NFL Draft Info - NFL Draft Blog

By Keith Beebe

They say speed kills. However, when it comes to the NFL, speed kills more often when it’s packaged with size, strength and reliable hands. Several of the wide receiver prospects in this year’s draft class are big, fast play-makers with a nose for the end zone and a thirst to destroy any defensive back who gets in their way, and it’s possible as many as four receivers could be drafted in the first round alone. As of right now, it’s safe to say wide receiver is the most talent-packed offensive position in 2011 thanks to these 10 players ...

1) A.J. Green, Georgia (6’4”, 208 lbs)

The ultimate high-octane receiving weapon, A.J. Green has the height, athleticism and hands to burn any NFL secondary he matches up against. And his much-improved route-running this season really showed his commitment to the game, as well as one very terrifying thought: he’s actually still improving. Green is a lights-out receiver prospect who will almost immediately become a No.1 wideout in the NFL, and that’s why he’ll likely be taken somewhere within the first six picks.

2) Julio Jones, Alabama (6’4”, 210 lbs)

Julio Jones would be the No.1 wide receiver prospect in any draft that didn’t include Calvin Johnson or A.J. Green. But while he isn’t rated as high as Green in this draft, Jones probably won’t be playing second fiddle to anyone in the NFL. Another wideout with rare size, Jones has the strength to manhandle defensive backs and the raw speed (a legit 4.4 in the 40) to burn them deep (you gotta love those long-striding receivers). Yes, Jones has lost some points with scouts because of his somewhat inconsistent hands, but he looked great catching the ball during the second half of the 2010 season, which means he’s still a top 15 (and possibly even a top 10) lock. And scouts will certainly take notice of Jones’ excellent game this season against No.1 cornerback prospect Patrick Peterson of LSU.

3) Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh (6’5”, 225 lbs)

Jonathan Baldwin’s lackluster 2010 season did him few favors as a draft prospect, but he is still very much a dangerous play-maker at the wide receiver position, and all he’ll need is a solid combine and/or pro-day performance to vault himself right back into the running for a late first-round/early second-round pick. It’s hard to believe Baldwin is actually bigger than Green and Jones, and his ability to go up and get the ball should only further fuel the Larry Fitzgerald comparisons (another Pitt receiver). Still, Baldwin’s going to have to answer questions about his inconsistent effort last season, regardless of how pitiful Pitt’s quarterback situation was. And Baldwin really needs to work on his ability to run crisp routes and separate from defenders, as he sometimes relies too much on his size and leaping ability to put himself in position to make the catch.

4) Torrey Smith, Maryland (6’1”, 200 lbs)

Yet another potential beneficiary of the theorem size + speed = gamebreaker, Torrey Smith went from mid-round pick to potential first-round selection thanks to an unbelievably strong 2010 season. Smith’s attributes differ slight from the first three receivers on this list, but he possesses excellent speed and consistently flashes the ability separate from defenders on deep routes. Smith is also thickly built and has the ability to go up and get the jump ball, especially on fade routes in the end zone. Think of him as a taller version of Carolina Panther standout Steve Smith (lofty praise, but Torrey’s game tape speaks for itself).

5) Titus Young, Boise State (5’11”, 170 lbs)

Let the Desean Jackson comparisons begin! Titus Young has the fifth gear to blow the brackets off of any coverage he sees, and his below-average weight for the position will probably be taken in stride by most NFL scouts because of the success of deep threats like Jackson and Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace. Young also flashed an impressive display of hands during Senior Bowl practices, and there’s a good chance he will come off the board before the second round.

6) Leonard Hankerson, Miami (6’3”, 215 lbs)

It was only a matter of time before Hankerson caught the attention of NFL scouts as he possesses both excellent size and good hands for the wide receiver position. And though he doesn’t have blazing speed, Hankerson's long strides make him deceptively fast (if anything, he looks more like he’s gliding than running, which many people have misconstrued as “slow”). Hankerson also did major damage to several defensive backs during Senior Bowl week, so it’s not unreasonable to project him as a solid second-round pick.

7) Randall Cobb, Kentucky (5’11”, 190 lbs)

Randall Cobb’s stock is currently sky high amongst NFL Draft analysts who can’t help but be blown away by Cobb’s blitzkrieg speed and unreal ability to extend plays. He also has incredible burst coming out of his breaks and the open-field moves to trip up even the most sure-footed defender. Oh, and his hands are very good, too. Honestly, there’s little to dislike about Cobb’s game, and NFL teams that run the Wildcat will be especially pleased with his experience at quarterback in that formation.

8) Jerrel Jernigan, Troy (5’9”, 185 lbs)

Undersized? Yes. Inconsistent play while appearing almost uninterested at times? Sure. A shifty play-maker who is absolutely dynamite in both open space and defender-clogged areas? Without a doubt. Jerrel Jernigan possesses the killer speed necessary to reel off big plays at will, and his soft, reliable hands can make tough catches look easy. Yes, his route-running needs some work, and he can sometimes fade from the action when he’s not getting the ball early and often, but Jernigan has the raw athleticism to be a premier threat in the NFL. And like Cobb, Jernigan is also tailor made for any sort of Wildcat scheme.

9) Vincent Brown, San Diego State (5’11”, 200 lbs)

Not a physical specimen by any means, Vincent Brown falls into the category of someone who is just an outstanding football player. Brown possesses adequate speed and good hands, but his best asset is his ability to use his body in space (kind of like a football version of Charles Barkley, if that makes any sense). He also has excellent football awareness and does a good job of getting open, even though his route-running isn’t much to write home about.

10) Tandon Doss, Indiana (6’3”, 200 lbs)

Doss is a long, smooth athlete who is an absolute beast after the catch. He’s not exactly an ankle-breaker in the open field, but Doss is very much content running over defenders. And he’s got very good speed to go with his excellent hands, which should make him a tantalizing prospect for any team in need of a big, physical wideout with game-breaker potential (and honestly, what team doesn't want that kind of player?). Mark Doss down as a second- or third-round pick.