Wide receiver is one of the hardest positions to project to the NFL, as a lot more finesse goes into the position at the NFL layer. One scout even claimed that there is no such thing as a "pro-ready" receiver, as all receiver prospects require significant coaching to be productive at the next level. It's extremely rare to have a rookie make a significant impact at the position, which makes players like the Chargers Keenan Allen last year all the more special.
This year's wide receiver class is one of the most talented and deep in recent memory, with CBS Sports currently grading 18 different receivers as a 3rd round talent or above. For comparison, last year 10 receivers were drafted in the first three rounds. While we are quite a long ways away from draft day, it's clear that this is a great year to need a receiver.
With the combine just wrapping up for the wide receivers, this is overreaction season at this position group. While every wide receiver's 40 yard dash time will be closely scrutinized, it's important to remember that speed is not the be all, end all at the position. There's plenty of players who failed at the combine but showed up on the field, such as Anquan Boldin (4.70), Larry Fitzgerald (4.63), and the GOAT himself, Jerry Rice (4.71).
The biggest steal of the draft last year, Keenan Allen, also tumbled down draft boards because of a poor 40 time at his pro day (4.71). Allen proceeded to ride that slow time all the way to being runner-up in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. This year's potential Allen? Jarvis Landry, who pulled his hamstring at the combine, but still has outstanding hands and pro potential.
Measurements (height, weight, 40 yard dash): 6'0 3/4, 211, 4.43
An outstanding blue-chip prospect at the position, Watkins is one of the stars of the 2014 draft class. Watkins has outstanding quickness and ball skills, with the ability to be deadly on all areas of the football field. He's the type of player you scheme to get the ball in his hands, and you just watch the magic happen.
Draft Projection: Top 10
2. Mike Evans, Texas A&M (So.)
Measurements: 6'5, 231, 4.53
The big-bodied favorite target of Johnny Manziel, Evans plans to take the NFL by storm just like his former quarterback. Evans isn't overly fast and doesn't create a ton of separation, but he has a huge catch radius and could prove to be a match-up nightmare for teams, especially in the red zone.
Draft Projection: 1st Round
3. Odell Beckham Jr., LSU (Jr.)
One of the fastest top-end receivers in this draft, Beckham excels in the intermediate levels of the field where he is able to snatch the ball and create yards after the catch. With fantastic hands and speed, Beckham could also provide instant value to the team that drafts him on special teams as a returner.
Measurements: 5'11, 198, 4.43
Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round
4. Marqise Lee, USC (Jr.)
Measurements: 5'11 3/4, 192, 4.52
Seen as a top prospect before the start of the season, a knee injury and concentration issues hurt Lee's draft stock to the point where he is no longer discussed as an elite prospect. While Lee has the potential to be a star, he needs to stay durable and start catching more of the passes thrown his way.
Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round
5. Allen Robinson, Penn State (Jr.)
Measurements: 6'2, 220, 4.60
An extremely polished receiver whose head coach migrated to the NFL this year, Robinson is a solid option for teams looking for a guy to stretch the field or to go over the middle. A disappointing 40 time may hurt his draft stock, and Robinson will need to show teams he will be able to separate at the next level consistently.
Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round
6. Jarvis Landry, LSU (Jr.)
Measurements: 5'11, 205, 4.77
Landry does not have the speed or quickness his former teammate Beckham Jr. was blessed with, but Landry makes up for it with outstanding hands and a very polished game. He needs to answer questions about his speed after a disappointing combine, but he should be a reliable target any quarterback would love.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
7. Kelvin Benjamin, FSU (So.)
Measurements: 6'5, 240, 4.61
The ultimate boom or bust receiver in this year's class, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller described Benjamin as a lottery ticket. You may win big, or you could end up with nothing. Benjamin is raw in almost all areas of his technique, but it's hard to find a receiver with his size and potential. A match-up nightmare like Evans, Bejamin could convince a team to draft him in the first round, but they better know what they're buying.
Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round
8. Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'3, 212, 4.46
Labeled as a possession receiver by many, Matthews opened some eyes at the Combine with his time. As polished a receiver as you'll find in this class, Matthews has been productive throughout his career and should slide in as a No. 2 early in his career. If any team needs more convincing, consider Matthews runs all his routes to the end zone for touchdowns. You know who else did that? His second cousin, Jerry Rice.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
9. Brandin Cooks, Oregon State (Jr.)
Measurements: 5'10, 189, 4.33
Cooks was one of the big winners of the Combine, finishing with one of the best 40 yard dash times at the combine. The more important thing is that he's able to use that speed in his game to create space for himself on the field. His small size may make it hard for him to get off the line of scrimmage though.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
10. Davante Adams, Fresno State (So.)
Measurements: 6'1, 212, 4.56
One of the best at high-pointing the football in this class, Adams made a living grabbing 50-50 balls from defensive backs throughout the season. Adams isn't overly huge or fast, but there are plenty who think he made quarterback Derek Carr look better than he actually was with his ability to get the football.
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round
Honorable Mentions:
Paul Richardson, Colorado (Jr.)
Martavis Bryant, Clemson (Jr.)
Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin (Sr.)
That wraps up the breakdown of the top receivers in the draft, stay tuned as we continue to break the draft down position by position before free agency!
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