stretch in '08. He averaged only 56 yards a game in the last four weeks before exploding for 217 yards and three TDs in the Heels' bowl loss.
Verdict: Nicks improved drastically in each of his three seasons, and last year may have only provided a glimpse of his long-term potential. Nicks' pro-style background gives him a leg up on Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin, and Percy Harvin. While his ceiling may not be as high as Crabtree's, Nicks looks like a better bet for a significant year-one contribution.
3. Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
Height/Weight: 6'0/198
College Experience: Third-year sophomore
Combine Nos.: 4.45 forty
Comparison: Reggie Wayne
2008 Stats: 102 - 1,260 (12.4) - 13 Tds, 40 - 293 (7.3) - 2 Tds
Positives: Maclin showed remarkable recover ability by returning with more speed after blowing out his knee in '06 spring drills. He set a D-I freshman record with 2,776 all-purpose yards the following season and led NCAA with 2,833 as a sophomore. Maclin's straight-line speed is ideal and his elite suddenness in and out of breaks gives him the potential to be a truly dominant route runner. Maclin is not afraid to go over the middle and plays hard (sometimes seemingly too hard) on every down. He was also a high-impact returner in the Big 12, bringing back three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns in his two seasons.
Negatives: Maclin spent most of his time as a slot receiver in Gary Pinkel's spread, which like Texas Tech's doesn't use many downfield pass calls, and has little experience catching over his shoulder. Maclin got many of his receiving yards after dink-and-dunks. While Maclin is a tough player, he often tends to miss plays after big hits. His route-running technique is considered raw and he is prone to dropping some catchable passes.
Verdict: Maclin's rookie-year downside appears to be as a return ace/slot receiver. He'll move outside eventually, but how long will it take? Maclin is a playmaker and has obvious passion for the game, but prospects coming from heavy spread offenses often need time to transition.
4. Percy Harvin, Florida
Height/Weight: 5'11/192
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.41 forty, 19 x 225
Comparison: Reggie Bush
2008 Stats: 40 - 644 (16.1) - 7 Tds, 70 - 660 (9.4) - 10 Tds
Positives: Possibly the truest homerun threat at any position in this draft, Harvin averaged an amazing 11.6 yards per touch in his college career. Uncatchable on a straight line, Harvin is a creative open-field runner with terrific moves and vision. He is scary quick in a short area and runs superb short to intermediate routes. A tailback/slotback/receiver in Urban Meyer's spread, Harvin could contribute in the NFL as a third-down back and returner, even though Meyer never used him in the latter capacity. Harvin rarely drops passes and is built compactly for his mediocre height.
Negatives: Harvin doesn't play bigger than his size indicates or project as an outside-the-numbers receiver. His best fit is in the slot, which may not appeal to run-heavy teams that rarely go three wide. Harvin's profile eerily resembles Reggie Bush, right down to his injury proneness. He's dealt with tendinitis in several lower-body parts and battled a hairline foot fracture for nearly a year.
Verdict: Harvin may never be a great bet to play 16 games, but if used correctly he'll surely be a weapon defenses must game plan for. Harvin's downside looks to be Roscoe Parrish, a quick slot receiver with return value. He could be a lot better than that in a Saints-like offense.
5. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
Height/Weight: 6'2/210
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.30 forty, 16 x 225, 38.5" vertical, 10'6" broad, 4.18 short shuttle
Comparison: Roy Williams
2008 Stats: 42 - 609 (14.5) - 5 Tds, 15 - 202 (13.5) - 1 Td
Positives: Heyward-Bey's burst off the snap is just as impressive as his forty. A 1.44 10-yard split makes him extremely difficult for chance-taking press corners to halt up close. Heyward-Bey also moves well laterally for a player his size and has a second gear in the open field. He flashes the ability to make highlight-reel catches and possesses ideal vertical skills. Heyward-Bey is a deep threat, but also handles the ball well and can take a reverse the distance. While he isn't a tackle breaker yet, Heyward-Bey could be dangerous after the catch if he adds lower-body strength.
Negatives: Poor QB play and Ralph Friedgen's run-heavy offense were factors, but DHB was never overwhelmingly productive in college. Though he started from his freshman season on, Heyward-Bey never scored more than five times in a season and tended to disappear in games. He caught three or fewer passes in seven of twelve 2008 appearances and his snap-to-snap effort has been questioned. Heyward-Bey has relatively small hands (9"), is a long-striding runner, and is considered inconsistent in his routes. He does not play to his size or show much physicality.
Verdict: There's annually a "boom or bust" receiver in the draft and Heyward-Bey is this year's version as an unpolished track athlete. A team in the top 20 will fall in love with him, but DHB could pan out like Bernard Berrian or struggle just to get on the field like Robert Meachem.
6. Kenny Britt, Rutgers
Height/Weight: 6'3/218
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.52 forty, 23 x 225, 37" vertical, 10'4" broad jump
Comparison: Dwayne Bowe
2008 Stats: 87 - 1,371 (15.8) - 7 Tds
Positives/Negatives: A beast after the catch, Britt's brutal stiff arms and open-field power moves were no match for Big East defenses. He is a good enough athlete to run by or jump over DBs, but would rather body them aside or blow through them. Also a contributor in the run game, Britt's crackback blocks are legendary in Rutgers lore. Britt has abnormally small hands (9") for a wideout his size, though, and dropped too many passes in college. He lacks ideal release off the line and won't regularly overpower NFL corners like he did as a Scarlet Knight. Britt should've been a higher-scoring receiver last year and doesn't seem to play to his athleticism.
Verdict: Britt and Brandon Marshall share many physical traits. Like Marshall, it's safe to expect Britt to start slow. But if Britt develops correctly, he has similar upside. Britt will be drafted higher than Marshall and get on the field sooner. How he responds could determine a lot about his long-term outlook.
7. Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma
Height/Weight: 6'1/204
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine Nos.: 4.51 forty
Comparison: Derrick Mason
2008 Stats: 74 - 1,150 (15.5) - 10 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Iglesias was productive and durable throughout his college career. He blossomed as a No. 1 receiver after Malcolm Kelly left and Oklahoma adjusted to a pass-oriented offense. His straight-line speed is only adequate, but Iglesias gets open by running sharp routes and consistently finding soft spots in a zone. Iglesias is sure handed and can catch over his shoulder when needed, although he'll struggle to separate from NFL cornerbacks at the third level. Iglesias has some kick return value, but won't be a homerun threat there.
Verdict: While Iglesias played outside for the Sooners, he is best suited for the slot in the pros. He can help a team as a possession return man and third-down weapon in year one. Iglesias may never be more than an average to above average starter, but should have a long NFL career.
8. Brandon Tate, North Carolina
Height/Weight: 6'0/183
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine Nos.: 10'6" broad jump
Comparison: Santonio Holmes
2008 Stats: 16 - 376 (23.5) - 3 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Tate looked like a rising first-round prospect when he exploded for touchdowns in each of the Tar Heels' first three games after averaging 19.2 yards per catch as a junior. But North Carolina's all-time leader in return yardage tore his ACL and MCL in October and missed the rest of the season. Before the injury Tate offered a rare blend of long speed, quickness, and open-field moves. He was still unpolished as a receiver, but had flashed deep-threat ability and appeared to be coming into his own as a senior. Tate had his surgery immediately, but didn't run at the Combine or UNC's Pro Day and it's impossible to know if he's maintained elite speed.
Verdict: Tate might be in the top five on this list had he stayed healthy. He may have to open his rookie season on PUP or spend it on injured reserve, but his upside is worth a middle-round gamble.
9. Brian Robiskie, Ohio State
Height/Weight: 6'3/209
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine Nos.: 4.49 forty, 37.5" vertical, 4.19 short shuttle
Comparison: Michael Jenkins
2008 Stats: 42 - 535 (12.7) - 8 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Robiskie's numbers fell as a senior (he had 935 yards and 11 Tds as a junior) because Ohio State installed true freshman Terrelle Pryor at QB and went run heavy. A willing blocker, Robiskie was still an integral part of the offense and a go-to third-down and red-zone target. He rarely lets balls seep through his big, strong hands and has ideal football knowledge coming from an NFL family. Robiskie also has extensive special teams experience, increasing his chances of making an impact right away even if he doesn't play often offensively. Robiskie is not an outstanding athlete, however, and won't be a consistent big-play weapon in the pros.
Verdict: Robiskie would fit well in a West Coast or run-first offense, where he could help as a blocking possession receiver and cover kicks before eventually pushing to start. His ceiling appears to be limited, but Robiskie has the work ethic and tools to someday be an every-down contributor.
10. Mike Thomas, Arizona
Height/Weight: 5'8/195
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine Nos.: 4.40 forty, 40.5" vertical
Comparison: Eddie Royal
2008 Stats: 74 - 825 (11.1) - 4 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Thomas broke into Arizona's first-team lineup as a true freshman and offers ideal starting experience. The Pac Ten's all-time leader in receptions, Thomas never missed a game in college despite significantly less than ideal height. He is built compactly into his frame and has good hand size (9 3/8 inches). Thomas breaks off the line quickly and has ideal leaping ability to make tough grabs in traffic. He's never been a high-scoring wideout, however, and drops too many catchable passes. Thomas began returning punts as a senior and broke two for touchdowns, averaging 13.5 yards per attempt en route to first-team all-conference honors.
Verdict: Thomas can be an instant impact returner, but teams want better efficiency in a slot receiver. Thomas' skill set actually projects better outside. His height will always be held against him, though, and whether he ever gets an opportunity to play there remains to be seen.
11. Derrick Williams, Penn State - Slot prospect with return skill rebounded from disappointing 4.65 forty at Combine with 4.37 at Pro Day.
12. Ramses Barden, Cal Poly - Small-schooler has massive frame (6'6/227) and draft's biggest hands (10 3/4 inches), but is a project.
13. Demetrius Byrd, LSU - Former JUCO transfer can fly (4.42) and has good size (6'0/200), but disappointed as a senior.
14. Brandon Gibson, Washington State - Still hasn't run for scouts, but dominated Pac Ten as a junior with Alex Brink at QB.
15. Louis Murphy, Florida - Pure outside receiver offers ideal vertical ability (4.43 forty), but lanky and had offseason knee surgery.
Other WRs with a good shot to be drafted: Mohamed Massaquoi (Georgia), Austin Collie (BYU), Kevin Ogletree (Virginia), Darius Passmore (Marshall), Johnny Knox (Abeline Christian), Quan Cosby (Texas), Kenny McKinley (South Carolina), Deon Butler (Penn St.), Jarett Dillard (Rice), Patrick Turner (USC), Sammie Stroughter (Oregon St.), Aaron Kelly (Clemson), Tiquan Underwood (Rutgers), Marko Mitchell (Nevada), Taurus Johnson (USF), Brennan Marion (Tulsa), Jeremy Childs (Boise St.), Mike Wallace (Ole Miss), Greg Orton (Purdue), Brooks Foster (North Carolina)
1. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
Height/Weight: 6'1/215
College Experience: Third-year sophomore
Combine Nos.: DNP (foot)
Comparison: Andre Johnson
2008 Stats: 93 - 1,135 (12.2) - 18 Tds
Positives: Crabtree played all three receiver positions in college, but is a tailor-made NFL outside wideout due to fantastic body control, especially along the sideline. Dominant on jump balls, he catches the pigskin away from his body and possesses strong wrists and 34+ inch arms. A prep QB, Crabtree displayed tremendous work ethic to morph into college football's top receiver as a redshirt freshman. Crabtree isn't an Anquan Boldin or Brandon Marshall after-catch threat, but is a determined runner and can create plus yardage. Unlike some spread-offense products, Crabtree is experienced facing press and double coverage and has consistently excelled in difficult matchups. He showed toughness playing through an ankle/foot injury for most of 2008.
Negatives: Crabtree underwent foot surgery to repair a stress fracture on March 4 and has no forty time on record. Texas Tech's spread attack creates advantageous situations for receivers, helping to offset Crabtree's lack of ideal speed. He has little experience running pro-style downfield routes; 90% of Graham Harrell's throws went in the 0-11 yard range. Crabtree often relied on pure power to separate in college and will face bigger, faster DBs in the pros.
Verdict: Crabtree has a Pro Bowl skill set, but will likely face a learning curve. He may not be healthy for the "install" portion of offseason workouts, is coming from a gimmicky offense, and has only two years of experience at wide receiver. Still, his upside is easily worth a top-ten pick.
2. Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina
Height/Weight: 6'1/212
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.49 forty
Comparison: T.J. Houshmandzadeh
2008 Stats: 68 - 1,222 (18.0) - 12 Tds
Positives: Nicks very arguably possesses the surest hands in this draft and is a terror in traffic. He consistently uses his 10 1/2-inch catcher mitts (over a full inch bigger than Crabtree's) to snatch the ball out of the air and run with it. Few D-I receivers faced as frequent double teaming after UNC lost then-No. 1 WR Brandon Tate to a season-ending knee injury in October, and Nicks still dominated. He ran pro-style routes in Butch Davis' offense, offers near-ideal experience as a three-year starter, and has a knack for the big play. Nicks is a willing blocker in the running game, highly competitive, and displays uncommon awareness no matter where he is on the field.
Negatives: Often a downfield threat for the Tar Heels, Nicks' style of play may have to change some because he lacks game-changing vertical ability and will struggle to blow by quicker NFL DBs. Added responsibility seemingly caught up to Nicks down the stretch in '08. He averaged only 56 yards a game in the last four weeks before exploding for 217 yards and three TDs in the Heels' bowl loss.
Verdict: Nicks improved drastically in each of his three seasons, and last year may have only provided a glimpse of his long-term potential. Nicks' pro-style background gives him a leg up on Crabtree, Jeremy Maclin, and Percy Harvin. While his ceiling may not be as high as Crabtree's, Nicks looks like a better bet for a significant year-one contribution.
3. Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
Height/Weight: 6'0/198
College Experience: Third-year sophomore
Combine Nos.: 4.45 forty
Comparison: Reggie Wayne
2008 Stats: 102 - 1,260 (12.4) - 13 Tds, 40 - 293 (7.3) - 2 Tds
Positives: Maclin showed remarkable recover ability by returning with more speed after blowing out his knee in '06 spring drills. He set a D-I freshman record with 2,776 all-purpose yards the following season and led NCAA with 2,833 as a sophomore. Maclin's straight-line speed is ideal and his elite suddenness in and out of breaks gives him the potential to be a truly dominant route runner. Maclin is not afraid to go over the middle and plays hard (sometimes seemingly too hard) on every down. He was also a high-impact returner in the Big 12, bringing back three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns in his two seasons.
Negatives: Maclin spent most of his time as a slot receiver in Gary Pinkel's spread, which like Texas Tech's doesn't use many downfield pass calls, and has little experience catching over his shoulder. Maclin got many of his receiving yards after dink-and-dunks. While Maclin is a tough player, he often tends to miss plays after big hits. His route-running technique is considered raw and he is prone to dropping some catchable passes.
Verdict: Maclin's rookie-year downside appears to be as a return ace/slot receiver. He'll move outside eventually, but how long will it take? Maclin is a playmaker and has obvious passion for the game, but prospects coming from heavy spread offenses often need time to transition.
4. Percy Harvin, Florida
Height/Weight: 5'11/192
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.41 forty, 19 x 225
Comparison: Reggie Bush
2008 Stats: 40 - 644 (16.1) - 7 Tds, 70 - 660 (9.4) - 10 Tds
Positives: Possibly the truest homerun threat at any position in this draft, Harvin averaged an amazing 11.6 yards per touch in his college career. Uncatchable on a straight line, Harvin is a creative open-field runner with terrific moves and vision. He is scary quick in a short area and runs superb short to intermediate routes. A tailback/slotback/receiver in Urban Meyer's spread, Harvin could contribute in the NFL as a third-down back and returner, even though Meyer never used him in the latter capacity. Harvin rarely drops passes and is built compactly for his mediocre height.
Negatives: Harvin doesn't play bigger than his size indicates or project as an outside-the-numbers receiver. His best fit is in the slot, which may not appeal to run-heavy teams that rarely go three wide. Harvin's profile eerily resembles Reggie Bush, right down to his injury proneness. He's dealt with tendinitis in several lower-body parts and battled a hairline foot fracture for nearly a year.
Verdict: Harvin may never be a great bet to play 16 games, but if used correctly he'll surely be a weapon defenses must game plan for. Harvin's downside looks to be Roscoe Parrish, a quick slot receiver with return value. He could be a lot better than that in a Saints-like offense.
5. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
Height/Weight: 6'2/210
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.30 forty, 16 x 225, 38.5" vertical, 10'6" broad, 4.18 short shuttle
Comparison: Roy Williams
2008 Stats: 42 - 609 (14.5) - 5 Tds, 15 - 202 (13.5) - 1 Td
Positives: Heyward-Bey's burst off the snap is just as impressive as his forty. A 1.44 10-yard split makes him extremely difficult for chance-taking press corners to halt up close. Heyward-Bey also moves well laterally for a player his size and has a second gear in the open field. He flashes the ability to make highlight-reel catches and possesses ideal vertical skills. Heyward-Bey is a deep threat, but also handles the ball well and can take a reverse the distance. While he isn't a tackle breaker yet, Heyward-Bey could be dangerous after the catch if he adds lower-body strength.
Negatives: Poor QB play and Ralph Friedgen's run-heavy offense were factors, but DHB was never overwhelmingly productive in college. Though he started from his freshman season on, Heyward-Bey never scored more than five times in a season and tended to disappear in games. He caught three or fewer passes in seven of twelve 2008 appearances and his snap-to-snap effort has been questioned. Heyward-Bey has relatively small hands (9"), is a long-striding runner, and is considered inconsistent in his routes. He does not play to his size or show much physicality.
Verdict: There's annually a "boom or bust" receiver in the draft and Heyward-Bey is this year's version as an unpolished track athlete. A team in the top 20 will fall in love with him, but DHB could pan out like Bernard Berrian or struggle just to get on the field like Robert Meachem.
6. Kenny Britt, Rutgers
Height/Weight: 6'3/218
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine Nos.: 4.52 forty, 23 x 225, 37" vertical, 10'4" broad jump
Comparison: Dwayne Bowe
2008 Stats: 87 - 1,371 (15.8) - 7 Tds
Positives/Negatives: A beast after the catch, Britt's brutal stiff arms and open-field power moves were no match for Big East defenses. He is a good enough athlete to run by or jump over DBs, but would rather body them aside or blow through them. Also a contributor in the run game, Britt's crackback blocks are legendary in Rutgers lore. Britt has abnormally small hands (9") for a wideout his size, though, and dropped too many passes in college. He lacks ideal release off the line and won't regularly overpower NFL corners like he did as a Scarlet Knight. Britt should've been a higher-scoring receiver last year and doesn't seem to play to his athleticism.
Verdict: Britt and Brandon Marshall share many physical traits. Like Marshall, it's safe to expect Britt to start slow. But if Britt develops correctly, he has similar upside. Britt will be drafted higher than Marshall and get on the field sooner. How he responds could determine a lot about his long-term outlook.
7. Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma
Height/Weight: 6'1/204
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine Nos.: 4.51 forty
Comparison: Derrick Mason
2008 Stats: 74 - 1,150 (15.5) - 10 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Iglesias was productive and durable throughout his college career. He blossomed as a No. 1 receiver after Malcolm Kelly left and Oklahoma adjusted to a pass-oriented offense. His straight-line speed is only adequate, but Iglesias gets open by running sharp routes and consistently finding soft spots in a zone. Iglesias is sure handed and can catch over his shoulder when needed, although he'll struggle to separate from NFL cornerbacks at the third level. Iglesias has some kick return value, but won't be a homerun threat there.
Verdict: While Iglesias played outside for the Sooners, he is best suited for the slot in the pros. He can help a team as a possession return man and third-down weapon in year one. Iglesias may never be more than an average to above average starter, but should have a long NFL career.
8. Brandon Tate, North Carolina
Height/Weight: 6'0/183
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine Nos.: 10'6" broad jump
Comparison: Santonio Holmes
2008 Stats: 16 - 376 (23.5) - 3 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Tate looked like a rising first-round prospect when he exploded for touchdowns in each of the Tar Heels' first three games after averaging 19.2 yards per catch as a junior. But North Carolina's all-time leader in return yardage tore his ACL and MCL in October and missed the rest of the season. Before the injury Tate offered a rare blend of long speed, quickness, and open-field moves. He was still unpolished as a receiver, but had flashed deep-threat ability and appeared to be coming into his own as a senior. Tate had his surgery immediately, but didn't run at the Combine or UNC's Pro Day and it's impossible to know if he's maintained elite speed.
Verdict: Tate might be in the top five on this list had he stayed healthy. He may have to open his rookie season on PUP or spend it on injured reserve, but his upside is worth a middle-round gamble.
9. Brian Robiskie, Ohio State
Height/Weight: 6'3/209
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine Nos.: 4.49 forty, 37.5" vertical, 4.19 short shuttle
Comparison: Michael Jenkins
2008 Stats: 42 - 535 (12.7) - 8 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Robiskie's numbers fell as a senior (he had 935 yards and 11 Tds as a junior) because Ohio State installed true freshman Terrelle Pryor at QB and went run heavy. A willing blocker, Robiskie was still an integral part of the offense and a go-to third-down and red-zone target. He rarely lets balls seep through his big, strong hands and has ideal football knowledge coming from an NFL family. Robiskie also has extensive special teams experience, increasing his chances of making an impact right away even if he doesn't play often offensively. Robiskie is not an outstanding athlete, however, and won't be a consistent big-play weapon in the pros.
Verdict: Robiskie would fit well in a West Coast or run-first offense, where he could help as a blocking possession receiver and cover kicks before eventually pushing to start. His ceiling appears to be limited, but Robiskie has the work ethic and tools to someday be an every-down contributor.
10. Mike Thomas, Arizona
Height/Weight: 5'8/195
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine Nos.: 4.40 forty, 40.5" vertical
Comparison: Eddie Royal
2008 Stats: 74 - 825 (11.1) - 4 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Thomas broke into Arizona's first-team lineup as a true freshman and offers ideal starting experience. The Pac Ten's all-time leader in receptions, Thomas never missed a game in college despite significantly less than ideal height. He is built compactly into his frame and has good hand size (9 3/8 inches). Thomas breaks off the line quickly and has ideal leaping ability to make tough grabs in traffic. He's never been a high-scoring wideout, however, and drops too many catchable passes. Thomas began returning punts as a senior and broke two for touchdowns, averaging 13.5 yards per attempt en route to first-team all-conference honors.
Verdict: Thomas can be an instant impact returner, but teams want better efficiency in a slot receiver. Thomas' skill set actually projects better outside. His height will always be held against him, though, and whether he ever gets an opportunity to play there remains to be seen.
11. Derrick Williams, Penn State - Slot prospect with return skill rebounded from disappointing 4.65 forty at Combine with 4.37 at Pro Day.
12. Ramses Barden, Cal Poly - Small-schooler has massive frame (6'6/227) and draft's biggest hands (10 3/4 inches), but is a project.
13. Demetrius Byrd, LSU - Former JUCO transfer can fly (4.42) and has good size (6'0/200), but disappointed as a senior.
14. Brandon Gibson, Washington State - Still hasn't run for scouts, but dominated Pac Ten as a junior with Alex Brink at QB.
15. Louis Murphy, Florida - Pure outside receiver offers ideal vertical ability (4.43 forty), but lanky and had offseason knee surgery.
Other WRs with a good shot to be drafted: Mohamed Massaquoi (Georgia), Austin Collie (BYU), Kevin Ogletree (Virginia), Darius Passmore (Marshall), Johnny Knox (Abeline Christian), Quan Cosby (Texas), Kenny McKinley (South Carolina), Deon Butler (Penn St.), Jarett Dillard (Rice), Patrick Turner (USC), Sammie Stroughter (Oregon St.), Aaron Kelly (Clemson), Tiquan Underwood (Rutgers), Marko Mitchell (Nevada), Taurus Johnson (USF), Brennan Marion (Tulsa), Jeremy Childs (Boise St.), Mike Wallace (Ole Miss), Greg Orton (Purdue), Brooks Foster (North Carolina)
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