1. Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
Doesn’t have great timed speed, but has good game speed. Has good hands and is adept at making the big play. Truly the top prospect at receiver in this draft. Good overall size and build for the position, and also has great leaping ability.
2. Jeremy Maclin (Missouri)
He played in a favorable offense and isn’t a sound route runner, but few receivers have the blend of speed, fluidity, and leaping ability that Maclin possesses. Durability is a mild concern, but his big-play potential is at times jaw-dropping.
3. Percy Harvin (Florida)
Durability and versatility are major concerns. Despite being a top-flight athlete with great speed, he has no experience returning kicks or punts. Harvin has trmendous athleticism, but has minor character issues that could scare some teams off.
4. Kenny Britt (Rutgers)
Put up good numbers against good competition. Has decent speed, good size, and great ball skills. While his speed is solid, his quickness and acceleration are very average. Britt is only an average athlete overall, but has terrific size and skills for the position.
5. Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland)
Is he another Devery Henderson, or can he take his blazing speed and realize his potential? He doesn’t have good hands or run great routes, but his burst and quickness are simply too good to ignore.
6. Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina)
Has big, strong hands that can make for highlight reel catches. Runs fine routes, and takes good angles for good yardage after the catch. Doesn’t have elite speed or athleticism, but his size and tools make up for it.
7. Brian Robiskie (Ohio State)
Good route runner with solid hands. Adjusts to the ball well, and almost always has correct positioning. Isn’t very explosive, and doesn’t have great timed speed. Will go overt he middle of the field, and is an adequate blocker, as well as the consumate team player.
8. Ramses Barden (Cal Poly)
Extremely productive receiver who dominated opposing defenses for the past two years. Runs poor routes and doesn’t have great hands, but his physical tools are beyond impressive. Has outstanding athleticism, despite not being overly fast.
9. Derrick Williams (Penn State)
Very shifty and elusive. Williams has solid speed and awareness, as well as better than average ball skills. Doesn’t have great hands, and isn’t very tough. Inconsistency and durability are moderate concerns.
10. Louis Murphy (Florida)
Amazing athlete with a booming burst to go with excellent timed speed. However, he wasn’t very productive in college, and was never the featured weapon in his offense. His route-running definitely needs addressing.
11. Juaquin Iglesias (Oklahoma)
Has soft, reliable hands, and runs solid routes. Isn’t a freak athletically, and timed speed is just average. Potential is probably maxed out, but could turn into a decent number two option down the road.
12. Mohamed Massaquoi (Georgia)
An athletic freak with good size and speed. Has outstanding ball skills and body control. Can make terrific plays when he isn’t dropping the ball. Had a solid senior year, but wasn’t very productive in his other three seasons. Needs to improve his route-running.
13. Brandon Tate (North Carolina)
Awesome overall athleticism. Tate is the perfect blend of size, speed, and agility. Has great acceleration, solid hands, and good ball skills. Has the potential to be a great receiver, in addition to a potent return man. He isn’t very big or strong, though. Can have a tough time getting off the line. Didn’t put up very impressive numbers in college.
14. Austin Collie (BYU)
Easily one of the top receivers in this draft as far as hands and fundamentals go. Not a burner. Doesn’t have elite speed, but is quick and runs crisp routes. Has decent height and build, and could easily be an effective third option in an NFL offense.
15. Brooks Foster (North Carolina)
Has the size, bulk, and athleticism you look for. His main issue is experience and productivity. Has all the tools to succeed, but is very raw and in need of some refining. Doesn’t run clean routes, and has trouble getting off the line. Durability is also a minor concern.