With roughly two months to go until the next NFL Draft at the end of April, here are my top 10 wide receivers in this year’s Draft.
1. Calvin Johnson – Georgia Tech – He is the most physically gifted WR to enter the draft since Randy Moss. He has all the tools to make a difference immediately. He is the best WR in this class and will be a top 5 pick in the April draft.
2. Dwayne Jarrett – USC – Jarrett’s game is different than former USC WR Mike Williams (who was 20 pounds heavier coming out of college). Jarrett has made big plays his entire USC career, leaving the PAC 10 as the all-time leader in TD sacks. The only drawback is the lack of speed from him in a straight line. I expect Dwayne to be a top 10 pick in the April draft.
3. Ted Ginn Jr. – Ohio State – Ginn is a special player who has added value because of his return ability. He has world-class speed and is improving yearly as a WR. He has the frame to add weight and maintain his speed, as well as get stronger. ted falls into the 10-20 rangers as far as where he is projected to go in the first round.
4. Sidney Rice – S. Carolina – Rice has put up impressive numbers in S. Carolina averaging over 1,100 yards and 12 TDs in his 2 seasons. He has great jumping ability and good hands. he can move up or down draft boards depending on his timing. Rice could be in the mid-to-late range of the first round, which I think he is a BARGAIN for his talent!
5. Robert Meacham – Tennessee – Meacham really blossomed last season for the Vols. He has deceptive speed and fights for the ball when he’s in the air. He reminds me of Javon Walker coming out of college. Meacham is in the mid to late first round range.
6. Dwayne Bowe – LSU – Bowe is the quintessential West Coast WR. He has great size, fights for the ball in the air, is a great threat in the red zone and has really amazing speed. Bowe had an OUTSTANDING Mr. Bowl week and moved up many draft boards. He is now in the mid to late first round or early second round range.
7. Johnnie Lee Higgins – UTEP – Higgins is a burner, plain and simple. He has played pretty consistently throughout his college career (considering his college quarterback was inconsistent) and is an outstanding return man.
8. Anthony Gonzalez – Ohio St. – I’m concerned about Gonzalez’s game at the professional level. It was shut down after Ted Ginn was hurt in the BCS title game. He has above-average hands and deceptive speed.
9. Craig Davis – LSU – Davis is a fast-playing player. He has great speed and can still grow within his frame. His skills have improved every year as well.
10. Steve Smith – USC – All Smith did during his career was create plays. He was the go-to WR when the Trojans needed a first down. He understands the position well and knows how to find the holes in zone coverage. He left Venice HS as California’s all-time interception leader, as well as TD receiving leader.
SLEEPING:
Jacoby Jones – Lane College – Jones’ ability was on full display at the Shrine Game, where he proved he can compete with the “big guys.” Jones has exceptional speed and size. He kind of reminds Terrell Owens coming out of Mid. Tennessee St. but without the attitude. His ability to return kicks and punts is an added bonus.