(this is the 5th installment of the Pro Draft Report Presented by Football Reporters Online)
The Wide Receivers-By Zachary Powell
1. A.J. Green – WR - 6’3” – 211 lbs. – Georgia
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.48; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 1st Round
Since Green declared for the 2011 Draft, he’s been the consensus number one receiver on the board. While not possessing top-flight speed, Green has been an extremely productive player (166 receptions, 1982 receiving yards, 24 TD’s); despite missing several games to suspension and injury during his three-year career as a Bulldog. His productivity is due to a blend of his excellent height and his crafty route running which allow him to get off the line quickly and his long strides allow him to get separation. Has long-arms and great hands. Exceptional body-control that makes him very tough to defend on the deep ball. Is considered a adequate run-blocker but will have to do a better job at finishing blocks at this level. A.J. does have the tendency to get outmuscled by bigger and more physical DB’s on occasion. He has the frame to add more weight without sacrificing speed. There isn’t much to dislike about Green and he should be the first of this deep receiver class to hear his name called.
2. Julio Jones – WR – 6’4” – 220 lbs. – Alabama
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.39; Cone – 6.66) Draft Projection: 1st Round
In terms of potential, there is none greater than Alabama’s own Julio Jones. Has excellent upside but is considered raw in a number of areas. His size and speed draw comparisons to current All-Pro WR Andre Johnson (Houston Texans). He has shown the ability to go over the middle, take the big hit and hold on to the ball. His biggest assets are his hands, which he uses efficiently in creating separation; he will rarely be jammed at the line of scrimmage. The biggest knock on Jones is his inconsistency. He struggles to locate the ball on deep routes; and has the tendency to get lazy and allow the ball into his frame, which results in a number of easy passes to hit the ground. There are few receivers with his combination of size, talent and effort. Was the 2011 winner of the Sylvester Croom Commitment to Excellent Award. If Jones can put everything together, he has the potential to be an All-Pro type player.
3. Torrey Smith – WR – 6’0” – 202 lbs. – Maryland
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.43; Cone – 6.72) Draft Projection: 2nd Round
Torrey is a late bloomer, who spent the 2007 season as a redshirt. The most impressive quality from Torrey is his big-play ability; he set the ACC single-season kickoff return record with 1,089 yards, including a 99-yard return in the 09’ Humanitarian Bowl. He finished the ’10 season with 67 receptions for 1,055 yards and 12 TD’s, good enough to be placed on the All-ACC team. Smith is a dangerous runner after the catch and is a threat to take any catch to the end zone. He can struggle at getting off the line in press coverage and needs to work on fighting off DB’s. He compares favorably to former teammate Darrius Heyward-Bay, who went 7th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. Ended his career with 2,129 all-purpose yards which ranks him 2nd all time in the Atlantic Coast Conference. His value peaks here because of his ability to return kicks and his top-end speed.
4. Jonathan Baldwin – WR – 6’5” – 228 lbs. – Pittsburgh
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.45; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 2nd Round
Baldwin, an impressive physical specimen, is a bit of an enigma heading in to the 2010 NFL Draft. Blessed with an incredible combination of size and speed, he has been ranked everywhere from the #2 wideout in his class to the middle-teens. Absolutely elite in ball skills – a natural at catching the ball away from his body; and creates nightmares for smaller DB’s in jump ball situations. Averaged 18.3/per catch in his career at Pitt, speed is not a concern. Rarely is jammed at the line and has the quick burst needed to make quick adjustments in his routes. He does get lazy from time to time in route running. The major concern from scouts on Baldwin is his “diva” reputation. Baldwin publically threw his QB under the bus after a bowl loss and was arrested and charged with assault, harassment and disorderly conduct. The charges were later dropped but only add to his reputation as a bit of a problem child.
5. Randall Cobb – WR – 5’11” – 192 lbs. – Kentucky – 4.46
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.46; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 2nd Round
Elected an All-American as an all-purpose player by the Associated Press, Cobb can do a little bit of everything. Had a very productive 2010 season at Kentucky, finishing with 955 yards receiving, 401 yards on the ground and 12 total touchdowns; including 3 passing TD’s and a returned punt. Cobb has a knack for finding seems and holes in the zone – he’s quick out of his breaks and uses his body well to create separation from opposing DB’s. He lacks elite size and top-end speed but can get behind coverage from time to time. A very tough receiver who will fight for extra yards and described as relentless as a run blocker. Is susceptible to mental errors on the field and will drop an occasional easy pass. The phrase “jack of all trades but master of none” fits here. He’ll likely settle in to a slot position at the next level, similar to Wes Welker in stature and skills.
6. Leonard Hankerson – WR – 6’1” – 205 lbs. – Miami – 4.43
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.43; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round
Leonard Hankerson is a bit of a question mark heading in to this draft. He has the size and speed scouts are looking for at the next level but his slow development at Miami was a bit puzzling. Had only 17 catches for 203 yards in his first two years for the Hurricanes. Finished the ’10 season with 1,156 yards and 13 TD’s. Has a long stride but is slow to build speed; but has enough speed to create some matchup problems in the vertical passing game. Is fearless over the middle and can take a short-to-medium route and find a seem. He is described as “attacking” the ball with his hands and isn’t afraid to mix it up in one-on-one situations; but has poor ability to adjust to underthrown balls. Has frustrated Miami coaches with his tendency to drop easy passes. Runs more upright than you would like and is sometimes lazy in his route running. His ranking this high is strictly based upon his potential; the improvement he’s shown over his time at Miami shows his ability to be coached. He will likely need a year or two to continue his development before his contributions will be felt.
7. Titus Young – WR – 5’11” – 174 lbs. – Boise State – 4.43
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.43; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round
Much like Jonathan Baldwin, there are many questions about intangibles that surround Young. Often described as immature, Young was suspended 10 games during the 2008 stemming from off-the-field issues. Scouts thought he would challenge for the title of fastest receiver at the combine but ran a disappointing 4.43 (was recently clocked at his Boise State Pro-Day at 4.35). With his underwhelming size, he has to show that he can get past the secondary. Has lightning quick route running skills and is dangerous in the open-field. Young wears his emotions on his sleeve which is a double-edged sword; will get unnecessary flags thrown his way but also works hard over the middle of the field and isn’t afraid of the big hit. Struggles when jammed at the line of scrimmage and can get rerouted out of his breaks. NFL teams know what they are getting with Titus; a fiery receiver, whose production at Boise cannot be denied. He compares favorably with Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson. If he can display the same type of electricity with the ball as Jackson, someone will be getting a steal in the later parts of the second round/early third round.
8. Jerrel Jernigan – WR – 5’9” – 183 lbs. – Troy – 4.46
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.46; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 3rd Round
There is a lot to like about Jerrel Jernigan. Some will write off him due to him playing at Troy but Jerrel has shown up on the big stage (16 receptions for 145 yards in two games vs. Oklahoma in 2008 and 2010). His 4.46 forty-yard-dash time is not con. He has excellent straight-line speed and can get into the gap in a heartbeat. He is a pure-runner with the ball in his hands and has an array of moves to get opposing defenders off-balance. He could be an ideal fit for teams wanting to install a Wildcat package. The downsides of playing at a small school are questions regarding competition and the type of offense run at Troy; can he handle the complex routes at the NFL level? His size is a concern but Jernigan has worked tirelessly to add weight to his frame. His production at the NCAA level is solid but it remains to be seen if it will translate to the pro game.
9. Tandon Doss – WR – 6’2” – 202 lbs. – Indiana
Combine Numbers (40T - DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 3rd Round
Tandon enters our rankings a bit behind the curve. Not able to participate in the Senior Bowl as a junior and declined to participate in the combine drills. Doss led the Big Ten in all-purpose yards and finished fourth nationally. The Indiana prospect is one of the most sure-handed receivers in this class, and perhaps one of the most experienced as a three-year starter for the Hoosiers. He has deceptive top-end speed and maximizes yards after the catch. He’ll never be mistaked for a burner in the NFL, but is the prototypical possession receiver at the next level. The biggest hole in his game is his run blocking; he gives a solid effort but his technique will need to be refined against NFL receivers. There isn’t a consensus on where Doss will end up in the 2010 NFL Draft but his skill set varies from the other receivers this year and could hear his name called early.
10. Greg Little – WR – 6’3” – 210 lbs. – North Carolina
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.56; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 3rd Round
Questions surround Little’s maturity level but his skill set as a receiver remain unchallenged. His 2010 season ended before it began as he was ruled ineligible for the season for violating NCAA benefits (receiving agent benefits). However, Little’s production level never matched up to his potential; his best season came in 2009 where he had 62 receptions, 724 yards and 5 TD’s. Little’s college nickname was the “Freak” after a game against NC State where he drove CB Jarvis Byrd ten yards off the ball while blocking on an end-around before driving him in to the ground where he eventually had to be helped off the field. His physical skills are off the chart but he drops because of the mental lapses on the field. He doesn’t pay attention to the small details and will take off a play off if he’s not involved. If he can bring it all together, he could be the biggest steal of the entire draft.
11. Edmund Gates – WR – 5’11” – 189 lbs. – Abilene Christian
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.37; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round
Gates, out of Abilene Christian, while being one of the oldest prospects to come out is also the most unexperienced. Only playing one year of high school football, Gates quit to focus more on a basketball career. After being booted from a Junior College, Gates followed his cousin Bernard Scott (NFL’s Cincinatti Bengals) to ACU. A small, but quick receiver, Gates ran a 4.37 in the forty – tops about receivers at the NFL Combine. Not the sharpest at route running and has adequate ball-skills. Every time he touches the ball, he’s a threat to score. His inexperience leaves a lot to be desired and could take time learning NFL-level routes and reading coverage.
12. Vincent Brown – WR – 5’11” – 184 lbs. – San Diego State
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.71; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round
San Diego St. was a surprise in 2010, and Vincent Brown was a big reason why. Had a productive 2010 with 69 rec. for 1,352 yards. Brown is a solid route runner…does the little things extremely well that don’t show up in the stat column. Below average speed but makes up for it with his agility and his bursts out of cuts to separate from defenders. Brown is described as a “violent” run blocker; San Diego St. has pulled him to block the backside from time to time. He’s going to have to work hard to fix the mental errors and continue to grow.
13. Dwayne Harris – WR – 5’10” – 200 lbs. – East Carolina
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.56; Cone – 6.77) Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round
2010 Conference USA player of the year; also first team all-conference selection as a punt returned. Set ECU’s single-season records with 1,123 rec. yards and 101 receptions. Projected as a slot receiver at the next level, runs solid routes and does a nice job at getting in and out of breaks. A tough receiver; does most of his damage over the middle of the field. Lacks elite-level speed to be considered a deep threat but does have good strength to fight for extra yards after contact. Stock draft after the Senior Bowl – Harris lacked explosiveness and described as having “stone hands.” His toughness will allow him to catch on but he’ll have to work on his ability to attack the ball with his hands and now allow the mental lapses which have raised questions about his long-term status in the NFL.
14. Niles Paul – WR – 6’1” – 225 lbs. – Nebraska
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.59; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round
Nebraska wideout Paul has the physical tools to become a very good NFL prospect but his checkered past has caused him to drop on many boards. Paul finished 2010 with 39 catches for 516 yards and just one touchdown (he missed two games due to injury; didn’t touch the ball in two others). Scouts love his combination of size and strength; he’s a load to bring down in the open field. He’s got a tremendous vertical leap (36-inch). The knock on Paul is the aforementioned past (arrested twice for alchohal related offenses) and his inconsistency. Drops a lot of balls he shouldn’t (focus; and has small hands for a receiver at 8-inches). With a bit of coaching, Paul has the potential to develop in to a starter at the NFL level.
15. Gregory Salas – WR – 6’1” – 206 lbs. – Hawaii – 4.57
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.57; Cone – 6.65) Draft Projection: 4th Round
Enjoyed one of the most productive careers in NCAA history (285 cat., 4,345 receiving yards and 26 TDs). His size, strength, experience and soft hands give him tremendous value as a receiver at the NFL level. He struggled with drops at the Senior Bowl but his tape at Hawaii shows this is a strength. Release needs work and can be pushed off his route, but when allowed to get top end strength, he can make you pay. He does not have the explosiveness to break away from receivers at the next level.
16. Terrence Toliver – WR – 6’4” – 211 lbs. – Louisiana State
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.52; Cone – 6.48) Draft Projection: 4th Round
Toliver has the height to make scouts drool. A fairly unproductive player at LSU; just 85 career receptions. His length allows for long strides and smooth acceleration; has deceptive straight-line speed. Has strong hands, large wingspan ad hand-eye coordination to make the tough grab. Doesn’t always see the ball in to his hands allowing for some easy drops that frustrate coaches. Has some character issues – was arrested and charged with tampering with a police officer, disturbing the peace and public intoxication.
17. Cecil Shorts – WR – 6’0” – 200 lbs. – Mount Union – 4.53
Combine Numbers (40T – 4.53; Cone – 6.50) Draft Projection: 4th Round
Shorts is attempting to follow in the footsteps of former Purple Raider receiver Pierre Garcon (now playing for the Indianapolis Colts). Cecil began his career as a QB, but showed his all-purpose ability as a redshirt freshman (rushing for 209 yards and catching 12 passes for 289 yards). A jack of all trades but showed tremendous value as a receiver. Can line up anywhere but is most effective out of the slot; and runs every route in the tree effectively. Inconsistent using his hands in front of him; ball is frequently jarred loose. A bit lazy on routes he’s not directly involved in. Will have to show his production wasn’t the result of being the superior player athletically at the DIII level.
18. Jeremy Kerley – WR – 5’10” – 188 lbs. – Texas Christian
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.56; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 4th Round
The 2010 Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year. Just one of two players to rank in the top 20 for punt returns (12.9 yards) and kick returns (27.7 yards) in 2010. Has quick feet and ability to separate from receivers set him apart from other receivers at the Senior Bowl. He lacks the size scouts covet and will have to show he isn’t a product of the spread system at Texas Christian. His value is probably as a specialist which works in his favor as teams are using roster spots for return men and decoys in the receiving game.
19. Tyrod Taylor – WR – 6’1” – 216 lbs. – Virginia Tech – 4.51
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.51; Cone – 6.78) Draft Projection: 5th Round
Even after breaking most of Tech’s QB records, Taylor projects as a receiver at the next level. Blessed with tremendous arm strength and jaw-breaking mobility, he does project a bit on the short side as a quarterback. Has great speed and can really make defenders miss with his elusiveness and quick hips. Will work out exclusively as a quarterback in pro days and could be used as a wildcat option at the NFL level. Questions about his ability to catch the ball and run routes will have to be answered but based upon his athletic ability alone, someone will take a chance on him as a receiver somewhere in the 2010 draft.
20. Austin Pettis – WR – 6’2” – 205 lbs. – Boise State
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.56; Cone – 6.68) Draft Projection: 5th Round
Pettis leaves Boise State as the school’s all-time leader in receptions (229) and touchdown receptions (39). Steady and productive over his career; finished the year with 71 catches and 951 yards and 10 TDs for a Bronco offense that finished second in the nation in scoring offense. Good hands but not great. Comes out of his breaks with good speed; exceptional route runner. He’s a tall target at 6’2” but ran a pedestrian 4.56 and has to show that he can go vertical. Shines on the big stage and isn’t afraid of the spotlight. Could be a steal in the 5th round.
21. Darvin Adams – WR – 6’3” – 185 lbs. – Auburn
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.52; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 5th Round
22. Ronald Johnson – WR- 5’11” – 186 lbs. – Southern California
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.51; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 5th Round
23. Denarius Moore – WR – 6’0” – 191 lbs. – Tennessee
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.45; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 5th Round
24. Dane Sanzenbacher – WR – 5’11” – 182 lbs. – Ohio State
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.45; Cone – 6.46) Draft Projection: 6th Round
25. Lester Jean – 6’3” – 211 lbs. – Florida Atlantic
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.59; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 6th Round
26. Aldrick Robinson – WR – 5’10” – 182 lbs. – Southern Methodist
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.51; Cone – 6.65) Draft Projection: 6th Round
27. Orenthal Murdock – WR – 5’11” – 195 lbs. – Fort Hays State
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.55; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 6th-7th Round
28. Jockee Sanders – WR – 5’6” – 174 lbs. – West Virginia
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.51; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 7th Round
29. Mark Dell – WR – 6’0” – 193 lbs. – Michigan State
Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 7th Round
30. Terrance Turner – WR – 6’2” – 221 lbs. – Indiana
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.51; Cone – 6.77) Draft Projection: 7th Round
31. Armon Binns – WR -- 6’2” – 211 lbs. – Cincinnati
32. Kealoha Pilares – WR – 5’10” – 215 lbs. – Hawaii
33. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos – 5’11” – 204 lbs. – Iowa
34. Terrell Zachery – 5’11” – 208 lbs. – Auburn
35. James Kirkendoll – 5’11” – 182 lbs. – Texas
36. DeAndre Brown – 6’6” – 239 lbs. – Southern Mississippi
37. Tori Gurley – 6’5” – 230 lbs. – South Carolina
38. James Cleveland – 6’0” – 197 lbs. – Houston
39. Courtney Smith – 6’4” – 220 lbs. – South Alabama
40. Jeffrey Maehl – 6’1” – 181 lbs. – Oregon
41. Jamel Hamler – 6’2” – 195 lbs. – Fresno State
42. Ryan Whalen – 6’1” – 204 lbs. – Stanford
43. Keith Smith – 6’3” – 224 lbs. – Purdue
44. Graham Zug – 6’2” – 182 lbs. – Penn State
45. Markeith Summers – 6’3” – 201 lbs. – Mississippi
46. Jarvis Williams – 6’4” – 218 – North Carolina State
47. Carl Moore -- 6’2 ½” – 222 lbs. – Florida
48. Owen Spencer – 6’2” – 191 lbs. – North Carolina State
49. Marshall Williams – 6’1” – 188 lbs. – Wake Forest
50. Videl Hazelton – 6’2” – 210 – Cincinnati
51. John Chiles – 6’2” – 217 lbs. -- Texas
52. Kristopher Adams – 6’3” – 194 lbs. – UTEP
53. David Gilreath – 5’9” – 172 lbs. – Wisconsin
54. Detron Lewis – 5’11” – 211 lbs. – Texas Tech
55. Terrence McCrae – 6’2 – 195 lbs. – Ohio
56. Xavier Dye – 6’4” – 210 lbs. – Clemson
57. Armand Robinson -- 6’0” – 203 lbs. – Miami (Ohio)
58. Brandon Caleb – 6’0” – 192 lbs. – Oklahoma
59. Kyle Jefferson – 6’3” – 184 lbs. – Wisconsin
60. Trae Johnson – 5’11” – 187 lbs. – Tulsa
61. Gerald Jones – 5’10” – 196 lbs. – Tennessee
62. Jimmy Young – 6’0”—204 lbs. – Texas Christian
63. Austin Kelly – 6’2” – 205 lbs. – Duke
64. Jeremy LeFrance – 6’0” – 196 lbs. – Akron
65. Cortez Smith – 6’2” – 183 lbs. -- Purdue
Honor Roll:
Joe Horn-5’11”-180lbs.- Ashland University-As a GILAC conference (D-II) superstar, Joe has earned many plaudits during his career, and is drawing interest from several NFL teams. In his final game, Joe had 8 TD’s (yes 8), 6 Receiving and 2 Returns….
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