Contact: [email protected]
  Backyard Banter
  • Home
  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
  • Fantasy Hipsters
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
    • Reception Perception: Why there will never be a cumulative or overall grade
    • Reception Perception: The changing variables for Torrey Smith point to a rebound
    • Reception Perception: 2016 media appearances
    • Reception Perception: Rashard Higgins - never tell me the odds
    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
    • Reception Perception: Golden Tate won't be able to replace Calvin Johnson
    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
  • Matt Harmon's in-season film review blog
  • Bio Page
  • Harmon's Fantasy Football Tiered Rankings
  • The Backyard Banter Quarterback Typology
  • Analyzing the Landing Spots for the First Round Wide Recievers
  • Reception Perception
    • Reception Perception: Cordarrelle Patterson and a Developing Story
    • Reception Perception: Jordy Nelson and Mastering the Little Things
  • Ramblings
    • Rebuilding a broken house: losing weight, changing my lifestyle and never looking back
    • Fighting through negativity bias and a wide receiver's drops
    • Saying Goodbye to Dixie
    • The #FreeAustinTice Campaign
    • My Reaction to Adrian Peterson and The Cycle of Abuse
    • Steve Smith: A Lesson in the Dangers of Emotional Football
    • The Arizona Cardinals Will Make the Playoffs
    • The Redskins Better Not Blow This Thing Up
    • The Commodification of NFL Players
    • Digging Deeper: Why Josh Freeman Failed with the Buccaneers
    • The Fall of Aaron Hernandez and the Patriot Way
    • Washington Redskins Injury Concerns
    • Carolina Panther's Draft Bungles
    • Stubbornness the Silent Coaching Killer
  • The Fantasy Gameplan Podcast
  • Draft Class Jersey Number Grades
  • The Eye in the Sky
    • The Eye in the Sky: The St. Louis Rams Should Commit to Sam Bradford for 2014
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why the Cardinals Struggle Against Tight Ends
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Mike Brown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Brandon Bostick
    • The Eye in the Sky: E.J. Manuel's Improvement All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why Defending the Colts Offense is too Easy All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Picking Apart the Jets Defense All-22 Breakdown
    • Eye in the Sky: Texans vs. Chiefs (Week Seven) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Redskins vs. Cowboys (Week Six) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Panthers vs. Cardinals (Week Five) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Colts vs. Seahawks (Week Five)
  • 2014 Free Agent Profiles
    • Josh McCown Free Agent Profile
    • Jason Hatcher Free Agent Profile
    • Jarius Byrd Free Agent Profile
    • T.J. Ward Free Agent Profile
    • Lamarr Houston Free Agent Profile
    • Darrelle Revis Free Agent Profile
    • Eric Decker Free Agent Profile
    • Jared Veldheer Free Agent Profile
    • DeMarcus Ware Free Agent Profile
    • Tyson Jackson Free Agent Profile
    • Jon Asamoah Free Agent Profile
    • Michael Johnson Free Agent Profile
    • Brandon Albert Free Agent Profile
    • Louis Delmas Free Agent Profile
    • Red Bryant Free Agent Profile
    • John Carlson Free Agent Profile
    • D'Qwell Jackson Free Agent Profile
  • BYOB Forums (Bring Your Own Banter)
  • 2014 NFL Free Agency Position Breakdowns
    • 2014 Quarterback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Running Back Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Fullback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Wide Receiver Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Tight End Free Agent Rankings
    • 2014 Offensive Tackle Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Guard Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Center Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Interior Defensive Lineman Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Edge Player Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Linebacker Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Cornerback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Safety Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Specialist Free Agent Breakdown
  • 2014 NFL Draft Content
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 75)
    • 2014 Tiered Colored Position Board
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 32)
    • 2014 NFL Draft Top 10 Quarterback Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Draft Running Back Top 10 Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Post Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Pre Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Top 10 Ranking
  • Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down
    • April 27th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 13th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 6th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • March 30th Sunday Morning Coming Down
  • 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seventeen 2013 Power Rankings
    • Week Sixteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fifteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fourteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Thirteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Twelve 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eleven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Ten 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Nine 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eight 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Six 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Five 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Four 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Three 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Two 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • 2013 Season Preview Edition/Week One
  • 2013 Weekly NFL Previews
    • Super Bowl Preview
    • Playoffs- Conference Championship Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Divisional Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round NFL Preview
    • Week Sixteen NFL Preview
    • Week Fifteen NFL Preview
    • Week Fourteen NFL Preview
    • Week Thirteen NFL Preview
    • Week Twelve Picks
    • Week Eleven Picks
    • Week Ten Picks
    • Week Nine Picks
    • Week Eight Picks
    • Week Seven Picks
    • Week Six Picks
    • Week Five Picks
    • Week Four Picks
    • Week Three Picks
    • Week Two Picks
    • Week One Picks
  • Week in Review 2013
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round in Review
    • Week Seventeen in Review
    • Week Sixteen in Review
    • Week Fifteen in Review
    • Week Fourteen in Review
    • Week Thirteen in Review
    • Week Twelve in Review
    • Week Eleven in Review
    • Week Ten in Review
    • Week Nine in Review
    • Week Eight in Review
    • Week Seven in Review
    • Week Six in Review
    • Week Five in Review
    • Week Four in Review
    • Week Three in Review
    • Week Two in Review
    • Week One in Review
  • 2013 Team Record Predictions
    • AFC Record Predictions
    • NFC Record Predictions
  • Rapid Reactions
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eleven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Ten
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Nine
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eight
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Seven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Six
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Five
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Four
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Three
  • The 2013 All-Surprise Teams
    • AFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
    • NFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
  • NFL Player Rankings (2013)
    • Top 10 NFL Quarterback Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Running Back Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Wide Receiver Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Tight End Rankings
    • Top 10 Offensive Linemen Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Defensive Lineman Rankings
  • 2013 Season Archives
    • How to Fix 'em (2013 Offseason) >
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Oakland Raiders
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • Detroit Lions
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Buffalo Bills
      • New York Jets
      • Tennessee Titans
      • San Diego Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • 2012 Season Archives
    • The Backyard Banter 2012 Season Awards
    • Fantasy Football Corner >
      • Week Twelve Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Eleven Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Ten Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Nine Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips
      • Week Eight Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips
    • NFL Power Rankings (2012) >
      • Championship Round
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17
      • Week 16
      • Week 7
      • Week 6
      • Week 5
      • Week 4
      • Week 3
      • Week 2
      • Week 1
      • Season Preview Edition 8/18
    • My Weekly NFL Picks (2012) >
      • Super Bowl Pick
      • Championship Round
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17 Picks
      • Week 16 Picks
    • Week in Review (2012) >
      • The Super Bowl
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17
      • Week 16
      • Week 5
      • Week 4
      • Week 3
      • Week 2
      • Week 1

2014 NFL Draft: Top 10 Wide Receiver Rankings

Picture
Sammy Watkins is an elite wide receiver prospect and deserving of a top five draft pick (Image: USA Today)
By: Matt Harmon
Updated: March 28, 2014

First Tier

1)    Sammy Watkins, Clemson

Without a doubt the best at a loaded position, Sammy Watkins has the ability to be truly special. At Clemson, Watkins was given a very simplistic job, including running a ton of screen and sweep plays. If you think, that will limit him in the NFL, you aren’t watching closely enough. Watkins displays the ability to be a smooth route runner, as well as the capability to grab passes in traffic. He is a complete player, and will bring excitement right away to whatever team drafts him.

Player comparison: Percy Harvin meets Pierre Garcon

The Harvin comparison is easy, given how effective Watkins is on the sweeps and screens. Harvin is very physical for his size, but Watkins is even bigger, and could best the Seahawks’ receiver in that aspect of the game. Pierre Garcon, on the other hand, is extremely underrated for what he brings to the table. He is an elite route runner, and can easily make the highlight reel catch. Sammy Watkins will bring the ability to do both at the next level as well.

NFL Outlook:

Watkins will be one of the better players at his position before too long. He will be a versatile weapon early, and grow into the foundation of his team’s offense.


Second Tier

2)    Odell Beckham Jr., LSU

One of my favorite players in this draft class, it’s hard to find a weakness in Odell Beckham’s game. He has a freakish catch radius for a sub-six foot receiver. The height-obsessed crowd isn’t going to like this, but Beckham is probably the best receiver in traffic, and at high pointing the ball, in this year’s receiver group. He can climb the latter, and bailed out Zach Mettenberger on a number of poorly thrown balls this past season. Beckham is also one of the smoothest players you’ll watch, and moves effortlessly down the field. Simply put, this player has it all.

Player Comparison: a more disciplined Chad Johnson

For several seasons, Chad Johnson was one of the best receivers in the game despite being just around six feet tall. He wasn’t the biggest, or the fastest, but Ochocinco’s effortless movement allowed him to get open against the best of competition. In addition to being much more dominant at the catch point, Beckham will probably freelance a bit less than Johnson. Which means his quarterbacks will probably enjoy him much more.

NFL Outlook:

There is no reason to believe Odell Beckham Jr. won’t be a number one receiver in the NFL. You can point to his size, but receivers like Steve Smith and Antonio Brown have filled that role despite their limitations. The aforementioned receivers win with quickness and at the catch point, so will Beckham.


3)    Mike Evans, Texas A&M

Its hard not to fall in love with Mike Evans the more you watch him. With his massive frame, he just looks like a man amongst boys out there. Evans can box out anyone, and will probably be even better after the catch when he gets in an NFL offense. When a team learns to line him up in the slot, he will be devastating. Evans ran in the low 4.5’s at the NFL combine, thus he put to bed any speed concerns. Though his short area quickness was more than good enough on tape. Playing with Johnny Manziel has only added to his game, by gifting him the instincts to know how to adjust to his quarterback.

Player Comparison: Vincent Jackson

It’s the go to comparison, but it works so well. Mike Evans will likely make the same great sideline catches that Jackson has throughout his career. In similar fashion, he can also be a great deep threat just because of his unreal size. If Evans lands with a creative coach who moves him around to several positions, he can be even better than Jackson after the catch.

NFL Outlook:

Evans could absolutely be a top option in the passing game, but would be even better in a complimentary role. He would excel moving around the formation, and exploiting lesser corners. Its hard to envision him not scoring touchdowns in bunches.

Third Tier

4)    Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt

I’m not sure why Jordan Matthews continues to get overlooked. It seems the consensus believes that he is maxed out, and won’t ever become a featured player. Why can’t he be though? Matthews is big, fast, and can be elusive after the catch. He doesn’t play as physical as his size would indicate he should, but perhaps that improves with better quarterback play. Matthews showed the ability to quickly adjust to poorly thrown passes. With a bit more seasoning, Matthews can become a very good weapon in the NFL.

Player Comparison: Danario Alexander without the shot knees

Alexander shined when he actually managed to stay on the field. He showed great speed for his size, the ability to adjust to the ball, and the potential to be a foundation piece of an offense. Matthews can have the same effect, but will be much more reliable in the health department.

NFL Outlook:

At the very worst, you’re getting a guy who will have a solid, 10 plus year career. If he maxes out his full potential, he can be a quarterback’s favorite option.


5)    Brandin Cooks, Oregon State

The diminutive receiver ran one of the fastest 40 times at this year’s scouting combine. That was to be expected, as Brandin Cooks’ speed flashed throughout his college career. He is a big play waiting to happen, but Cooks can also work the underneath portion of the field. Given the NFL’s current obsession with slot receivers, Cooks will be coveted come draft day. There’s no reason he shouldn’t hear his name called in the first round.

Player Comparison: A more physical DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson is well known for his explosive speed, and big play ability. Brandin Cooks can bring those same elements to the table. However, Cooks also shows more willingness to mix it up with players much bigger than he is.

NFL Outlook:

He might be more of a slot receiver in the NFL, but that won’t limit Brandin Cooks’ impact. Personally, I can see him splitting his time between the outside and inside receiver positions as well. He can rack up yards and receptions similar to Victor Cruz of the Giants.
Picture
Cody Latimer (pictured) and Bruce Ellington are very good players that get lost in the depth of this class (Image: Herald Times)
Fourth Tier

6)    Allen Robinson, Penn State

Allen Robinson brings a lot to the table. He has nice feet, good size, and seems to have good awareness. Robinson isn’t an elite athlete, but he understands where to go to pick up yards after the catch. He could be quite a threat in the short and intermediate area of the field for an NFL team. 

Player Comparison: Eric Decker

Much like Eric Decker, Allen Robinson would probably overmatched if he were asked to be a team’s number one receiver. He might not have the ability to consistently beat the opposition’s best cornerback. However, Robinson could excel across from a great receiver, and with a good quarterback. 

NFL Outlook:


Robinson should hope to be drafted by a team like Cleveland, Dallas, or Washington. Those teams already have number ones, but desperately need a secondary receiver. He probably carves out a solid career in that role. 


7)    Josh Huff, Oregon

Very underrated in this great class, Josh Huff is quite exciting. He is a very quick player, and another one of those guys that just moves effortlessly. He gets downfield in a hurry, and can make a quick cut to lose his coverage. Huff also shows that he can adjust to the ball when it isn’t delivered perfectly. Can play in the slot, and outside the numbers. Don’t be surprised if he goes in the second round and quickly climbs up his new team’s depth chart. 

NFL Comparison: Jeremy Maclin meets Golden Tate

The former first round pick never quite lived up to his potential, but Jeremy Maclin is a good player nonetheless. Huff is explosive like Maclin was before he tore his ACL, and shows the same ability to make the spectacular catch. He might end up being the better pro. Much like Tate, Huff is a compact player, and a devastating blocker. His build also helps him get yards after the catch. 

NFL Outlook: 

Josh Huff could be a fantastic number two receiver in the NFL. His quickness and speed would allow him to exploit lesser athletes in the secondary. However, he could certainly grow into a top receiver with some time. 


8)    Jarvis Landry, LSU

Jarvis Landry was the other receiver who consistently bailed out LSU quarterback, Zach Mettenberger. He isn’t all that big or fast but shows plenty of positive traits. Landry has strong hands, and can pluck the ball from any location. This player also seems to relish the physical side of playing wide receiver. Its unlikely Landry ever grows into a number one target, but some quarterback is going to love throwing to him for years. 

Player Comparison: Donald Driver

Driver rose from the ranks of the undrafted to become a great receiver for the Packers. Jarvis Landry won’t face such a difficult path, but he profiles a similar player. He might not put up comparable stats, but just like Donald Driver, he has vice grips for hands. 

NFL Outlook:

You won’t find yourself bragging to your buddies about Jarvis Landry, but you’ll realize seven years down the road what a vital part he has become in the team’s offense. He’s not going to fill up the highlight reel, but he could certainly be a quarterback’s safety blanket for many seasons.


9)     Cody Latimer, Indiana 

With a 6’3” build and a 4.38 forty time, it’s obvious there is something here. Cody Latimer has a big frame, and unlike other players he knows how to use it—looking at you, Kelvin Benjamin. The IU product can shield defenders, and put himself in prime position to make a catch. Latimer can climb the later, and has strong hand technique to snare the ball out of the air. He isn’t the most explosive player out there, but does create enough separation. 

Player Comparison: Michael Floyd

The comparison is almost eerie. Both Michael Floyd and Latimer have similar bod types, and ran a faster than explosive forty. In the NFL, Floyd is just now learning how to use his big frame the way he did at Notre Dame. He had a marvelous season this year, and has ever more room to grow. Latimer can do the same sort of thing, even if it takes time.

NFL Outlook: 

He might not develop into a number one receiver, but Latimer will be a great pro. He will be a reliable target for a quarterback, and earn his team’s confidence. Latimer will shield defenders, and come down with clutch catches in the NFL. He has exciting potential, and a low floor to boot.


10) Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State

I want to love Kelvin Benjamin, but I just can’t. His size is certainly imposing, and he put up some crazy numbers with Jameis Winston this year. However, those that touted him as the next Megatron had to be vastly disappointed with his 4.63 40-yard dash and 32.5 inch vertical. Athletically, he’s good, but neither the tape nor the numbers scream, “physical freak”. The propensity for concentration drops is also very concerning. Some coach could certainly force him out of it, but it could just as easily haunt him throughout his career. Benjamin shows the ability to break tackles, and bait corners with great route running; he just doesn’t do anything with enough regularity.

Player Comparison: Bigger Braylon Edwards

Benjamin won’t be picked nearly as high as Edwards, but he could have a very similar career. Edwards was another big receiver with speed, but struggled with drops and consistency throughout his career. Kelvin Benjamin will be just as capable of having great years like Edwards’ 2007 season, or of finding his way out of the league early. Benjamin will probably frustrate the team that drafts him, just like the Michigan product. 

NFL Outlook:

It could come down to the situation with Benjamin, but if he works like crazy, he could easily become a dominating force. He could be a matchup nightmare in the NFL, or follow the Jonathan Baldwin path; there likely won’t be an in between. Let someone else take that risk in the first round. 


Just Missed the List: Bruce Ellington and Davante Adams. Love both players, but just couldn’t fit them in. The struggle to rank these players just shows what an amazing class of receivers this is.

HTML Comment Box is loading comments...
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.