Draft 2010: The Wide Receivers
While Dez Bryant's purported off-field concerns and Demaryius Thomas' broken foot have limited pre-draft hype about this year's receiver class, it is without question one of the strongest position groups in 2010. It wouldn't be surprising if every player in this top 15 earns significant playing time by his third season. As many as eight project to be immediate starters.
Last year's wideout class produced an impressive six first-round picks. This year's crop won't be so lucky, but expect there to be a serious run at the position beginning at the start of round two, after Bryant, Thomas, and perhaps Golden Tate have come off the board.
[SIZE=+1]1. Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'2/225
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine #s: None
Style Comparison: Andre Johnson
2008* Stats: 87 - 1,480 (17.0) - 19 Tds
Positives: The most complete receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson, Bryant is the prototype. He is dominant at all three levels, combining homerun speed and fearlessness over the middle with outrageous leaping ability to make big plays along the sideline or in the red zone. Blessed with an Andre Johnson-like build and the longest arms on this list (34"), Bryant is an incredible physical specimen. He also offers sensational return skills, having brought back two punts for TDs in 2008 and averaged a whopping 17.9 yards per attempt to earn Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year honors in addition to being a first-team All-American wideout. Bryant consistently defeated double teams under OSU coach Mike Gundy, and rarely dropped catchable passes. A bright individual, Bryant made academic all-conference as a sophomore.
Negatives: Bryant was suspended for the final 10 games in 2009 for associating with NFL employee Deion Sanders, then lying to the NCAA about it. He also sat out the Combine and Cowboys' March 10 Pro Day due to a hamstring injury. Amid rumors he was out of shape, Bryant weighed in at 225 in Indianapolis after playing in the 215-pound range in college. There have been reports that Bryant frequently skipped class, and showed up late to team meetings and even games. Naturally, this has sparked speculation that he may lack the passion to fulfill his potential.
Outlook: Rookie wideouts rarely meet first-year expectations, but Bryant has the natural skill set to be an immediate 1,200-yard receiver. A far better prospect than Michael Crabtree, Bryant belongs in the top five based on talent alone. However, if reports of Bryant's diva-like attitude are more than pre-draft misinformation -- and we have our doubts -- he may be in for a draft-day slide.
[SIZE=+1]2. Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'3/224
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine #s: None
Style Comparison: Terrell Owens
2009 Stats: 46 - 1,154 (25.1) - 8 Tds
Positives: Thomas is a big-play machine with ideal size. He left college with a 19.49 career yards-per-catch average, easily pacing the ACC in the statistic last season. Also in 2009, Thomas made nine of his 46 receptions for 50+ yards and four for 70+. Amid horrific QB play, Thomas accounted for nearly 60% of Tech's completions (78). He has the biggest hands (10 1/2") of any draft-eligible wideout and is a devastating blocker, gaining heavy experience in that area under run-first coach Paul Johnson. A terrific athlete, Thomas was a state champion prep basketball player in Georgia. He's considered a character guy and an extremely hard worker.
Negatives: Raw coming from Johnson's triple-option offense, Thomas was essentially a one-trick pony at Georgia Tech, running "nines" down the sideline as defenses loaded up to stop Jonathan Dwyer. Thomas never learned the route tree and has limited experience facing double coverage. Thomas fractured his left foot in mid-February, requiring surgery, and may not work out before the draft. Somewhat prone to drops -- it was easy to lose focus in Johnson's grinding attack -- Thomas let a fourth-down pass slip through his hands with the Yellow Jackets driving and 1:22 left in the 2009 "Clean, Old Fashioned Hate" rivalry game against Georgia. Two games later, Thomas was held catch-less by Iowa CB Amari Spievey in Georgia Tech's Orange Bowl loss.
Outlook: Thomas ended his college career slowly and is something of a project, but possesses the vertical skills and instant impact blocking ability to be a contributor in year one. In time, it wouldn't surprise if he's vying with Bryant to be the top receiver to emerge from this draft.
[SIZE=+1]3. Golden Tate, Notre Dame[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 5'10/199
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine #s: 4.42 forty, 17 x 225, 10' long jump
Style Comparison: Hines Ward
2009 Stats: 93 - 1,496 (16.1) 15 Tds, 25 CAR - 186 (7.4) - 2 Tds
Positives: The 2009 Biletnikoff Award winner, Tate is the only receiver in this top five to come from a truly pro-style system. A dynamic tackle-breaker after the catch, Tate possesses impressive lower-body strength as a former top running back recruit. He was at perhaps his best with fellow Irish star receiver Michael Floyd out six weeks due to a broken collarbone last year, seeing a safety over the top on nearly every play but still averaging eight catches for 126 yards per game with eight all-purpose TDs. A special teams threat, Tate averaged 14.2 yards per punt return with one touchdown on a team-high 12 attempts last year. Tate is an unselfish, intelligent player, and a well-rounded athlete. He started in left field for Notre Dame's annually ranked baseball team and was selected in the 42nd round by the Diamondbacks in the 2007 MLB draft.
Negatives: Lacking ideal height, Tate has been pigeonholed as a slot receiver prospect in some circles. Though he was a deep threat in college, Tate was caught from behind too often by sub-NFL caliber defensive backs and will likely have to tweak his game at the next level. Tate is more likely to be a Hines Ward, flanker type than a bomb magnet like Panthers split end Steve Smith. Tate is mostly sure handed, but has a tendency to lose focus. He almost single handedly cost the Irish a crucial early-season loss to Michigan with repeated end-zone drops.
Outlook: Transitioning from a leaping, homerun hitter into more of a possession, run-after-catch threat, Tate is a moderately risky draft pick. Ex-Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis has also turned mediocre receiver talents into stars at all of his stops. Tate, though, undoubtedly is skilled enough to be a play-making No. 2 target in the pros, even if his upside may be limited.
[SIZE=+1]4. Arrelious Benn, Illinois[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'1/219
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine #s: 4.57 forty, 20 x 225, 37" vertical, 9'10" long jump
Style Comparison: Jerricho Cotchery
2009 Stats: 38 - 490 (12.9) - 2 Tds
Positives: A physical receiver who was dragged through numerous offenses during three years in Champaign, Benn's calling card is his run-after-catch ability. Benn displays tailback-like balance with the ball in his hands, bouncing off defenders and using stiff arms and spins to create plus yardage. A power player, Benn is a vicious crack-back blocker. He has a knack for finding soft spots in a zone, and experience playing both out wide and in the slot. Though Benn is not a true burner or deep threat, he has plenty of speed to separate from defensive backs if he hasn't already run over them. He flashed explosiveness on limited early-career kick return opportunities.
Negatives: Benn caught just seven career touchdowns at Illinois. His production was way down in 2009, though it was at least partially attributable to a nagging ankle injury and horrendous quarterback play. Perhaps due to the myriad of coordinators he played under, Benn is considered an average to below average route runner, and isn't particularly explosive off the line. Also a body catcher, Benn may have the most inconsistent hands among the top-five receivers listed here.
Outlook: As a sophomore, Benn caught 67 balls for 1,055 yards. As a true freshman, he had 676 yards on 56 catches. So it isn't like he's always lacked elite production. A poor man's Anquan Boldin, Benn would fit perfectly on a West Coast-style team in need of a flanker to do dirty work. The Redskins, Bucs, and Patriots should all consider him in the Nos. 37-44 range.
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[SIZE=+1]5. Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'0/187
College Experience: Fifth-year senior
Combine #s: 4.56 forty, 39" vertical
Style Comparison: Derrick Mason
2009 Stats: 87 - 1,191 (13.7) - 11 Tds
Positives: Gilyard was recruited to play cornerback, but it didn't take him long to morph into a game-breaking wideout and returner. He went on to start three years at receiver, earning first-team all-conference honors as a junior and senior on top of Big East Special Teams Player of the Year in both seasons. Gilyard brought back three returns for touchdowns in 2009 and ranked seventh nationally in kick return average (30.5). He also blocked two punts as a redshirt sophomore. Gilyard is extremely quick off the snap, has outstanding open-field moves, and possesses elite in-air body control, helping to compensate for a lack of ideal vertical speed.
Negatives: Gilyard, who weighed just 179 at the Senior Bowl, will be viewed as an injury risk by NFL teams, even though he was durable in college. Though Gilyard helped himself with a high-4.4 to low-4.5 forty at UC's Pro Day, he lacks elite separation skills. Gilyard played in coach Brian Kelly's bubble screen-happy spread offense and still must learn to run NFL routes. He was severely outmatched by Florida CB Joe Haden in the 2009 Sugar Bowl, managing just 41 yards with the two often matched one-on-one. Gilyard was academically ineligible for all of 2006, costing him his scholarship, and had to temporarily live out of his car. In Senior Bowl interviews, Gilyard admitted to a high school arrest for marijuana possession and attempt to distribute.
Outlook: He isn't fast enough in a straight line to meet the DeSean Jackson comparisons he drew as a Bearcat, but Gilyard's production, domination of top competition at the Senior Bowl (he led both sides with a 5/103/1 line), and relentless work ethic speak for themselves. Gilyard appears to have transformed himself on and off the field, and is unlikely to fall out of the top 64.
[SIZE=+1]6. Brandon LaFell, LSU[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'2/211
College Experience: Fifth-year senior
Combine #s: 4.59 forty, 9'5" long jump
Style Comparison: Dwayne Bowe
2009 Stats: 57 - 792 (13.9) - 11 Tds
Positives/Negatives: A three-year starter, LaFell left school ranked second in LSU history in touchdown catches (25) and third in receptions (175). Though he suffered a knee injury in the Capital One Bowl that forced him to miss January's Senior Bowl, LaFell was durable throughout his career. LaFell learned to run NFL routes in Les Miles' pro-style scheme, is dominant in the red zone, and is considered a high-motor player with top-notch blocking ability. However, LaFell is short on long speed and dropped too many passes as a senior. His skill set is similar to fellow former Tigers receiver Dwayne Bowe's, right down to the inconsistent hands. LaFell's actual hand size is also a concern. At just 8 3/4", he possesses some of the draft's smallest mitts.
Outlook: Though lacking ideal separation speed, LaFell projects as a chain-moving, high-scoring pro. If he improves his consistency gathering in and securing the football, LaFell should be able to start from the get-go as a possession-type No. 2 receiver. He has long-term upside to grow into a league-average to above-league average No. 1. His downside is Michael Jenkins.
[SIZE=+1]7. Mike Williams, Syracuse[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'1/221
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine #s: 4.62 forty, 8 x 225, 33.5" vertical
Style Comparison: Brandon Marshall
2009 Stats: 49 - 746 (15.2) - 6 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Syracuse's leading receiver in all three of his seasons, Williams scored 20 TDs in 29 career games and averaged 15.37 yards per catch amid awful quarterback play. On the field, Williams is an overpowering tackle-breaker with ideal over-the-middle receiving skills and surprising burst and quickness off the line. He has sure hands, rarely lets the ball into his body, and has experience beating double coverage. However, Williams quit Syracuse's team after just seven games last year. Due to undisclosed reasons, he was suspended for a game just two weeks prior to quitting. Williams was also academically ineligible for all of 2008 after being caught cheating on a test, and did not have a good Combine at a time when he needed one badly.
Outlook: Williams' negatives outweigh his positives, which may cause him to fall to the back end of the draft. If focused and coached up properly, however, the sky is the limit for Williams' ceiling. Possessing the natural ability to one day be classified among the game's top receivers, Williams could just as easily be out of the league in three years.
[SIZE=+1]8. Damian Williams, USC[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'1/197
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine #s: 4.53 forty, 19 x 225, 38" vertical
Style Comparison: Chad Ochocinco
2009 Stats: 70 - 1,010 (14.4) - 6 Tds
Positives/Negatives: An NFL-ready route runner, Williams learned the full route tree in Steve Sarkisian and John Morton's pro-style systems. The Arkansas transfer also ranked sixth nationally in punt return average (14.2 yards per attempt) last year, scoring twice to earn first-team All Pac-10 honors as both a special teamer and wide receiver. Highly productive in his two years at USC, Williams is exceptionally quick, sure handed, and intelligent. He is not a burner, however, and has a lanky frame. Williams is considered an average-at-best blocker. He underwent surgery on both shoulders during the 2007 offseason, but was otherwise durable in college.
Outlook: Williams' long-term upside may be somewhat limited due to his lack of dominant measurables, but his track record says he'll be able to get on the field quickly and produce as a No. 2 receiver or No. 3/punt returner. He projects as a mid to late second-round pick.
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[SIZE=+1]9. Taylor Price, Ohio[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'0/204
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine #s: 4.41 forty, 16 x 225, 37" vertical
Style Comparison: Roddy White
2009 Stats: 56 - 784 (14.0) - 5 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Despite playing in a decidedly run-first attack, Price set the Bobcats' all-time receptions record as a three-year starter. He also stood out at the Senior Bowl when pitted against defensive backs far superior to any he faced in the MAC. Seeing action both from the slot and outside in Ohio's spread, Price excels on the slant with ideal release off the line of scrimmage and speed to go the distance. He remained productive when OU took on top teams last year, scoring on a 44-yard bomb versus UConn and racking up 90 yards at Tennessee. Price's competition level remains a concern, and he's not particularly dynamic in any area. He has upside to develop into a top-notch route runner, but is coming from a non-pro style offense.
Outlook: Price's size-speed combination is as impressive as any receiver on this list after Bryant and Thomas. The step up from MAC defenses to the NFL is steep, but it wouldn't be surprising if Price settles in as the No. 2 wideout for a receiver-needy team like the Panthers by year two. He could be a steal in the third to fourth round.
[SIZE=+1]10. Carlton Mitchell, South Florida[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'3/215
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine #s: 4.49 forty, 16 x 225, 10'2" long jump
Style Comparison: Marques Colston
2009 Stats: 40 - 706 (17.6) - 4 Tds
Positives/Negatives: The primary deep threat in Jim Leavitt's run-heavy offense, Mitchell fought through an ankle injury and the season-ending loss of QB Matt Grothe just three games into the 2009 campaign to lead the Bulls' in all receiving categories. Also a sprinter on the USF track team, Mitchell made eight of his senior-year catches for over 25 yards, and five for 50+. Mitchell possesses ideal speed for his size, was a master of the circus catch in college, and is a highly experienced blocker. However, his pass-catching fundamentals are considered raw, and Mitchell was ultimately only a one-year starter in college. Mitchell never caught more than four touchdowns in a season, and had four or fewer receptions in 9-of-13 games last year.
Outlook: South Florida's 508:297 run-to-pass ratio obviously limited Mitchell's production in 2009, but his talent is undeniable. While he'll likely last until the third or fourth round with just over 100 receptions on tape, Mitchell will appeal to teams in need of a field-stretching split end.
11. Eric Decker, Minnesota - Gophers' all-time leading receiver ... Superb athlete selected twice in MLB draft ... Recovering from Lisfranc fracture, which required surgery ... Scheduled to resume football activities in June ... 43 on the Wonderlic ... Ed McCaffrey-type upside.
12. Marcus Easley, UConn - Late bloomer, former walk-on didn't start until senior year ... Averaged 18.6 yards a catch with eight TDs in 2009 ... 4.42 forty ... Deep threat with ideal size at 6'3/210 ... Lots of blocking experience in UConn's run-first scheme ... Arrow still pointing way up.
13. Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas - 31 receiving touchdowns in three seasons (red-zone star)... Early entrant was extremely productive in KU's spread offense ... Good size (6'2/208), but ran poorly at the Combine (mid-4.6s) and managed just nine reps of 225 on the bench press.
14. Jordan Shipley, Texas - 24-year-old sixth-year senior dominated 19- and 20-year-old defensive backs in Big 12 ... Will turn 25 at the end of his rookie year ... High IQ player ... Projects as Brandon Stokley-like slot receiver ... At 5'11/193, ran in the low 4.6-range at the Combine.
15. Jeremy Williams, Tulane - 84/1,113/13.2/7 as a senior, but only honorable mention All C-USA ... South Team MVP at the Senior Bowl ... Green Wave utilized heavily short-based passing game ... Oft-injured before breakout 2009 season ... Ran 4.59 forty in Indianapolis.
Other WRs on the draft radar: Freddie Barnes (Bowling Green), Shay Hodge (Ole Miss), Antonio Brown (Central Michigan), Riley Cooper (Florida), Jacoby Ford (Clemson), Brandon Banks (Kansas State), Kerry Meier (Kansas), Seyi Ajirotutu (Fresno State), Chris Bell (Norfolk State), Alric Arnett (West Virginia), David Gettis (Baylor), Danario Alexander (Missouri), Blair White (Michigan State), Andre Roberts (Citadel), Emmanuel Sanders (SMU), Terrence Austin (UCLA), David Reed (Utah)
While Dez Bryant's purported off-field concerns and Demaryius Thomas' broken foot have limited pre-draft hype about this year's receiver class, it is without question one of the strongest position groups in 2010. It wouldn't be surprising if every player in this top 15 earns significant playing time by his third season. As many as eight project to be immediate starters.
Last year's wideout class produced an impressive six first-round picks. This year's crop won't be so lucky, but expect there to be a serious run at the position beginning at the start of round two, after Bryant, Thomas, and perhaps Golden Tate have come off the board.
[SIZE=+1]1. Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'2/225
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine #s: None
Style Comparison: Andre Johnson
2008* Stats: 87 - 1,480 (17.0) - 19 Tds
Positives: The most complete receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson, Bryant is the prototype. He is dominant at all three levels, combining homerun speed and fearlessness over the middle with outrageous leaping ability to make big plays along the sideline or in the red zone. Blessed with an Andre Johnson-like build and the longest arms on this list (34"), Bryant is an incredible physical specimen. He also offers sensational return skills, having brought back two punts for TDs in 2008 and averaged a whopping 17.9 yards per attempt to earn Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year honors in addition to being a first-team All-American wideout. Bryant consistently defeated double teams under OSU coach Mike Gundy, and rarely dropped catchable passes. A bright individual, Bryant made academic all-conference as a sophomore.
Negatives: Bryant was suspended for the final 10 games in 2009 for associating with NFL employee Deion Sanders, then lying to the NCAA about it. He also sat out the Combine and Cowboys' March 10 Pro Day due to a hamstring injury. Amid rumors he was out of shape, Bryant weighed in at 225 in Indianapolis after playing in the 215-pound range in college. There have been reports that Bryant frequently skipped class, and showed up late to team meetings and even games. Naturally, this has sparked speculation that he may lack the passion to fulfill his potential.
Outlook: Rookie wideouts rarely meet first-year expectations, but Bryant has the natural skill set to be an immediate 1,200-yard receiver. A far better prospect than Michael Crabtree, Bryant belongs in the top five based on talent alone. However, if reports of Bryant's diva-like attitude are more than pre-draft misinformation -- and we have our doubts -- he may be in for a draft-day slide.
[SIZE=+1]2. Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'3/224
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine #s: None
Style Comparison: Terrell Owens
2009 Stats: 46 - 1,154 (25.1) - 8 Tds
Positives: Thomas is a big-play machine with ideal size. He left college with a 19.49 career yards-per-catch average, easily pacing the ACC in the statistic last season. Also in 2009, Thomas made nine of his 46 receptions for 50+ yards and four for 70+. Amid horrific QB play, Thomas accounted for nearly 60% of Tech's completions (78). He has the biggest hands (10 1/2") of any draft-eligible wideout and is a devastating blocker, gaining heavy experience in that area under run-first coach Paul Johnson. A terrific athlete, Thomas was a state champion prep basketball player in Georgia. He's considered a character guy and an extremely hard worker.
Negatives: Raw coming from Johnson's triple-option offense, Thomas was essentially a one-trick pony at Georgia Tech, running "nines" down the sideline as defenses loaded up to stop Jonathan Dwyer. Thomas never learned the route tree and has limited experience facing double coverage. Thomas fractured his left foot in mid-February, requiring surgery, and may not work out before the draft. Somewhat prone to drops -- it was easy to lose focus in Johnson's grinding attack -- Thomas let a fourth-down pass slip through his hands with the Yellow Jackets driving and 1:22 left in the 2009 "Clean, Old Fashioned Hate" rivalry game against Georgia. Two games later, Thomas was held catch-less by Iowa CB Amari Spievey in Georgia Tech's Orange Bowl loss.
Outlook: Thomas ended his college career slowly and is something of a project, but possesses the vertical skills and instant impact blocking ability to be a contributor in year one. In time, it wouldn't surprise if he's vying with Bryant to be the top receiver to emerge from this draft.
[SIZE=+1]3. Golden Tate, Notre Dame[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 5'10/199
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine #s: 4.42 forty, 17 x 225, 10' long jump
Style Comparison: Hines Ward
2009 Stats: 93 - 1,496 (16.1) 15 Tds, 25 CAR - 186 (7.4) - 2 Tds
Positives: The 2009 Biletnikoff Award winner, Tate is the only receiver in this top five to come from a truly pro-style system. A dynamic tackle-breaker after the catch, Tate possesses impressive lower-body strength as a former top running back recruit. He was at perhaps his best with fellow Irish star receiver Michael Floyd out six weeks due to a broken collarbone last year, seeing a safety over the top on nearly every play but still averaging eight catches for 126 yards per game with eight all-purpose TDs. A special teams threat, Tate averaged 14.2 yards per punt return with one touchdown on a team-high 12 attempts last year. Tate is an unselfish, intelligent player, and a well-rounded athlete. He started in left field for Notre Dame's annually ranked baseball team and was selected in the 42nd round by the Diamondbacks in the 2007 MLB draft.
Negatives: Lacking ideal height, Tate has been pigeonholed as a slot receiver prospect in some circles. Though he was a deep threat in college, Tate was caught from behind too often by sub-NFL caliber defensive backs and will likely have to tweak his game at the next level. Tate is more likely to be a Hines Ward, flanker type than a bomb magnet like Panthers split end Steve Smith. Tate is mostly sure handed, but has a tendency to lose focus. He almost single handedly cost the Irish a crucial early-season loss to Michigan with repeated end-zone drops.
Outlook: Transitioning from a leaping, homerun hitter into more of a possession, run-after-catch threat, Tate is a moderately risky draft pick. Ex-Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis has also turned mediocre receiver talents into stars at all of his stops. Tate, though, undoubtedly is skilled enough to be a play-making No. 2 target in the pros, even if his upside may be limited.
[SIZE=+1]4. Arrelious Benn, Illinois[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'1/219
College Experience: Third-year junior
Combine #s: 4.57 forty, 20 x 225, 37" vertical, 9'10" long jump
Style Comparison: Jerricho Cotchery
2009 Stats: 38 - 490 (12.9) - 2 Tds
Positives: A physical receiver who was dragged through numerous offenses during three years in Champaign, Benn's calling card is his run-after-catch ability. Benn displays tailback-like balance with the ball in his hands, bouncing off defenders and using stiff arms and spins to create plus yardage. A power player, Benn is a vicious crack-back blocker. He has a knack for finding soft spots in a zone, and experience playing both out wide and in the slot. Though Benn is not a true burner or deep threat, he has plenty of speed to separate from defensive backs if he hasn't already run over them. He flashed explosiveness on limited early-career kick return opportunities.
Negatives: Benn caught just seven career touchdowns at Illinois. His production was way down in 2009, though it was at least partially attributable to a nagging ankle injury and horrendous quarterback play. Perhaps due to the myriad of coordinators he played under, Benn is considered an average to below average route runner, and isn't particularly explosive off the line. Also a body catcher, Benn may have the most inconsistent hands among the top-five receivers listed here.
Outlook: As a sophomore, Benn caught 67 balls for 1,055 yards. As a true freshman, he had 676 yards on 56 catches. So it isn't like he's always lacked elite production. A poor man's Anquan Boldin, Benn would fit perfectly on a West Coast-style team in need of a flanker to do dirty work. The Redskins, Bucs, and Patriots should all consider him in the Nos. 37-44 range.
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[SIZE=+1]5. Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'0/187
College Experience: Fifth-year senior
Combine #s: 4.56 forty, 39" vertical
Style Comparison: Derrick Mason
2009 Stats: 87 - 1,191 (13.7) - 11 Tds
Positives: Gilyard was recruited to play cornerback, but it didn't take him long to morph into a game-breaking wideout and returner. He went on to start three years at receiver, earning first-team all-conference honors as a junior and senior on top of Big East Special Teams Player of the Year in both seasons. Gilyard brought back three returns for touchdowns in 2009 and ranked seventh nationally in kick return average (30.5). He also blocked two punts as a redshirt sophomore. Gilyard is extremely quick off the snap, has outstanding open-field moves, and possesses elite in-air body control, helping to compensate for a lack of ideal vertical speed.
Negatives: Gilyard, who weighed just 179 at the Senior Bowl, will be viewed as an injury risk by NFL teams, even though he was durable in college. Though Gilyard helped himself with a high-4.4 to low-4.5 forty at UC's Pro Day, he lacks elite separation skills. Gilyard played in coach Brian Kelly's bubble screen-happy spread offense and still must learn to run NFL routes. He was severely outmatched by Florida CB Joe Haden in the 2009 Sugar Bowl, managing just 41 yards with the two often matched one-on-one. Gilyard was academically ineligible for all of 2006, costing him his scholarship, and had to temporarily live out of his car. In Senior Bowl interviews, Gilyard admitted to a high school arrest for marijuana possession and attempt to distribute.
Outlook: He isn't fast enough in a straight line to meet the DeSean Jackson comparisons he drew as a Bearcat, but Gilyard's production, domination of top competition at the Senior Bowl (he led both sides with a 5/103/1 line), and relentless work ethic speak for themselves. Gilyard appears to have transformed himself on and off the field, and is unlikely to fall out of the top 64.
[SIZE=+1]6. Brandon LaFell, LSU[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'2/211
College Experience: Fifth-year senior
Combine #s: 4.59 forty, 9'5" long jump
Style Comparison: Dwayne Bowe
2009 Stats: 57 - 792 (13.9) - 11 Tds
Positives/Negatives: A three-year starter, LaFell left school ranked second in LSU history in touchdown catches (25) and third in receptions (175). Though he suffered a knee injury in the Capital One Bowl that forced him to miss January's Senior Bowl, LaFell was durable throughout his career. LaFell learned to run NFL routes in Les Miles' pro-style scheme, is dominant in the red zone, and is considered a high-motor player with top-notch blocking ability. However, LaFell is short on long speed and dropped too many passes as a senior. His skill set is similar to fellow former Tigers receiver Dwayne Bowe's, right down to the inconsistent hands. LaFell's actual hand size is also a concern. At just 8 3/4", he possesses some of the draft's smallest mitts.
Outlook: Though lacking ideal separation speed, LaFell projects as a chain-moving, high-scoring pro. If he improves his consistency gathering in and securing the football, LaFell should be able to start from the get-go as a possession-type No. 2 receiver. He has long-term upside to grow into a league-average to above-league average No. 1. His downside is Michael Jenkins.
[SIZE=+1]7. Mike Williams, Syracuse[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'1/221
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine #s: 4.62 forty, 8 x 225, 33.5" vertical
Style Comparison: Brandon Marshall
2009 Stats: 49 - 746 (15.2) - 6 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Syracuse's leading receiver in all three of his seasons, Williams scored 20 TDs in 29 career games and averaged 15.37 yards per catch amid awful quarterback play. On the field, Williams is an overpowering tackle-breaker with ideal over-the-middle receiving skills and surprising burst and quickness off the line. He has sure hands, rarely lets the ball into his body, and has experience beating double coverage. However, Williams quit Syracuse's team after just seven games last year. Due to undisclosed reasons, he was suspended for a game just two weeks prior to quitting. Williams was also academically ineligible for all of 2008 after being caught cheating on a test, and did not have a good Combine at a time when he needed one badly.
Outlook: Williams' negatives outweigh his positives, which may cause him to fall to the back end of the draft. If focused and coached up properly, however, the sky is the limit for Williams' ceiling. Possessing the natural ability to one day be classified among the game's top receivers, Williams could just as easily be out of the league in three years.
[SIZE=+1]8. Damian Williams, USC[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'1/197
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine #s: 4.53 forty, 19 x 225, 38" vertical
Style Comparison: Chad Ochocinco
2009 Stats: 70 - 1,010 (14.4) - 6 Tds
Positives/Negatives: An NFL-ready route runner, Williams learned the full route tree in Steve Sarkisian and John Morton's pro-style systems. The Arkansas transfer also ranked sixth nationally in punt return average (14.2 yards per attempt) last year, scoring twice to earn first-team All Pac-10 honors as both a special teamer and wide receiver. Highly productive in his two years at USC, Williams is exceptionally quick, sure handed, and intelligent. He is not a burner, however, and has a lanky frame. Williams is considered an average-at-best blocker. He underwent surgery on both shoulders during the 2007 offseason, but was otherwise durable in college.
Outlook: Williams' long-term upside may be somewhat limited due to his lack of dominant measurables, but his track record says he'll be able to get on the field quickly and produce as a No. 2 receiver or No. 3/punt returner. He projects as a mid to late second-round pick.
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[SIZE=+1]9. Taylor Price, Ohio[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'0/204
College Experience: Fourth-year senior
Combine #s: 4.41 forty, 16 x 225, 37" vertical
Style Comparison: Roddy White
2009 Stats: 56 - 784 (14.0) - 5 Tds
Positives/Negatives: Despite playing in a decidedly run-first attack, Price set the Bobcats' all-time receptions record as a three-year starter. He also stood out at the Senior Bowl when pitted against defensive backs far superior to any he faced in the MAC. Seeing action both from the slot and outside in Ohio's spread, Price excels on the slant with ideal release off the line of scrimmage and speed to go the distance. He remained productive when OU took on top teams last year, scoring on a 44-yard bomb versus UConn and racking up 90 yards at Tennessee. Price's competition level remains a concern, and he's not particularly dynamic in any area. He has upside to develop into a top-notch route runner, but is coming from a non-pro style offense.
Outlook: Price's size-speed combination is as impressive as any receiver on this list after Bryant and Thomas. The step up from MAC defenses to the NFL is steep, but it wouldn't be surprising if Price settles in as the No. 2 wideout for a receiver-needy team like the Panthers by year two. He could be a steal in the third to fourth round.
[SIZE=+1]10. Carlton Mitchell, South Florida[/SIZE]
Height/Weight: 6'3/215
College Experience: Fourth-year junior
Combine #s: 4.49 forty, 16 x 225, 10'2" long jump
Style Comparison: Marques Colston
2009 Stats: 40 - 706 (17.6) - 4 Tds
Positives/Negatives: The primary deep threat in Jim Leavitt's run-heavy offense, Mitchell fought through an ankle injury and the season-ending loss of QB Matt Grothe just three games into the 2009 campaign to lead the Bulls' in all receiving categories. Also a sprinter on the USF track team, Mitchell made eight of his senior-year catches for over 25 yards, and five for 50+. Mitchell possesses ideal speed for his size, was a master of the circus catch in college, and is a highly experienced blocker. However, his pass-catching fundamentals are considered raw, and Mitchell was ultimately only a one-year starter in college. Mitchell never caught more than four touchdowns in a season, and had four or fewer receptions in 9-of-13 games last year.
Outlook: South Florida's 508:297 run-to-pass ratio obviously limited Mitchell's production in 2009, but his talent is undeniable. While he'll likely last until the third or fourth round with just over 100 receptions on tape, Mitchell will appeal to teams in need of a field-stretching split end.
11. Eric Decker, Minnesota - Gophers' all-time leading receiver ... Superb athlete selected twice in MLB draft ... Recovering from Lisfranc fracture, which required surgery ... Scheduled to resume football activities in June ... 43 on the Wonderlic ... Ed McCaffrey-type upside.
12. Marcus Easley, UConn - Late bloomer, former walk-on didn't start until senior year ... Averaged 18.6 yards a catch with eight TDs in 2009 ... 4.42 forty ... Deep threat with ideal size at 6'3/210 ... Lots of blocking experience in UConn's run-first scheme ... Arrow still pointing way up.
13. Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas - 31 receiving touchdowns in three seasons (red-zone star)... Early entrant was extremely productive in KU's spread offense ... Good size (6'2/208), but ran poorly at the Combine (mid-4.6s) and managed just nine reps of 225 on the bench press.
14. Jordan Shipley, Texas - 24-year-old sixth-year senior dominated 19- and 20-year-old defensive backs in Big 12 ... Will turn 25 at the end of his rookie year ... High IQ player ... Projects as Brandon Stokley-like slot receiver ... At 5'11/193, ran in the low 4.6-range at the Combine.
15. Jeremy Williams, Tulane - 84/1,113/13.2/7 as a senior, but only honorable mention All C-USA ... South Team MVP at the Senior Bowl ... Green Wave utilized heavily short-based passing game ... Oft-injured before breakout 2009 season ... Ran 4.59 forty in Indianapolis.
Other WRs on the draft radar: Freddie Barnes (Bowling Green), Shay Hodge (Ole Miss), Antonio Brown (Central Michigan), Riley Cooper (Florida), Jacoby Ford (Clemson), Brandon Banks (Kansas State), Kerry Meier (Kansas), Seyi Ajirotutu (Fresno State), Chris Bell (Norfolk State), Alric Arnett (West Virginia), David Gettis (Baylor), Danario Alexander (Missouri), Blair White (Michigan State), Andre Roberts (Citadel), Emmanuel Sanders (SMU), Terrence Austin (UCLA), David Reed (Utah)
