The 1996 NFL Draft class was one of the best ever for the wide receiver position. That class saw the emergence of future NFL greats Keyshawn Johnson, Terry Glenn, Marvin Harrison and Terrell Owens from the collegiate level to the NFL. This year, many experts are predicting an equally impressive crop.
This draft class is full of star-studded All-Americans and darkhorse candidates alike. Let’s sift through and (borrowing from Emmit Smith) see if we can tell the diamonds from the trash.
There are 3 receivers in this year’s class battling it out for the top spot at the position. While none of these guys will come close to pulling a Keyshawn and being drafted #1 overall, one or more of them may be able to equal or eclipse what Johnson did in the NFL. Two of them are the big-bodied, sure-handed type of receiver Keyshawn was, and both maybe a bit faster than the future hall-of-famer. Malcolm Kelly (6’4″, 214) from Oklahoma fits the pro-typical biggie-sized receiver en vogue these days. Despite not competing at the combine, Kelly is currently battling speedster DeSean Jackson from California for top billing in this year’s draft.
However, another big brute is fast on his heels, so fast in fact that he was recently clocked in at 4.46 in the forty yard dash. Limas Sweed(6’4″ 216) from the University of Texas has used a great combine performance to increase his draft stock ten-fold. I know, I know…”don’t over think the process.” Okay, but Sweed was a big-time player at Texas. He made big catches in big games, and there is no reason to believe he won’t do the same in the NFL.
If speed is more your game, then look no further than super-speedy receivers DeSean Jackson and Donnie Avery. Jackson (5’9″, 169) competed at an ultra-high level as a Golden Bear of California where he broke all sorts of ankles as a WR/KR. Jackson runs a 4.31 forty and is a wizard in pads. Not to be outdone, Houston’s Donnie Avery (5’11″, 192) has all the gifts you could want. He’s a bit bigger than Jackson, is equally adept at the return game and he may even be faster. Avery mustered a 4.40 forty yard dash at the combine on a strained hamstring.
Sure, but what about the lesser known guys in the 1996 draft that hit it big and had solid NFL careers? I know, I can almost anticipate what you are going to ask before you ask it. You’re thinking about solid performers like Eric Moulds and Amani Toomer. Yes, the 2008 class has those, too.
Hard-charging Jordy Nelson (6’2″, 217) from Kansas State looks like a potential pro-bowler. He had a great Senior Bowl and followed that up with a nice showing at the combine. In college, Nelson had at least 10 catches for over 100 yards in 3 straight games against Kansas, Missouri and Texas. His performance against Kansas was one for the ages, as he consistently burned one of the top corners in this year’s draft so many times, Aqib Talib, that many have started to doubt Aqib’s readiness.
Another potential star is James Hardy from Indiana. Hardy (6’5″, 217) is the biggest WR in this year’s class, and he may just have the most potential. Hardy carried his huge frame for a 4.47 clip in the forty at the combine, a feat that had many NFL scouts drooling. Hardy should be off the board in the first 40 picks, and may even go in the 1st round if the Hardy train picks up any more steam.
Yeah, but what about middle to late rounders? Okay, okay, I’ll give it to you. This class has all sorts of potential solid NFL receivers. Some of my favorites are Dexter Jackson (5’9″, 185, 4.37) from Appalachian State, Marcus Monk (6’4″, 222, 4.57) from Arkansas, Lavelle Hawkins (5’11″, 187, 4.56) from California and Keenan Burton (6’0″, 200, 4.43) from Kentucky.
Some guys have been falling off the radar lately due to sub-par combine performances, but that hasn’t stopped me from liking their chances anyways. Mario Manningham (5’11″, 181) from Michigan was supposed to be fast but only ran a 4.59 at the combine. Yeah, but he plays fast which is all that matters. Ask Big 10 corners how fast he is in pads.
Early Doucet (6’0″, 209) from LSU didn’t do badly at the combine. He just didn’t do anything. Still, he’s a great catch for someone on the first day and has the versatility to play both the wide posistion and in the slot.
Yes, this year’s crop of receivers should be something special. But is there a Marvin Harrison in the bunch? A Terrell Owens (please no)? A Terry Glenn? For the answer to that, we’ll just have to wait and see, but for now (to borrow from another Cowboys great) get your popcorn ready.
